Canada is a country where the vastness of nature is on display. Given its huge size, you’ll find rugged coastlines that hug both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, as well as soaring high peaks in the Rockies, and natural habitats of 80,000 different animal and plant species. Due to the staggering amount of natural diversity that Canada has to offer, it has cemented itself as one of the premier destinations in the world for nature tourism.
Canada’s Attractiveness as a Travel Destination
People travel from all over the world to get a taste of Canada’s natural beauty, and this is true all throughout the year. In the summer months, you can hike vast alpine terrain or paddle on calm lakes under constant blue skies. When the winter hits, those same regions transform into world-class skiing and snowboarding locations.
Canada’s focus on sustainability has further enhanced its status as a tourist destination. The country takes conservation seriously, and this includes working with local and indigenous communities. The goal is to share Canada’s beauty with visitors, but only if this is done in a responsible way and that the pristine environments remain preserved.
Ease of accessibility is a big part of this, too. For example, searching eDreams flights to Canada will yield not just the best flights available, but options across many airlines and different cities within Canada. Given its closeness to major national parks, Vancouver could be a good choice for one type of traveler, while Toronto would make more sense for those looking to focus on Niagara Falls and the Great Lakes.
Canada’s Key National Parks
Canada has a number of national parks that are worth a visit, each offering something a bit different. One that you absolutely cannot miss is Banff National Park, Canada’s first national park. Located in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta, its history goes back all the way to 1885. This is where you’ll find turquoise glacial lakes at places like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, as well as have a chance to see wildlife as varied as elk, bears, and bighorn sheep.
If you head further north, Jasper National Park is a good choice. One of the main appeals here is the contrasts. It has huge areas that are largely untamed, as well as peaceful grasslands, and even canyons that were carved out in the Ice Age. The naturally occurring Miette Hot Springs is very popular among visitors, as is Spirit Island, a tiny island off the stunning Maligne Lake.
On the eastern edge of Canada sits Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland and Labrador. This park rose to prominence due to its geology, and it was so impressive that it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If the rare geological wonders don’t appeal to you very much, it’s still a great place to hike and stargaze. The very best thing to do, though, is to get out on the water and explore by boat. If you look up photos of the Western Brook Pond, you’ll understand exactly why.
Over in British Columbia is the next park worth talking about: Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. The unique thing about this park is that it straddles both land and sea ecosystems. You can spend your time here both in temperate rainforests and on sandy beaches. This is the perfect spot for animal lovers if you time your trip right. Gray whales pass through this area during their migration season, and generally between March and April is the best time to sight them.
Further inland, but still in British Columbia, you’ll find Yoho National Park. This park is just a couple of hours away from Calgary, and its main attraction is the incredible Takakkaw Falls. This is where water from the Daly Glacier falls over cliff faces, forming some of the best waterfalls in Canada. This park is another that has been awarded with UNESCO World Heritage status. It’s the home of the Burgess Shale Formation which contains fossils that date back over 500 million years to the Cambrian era.
The Best Wilderness Destinations in Canada
Beyond national parks, there are many more destinations throughout Canada that should be on the radar of any wilderness lover. The Great Bear Rainforest is one example. It stretches along British Columbia’s coast and is home to the rare Spirit Bear, a species of black bear that has white fur. The Spirit Bear has a deep spiritual significance to the indigenous communities in the area. In fact, the Spirit Bear Coffee Company got its name from this significance and is proud to be Canada’s first national indigenous-owned coffee company.
The Muskwa-Kechika Management Area is another good destination. To give you an example of what it’s like, this region is often referred to as “the Serengeti of the North.” As you can imagine, this is one of the best places for those looking to catch a wide variety of wildlife in their natural habitats. Along with many different species of birds, this area is home to grizzly bears, herds of caribou, and wolves.
Over in Canada’s northeast is one of the country’s most remote mountain ranges: The Torngat Mountains. Located in Newfoundland and Labrador, this region has a strong historical significance to the Inuit people who have lived here for thousands of years. Visitors here are strongly encouraged to travel with local guides, given the high chance of encountering polar bears.
For those into winter adventure sports or hiking and mountaineering in the warmer months, Alberta and British Columbia’s Canadian Rockies are a must. Hiking, camping, fishing, skiing, snowboarding, and ice climbing are just some of the things that you can do here. The Rockies offer a great opportunity for wildlife viewing, too. Elk, moose, and deer are common, as are smaller mammals like beavers and otters. Bears, cougars, and wolves live here, as well, although they are much more elusive than the others mentioned.
Up in the north of the country, you’ll find the Boreal Forest, another extremely impressive wilderness region. These forests stretch such a long distance that they make up almost one-third of the entire world’s forests. All sorts of different animals live here, including bison, moose, caribou, and bears. It also serves as an important breeding ground for many types of migratory birds.
Perhaps the most impressive thing about the Boreal Forest is its ability to act as a carbon sink. This means that it can absorb very large amounts of carbon dioxide, making it an important tool in the fight for a healthier climate. In addition to all of that, the Boreal Forest region is among your best chances to witness the Northern Lights in Canada. That alone makes it worth the trip.
If you’re still looking for more, consider the Queen Charlotte Islands. This is an archipelago off the British Columbia coast that comprises over 150 different islands. This is one of the best fishing spots in the country, with fishermen regularly catching salmon weighing over 50 pounds. Something else that’s interesting is that the ancient rainforests found here evolved separately from the mainland, which resulted in insular ecosystems being formed. These ecosystems are very unique and are not something you can find anywhere else.
It’s difficult to think of any other country that has the same level of natural wonders as Canada does. You get extremely varied types of wilderness experiences in different parts of the country, and this changes again depending on the time of year. If you love travel and nature, Canada absolutely has to be on your bucket list.
