Canada, the land of lakes, forests, mountains and rivers. Who doesn’t dream of a round trip through Canada? Perhaps best with a motorhome, so that you can discover the country even more flexibly? Canada is an absolute longing country. It just screams freedom, adventure, wilderness and spectacular nature. Travel Owl tells you today, which 30 best places to visit in Canada you should not miss.
30. Thousand Islands
The 1000 Islands National Park is about 9km² in size and is located in Ontario, Canada. Situated on the Saint Lawrence River, the park offers an idyllic natural oasis of over 1,800 islands on your round trip. Canada’s smallest national park spills over into the United States of America and offers some spectacular photo opportunities. Experience natural features on the round trip around the many islands as well as a variety of great houses on the small islands. The special flair is enhanced by the beautiful colors of the trees. “Heart Island” with Boldt Castle is a wonderful attraction. Built in the style of a medieval Rhine castle, the castle, built at the beginning of the 20th century, offers an impressive backdrop.
During a boat tour in the national park you will experience the enchanted places up close. You can experience a special view of the 1000 Islands National Park from the 1000 Islands Skydeck, which is offered by an approximately 120 meter high observation tower.
29. Banff
Banff National Park is located in southwestern Canada. It lies on the southwestern edge of the Canadian province of Alberta and thus almost borders British Columbia. Founded in 1885, it is the oldest national park in Canada. It owes its name to the small town of Banff, which is located in the park and has a population of around 6,000 – and is just as popular with day-trippers and winter sports enthusiasts as it is with wellness fans and photographers.
Characteristic of the park are its monumental, varied landscapes. Because it is crisscrossed by the Rocky Mountains, visitors encounter countless mountains, valleys and canyons. The valleys are crisscrossed by rivers and lakes that are perfect for fishing and water sports. Scenic highlights include Pilot Mountain and the Valley of 10 Peaks at Lake Moraine. Speaking of which, lakes with crystal-clear, deep blue or bright turquoise water like Lake Louise or Lake Moraine can be found time and again throughout the park. If you’re into landscape photography, you’ll get your money’s worth in this environment.
Banff National Park offers the widest range of possibilities for tourists, the park administration has created a wide range of offers. At many lakes you can go boating, swimming or even diving. Climbers, mountain bikers and horseback riders also get their money’s worth.
28. Jasper National Park
The landscape of the Canadian national park is dominated by the Rocky Mountains Jasper National Park is located in southeastern Canada and stretches across the border region between the two provinces of Alberta and British Columbia. However, the largest part of the park is in Alberta. With an area of more than 10,000 square kilometers, it is one of the larger Canadian national parks.
The landscape of the Canadian National Park is dominated by the Rocky Mountains. But Jasper is not only known for its majestic mountain panoramas: Sights like the Icefields Parkway including the Columbia Ice Field, the Miette Hot Springs, raging rivers and bubbling waterfalls are second to none. The typical Canadian dark green forest forms a charming contrast to the white of the snow and ice or to the deep blue and bright turquoise of such dreamlike lakes as Maligne Lake, Pyramid Lake or Medicine Lake.
The park also offers plenty of recreational opportunities, including canoeing, rock climbing, rafting and horseback riding. During the winter months, some places even offer skiing and snowboarding. Near the northeast entrance are the Miette Hot Springs, hot springs whose water is piped into a swimming pool. Enjoy a dip in the pleasantly warm healing waters here – and a spectacular view of the Rocky Mountain range right along with it.
During the summer months, the Jasper Tramway offers unbeatable views of six mountain ranges, turquoise glacial lakes and the idyllic park town of Jasper. The ride over 1,304 meters of altitude leads to the viewing platform of Whistlers Mountain. From here, it is possible to hike trails to the summit.
27. Vancouver Stanley Park
Vancouver is simply a dream for many people. On the one hand by the special location between mountains and the Pacific Ocean, on the other hand by the many sights created by nature and man.
Stanley Park in Vancouver, with its 404.9 hectares, is the largest city park in Canada. It is also the third largest of its kind in North America. In 1988, it was designated a World Heritage Site.
Stanley Park is located in downtown Vancouver, so it is one of the destinations for a city tour of Vancouver. Through the giant park runs a network of walking paths, which are a total of 200 kilometers long. So you can spend a very long time in Stanley Park.
