Canada is the second-largest nation on the planet with an unlimited array of pure wonders, so any try to make a listing of locations in a rustic recognized for its sheer magnificence will at all times be a troublesome ask! Everybody can have their concepts, however from my time exploring this terribly scenic nation, listed here are my favorites…
1. Yellowknife/Northwest Territories
Once you’re executed strolling across the oldest metropolis in North America and ticked the polar bears off your wildlife record, I like to recommend correctly heading up north searching for the Aurora Borealis, aka the Northern Lights.
As a pure phenomenon, you’re by no means assured to see them, however Yellowknife within the Northwest Territories is a good place to strive. Simply bear in mind to wrap up heat! To get one of many biggest glimpses into such an unlimited, sprawling nation, how about going coast to coast, from Atlantic to Pacific?
Few individuals expertise driving throughout the Trans-Canada Freeway or using the Canadian (a Fifties practice journeying from Toronto to Vancouver over 3-4 days) in a single journey. Nonetheless, in my view, anybody who does so will bear in mind it for the remainder of their lives!
- Deal with: Northwest Territories, Canada
- Location Map
- Finest time to go to: from early Sept to mid-April (to see the Nothern Lights).
My favourite highlights…
- Taking a tour of the auroral oval to see the magnificent and breathtaking Northern Lights.
- Exploring the Outdated City on Nice Slave Lake’s waterfront the place I discovered an array of prime eating places and artwork retailers.
- Mountaineering alongside the Ingraham Path to see Hidden Lake Territorial Park which featured Cameron Falls.
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2. The Rockies
Whereas the whole Rockies additionally stretch by the USA, relating to jaw-dropping surroundings, its northern neighbor comes up trumps, whether or not for climbing in the summertime or snowboarding within the winter.
Comprising 5 Nationwide Parks (Banff, Glacier, Jasper, Kootenay, and Yoho), this space needs to be close to the highest of any bucket record!
The Rocky Mountaineer is the practice of alternative for a lot of honeymooners, and it’s straightforward to see why – glass-topped carriages giving superlative views onto glaciers, towering mountain peaks, waterfalls, canyons, and lakes so blue you’ll assume your eyes have been Photoshopped.
- Location: Banff Nationwide Park, The Canadian Rockies.
- Location Map
- Finest time to go to: July to August
My highlights…
- Admiring the beautiful views of the encompassing panorama by taking a experience up the Banff Gondola.
- Visiting the gorgeous Moraine Lake, well-known for being on the again of the Canadian greenback invoice.
- Take a dip within the heat waters of the new springs stuffed with a soothing environment.
3. Vancouver Island, Vancouver and the Johnstone Strait
After visiting Vancouver, I made a decision it’s up there with among the greatest cities on the planet. I liked how straightforward on the attention it was, the cool and cosmopolitan vibe, its unimaginable array of bars, eating places, cafes and museums, the pleasant locals and the placing skylines!
Subsequent I explored the coast and surfers love the wild, epic waves right here (although with a nickname of “Graveyard of the Pacific” the west coast needs to be approached with warning), and animal lovers come to identify the gorgeous orcas within the waters of the Johnstone Strait.
Vancouver Island is one other must-see in Canada. It’s a famously attractive and tranquil spot with pristine surroundings and pockets of quirky communities.
For those who desire one thing extra sedate to all that pleasure, I might advocate enjoyable with one thing quintessentially British (effectively, you might be in British Columbia, in spite of everything!) – afternoon tea on the Empress Resort, Victoria, which is listed as probably the most ‘iconic motels on the planet.’
My must-do highlights…
- Going kayaking to discover the picturesque lake waters and wildlife.
- Wandering by The Butchart Backyard’s vibrant 55 acres of lush flowers and greenery.
- Mountaineering the Wild Pacific Path which took me across the rugged cliffs and coast of the island.
- Photographing the long-lasting Capilano Suspension Bridge.
- Going Whale watching – I believe this can be a must-do from Could to October!
4. Lake Louise
Lovely Lake Louise is situated in the Rockies however deserves a particular point out!
