Canada is filled with bucket-list attractions for lovers of nature and the great outdoors. Here are 20 of the best natural wonders to see in Canada, perfect for adventurous Canadians.
Moraine Lake, Alberta
While Lake Louise has had its fair share of limelight, just south lies the less crowded (and arguably more beautiful) Moraine Lake. Nestled in the rugged Valley of Ten Peaks, this vivid turquoise lake is the centerpiece amid jagged mountains, waterfalls, and rock piles. Its stunning color is the result of “rock flour,” created by rocks grinding underneath ice as the nearby glacier moves. When the fine flour reaches the lake, it reflects sunlight to produce an unreal shade of blue.
For adventurers, Moraine Lake offers a variety of activities. Hiking trails such as the Moraine Lake Shoreline Trail provide easy access to breathtaking views. More experienced hikers might opt for the challenging Sentinel Pass or Larch Valley trails, both offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Canoeing on Moraine Lake is another popular activity, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the lake’s unique color and serene environment. Photographers will find endless opportunities to capture the lake’s beauty, especially at sunrise when the light casts a magical glow on the water.
Aurora Borealis, Yukon
Thanks to a phenomenon where the sun’s electrically charged particles collide with gases in Earth’s atmosphere to create a glow, parts of Canada are often treated to a display of purple, green, blue, and red ribbons streaming across the night sky. The aurora borealis (aka Northern Lights) can be seen in many countries, but Canada’s proximity to the North Pole and the particularly dark, clear skies in the Yukon, Nunavut, and the Northwest Territories intensify the spectacle.
For those looking to experience this natural wonder, the best time to visit is between late August and mid-April. The Yukon offers numerous viewing spots, with Whitehorse and the surrounding areas being particularly popular. Many tour operators provide Northern Lights tours, complete with cozy lodges and expert guides who can enhance your understanding of this celestial phenomenon. Besides the aurora, winter activities in the Yukon include dog sledding, snowmobiling, and ice fishing, making it a comprehensive adventure destination.
Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland and Labrador
Gros Morne National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning geological features, including the Tablelands, where the Earth’s mantle is exposed. The park’s dramatic landscapes include fjords, waterfalls, and towering cliffs, making it a paradise for hikers and nature lovers.
Visitors to Gros Morne can explore the park through various hiking trails, such as the Green Gardens Trail, which offers coastal views and lush meadows, or the challenging Gros Morne Mountain Trail, which rewards hikers with sweeping vistas from the summit. Boat tours on Western Brook Pond allow you to see the impressive fjords up close, with their sheer cliffs rising from the deep waters. Wildlife enthusiasts will find plenty to admire, from moose and caribou to a variety of seabirds. In winter, the park transforms into a snowy wonderland, perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Nahanni National Park Reserve, Northwest Territories
Nahanni National Park Reserve is famous for its breathtaking Virginia Falls, which are twice the height of Niagara Falls. The park also features deep river canyons, hot springs, and limestone caves, providing endless opportunities for exploration and adventure.
Rafting or canoeing down the South Nahanni River is a popular way to experience the park’s dramatic landscapes, with trips ranging from a few days to several weeks. Along the way, adventurers can stop at Virginia Falls, where a short hike offers different perspectives of this magnificent waterfall. The park’s remote location means it is largely untouched, providing a pristine wilderness experience. For those who prefer land-based activities, there are several hiking trails, such as the challenging climb up Sunblood Mountain, offering panoramic views of the park.
Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia
The Bay of Fundy is renowned for having the highest tides in the world. This natural wonder is a must-visit for kayakers, hikers, and anyone interested in witnessing the dramatic tidal changes that expose and submerge vast stretches of ocean floor.
One of the best ways to experience the Bay of Fundy is by visiting Hopewell Rocks, where you can walk on the ocean floor during low tide and kayak around the towering rock formations at high tide. The Fundy Footpath is a challenging multi-day hike along the rugged coastline, offering stunning views and a chance to experience the dramatic tides firsthand. Whale watching tours operate in the bay, providing the opportunity to see humpback, minke, and fin whales, as well as playful dolphins and seals. For a more relaxed experience, drive along the Fundy Coastal Drive, which offers numerous scenic viewpoints and charming coastal communities.
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Jasper National Park, Alberta
Jasper National Park, the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, is a haven for wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts. With its expansive landscapes, including glaciers, hot springs, lakes, and mountains, Jasper offers endless opportunities for adventure, from hiking and climbing to stargazing in one of the world’s largest dark sky preserves.
Adventurers can explore Jasper through a variety of activities. Hiking trails like the Sulphur Skyline Trail and the Valley of the Five Lakes offer stunning views and a chance to see the park’s diverse flora and fauna. For those interested in water activities, Maligne Lake provides opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and boat tours to Spirit Island, one of the most photographed spots in Canada. In winter, the park transforms into a haven for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice climbing. Jasper’s designation as a dark sky preserve also makes it an excellent spot for stargazing and astrophotography.