The attraction of the park is the forest, which covers its with Douglas firs, giant live trees, Sitka spruces and hemlocks large parts of the park. The forest was not established, but grew naturally.
Very popular is the Seawall, which runs for almost nine kilometers around the peninsula on which Stanley Park is located. Walkers, joggers, cyclists and inline skaters feel at home here and do not get into each other’s way, as cyclists and inline skaters are only allowed to use the path in a counterclockwise direction.
26. Old Montreal
The historic center of Montreal is the old town. Many tourists come mainly to get acquainted with its impressive atmosphere. Its English name is Old Montreal, its French name is Vieux-Montréal.
The historic Old Montreal is located between the streets Rue McGill, Rue Berri, Rue Saint-Jaques and the old port. What was once a rundown neighborhood was transformed in the 1960s into an interesting center full of charm and history. There are sights in Old Montreal whose uniqueness is only revealed to the visitor on a walking tour of the city.
One of the most important historical places in Old Montreal is the Place d’Armes. Here are architectural highlights such as the Bank of Montreal, the Aldred Building or the Vieux Séminaire de Saint-Sulpice.
The two-towered Basilica of Notre-Dame de Montréal, built in neo-Gothic style in 1829, is also one of the oldest buildings in the city. It gained world fame because of its magnificent interior decoration by the artist Victor Bourgeau. Richly decorated and often gilded sculptures and woodwork characterize the basilica. The altarpiece with its white wooden statues and the Casavant Fréres organ enthroned directly above the entrance are among the basilica’s special features.
25. Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is one of the most spectacular natural wonders of North America. Over a width of 300 meters, masses of water roar into the depths on the American side. Even more impressive are the Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side – the largest of the three Niagara Falls. Below the falls is a 52-meter deep pool of water – the same depth as the falls are high. The American and Canadian falls are separated by Goat Island. The name “Niagara” comes from the Indian and means “thundering water”. More than 18 million visitors admire the unique natural spectacle every year. Popular activities at Niagara Falls are: taking a boat ride, a zipline ride to the Canadian Falls, or even a trip behind the falls. Niagara Falls is a very special natural wonder!
24. Toronto CN Tower
The CN Tower in Toronto is more than just an ordinary television tower. As a landmark of the city and at the same time a symbol of the Canadian nation, it was included in the list of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World in 1995 and, at a height of 553 meters, is the tallest structure in the Western Hemisphere.
The TV tower attracts more than 1.5 million visitors every year. The view is breathtaking, but getting there is also a challenge: in just 58 seconds, the glass-fronted elevator transports visitors to dizzying heights.
The glass floor of the lower observation deck gives you a deep look: 113 stories above the ground, the view down is beautifully terrifying. But don’t worry: The 6.35-centimeter-thick bulletproof glass panels can easily hold 35 moose. This is also tested regularly, but not with moose.
From the SkyPod, the top observation deck at 447 meters, visibility is up to 160 kilometers on a clear day. If you look really closely (or have a good pair of binoculars handy), you might even be able to see Niagara Falls if you’re lucky.
The more adventurous can take the “EdgeWalk” – a tour on the ledge above the revolving restaurant at a height of 356 meters. The 1.50-meter narrow circular path is outdoors and there is no railing.
23. Yoho National Park
Yoho National Park is located in the province of British Columbia in southwestern Canada. Located in the Rocky Mountains, the national park is about 1,313 square kilometers.
Yoho National Park is therefore one of the smaller national parks in Canada. The only settlement within the park, which was opened in 1886, is the community of Field, which is home to only 300 people in total.
The landscape in Yoho National Park is characterized by eroded rock faces, large waterfalls and small and large picturesque lakes. One of them is “Emerald Lake”, which is located in the middle of a dense spruce forest and 3,000 meter high mountains.
The lake, fed by ice-cold glacier water, is one of the most visited vacation destinations in the region, especially in the summer months. On the hikes through the park you can discover numerous rare plants and animal species. The national park is home to grizzly and black bears, moose, wapitis, coyotes and rare cougars.
The Yoho National Park has other numerous sights – among them the Yoho Valley with the more than 250 meters high Takakkaw Falls, which belong to the largest waterfalls in North America.
