Canada is vast, stretching from ocean to ocean, with so many different landscapes and cities to explore. For this article, I’ve put together a list of 15 enchanting destinations that Canadians absolutely love. Each place on this list has something unique to offer, whether it’s breathtaking natural beauty, rich history, or unforgettable experiences.
1. Fogo Island, Newfoundland and Labrador
Fogo Island is a remote gem off Newfoundland’s northeast coast. It’s home to the stunning Fogo Island Inn, an architectural marvel that stands on stilts overlooking the North Atlantic. Visitors can enjoy hiking, berry picking, and experiencing the unique culture of this tight-knit fishing community. The island’s artist residency program has brought new life and international attention to this once-struggling outport.
2. Riding Mountain National Park, Manitoba
Riding Mountain National Park is a hidden treasure in the heart of Manitoba. It’s an island of wilderness surrounded by farmland, featuring forests, lakes, and grasslands. Visitors can spot wildlife like bison, elk, and black bears. The charming town of Wasagaming within the park offers cozy accommodations and a beach on Clear Lake.
3. Saguenay Fjord, Quebec
The Saguenay Fjord is one of the world’s longest fjords, cutting through Quebec’s forested landscape. Its deep waters are home to beluga whales, which can often be spotted from the shore. Visitors can kayak beneath towering cliffs, hike in the surrounding hills, or take a scenic boat tour. The area’s French-Canadian culture and cuisine add to its unique charm.
4. Kluane National Park, Yukon
Kluane National Park is a vast wilderness area that’s home to Canada’s highest peak, Mount Logan. It’s a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, rafting, and flightseeing over massive glaciers. The park is also part of the largest protected area in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
5. Îles de la Madeleine, Quebec
The Îles de la Madeleine (Magdalen Islands) are a small archipelago in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Known for their red cliffs and long stretches of sandy beaches, these islands offer a unique maritime culture. Visitors can try wind sports, sample local cheeses and craft beers, or watch seal pups on the winter ice.
6. Bruce Peninsula National Park, Ontario
Bruce Peninsula National Park boasts crystal-clear waters, ancient cedar trees, and unique rock formations. The Grotto, a scenic cave with a pool of blue water, is a favorite spot for adventurers. Nearby, Flowerpot Island, with its unusual rock pillars, is accessible by boat and is great for day trips.
7. Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta
Waterton Lakes National Park, tucked in the southwest corner of Alberta, is where the prairies meet the mountains. It’s less crowded than its northern neighbors, Banff and Jasper, but equally beautiful. The historic Prince of Wales Hotel offers stunning views of the lakes and mountains.
8. Gaspé Peninsula, Quebec
The Gaspé Peninsula juts into the Gulf of St. Lawrence, offering dramatic coastal scenery. Percé Rock, a massive limestone formation with a natural arch, is its most famous landmark. The peninsula is also home to Forillon National Park and excellent whale-watching opportunities.
9. Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan
Grasslands National Park preserves one of North America’s few remaining undisturbed prairie grasslands. Visitors can see free-roaming bison, watch for endangered prairie dogs, and experience some of the darkest night skies in Canada. The park’s West Block offers a scenic driving route with stunning badlands scenery.
10. Torngat Mountains National Park, Newfoundland and Labrador
Torngat Mountains National Park is one of Canada’s most remote and spectacular wilderness areas. It is located at the northern tip of Labrador and offers fjords, glaciers, and polar bears. The park is deeply significant to Inuit culture and can only be accessed by boat or charter plane.
11. Dawson City, Yukon
Dawson City is a living relic of the Klondike Gold Rush. Its wooden boardwalks and frontier-style buildings make visitors feel like they’ve stepped back in time. You can try your hand at gold panning, take in a cancan show at Diamond Tooth Gerties, or explore the stunning landscapes of the surrounding Yukon wilderness.
12. Haida Gwaii, British Columbia
Haida Gwaii, an archipelago off B.C.’s coast, is rich in Haida culture and natural beauty. Ancient totem poles stand in lush rainforests, and long beaches offer solitude and storm watching. The islands are home to unique subspecies of plants and animals, earning them the nickname “Canada’s Galapagos.”
13. Thousand Islands, Ontario
The Thousand Islands is a chain of islands straddling the Canada-U.S. border in the St. Lawrence River. Visitors can take boat tours to see opulent summer homes, including the famous Boldt Castle. The area offers great fishing, kayaking, and diving to explore shipwrecks.
14. Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia
Cape Breton Highlands National Park is known for the Cabot Trail, one of the world’s most scenic drives. The park combines highland and coastal scenery with opportunities to see moose and bald eagles. The area’s strong Scottish heritage is evident in its music and culture.
15. Churchill Falls, Labrador
Churchill Falls is home to one of the largest underground hydroelectric power stations in the world. While the station itself is impressive, the surrounding wilderness offers opportunities for fishing, hiking, and experiencing Labrador’s rugged beauty. The nearby Churchill River was once home to one of the world’s most spectacular waterfalls before the hydroelectric project.
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