You’ve seen the images – with water virtually impossibly turquoise (the results of minerals within the rock that circulate into the lake after glacial erosion) – now it’s time to see the lake for your self and get an image of your self.
I might say this isn’t the place to get away from all of it – and positively received’t be capable of get away from 1000’s of different vacationers – however some locations are widespread for good cause, and in my view, should be visited anyway!
- Location: Banff Nationwide Park
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- Finest time to go to: Summer time
My favorite highlights…
- Capturing an Insta-worthy shot with the well-known electrical blue lake as your backdrop.
- Renting a canoe and spend time on the attractive waters.
- Discovering the right hen’s eye view overlooking the lake by way of a climbing path.
5. Churchill, Manitoba
To followers of seeing animals of their pure atmosphere, this place is now not a secret – it’s marketed because the “Polar Bear Capital of the World”, and it greater than lives as much as its title (I noticed about 40 of them in at some point on a current journey – though you would possibly need to examine your traveler’s insurance coverage earlier than you go it may be a bushy expertise!).
Whereas it’s already the premier vacation spot for seeing these stunning white bears, not everybody realises that it’s also a unbelievable place to see Beluga whales in late summer season.
Add to that the chance, should you’re fortunate, to see the Northern Lights within the deep of winter and to see colourful wildflowers in June-August, and it means this tiny city of round 1000 individuals has one thing to supply year-round.
- Deal with: Manitoba, Canada
- Map Location
- Finest time to go to: January, February and March (for Northern Gentle watching).
My highlights…
- Seeing the Northern Lights, this can be a nice location to try to spot them!
- Stopping by the Churchill Northern Research Middle to study in regards to the historical past and ecology of the world.
- Wandering across the fascinating Prince of Wales Fort, which is simply accessible by boat.
6. On the path of the Titanic in Nova Scotia
Regardless of visiting throughout a snowy blizzard, I nonetheless loved my time in Halifax. Partly as a result of I at all times wished to say I’d been to Nova Scotia, but in addition as a result of there’s a wealth of historical past there.
As a consequence of blanket snow, I couldn’t go to the “Titanic Graveyard”, as lots of the fateful boat’s passengers are buried there. Pier 21, Canada’s equal to the USA’s Ellis Island, was the “Gateway to Canada” for 1000’s of immigrants from ocean liners from 1928-1971 and is now certainly one of Canada’s most essential museums.
Halifax additionally makes an excellent jumping-off level for drives additional afield to Prince Edward Island or Cape Breton.
- Location: Jap seaboard of North America
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- Finest time to go to: Could and September
My must-do highlights…
- Taking a half-day guided tour to study in regards to the historic tragedy.
- Exploring the Pier 21 museum to delve into the previous of this fascinating Canadian location.
7. Niagara Falls
Angel Falls could also be larger, and Victoria Falls could also be wider, however Niagara nonetheless holds the crown of the world’s most well-known waterfall.
It supplied the backdrop for certainly one of Marilyn Monroe’s higher movies, has hosted numerous weddings and honeymooning {couples}, and daredevils from throughout the globe have come to check themselves towards the would possibly of mom nature, both by crossing on a tightrope or throwing themselves over the sting in a barrel.
Fortunately, there are safer methods to benefit from the falls, particularly the Maid of the Mist boat (tip: it’s price letting individuals previous you so that you just’re on the entrance of the queue if you wish to be sure to’re first into one of many wettest spots on the boat).
Everybody has their very own opinion of which aspect is best (Canadian vs American) however as chances are you’ll solely go to as soon as I’d counsel seeing it from each!
- Location: Between Ontario, Canada and New York State, New York
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- Finest time to go to: mid-Could to mid-September
My highlights…
- Hovering by the sky on the funWildPlay Zipline, which hits speeds of 40mph.
- Getting a singular view of the majestic falls by using the Skylon Tower 233 meters up excessive.
- Trying out the adrenaline-pumping and award-winning Fallsview Indoor Waterpark!