There are many more waterfalls in Yoho National Park. Among them are the 80 meter high Twin Falls, which can be reached after an eight kilometer hike. In addition, there are numerous glaciers to admire in Yoho National Park.
The glaciers are especially popular with winter sports enthusiasts, because here are ideal conditions for skiing and snowboarding. Another attraction are the “Burgess Shale rocks,” one of the most important fossil sites in the world.
22. St. John’s
The town of St. John’s is surrounded by hills and nestled between the granite cliffs and slopes of the Avalon Peninsula. The small and hilly downtown is characterized by numerous residential buildings in bright, bright colors. St. John’s Basilica Church and the adjacent Newfoundland Art Gallery and Provincial Museum, simply named “The Rooms,” are within walking distance of the town’s traditional and modern buildings.
The fishing village of Quidi Vidi is a traditional fishing village dating back to the 16th century and is located within the city limits of St. John’s. Located on the picturesque lake of the same name, Quidi Vidi offers an atmosphere of rural charm with charming homes, cottages and boat docks amidst stunning scenery. Try the town’s culinary specialties: the famous Iceberg beer.
Cabot Tower is a tower on Signal Hill above the harbor entrance to St. John’s. The tower can be seen from almost any point in the city. Since the 17th century, Signal Hill has served as the base for various forts and military bases. Besides the military buildings still standing, you get to see a breathtaking view of St. John’s from Signal Hill.
The prominent landmark Cape Spear, is just a few miles southeast of St. John’s and the easternmost point on the North American continent. Built in 1836, the Cape Spear Lighthouse has been faithfully restored and is open for tours.
21. Ottawa Parliament Hill
Just a short walk from Ottawa Downtown is Parliament Hill, which is both politically and historically significant to the city of Ottawa and to the entire country of Canada. In 1859, the current government quarter was built here at the behest of Queen Victoria, who had chosen Ottawa as the capital of the then province of Canada. Among the most important buildings on site is the Centre Block with the Peace Tower. Finalized in 1927, the complex is so important today that, for example, the Peace Tower can be found on the $20 bill. If you are visiting Parliament Hill, you should not miss the Parliament Library, which was built in 1876 in neo-Gothic-Victorian style. On site, statues commemorate important and impressive personalities: There are images of Queen Victoria, George-Étienne Cartier – a former prime minister and a father of the Confederacy – the fictional character Galahad, and even a statue of Queen Elizabeth II.
20. Victoria
Victoria is the capital of British Columbia and also the largest city on Vancouver Island. Victoria is located in the south of Vancouver Island and easily accessible by ferry from America or Vancouver. The crossing takes about 1.5 hours. The English influence is very visible in the architecture of the historic buildings and the famous red double-decker buses. Besides the beautiful old town, Victoria is also located by the sea and offers famous sights and activities around the harbor.
The Inner Harbor is located in the middle of Victoria and is the center of the city. Here you can also find many famous buildings like the BC Parliament Building and the grandiose Fairmont Empress Hotel. The streets look very inviting because of the many beautiful flowers that decorate the area. There is a lot to see at the harbor during the summer months, such as the many musicians, artists and markets. There is something for young and old and never a dull moment.
Chinatown in Victoria is known for its many narrow streets where you can touch both walls with your hands at the same time. You will also find many stores here. Chinatown is one of the oldest Chinatowns in Canada and the second oldest in North America.
19. Halifax Citadel
From the founding of Halifax in 1749 until the 19th century, the city was one of the four most important naval bases of the British Empire. To defend Nova Scotia’s capital, Halifax, the British built a series of bases in and around Halifax. This system of defensive structures is known today as the Halifax Defense Complex.
The present Citadel, built in 1856, is the fourth version of a fort whose construction began in 1749. The Citadel is a perfect example of 19th century military construction. Even though the Citadel was never attacked, it was in use as a military base by the Canadians during the 1st and 2nd World Wars.
Today, Halifax Citadel is operated and maintained by the Association of Canadian National Parks and is one of Canada’s most recognized National Historic Sites. Many visitors can still observe military parades there or get an interesting glimpse into Halifax’s past, as the Citadel has been restored several times in Victorian style. So for all visitors to Halifax, it is an absolute must-see if you are interested in Canadian history.