Churchill, Manitoba
Known as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World,” Churchill is a unique destination where you can observe polar bears in their natural habitat. Additionally, Churchill’s position beneath the auroral oval makes it one of the best places in Canada to view the Northern Lights.
Visitors to Churchill can take guided tours in specially designed tundra buggies that allow for safe and close-up encounters with polar bears. The peak season for polar bear viewing is October and November, when the bears gather near the shore waiting for the sea ice to form. Besides polar bears, Churchill is also known for its beluga whale population, which can be seen in the Churchill River during the summer months. The town’s remote location and clear skies make it an excellent spot for Northern Lights viewing, with tours available to take you to the best viewing locations.
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Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, British Columbia
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, located on Vancouver Island, is famous for its rugged coastline, lush rainforests, and the stunning Long Beach. It’s a popular spot for surfing, hiking, and whale watching, offering a perfect blend of adventure and natural beauty.
Surfing enthusiasts flock to Long Beach, known for its consistent waves and beautiful setting. For those who prefer to stay on land, the park offers numerous hiking trails, such as the Rainforest Trail, which winds through ancient temperate rainforest, and the challenging West Coast Trail, a multi-day trek along the rugged coastline. Whale watching tours operate from nearby Tofino and Ucluelet, offering the chance to see gray whales, orcas, and humpback whales. The park’s coastal setting also makes it a great place for sea kayaking, with numerous islands and inlets to explore.
Athabasca Sand Dunes, Saskatchewan
The Athabasca Sand Dunes, the largest active sand dunes in Canada, stretch for over 100 kilometers along the south shore of Lake Athabasca. This unique landscape is home to rare plant species and offers a surreal experience for those willing to explore its vast, sandy expanses.
Access to the dunes is challenging, typically requiring a floatplane or boat trip, making it an ideal destination for adventurous travelers seeking solitude and unspoiled natural beauty. Once there, visitors can hike the dunes, marveling at the ever-changing landscape and the unique flora that has adapted to this harsh environment. The nearby lake offers opportunities for fishing and boating, providing a refreshing contrast to the arid dunes. The area is also rich in Indigenous history, with opportunities to learn about the traditional ways of life and cultural significance of the region.
Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Dinosaur Provincial Park is known for its rich fossil beds and striking badlands scenery. Visitors can hike through the park’s otherworldly landscapes and even participate in guided fossil hunts.
The park offers several interpretive trails, such as the Badlands Trail and the Fossil Hunters’ Trail, where visitors can learn about the area’s geological history and see real dinosaur fossils embedded in the rock. Guided tours provide a deeper understanding of the park’s significance and often include access to areas not open to the general public. For a truly unique experience, consider joining a paleontology dig, where you can help uncover ancient fossils. The park’s visitor center features informative exhibits and displays, making it an excellent starting point for your adventure.
Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia
The Cabot Trail is a scenic drive that loops around the northern tip of Cape Breton Island, offering some of the most spectacular coastal views in Canada. The trail passes through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, where dramatic cliffs, lush forests, and abundant wildlife await adventurous travelers.
Driving the Cabot Trail is an adventure in itself, with numerous lookouts and hiking trails along the way. The Skyline Trail is particularly popular, offering breathtaking views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the surrounding highlands. Other activities along the trail include whale watching tours, where you can see humpback, minke, and pilot whales, as well as various seabirds. The area is also rich in Acadian and Gaelic culture, with opportunities to experience traditional music, dance, and cuisine in the local communities.
Kluane National Park and Reserve, Yukon
Kluane National Park and Reserve is home to Canada’s highest peak, Mount Logan, and the largest ice fields outside the polar regions. This remote wilderness area offers incredible opportunities for mountaineering, glacier trekking, and wildlife viewing.
For those seeking adventure, Kluane offers numerous hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging multi-day treks. The King’s Throne Trail provides spectacular views of Kathleen Lake and the surrounding mountains, while the Donjek Route offers a more challenging backcountry experience. Glacier flights provide a unique perspective of the park’s vast ice fields and towering peaks. Wildlife enthusiasts can expect to see Dall sheep, mountain goats, grizzly bears, and a variety of bird species. The park’s remote location means it remains largely unspoiled, offering a true wilderness experience.
Haida Gwaii, British Columbia
Haida Gwaii, an archipelago off the coast of British Columbia, is rich in Indigenous culture and natural beauty. The islands are known for their ancient rainforests, diverse wildlife, and the historic Haida villages with their iconic totem poles.
