Canada is home to many amazing cities, breathtaking landscapes, and natural wonders. From action-filled cities to breathtaking mountains to beautiful lakes and stunning glaciers. Here are some of the most notable natural wonders and must-see places in Canada:
- Northern Lights: Many people think you have to travel to Iceland or Finland or Alaska for a great view of the Northern Lights, but Canada is arguably one of the best places to see this wonder. The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are a natural wonder that can be seen in parts of Canada, particularly in the northern regions. The lights are caused by charged particles from the sun interacting with the Earth’s atmosphere, creating beautiful, otherworldly displays of light. The best places to see the Northern Lights in Canada include the Northwest Territories and the Yukon Territory which can be accessed via this tour from Vancouver.
2. Gros Morne National Park: Located in Newfoundland, Gros Morne National Park is a stunning example of the geological processes that have shaped the Earth’s surface. Visitors can see exposed rock formations, fjords, and other striking natural features from the water and from trails. Gros Morne’s ancient landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that truly must be seen to be believed.
3. Tofino: Located on the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island, Tofino is a beautiful destination known for its stunning beaches, whale watching, and surfing. Tofino is a popular year-round tourism destination, as the area attracts surfers, hikers, nature lovers, bird watchers, campers, whale watchers, fisherman, and beach-goers.
4. Quebec City: The capital of the province of Quebec, Quebec City is a beautiful city with a distinctly European feel. Visitors can explore the cobblestone streets of Old Quebec, visit the historic Chateau Frontenac, and take a stroll along the picturesque St. Lawrence River. If you want to feel like you’re in Europe without traveling across the ocean, this city is the place for you.
5. Bruce Peninsula National Park: Turquoise clear waters and breathtaking cliff views will make you feel like you’re in a dream rather than in Ontario Canada. This lesser-known (and therefore less crowded) natural wonder is definitely a bucket list place in Canada. Beautiful year-round, but if you’d like to swim in the chilly clear waters we recommend visiting Bruce Peninsula National Park from July-October. It is a 3.5 hour drive from Toronto, or a 5 hour drive from Detroit, Michigan. You can also take this organized tour from Toronto.
6. Churchill: Located on the shores of Hudson Bay, Churchill Manitoba is known as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World.” Visitors can take a guided tour to see the bears up close, as well as enjoy other wildlife watching opportunities such as beluga whales! Churchill cannot be accessed by car. You can visit by train or by airplane. Calm Air has flights from Winnipeg to Churchill, and Via Rail has trains from Winnipeg or Thompson, Manitoba that are some of the most scenic train rides you will ever take.
7. Banff National Park: This park is located in the Canadian Rockies in Alberta and is home to some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in the world. Visitors can enjoy hiking, skiing, canoeing, and other outdoor activities, as well as stunning views of glaciers, lakes, and wildlife. Lake Louise and Lake Moraine are arguably the most beautiful mountain lakes in the world. Organized tours can take you to see both lakes and more.
8. Fundy National Park – Located in New Brunswick, Fundy is known for its rugged coastline, towering cliffs, and world-renowned tides. It’s a great destination for hiking, camping, and exploring the tidal pools, and also offers opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and wildlife watching. Saint John’s Reversing Falls are a famous natural phenomenon caused by the dramatically changing tides in the Bay of Fundy, an incoming tide forces back the flow of the Saint John River, which creates white-water-tinged whirlpools, big waves, and rapids, and then it reverses in the opposite direction. This magical place can be reached by car with a 1 hour drive from Saint John, New Brunswick Canada.
9. See Rare Birds like Puffins: Puffins can be found in several locations in Canada, particularly in the Atlantic provinces from late May to late August. Here are some places where you may be able to see puffins in Canada: The Bonavista Peninsula is beautiful year-round but in the summer you can take a hike or tour to see Puffins here as well. Another place to see Puffins in the summer is Bird Island, a remote island that is absolutely teeming with all kinds of birds and can be reached by a boat tour from Cape Breton Island. Lastly, Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, Newfoundland and Labrador: This reserve off the coast of Newfoundland is home to the largest puffin colony in North America, with an estimated 260,000 birds. Boat tours are available from May to September and include whale watching as well.
10. Southern Saskatchewan: When most people think of Canada, they think of Rocky Mountains or large cities, but if you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination then this area should definitely be checked out. Sights here include Douglas Provincial Park along the shores of Diefenbacher Lake, the historic town of Moose Jaw with it’s impressive prohibition-era underground tunnel system that is a must-see attraction, and Grasslands National Park where you can observe wildlife like Bison.