18. Old Quebec
A visit to an old town is simply part of any city break. Vieux-Quebec is no exception in this respect. You will certainly not be disappointed by the more than 1,400 buildings, which represent a charming mixture of different architectural styles. In between, numerous museums and viewpoints await to introduce you to Quebec’s diversity.
The historic center of the Canadian metropolis is divided into an upper and a lower town. The former was already shaped in the 17th century by Fort Saint-Louis and the Citadel of Quebec, which was added in the 18th century. Today, the superbly restored and revitalized neighborhood of early modern French architectural gems attracts many travelers. The Notre Dame de Quebec Cathedral, the Hotel de Ville City Hall or the luxury Chateau Frontenac Hotel particularly catch the eye. The Lower Town, on the other hand, looks back on a history about 100 years longer than the Upper Town. It was here at the Place Royal that the first building complex of Quebec was erected.
The first stone church in North America, the Notre Dame des Victoires, can also be found here. You can feel the typical character of the lower town in the Petit Champlain district, which houses residential buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries. Among the numerous museums located here, the nautical Musee naval de Quebeck, the Musee de la Place Royal and the humanities Musee de la civilisation stand out.
17. Whitehorse
The capital of the Canadian territory of Yukon Whitehorse is home to around 25,000 inhabitants, almost two-thirds of the total population. The name of the city goes back to the rapids of the Yukon River, the so-called White Horse Rapids, whose crests resembled the manes of white horses. However, these rapids have disappeared since the construction of the hydroelectric power plant.
The capital of the Yukon has many attractions to offer that are a must-see when you come to The True North. The Yukon, even its motto “Larger than Life” makes its dimensions understandable. For comparison: Yukon is with an area of 482.443 km² almost as big as Spain, but only 43.000 people live there.
Whitehorse was founded in the course of the Klondike Gold Rush, which attracted countless people to the Yukon from 1896 to 1892. The city experienced a second boom with the construction of the Alaska Highway at the time of World War II.
Among the natural attractions in the area are the Takhini Hot Springs, the Yukon Gardens and the Yukon Wildlife Preserve. In addition, the only preserved riverboat, the SS Klondike, can be visited in Whitehorse.
16. Whistler
Whistler is about 2 to 2.5 hours from Vancouver and accessible via the Sea-to-Sky Highway (Hwy. 99). The route along Howe Sound between Vancouver and Squamish is considered one of the most beautiful routes in the world. Whistler is known as a popular winter sports area. This is due to the ski resorts Blackcomb Mountain and Whistler Mountain, which are also connected by the Peak2Peak Gondola, a nice trip and highly recommended! In 2010, several competitions of the Olympic Games took place in Whistler. The Peak2Peak Gondola also runs during the summer months.
The Dave Murray Downhill, named after Canada’s most popular skier, was the site of the men’s downhill, slalom, giant slalom and super-G games during the games. In addition to these runs, the Whistler area, combined with Blackcomb, has over 200 other beautiful runs.
About two million tourists visit Whistler every year. The center feels very European and most of the accommodations, restaurants, bars and stores are built around the ski lifts.
15. Charlottetown & Prince Edward Island
Today’s Canada was founded at a conference in Charlottetown, the capital of Prince Edward Island, in 1864. The most outstanding structure that refers to this event is the almost 13-kilometer-long Confederation Bridge, which connects Prince Edward Island with the Canadian mainland. But the island in the Gulf of St. Lawrence is not only exceptional because of its significance for Canadian history. Canada’s smallest province also captivates with its landscape – rolling hills in lush green stand in striking contrast to the predominantly red soil, extensive sandy beaches, dunes and marshlands are repeatedly interrupted by red sandstone cliffs.
Inspired by the unique nature, the novel “Anne of Green Gables” by the writer Lucy Maud Montgomery was written here towards the end of the Victorian era.
14. Tofino
Tofino has everything a vacationer’s heart desires – long expansive beaches, waves for surfing and bodyboarding, dense rainforest, calm waters for kayaking and a general feeling of nature, active vacation and pure Canada.
On Vancouver Island lies the small town of just under 2,000 souls, which is revived annually, especially in the summer months, and multiplies its population. Tofino is known primarily as a Canadian surfing mecca, attracting beginners and pros to the waves of the Pacific. The water is cold; surfing without neoprene is uncomfortable to painful – even in summer.