Visitors to Haida Gwaii can explore Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, known for its stunning landscapes and cultural heritage sites. Guided tours offer insights into the history and traditions of the Haida people, with visits to ancient village sites such as SGang Gwaay, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring well-preserved totem poles and longhouses. Outdoor activities include hiking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing, with opportunities to see bald eagles, black bears, and sea lions. The islands’ rich marine environment also makes it an excellent spot for fishing and whale watching.
Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario
Algonquin Provincial Park, one of Ontario’s most famous parks, offers a quintessential Canadian wilderness experience with its dense forests, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife. Canoeing, camping, and hiking are popular activities in this vast park.
The park’s extensive network of canoe routes allows for multi-day trips through its interconnected lakes and rivers, providing a true backcountry experience. Popular hiking trails include the Mizzy Lake Trail, which offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, and the Lookout Trail, which provides stunning panoramic views of the park’s landscape. Algonquin is also known for its excellent fishing, with numerous lakes and streams teeming with trout and bass. In winter, the park offers snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and even dog sledding, making it a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
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Bruce Peninsula National Park, Ontario
Bruce Peninsula National Park is located on a rugged limestone peninsula that extends into Lake Huron. The park is known for its dramatic cliffs, clear turquoise waters, and the famous Grotto, a stunning sea cave that attracts visitors from across the country.
Hiking the Bruce Trail offers spectacular views of the park’s coastline, with the Georgian Bay shoreline providing numerous opportunities for swimming and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters. The Grotto, accessible via the Georgian Bay Trail, is a must-visit, with its turquoise waters and impressive rock formations. For those interested in camping, the park offers both frontcountry and backcountry sites, allowing for a range of experiences from easy access to more remote, wilderness settings. The park’s diverse ecosystems are home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, foxes, and numerous bird species, making it a great destination for nature lovers.
Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia
Cape Breton Highlands National Park is known for its stunning highlands and coastal scenery. The park’s famous Skyline Trail offers breathtaking views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, making it a must-visit for hikers and photographers.
The Cabot Trail, which runs through the park, is one of Canada’s most scenic drives, offering numerous lookouts and hiking trailheads along the way. In addition to the Skyline Trail, other popular hikes include the Franey Trail, which provides sweeping views of the Clyburn River Canyon, and the Middle Head Trail, which offers coastal vistas and the chance to see seabirds and seals. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including moose, bald eagles, and whales, which can often be seen from the shore or on guided boat tours. For a unique experience, consider camping in one of the park’s backcountry sites, where you can enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility of the highlands.
Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, Quebec
This marine park is located at the confluence of the Saguenay River and the St. Lawrence River, making it one of the best places in Canada for whale watching. Belugas, minke whales, and humpback whales are commonly spotted in these nutrient-rich waters.
Visitors can explore the park through guided boat tours, which offer the best chance of seeing the diverse marine life. Kayaking tours provide a more intimate experience, allowing you to paddle alongside whales and seals in the calm waters of the fjord. The park also features numerous hiking trails, such as the Sentier du Fjord, which offers stunning views of the Saguenay Fjord and the surrounding cliffs. The nearby town of Tadoussac is a popular base for exploring the park, with charming accommodations and a rich history as one of the oldest continuously inhabited European settlements in North America.
Riding Mountain National Park, Manitoba
Riding Mountain National Park offers a unique mix of prairie, boreal forest, and deciduous forest ecosystems. The park is a haven for wildlife, including bison, elk, and black bears, and offers excellent hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
The park’s extensive trail system includes options for all levels, from easy walks like the Lake Audy Trail, where you can see the park’s bison herd, to more challenging hikes like the Bald Hill Trail, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. For water-based activities, Clear Lake is perfect for swimming, kayaking, and fishing. The park also offers excellent birdwatching, with over 260 species recorded. Winter activities include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing, making Riding Mountain a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
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Fathom Five National Marine Park, Ontario
Fathom Five National Marine Park is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, underwater shipwrecks, and unique rock formations like the iconic Flowerpot Island. The park is a paradise for scuba divers, snorkelers, and kayakers.
Exploring the park’s underwater attractions is a highlight, with over 20 shipwrecks to discover. Divers and snorkelers can see the well-preserved remains of these historic vessels, some of which date back to the 19th century. Kayaking around Flowerpot Island allows visitors to see the island’s unique rock formations, including the famous sea stacks that resemble flowerpots. The island also features several hiking trails, such as the loop trail that takes you past caves, forests, and scenic lookouts. For those interested in camping, Flowerpot Island offers backcountry camping, providing a unique and secluded experience. The park’s visitor center in Tobermory offers exhibits and information about the park’s natural and cultural history, making it a great starting point for your adventure.
For Canadian adventurers, these natural attractions offer a lifetime of exploration and discovery, showcasing the breathtaking beauty and diverse landscapes of our vast country.
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