If you’re craving a getaway in the great outdoors, Canada might be just the right destination for you. The world’s second-largest country may boast vibrant metropolises like Toronto and Montreal. It may stand as one of the safest countries to visit. But most visitors flock to see Canada’s breathtaking natural gems up-close. From turquoise lakes and majestic snow-capped mountains to boreal forests where magical lights dance over your head, Canada is home to an astonishing variety of awe-inspiring landscapes. So, fill in your Canadian travel bucket list with these four natural wonders.
The Northern Lights – Yukon, Northwest Territories, Quebec, Alberta, and Manitoba
Beneath the aurora oval, the country’s northernmost regions offer tourists the opportunity to witness the natural phenomenon of the Aurora Borealis. While daytime activities might be scarce in these lands, magic happens at nightfall when drapes of colourful hues come floating across the sky.
Thanks to Canada’s vastness, tourists can enjoy the spectacle throughout the year. In winter, travellers may head to Yellowknife, the capital of the Northwest Territories. February and March are equally peak aurora months in Churchill, Manitoba. Earlier in November, the world’s “Polar Bear Capital” also attracts visitors in droves. During the summer months, the best places to chase the Northern Lights stretch from the Labrador Peninsula to the Alberta border.
Baffin Island – Nunavut
For outdoor adventurers, few experiences come close to a trip to the Arctic Archipelago in Northern Canada. One of the world’s most remote territories, Nunavut is all about the great wild. Poking out of the freezing waters of the Arctic circle, the region boasts the fifth-largest island across the globe. Baffin Island is a spectacular land of deep valleys, steep fjords, and magnificent peaks. And exploring Baffin Island feels like hopping back to the Ice Age.
Tourists can grab some skis to hit the slopes winding down amid the peaks of Auyuittuq National Park. An even more demanding challenge awaits rock climbers along the vertiginous cliffs of Mount Thor. Animal lovers may bask in the sights of the island’s wilderness, spotting more than a few narwhals and polar bears. Homeland to the Inuit people for over 3,000 years, Baffin Island is also the perfect destination to learn more about their culture. In spring, visitors might celebrate the Inuit traditions and feast on a caribou stew during the Toonik Tyme Festival.
Niagara Falls – Ontario
A list of Canadian natural gems cannot be complete without acknowledging the country’s most notorious landmark. Spanning both the Canadian and US borders, the iconic Niagara Falls are reasons enough to jump aboard a plane to Canada. The site comprises three distinct waterfalls: the Bridal Veil Falls, the American Falls, and the Horseshoe Falls. The largest of the trio, visitors can approach the latter by boat to feel its thundering roar. From ziplining to flying above the falls in a helicopter, tourists have plenty of additional options to get their adrenaline pumping. At night, illuminations and fireworks make for one-of-a-kind pictures as well.
And Niagara Falls can warrant more than a short stopover as the surroundings offer several attractions, such as an entertainment centre and a casino. If you can’t fit a visit in your packed schedule, though, you may find Canadian real money casinos online. Hundreds of real money machine slots are available on top platforms, from mythology-themed games to 3D slots. Some slots include special features like expanding wilds and multipliers. Plus, gamblers can easily claim bonuses to get extra chances of winning big.
The Canadian Rockies – Alberta and British Columbia
In Western Canada, the Rockies are a dream come true for lovers of epic mountain scenery. Part of the North American Rocky Mountains, these expansive mountain chains comprise four national parks in their Canadian segment. Visitors can hit the country’s oldest national park, Banff. Alternatively, a Canadian Rockies itinerary may include a trip to the Yoho, Kootenay, and Jasper national parks.
Wherever your path takes you, you can be sure to discover some eye-catching lakes, canyons, and glaciers. You might even fall under the spell of another beloved Canadian gem on the shores of Lake Moraine, one of Banff’s most remote yet incredible sights. And if the crowds get too thick, countless hiking trails await to experience another side of the Canadian Rockies’ lush wilderness.