The most popular beaches for surfers are Long Beach, MacKenzie Beach, Chesterman Beach, Wickanninish Beach and Cox Bay Beach.
Not only for the active surfers but also for the spectators or simply for a long walk it is worth to go to the beach: seemingly endless long with plenty of driftwood and shells and the place where you can spend your whole day as well as watch one of the spectacular sunsets.
Tofino is also a good starting point to see whales. In the spring, you have a good chance of spotting the sea giants even from land.
13. Revelstoke National Park
Mount Revelstoke National Park was established to protect the unique landscape of the Columbia Mountains in 1914. This area also includes the neighboring Glacier National Park. Ecologically and geologically, the area is very different from the Rocky Mountains to the east and the coastal mountains to the west.
The small national park above the Columbia River is one of the most beautiful in British Columbia. Snow-capped peaks, vast ice fields, mountain lakes, break-off ridges and deep canyons characterize the mountain wilderness. The Meadows in the Sky Parkway is a 26-kilometer scenic road from Revelstoke into the park, but it is only passable for a few months in the summer. It ends at Mount Revelstoke, where various hiking trails lead up to three mountain lakes. The view from the summit is simply breathtaking, stretching from the Columbia River valley to the nameless glaciated peaks.
12. Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg
From the outside, it looks like it’s from a foreign world. And from the inside, it wants to unite the world: The Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
It takes a little moment to take in the unique architecture: The Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) building resembles a helmet with an antenna.
Whatever his intention, it is clear that the museum stands out from the Winnipeg skyline. Ultimately, this also underscores its importance to Manitoba’s capital as a showpiece. In the dark, the glass facade glows, making it seem even more like it’s from another world.
The museum’s location at the confluence of the Red Rivers and Assiniboine Rivers was by no means chosen at random. For thousands of years, Native Canadians met at this gathering place. Today, the museum is still intended to be a place of encounter and inspiration.
Important questions are answered: What has happened in human history that we enjoy certain rights today? What still needs to be done? In films, photographs, soundscapes, colorful exhibitions and many other multimedia stations, the museum invites visitors to engage individually with the all-important topic of human rights.
It is the only one of its kind in the world and definitely recommended as a place to visit when visiting Winnipeg!
11. Churchill
The village of Churchill is located in northeastern Manitoba on Hudson Bay and is inhabited by about 800 people. The town was founded in 1717 as a trading outpost of the Hudson Bay Company.
When the Canadian Navy abandoned its base here in 1969, about 4,000 people still lived here. The town is located in the middle of the tundra and has neither a movie theater, nor a luxury hotel, nor a shopping area.
Polar bear tourism began here in 1979 and now attracts about 10,000 people a year between October and November to see the 1,000 or so local polar bears. The animals prefer to come here at this time of year because the water freezes over earliest and the animals have the opportunity to hunt seals on the ice.
The place can be reached by train or plane. Polar Bear Watching” has become the most famous and biggest tourist attraction in the whole province of Manitoba. It should be mentioned that the place has taken a number of measures so that people do not come to harm – so there are no garbage cans or other eatables on the streets, moreover, the houses and cars are not locked, so that in case of an encounter you can immediately get to safety.
10. Cape Breton Island
Scenically enchanting. Especially, of course, in the Indian summer in autumn, when the leaves of the trees turn into a sea of colors. Rugged rocky coasts with beautiful bays and narrow valleys are a feast for the eyes all year round. Even on the windswept plateaus, the impetuous Atlantic is omnipresent.
But what is most beautiful about this legendary panoramic road is that it is rarely straight. This “trail” is 300 kilometers long. More than a century and a half was needed to expand the Cabot Trail, which winds its way in switchbacks high above the sea into the highlands. The drive itself is always an experience. And it’s so much fun that you actually hate to get off.
But then you would miss out on a lot. Especially culinary. Because this region is heaven on earth for all those who can’t get enough of fish and seafood – especially lobster. Getting out is also always worthwhile for an extensive hike. Trademark: The permanent view of the sea! However, you should not be averse to the one or other slope.
By the way, the trail owes its name to the Italian explorer Giovanni Caboto (John Cabot), who reached the coast of Nova Scotia in 1497 on behalf of the British Crown and encountered the Mi’kmaq there. The “Loop” was completed in 1932 and since then has connected smaller and larger fishing villages, all of which can look back on an exciting history – and a rich heritage: Celtic music, the dances at the ceilidhs, the festivals, and the unspoiled nature in many places.