8. Toronto
Even probably the most dedicated nature seekers will discover themselves in a metropolis in some unspecified time in the future, so embrace all that city life provides in Toronto. To me, it appeared like a smaller, cleaner, tidier model of New York.
The views from the CN Tower (which held the title of the world’s tallest freestanding construction for over 30 years) are as unimaginable as you’d think about, whereas the Royal Ontario Museum is the most effective single abstract of Canada’s cultural life and historical past.
For one thing uncommon, I might counsel testing the Cineforum (the place native eccentric Reg Hartt will basically present you brief movies and animations in his lounge and perhaps discuss LSD…), whereas the historic Distillery District is alive with cafes, artwork galleries, and idiosyncratic retailers.
And at last, I might advocate strolling as much as the Gothic Revival stately dwelling Casa Loma – in equal components fascinating, quirky, and tragic!
- Location: Ontario
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- Finest time to Go to: late April by Could and September by October
My favourite highlights…
- Wandering round Toronto Island Park, which featured stunning trails, small seashores and some amusement rides.
- Watching a baseball sport on the Rogers Middle is a must-do exercise.
- Buying some contemporary native produce from St Lawrence Market, a metropolis landmark.
9. The Bay of Fundy
Virtually as world-famous as another locations on this record and simply as spectacular, kayakers and canoers come from everywhere in the world to paddle by the jaw-dropping surroundings and the planet’s highest tides.
The distinctive geography of the gorgeous space additionally implies that whale watching right here is an important expertise – you would possibly see humpback, fin, proper whales, and even blue whales.
- Location: New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
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- Finest occasions to go to: Spring, Summer time and Fall
My favourite highlights…
- Admiring the spectacular Hopewell Rocks with their uncommon formations created by the Fundy tides.
- Watching the power of the tides in motion from the remark deck, which has a transparent glass-panelled flooring.
- Exploring the plush greenery and delightful waterfalls on the Nationwide Park.
10. Quebec Metropolis
Within the French-speaking province of Quebec, Montreal is a unbelievable metropolis for a lot of causes little Quebec Metropolis could also be a sufferer of its success when it comes to recognition in my view, it’s nonetheless price visiting!
The world’s most photographed lodge is within the heart of city, North America’s solely Ice Resort is round half-hour away, and round each nook is a glimpse into one other quaint aspect avenue or romantic cafe, making this 400-year-old metropolis great to discover on foot.
- Location: Québec province
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- Finest time to go to: June to September and December to February.
My favourite highlights…
- Strolling throughout the unimaginable suspending bridge above Parc de la Chute-Montmorency.
- Visiting the well-known Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral which is stuffed with breathtaking structure.
- Having enjoyable at unbelievable Village Vacances Valcartier/Ice Resort, which boasts the biggest theme park in Canada.
11. Outdated Montreal
Was I in Montreal or Marseilles? Apart from varied billboards promoting poutine, I used to be hard-pressed to inform the distinction. Take a stroll down these stunning boulevards, and also you’ll be introduced with quaint nook cafés, boutiques with fairly home windows, spectacular columns, and church buildings, all of which converse strongly of Canada’s colonial previous.
You’ll be capable of discover the quite a few fairly cobbled streets, really feel all cultural, and store ‘til you drop concurrently.
Take a look at the Basilica of Notre Dame earlier than stopping for a cappuccino and taking the burden off your weary ft while you people-watch and attempt to get your head round it not being precise France.
- Location: Québec province
- Map Location
- Finest occasions to go to: between April and Could and September to November
My favourite highlights…
- Visiting the Notre Dame Basilica, the oldest Catholic parish church within the metropolis, which is stuffed with spectacular interiors.
- Using on the La Grande Roue de Montreal for the most effective views overlooking the town.
- Trying out the exhibitions within the Science Middle.
12. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, British Columbia
Do you want heights? Get pleasure from sweaty palms? Relish desires of falling? If that’s the case, then we’ve received what you want! The Capilano Suspension Bridge is certainly one of Vancouver’s most visited points of interest.
