7 Canadian Destinations That Make You Feel Like You’ve Travelled The World
No passport required! Travel to these exotic destinations without leaving Canada.
The best thing about travelling around Canada is discovering new and incredible places that redefine what we consider to be “Canada’s landscape”. With a country that stretches nearly 10 million square kilometres, borders three oceans and spans six time zones, Canada cannot be defined by any one place. The landscapes change so dramatically from one area to another that, at times, you might feel like you’re in another country.
Here we are featuring 7 incredible places in Canada that mimic famous destinations around the world. We aren’t recommending these destinations because they are similar to other places — no place can truly replace another — we are recommending them to give you a taste of the vast and varied experiences that we can have in our own country!
1. Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland (Finland, Iceland and New Zealand)
Standing amongst the 2,000-foot cliffs of Western Brook Pond in Newfoundland’s Gros Morne National Park, you could be excused for believing that you are in Finland, Iceland or perhaps New Zealand. But this stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site is in Canada and really like no other place on earth. From soaring cliffs and thunderous waterfalls to sandy beaches and highland plateaus, Gros Morne National Park is a must-see. In fact, all of Newfoundland’s stark and stunning landscape should be on every Canadian’s bucket list of places to explore.
2. Little Manitou Lake, Saskatchewan (Israel/Jordan)
With a salt density three times that of the ocean, Little Manitou Lake in Saskatchewan has often been referred to as “Canada’s Dead Sea”. While the vibe of this prairie lake is decidedly different from its Middle Eastern counterpart, Little Manitou will give you a similar feeling of buoyancy. Fed from below by mineral springs, this unique lake has been said to have healing powers.
3. Tofino, British Columbia (Hawaii)
Surf, sun and a laid-back attitude might have you mistaking Tofino for the more famous surfer’s paradise of Hawaii. But a quick look at the stunning surrounding mountains and endless forests will remind you that Tofino is westcoast Canada to its core. With 35 kilometres of sandy beaches surrounded by the most beautiful turquoise waters, this Vancouver Island spot is an oasis for surfers, anglers, sun-seekers, seafood lovers and anyone who just loves to watch the surf come in on repeat.
4. Rideau Canal, Ontario (European Rivers)
River boating is very popular in Europe as a way to see many incredible destinations in one trip but did you know that river boating is also available in Canada? The Rideau Canal is the oldest continuously operating canal systems in North America and the perfect way to explore it is on a luxury houseboat. You’ll discover picturesque towns and lovely cities as you cruise at your own pace along this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
5. Great Bear Rainforest, British Columbia (Amazon)
While not as famous or tropical as its Amazonian counterpart, the Great Bear Rainforest offers visitors a similar experience: a chance to immersive yourself in the beauty of unspoiled wilderness. Located on British Columbia’s western coast, Great Bear is part of the largest intact coastal temperate rainforest in the world. Explore lush estuaries, granite cliffs overflowing with gorgeous waterfalls and pretty, mist-shrouded valleys. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a Spirit Bear (also known as the Kermode Bear).
6. Three Isle Lake, Kananaskis Country, Alberta (Switzerland)
Head to any lake in Canada’s Rockies and you would be forgiven for mistaking it for one in the Swiss Alps. There are many famous Alberta lakes to choose from — Moraine Lake, Lake Louise and Peyto Lake all spring to mind when thinking of that distinctive lake-surrounded-by-snow-capped-mountains look. Certainly there are many that are easy to access and some that require a bit of work to get to, like this beauty in Kananaskis County. Enjoy beautiful lake and mountain views on a scenic hike by this lake that sits close to the British Columbian border.
7. Whitehorse, Yukon (Norway)
While Norway may get a lot of attention for its stunning displays of Aurora Borealis, Canada is actually an incredible place to see the magical phenomenon. The Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Churchill Manitoba are among the top places to go if you want to see the Northern Lights. And the bonus of visiting Canada’s north? Incredible landscapes, warm hospitality and the chance to see some iconic Canadian wildlife.
Make 2022 the year you support Canadian tourism! With so many incredible places to see, we think your biggest challenge will be deciding where to go. If you need some guidance, we can help!
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