9. Butchart Gardens
Just 20 kilometers north of Victoria – on Vancouver Island – flower and garden art lovers, photography buffs and romantics will find a green gem and blooming paradise. The Butchart Gardens, which have been family-run for over a century, extend over 22 hectares. It all began in 1904, when Jennie Butchart was looking for a way to landscape and beautify the fallow quarry created by her husband’s company’s limestone quarrying for cement.
From a few initial plantings and rose bushes, a splendid garden was thus created, which today is divided into five or six different magnificent areas: Sunken Garden, Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, Italian Garden, Mediterranean Garden and the so-called Concert Lawn Walk. The Butchart Gardens are open daily and thus unfold their very own beauty in every season. In 2004, the Butchart Gardens were designated a National Historic Site of Canada.
8. Bay of Fundy
Low tide and high tide, an event that takes place on many sea coasts of the earth. But nowhere as impressive and powerful as in the Bay of Fundy. The 220-kilometer-long and up to 60-kilometer-wide bay lies on the Gulf of Maine between the provinces of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.
The unimaginable amount of 160 billion tons of water moves in and out of the bay twice a day in the game of ebb and flow.
Who is to blame for this natural phenomenon that takes place every day in the Bay of Fundy with unimaginable power and violence? The moon, of course. Because the earth satellite provides for the tides, ebb and flood with its attraction.
The moon seems to have fallen especially in love with the Bay of Fundy, whose name is derived from the Portuguese Rio Fondo, which means Deep River.
The tidal range is 13 meters at normal high tide, up to 16 meters at spring tide, and during a storm event in 1869 even 21.5 meters were measured. Either way, the highest tidal differences in the world are found in the so-called Minas Basin in the Bay of Fundy.
7. Dawson City
With 1375 inhabitants, Dawson City is the second largest city in the Yukon. Founded in 1896 at the beginning of the Great Klondike Gold Rush, Dawson City was the capital of the territory until 1953.
Dawson City – Once a big city is now a living open-air museum. Anyone visiting the city today can hardly imagine that more than 40,000 people lived here in the heyday of the gold rush. This made Dawson City the largest city north of Seattle and west of Winnipeg.
Dawson City has been immortalized in world literature by many writers such as Jack London, Robert Service and Pierre Berton.
Dawson City of the 21st century is a living outdoor museum with many lovingly restored buildings from the time of its founding, the Great Klondike Gold Rush. A must-see in town is the Dawson City Museum, here the history of the gold mines, prospectors and the town’s homes are documented.
For an authentic adventurer’s feel, try your luck prospecting for gold in free claim #6, located on historic Bonanza Creek where it all began with the first gold discovery.
6. West Edmonton Mall
“Edmonton without a mall is like Paris without the Eiffel Tower. Who would disagree, because if you visit the West Edmonton Mall, you will find the largest shopping center in North America and one of the largest shopping malls on the entire globe. From 1981 to 2004, it was even the largest shopping mall in the world for 23 years. Almost 800 stores, stores and department stores are united here on a fabulous sales area of 350,000 square meters. Moreover, the total area of the complex is 500,000 square meters and offers not only unlimited shopping experiences, but also an almost unlimited range of leisure and entertainment facilities.
West Edmonton Mall is a record-breaker in every way – with the world’s largest indoor amusement park, the world’s largest triple indoor looping roller coaster, the world’s largest man-made indoor river, the world’s largest parking area, the world’s largest fixed indoor bungee jumping tower and the world’s largest wave pool. Other attractions also include an aquarium, an ice hockey field, and 26 movie theaters and a 3D movie theater. West Edmonton Mall employs 24,000 people, attracts 32.2 million visitors annually, and every day, depending on the day and season, the mall draws between 90,000 and 200,000 shopping and amusement addicts!
5. Okanagan Valley
It is the western hotspot of wine and fruit growing in Canada. We are talking about the Okanagan Valley, which extends in the Canadian part of the province of British Columbia over a length of about 175 kilometers from Osoyoos, on the border with the U.S. state of Washington, to Enderby with the Enderby Cliffs Provincial Park in the north.
