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!

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.

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.

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 West Coast 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.

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.

Or experience the wonder along the St. Lawrence River, as you cruise from Kingston to charming Quebec City. Explore the coastal communities and the natural wonder of the 1000 Islands archipelago along the way.

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).

Head into the Canadian Rocky Mountains and you would be forgiven for mistaking it for the Swiss Alps. From beautiful glacier-fed lakes surrounded by jagged peaks to the quaint little mountain towns dotted throughout the landscape, the Rockies can have the look, and sometimes even the feel, of Switzerland.

The Rockies are larger in both area and length than their European counterpart and far less developed.

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.