This 140-meter bridge spans the Capilano River (clearly) and sits over 300 ft above a verdant inexperienced valley. Maintain your breath and strut throughout it. Concern or no worry, you’ll be glad you probably did.
The park sits inside a phenomenal scenic park with snowy peaks and pointing pines. Go to on the proper time, and also you’ll be in for a deal with. It doesn’t even must be daylight.
The park is bedecked with lights on many timber, bridges, and caverns. Have you ever ever seen Avatar? You’ll really feel like you might be in a James Cameron film; don’t flip blue with the chilly.
- Deal with: 3735 Capilano Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7R 4J1
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- Finest time to go to: It’s open daily besides Christmas.
My highlights…
- Admiring the most effective views overlooking the rainforest by strolling throughout the adrenaline-pumping bridge.
- Discovering the Treetops Journey, it had superb views!
- Strolling the thrilling Cliffwalk situated on the sting of the granite stone.
13. Whistler
House to one of many largest ski resorts in North America, Whistler is among the many prime vacationer locations in Canada for snowboarding, snowboarding, tobogganing, and ski leaping. Nonetheless, as a summer season particular person, it’s also possible to discover mountain biking and climbing, as the new climate is ideal.
Whistler receives over two million individuals per 12 months, with its stunning surroundings and breathtaking panoramic views this metropolis was additionally a bunch of the 2010 Winter Olympics. In case you are having an extended trip, Vancouver can be an amazing vacation spot, because it’s solely underneath 2 hours from Whistler by automotive.
- Location: north of Vancouver, British Columbia
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- Finest time to go to: December to February for nice snowboarding situations.
My highlights…
- Snowboarding!
- Hovering by the forest on a zipline, the views had been unimaginable!
- Purchasing within the village, there’s a nice vary of unbiased boutiques.
14. Nahanni Nationwide Park Reserve
For those who’re a daily reader, you’ll know that we love a UNESCO World Heritage web site! For those who say to most individuals ‘Canada’, that is what they consider. Wild turquoise rivers crash by steep-sided granite valleys. Pine timber dot grassy plains.
And should you go to in the summertime, you’ll be introduced with an ocean of shade and wildflowers. This nation is really wild and delightful and stays just about untouched. Please bear in mind, depart solely footprints and take solely recollections!
- Location: Fort Smith, Unorganized, NT
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- Finest time to go to: between June and August
My highlights…
- Paddling by the Nahanni River on a kayak which handed unimaginable gorges, waterfalls and pure springs!
- Climbing up the granite rocks for great views of the panorama.
- Take a flightseeing tour!
15. Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
Lunenburg is a correct enigma. You’d get varied solutions should you plonked somebody in the course of city and requested them the place they had been with out telling them anything. The brilliant-colored constructing, of which over 70% are unique, has a slight Scandinavian really feel.
Which is bizarre because it was initially settled by the British over 400 years in the past. Lovely Lunenburg is certainly one of solely two cities which can be designated as UNESCO World Heritage websites. For those who go to, you’ll be capable of take pleasure in virtually each sense. It’s jam-packed with artisanal and infrequently very native fayre.
Eating places, breweries, and even the odd splash of native rum may be considerable. Flip your saturation filter to max (on the digicam, not the rum) and make your pals jealous with images of the gorgeous coloured buildings!
- Location: Nova Scotia
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- Finest time to go to: Summer time
My favourite highlights…
- Eating on the fabulous Salt Shaker Deli and Inn which had nice harbour views.
- Taking a visit on the world-renowned racing ship champion, Bluenose II, who was undefeated for 17 years.
- Exploring the charming Outdated City Heritage District stuffed with vibrant buildings and retailers.
16. Cape Spear
Need to go to Canada? Need to be the primary particular person in a whole continent to see the dawn? For those who answered ‘sure’ to each questions, you should go to the beautiful Cape Spear. It’s the most easterly level in the whole continent of North America.
For those who set off swimming from the cape, the subsequent place you’d attain could be The British Isles. Pack a flask of one thing sizzling (or perhaps chilly and sparkly) and head off on a stroll.
