For many Canadians who’ve been bitten by the travel bug, places considered a ‘tourist attraction’ lose their appeal.
But there are always some places, especially in Canada, that are so unique that they still live up to the hype and need to be checked out.
Here are 10 in our own backyard worthy of their fame.
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Tofino – British Columbia
There’s no better feeling than ocean mist on your face with the warm sunshine beating down on you. And the best place to get away from the city to experience this sense of euphoria is the tiny town of Tofino. Set at the southern end of Clayoquot Sound and surrounded by sandy beaches flanked with rocky outcrops and forests of cedar and fir, this beach town has some of the best surfing in Canada. Not to mention, the waves are great year-round and the town is just as amazing in the storm season as it is in the summer. Still don’t believe why you should visit? Perhaps Neil Patrick Harris’ can convince you.
Whistler – British Columbia
As you carve through the fresh powder on Whistler mountain, you’ll feel like you’re at the centre of the universe surrounded by lush forests and sheets of snow as far as the eye can see. Boasting dramatic mountain scenery and a lively après scene, Whistler resembles more of a European destination than most North American resorts.
Calgary Stampede – Alberta
It’s hard to imagine a gathering more colourful and eccentric that the Calgary Stampede. For 10 epic days, cowboys and cowgirls alike can take in steer wrestling, chuck wagon races, pancake breakfasts, and exotic foods like bacon funnel cake and deep-fried Kool Aid. You don’t need to be an aficionado to be impressed by the rodeo, the beer tents that hold more people than some Canadian towns, and the friendly people. Make sure to bring your cowboy hat and a pair of boots.
Banff National Park – Alberta
Famed for its wildlife, granite rock structures, and sapphire blue lakes, this legendary natural marvel spans over 6,000 km on the eastern side of the Canadian Rockies and is home to more than 50 species of wild animals. The iconic views in Banff National Park are the most photographed in Canada, making this natural wonder the ideal getaway for adventurists wanting to explore.
Niagara Falls – Ontario
Feeling the mist on your face from one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world is simply something you’ll never forget. Comprised of three spectacular waterfalls, this world-renowned must-see is a true beacon of beauty. And yes, our side is by far the best.
Old Montreal – Quebec
It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve ascended down the cobblestone streets or taken in the Gothic masterpiece that is the Notre-Dame Basilica – the striking views of Old Montreal will leave you astounded. For centuries, Francophone Canadians have struggled to maintain their language and sense of identity, which is more preserved here than anywhere else in the country.
Bay of Fundy – New Brunswick
A stunning coastline and picturesque cliffs make the Bay of Fundy one of the world’s greatest natural wonders, and its tides, which are the highest in the world, add an awe-inspiring element that can only be appreciated in person.
Peggy’s Cove – Nova Scotia
Set on the rocky shores of the Atlantic Ocean and just a quick car ride away from Halifax, Peggy’s Cove is host to a picturesque lighthouse, many small fishing communities, and a relaxed, East Coast charm. Along the cove you’ll enjoy unrivalled panoramic ocean views, surreal sunsets, and arguably the best seafood on the whole coast.
Polar Bears of Churchill – Manitoba
Imagine being face-to-face with a mighty polar bear as it gathers along the shore of the Hudson Bay, waiting for the ice to freeze – surely an experience you would never forget. The small community of Churchill opens itself up to tourists each fall and takes visitors out in tundra buggies with caged windows for close encounters with the polar bears.
The Northern Lights – Northwest Territories
Otherworldly is the perfect way to describe this vast parcel of unspoiled land. This pristine natural wilderness is home to the most awe-inspiring sight in Canada: the Northern Lights. Their unearthly colours and sounds in the night sky above a snowy Arctic wilderness need to be at the top of your travel bucket list. It’s enough wilderness to keep a modern-day Lewis and Clark happy for several lifetimes.
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