11. Victoria, British Columbia: Either take a 45 minute ferry ride from just south of Vancouver, take a 4 hour car ride from Vancouver, or take a quick flight from Vancouver to reach this truly magical Island destination. Check out the Royal BC Museum, Fisherman’s Wharf, Malahat SkyWalk, and the famous Butchart Gardens and Butterfly Gardens plus so much more. There is more than enough to see and do here to fill a week or more! Day trips from here can also be taken to see whales, beautiful rainforests, wine tasting, and so much more. Check out all the different tours and sights to learn more.
12. Lake Superior Nothern Coast Road Trip: Take a road trip along the northern coast of Lake Superior to take in some amazing lake scapes, waterfalls, parks, and boating opportunities. Places to stop include Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, Kakabeka Falls, Pukaskwa National Park, plenty of Sandy Beaches, Pictographs, and Lake Superior National Park.
13. Prince Edward Island: Known for Anne of Green Gables, this island has this and much more to offer visitors. After you have visited the Green Gables Heritage center, head over to check out some delicious wines on a winery tour. Lighthouses, a haunted mansion, museums, beaches, seafood (especially their world-famous oysters) and boating are just some of the other things to do here.
14. Ride a Scenic Train: The Polar Bear Express is a Canadian passenger train operated by the Ontario Northland Railway which takes you along historic fur trade routes from Cochrane to Moosonee Ontario. Another train ride to consider is the Agawa Canyon Train, which takes you from the small town of Sault Ste. Marie (which on the northern Michigan border) 114 miles past canyons and dramatic waterfalls to a natural preserve where you can stop to take in wildlife like beavers. If you are looking for a multi-day adventure from Toronto to Vancouver, ride The Canadian 4,466km and 4 nights all the way across the country. You’ll stop at amazing places along the way, such as the famous Jasper National Park in the Rocky Mountains.
15. Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta: Located in the Canadian Badlands, which is about two hours drive from Calgary, the Dinosaur Provincial Park has a movie-worthy landscape that you have to see to believe. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and more than 150 full dinosaur remains have been unearthed here. On your way back to Calgary, check out the Bassano Dam and Blackfoot Crossing Historic Park.
16. Do some Gem Hunting: Canada has many sites known for their gems and mineral deposits. Bancroft, Ontario (2.5 hours from Toronto) is the mineral capital of Canada and is well-known for its deposits of fluorite, apatite, calcite and more. There are several mines and quarries open to the public, including the Richardson Mine as well as private ones such as an Amethyst Mine and a Sodalite Mine. You’ll also want to check out the Crystal Cave for more fun finds. In Manitoba, you’ll find the Souris Agate and Gravel Pits (Souris, Manitoba) where you can find beautiful Agates.
17. Ottawa, Ontario: The capital of Canada is full of things to do. One of the most unique is skating on the Rideau Canal in the winter. Museums abound in this capital city, as do restaurants and breweries you can tour. Day trips from Ottawa can take you to do things like dogsledding or snowshoeing.
18. Niagara Falls: One of the world’s most famous natural wonders, Niagara Falls is a must-see for any visitor to Canada. Visitors can take a boat tour to see the falls up close, enjoy stunning views from the Skylon Tower, and explore the charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. The area is also full of other things to see and do such as winery tours and food tours.
19. Montreal: A blend of French and English cultures, Montreal is a cosmopolitan city with a rich history. Visitors can enjoy the stunning architecture of Old Montreal, explore the city’s many museums and galleries, and sample the delicious cuisine. There are so many amazing tours to choose from in this city, you could easily spend a week here or more.
20. Toronto: Canada’s largest city, Toronto, is a vibrant metropolis with plenty of attractions, including the CN Tower, the Royal Ontario Museum, and the Art Gallery of Ontario. Take a guided city tour so you don’t miss out on anything!
21. Nahanni National Park Reserve: Located in the Northwest Territories, Nahanni National Park Reserve is a wilderness area known for its stunning canyons, waterfalls, and hot springs. It is also home to the South Nahanni River, a world-renowned destination for white-water rafting. Kraus Hot Springs can be reached by a canoe or kayak ride, and is well worth the journey. The Rabbitkettle rock formation and hot springs are an unbeilevable sight as well.
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