Living in Canada has its perks.
Most of us living in Canada know how lucky we are to call this beautiful place home. Our natural surroundings are stunning, the people are world-famous friendly, and we have the ability to enjoy life to its fullest.
Our country is big, and when planning travel, it’s very common for Canadians to skip over domestic travel and look abroad. It may be that we simply don’t believe that our country has the adventure that we are looking for.
When we start to look into the travel offerings within our beautiful country, it becomes very apparent that we do indeed have a lot of adventure opportunities waiting to be uncovered.
Creating a list of only ten destinations was tough, but we are certain that every traveller will find at least one new bucket list destination from this list (in no particular order).
Top Canadian Adventures
Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) – Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
Yellowknife, located in the Northwest Territories, is one of the world’s best destinations for viewing the Northern Lights. During the months of November – April there is a 90% chance that you will see this magical site on any given night. Aurora Village is the top spot to catch a glimpse of the lights (hence its name), as is Great Slave Lake outside the city, away from any light pollution. You won’t forget your first time seeing the Northern Lights. It’s a feeling like no other; a combination of honour, awe, and humility.
Niagara Falls – Niagara Falls, Ontario
You have likely heard of Niagara Falls but, have you seen it? Niagara Falls is made up of three waterfalls that fall between the border of Ontario, Canada and New York, United States. This beautiful site makes up one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world, generating a substantial amount of hydroelectric power. Prepare to get a bit misty and go see these beauties up close and personal.
Ski Whistler – Whistler Village, British Columbia
Whistler is buzzing in both the summer and winter. Both seasons have their draw, but the world-class ski season in Whistler is in full swing November – March, and it’s not to be missed. If you are a skier, you will enjoy over 200 runs, 16 alpine bowls and 3 glaciers. If you are not a skier, you can enjoy shopping, spa opportunities, and dining at the snowglobe village. Be sure to check out the Scandinave Spa – magical on a snowy day!
Whale Watching – Tofino, British Columbia
Tofino’s exposed location on the west coast of Vancouver Island makes it a premier destination to watch grey whales, humpback whales, and orcas in their natural habitat. Explore on a zodiac or boat through Barkley and Clayoquot Sound spotting whales, bears, sea lions, harbor seals and more. If you find yourself in Tofino in the winter months, whale watching trips may be limited, but storm watching (another natural wonder) will be available from indoor hot tubs at seafront resorts such as the Wickaninnish Inn.
Canoeing & Kayaking – Nahanni National Park, Northwest Territories
Nahanni National Park is the world’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest parks in the world. With those two credentials alone, you know that this place is a must-see. Inside the park is Virginia Falls (nearly twice the height of Niagara Falls) and the deepest canyons in Canada. Canoe/kayak adventures range from 5 – 21 days and are filled with jaw-dropping scenery and majestic wildlife. If paddling is not your thing, enjoy a short senic flight experience soaring over the National Park in 2-8 hour options.
Polar Bears – Churchill, Manitoba
Despite what some people may think of Canadians, most of us haven’t seen a polar bear in its natural habitat. In Churchill, you can safely travel in a tundra vehicle over the snowy landscape to the shoreline of the Hudson Bay where it’s common to see these beautiful, big white bears in person. Also in Churchill is a unique experience to kayak (or snorkel!) amongst beluga whales, a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
World’s highest tides – Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia
Discover what it would be like to walk on the ocean floor at the Bay of Fundy, home to the world’s largest tides. Because of the unique shape of the bay, tides in this area amplify up to 50 feet! Twice a day the water flows in and out, creating a noteworthy landscape and unique erosions on nearby rock formations. Between tides, go out on a local whale watching tour and have the opportunity to see over 12 species of whales in the Bay of Fundy region.
Greenwich Sand Dunes – Prince Edward Island National Park
Who said that we don’t have white sandy beaches in Canada? The Greenwich Sand Dunes are part of the protected National Park and are a little slice of heaven. No matter where you are on the beach, you will feel miles away from the world. Peace, tranquility and some of the most impressive plant systems on the planet are all at your finger tips. Enjoy hiking, cycling and swimming all within view of the stunning horizon. Stop in at the Greenwich interpretation centre on your way into the park, to get a real sense of what you are about to experience.
Hotel De Glace (Ice Hotel) – Quebec City
Each year this hotel is re-made, taking about six weeks to put together the 44 rooms, crafted completely from ice, snow blocks and LED lights. There is a spa, ice slide, chappel, and bar. Join for a day tour, or dare to spend the night in a personalized cold temperature specific sleeping bag. Sip a cocktail from the ice-sculpted glass and create some unforgettable memories just 10 minutes outside of downtown Quebec.
Iceberg Watching – St. Johns
Newfoundland remains one of the top places in the world to view icebergs. Every spring new icebergs arrive from the Arctic. Due to their size, it’s very easy to spot their gorgeous sparkling turquoise colour from the shoreline. However, getting up close and personal with them is possible on kayaking or Zodiac tours. Seeing these mammoth formations in person is a truly humbling experience and one not to be missed by any Canadian or traveller alike.
What adventure made your bucket list?
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