The Canadian portion of the Okanagan Valley in southern British Columbia is home to more than 300,000 people in an area of 20,900 square kilometers, and the valley represents one of the most densely populated areas in Canada. The valley was home for many centuries to the Okanagan Nation, a tribe of Salish people who settled the Okanagan Valley along the Okanagan River and Okanagan Lake.
The Okanagan Valley has an unusually warm and dry climate for Canada, the summers are warm, the winters mild, this favors fruit and wine growing. The Okanagan Valley enjoys great popularity among Canadian retirees as a place to retire, which is also reflected in the real estate prices.
The landscape of the Okanagan Valley is charming and varied from north to south. Whereas the north is covered with loose forests, mainly with ponderosa pine and Douglas fir, the south is almost desert-like, with a few pines alternating with many cacti and desert mugwort. In between there are more or less large lakes, among others Okanagan Lake, Swan Lake, Goose Lake, Kalamalka Lake, Skaha Lake and Osoyoos Lake.
4. Gros Morne National Park
Gros Morne National Park is located in the west of the island of Newfoundland and is divided into the coastal lowlands on the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the alpine highlands of the Long Range Mountains. Fjords, bays and mountain valleys, swamps, glacial lakes and sandy beaches characterize the landscape.
The park is internationally known for its unique combination of geological features and for this reason is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For example, the Tablelands are a desert-like moonscape of red rock that actually shows exposed earth crust.
A hike through the living history of the earth is a must here. Adjacent is the Green Gardens region, which in complete contrast to the Tablelands has an extremely high density of vegetation. Carnivorous plants such as pitcher plants, butterworts and sundews are native here.
Geologically special is also the Western Brook Pond. The lake was once a fjord that was closed off by the ice age and thus separated from the sea. Today it contains the purest fresh water and is a popular destination for boating of all kinds among the towering cliffs. Hike to the highest point of the Western Brook Pond gorge. It offers unique views across the green fjord to the ocean. If you’re lucky, you might even spot whales offshore during your hike!
3. Calgary Stampede
The Calgary Stampede, held annually since 1912, is the world’s largest rodeo and is also called “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth”. The Calgary Stampede receives more than 1.5 million visitors annually and has been held for more than 100 years – reason enough to visit this exciting western spectacle in Calgary. In addition to various events such as bull riding and chuck wagon races, there is of course authentic music and line dancing, all kinds of delicacies and an impressive parade through the city.
In the afternoon, in addition to classic bull riding, experience other highlights such as lassoing calves or the women’s “barrel race” competitions, where they race their horses through a triangle marked with three barrels. Only the bravest cowboys dare to take the wild horses bareback afterwards. Skill and endurance are equally in demand here as the cowboys and cowgirls compete against each other!
In the evening, experience the world’s most unique double-header. First, 36 pioneer carriages compete in a race in the arena, then a variety show begins with comedy, dance, song and acrobatics. The highlight, however, is the spectacular fireworks display at the finale, which transforms the sky over Calgary into a colorful sea of colors.
2. Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park
In the southwest of the province of Saskatchewan and in the southeast of the province of Alberta, Canada is the Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park. This park is part of the Cypress Hills, a hilly region that owes its name to a North American pine species found in the area. This is the jack pine, which is called cyprès in French Canadian. However, this tree has nothing to do with cypresses in the true sense of the word.
The first part of the Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park was established in 1951 and was initially located only in Alberta. It was not until 1989 that the provincial park was enlarged to include the Saskatchewan area. In 2000, Fort Walsh National Historic Site, a reconstructed late 19th century fort, was added. Today, the park has a total area of 403 square kilometers. About 700 species of plants and animals are found in this park, even 14 different species of orchids.
1. Rideau Canal
The Rideau Canal, also known as the Rideau Waterway, connects the Canadian capital Ottawa, located in the province of Ontario, with Kingston, also in Ontario, located on Lake Ontario. The canal was built by the U.S. in 1832 and still has almost its original 1832 condition. The canal system is fed by several major rivers and also lakes.
The “Canal Rideau,” as it is called in French, is the oldest continuously functioning water canal system in North America. In 2007, the Rideau Canal became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Nowadays the Rideau Canal is presented as a tourist attraction in various parks. It is also possible to travel along the beautiful waterway in boats and canoes.