Apart from a tremendous (if chilly) dawn over the Atlantic, you’ll be able to take a look at the Cape Spear lighthouse, which sits atop a rocky promontory. It’s fairly distant however effectively definitely worth the journey!
- Location: St. John’s, NL A1C 5H2
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- Finest time to go to: June to October
My favourite highlights…
- Going for a scenic hike alongside the Blackhead Path path which supplied sensible views throughout the waters.
- Climbing up the steps on the historic lighthouse and listening to the tales of the households who lived there for generations earlier than.
- Wandering alongside the Fairly Harbor fishing village situated near Cape Spear.
17. Lake Magog
I’ve two phrases for you. Rugged, Magnificence. And also you’ll need to keep for greater than a day to take all of it in actually, and also you received’t need to be in a rush.
You’ll must be product of sturdy stuff, particularly should you embark on the 4-mile hike to Sunburst Peak, or you’ll be able to wander all the way down to the lake to chill your ft down.
It’s glacially fed and, in consequence, is crystal clear all 12 months spherical. Breathe in a deep lungful of air in regards to the freshest you’ll get on the planet and admire sweeping and wild vistas.
- Location: Estrie area of Quebec.
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- Finest time to go to: July to September
My highlights…
- Absorbing the solar rays on the seaside alongside the lake’s shores.
- Discovering the enchanting surroundings throughout Marais de la Rivière aux Cerises Park.
- Going kayaking throughout the crystal-clear waters to seize some Insta-worthy pictures.
18. Abraham Lake
Need to see what human endeavor and nature appear like after they work together. Take a look at the very fairly Abraham Lake. Why do I say this? You’d be fully forgiven for considering that Abraham Lake is a pure phenomenon. (Spoiler: it isn’t).
The lake was man-made after the Saskatchewan River was dammed in 1972. For those who’d visited within the 60s, you’d most likely have stood in a grassy valley. However the human endeavor isn’t the most effective bit about Lake Abraham. One thing is occurring underneath the floor, actually.
The lake is gorgeous all 12 months spherical, with milky blue glacial water. Right here’s our recommendation. Go to in winter, deliver your digicam. As a consequence of deposits of assorted flora on the lake mattress, enormous methane gasoline bubbles are launched. These are then trapped at varied layers underneath the frozen floor.
You’ll be introduced with a cathedral of frozen surprise as these bubbles make miles of frozen subsurface columns. All are noticed from your individual non-public and distinctive viewing window.
Your greatest wager to keep away from mishaps is to rent a guided tour. Strolling on frozen lakes is cool however harmful should you don’t know what you might be doing.
- Location: Western Alberta
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- Finest time to go to: early January to mid-February (to see the ice bubbles)
My favourite highlights…
- Taking a scenic drive across the lake to find the most effective views on the a number of lookout factors situated across the space.
- Reserving a guided rock climb for a memorable expertise.
- Packing a picnic and stopping off for a brief break while admiring the picturesque surroundings.
19. Yoho Nationwide Park
Stand on prime of steep-sided gullies and breathe it in! The beautiful views listed here are to die for. Whether or not you need to cease for the day and have a picnic or spend a number of weeks strolling to your coronary heart’s content material, the Yoho Nationwide Park has one thing for you.
Driving by the gorgeous park alone is price it, however ideally, you’ll need to keep and respect all it provides. That is the land that point forgot; should you take a guided tour, you’ll be capable of traverse tracks reducing by scree-sided valleys and see if yow will discover a fossil or two.
It’s actually unimaginable to not be impressed by its dimension and scale right here. Each route you flip will take your breath away, I promise!
- Location: Discipline, BC V0A 1G0
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- Finest time to go to: July to September
My favorite highlights…
- Exploring the beautiful and vibrant Emerald Lake which is surrounded by lush forests.
- Visiting the Pure Bridge and getting an amazing Insta-worthy shot.
- Mountaineering to the spectacular Wapta Falls, the most important waterfall within the park which stands at 18-meters excessive.