Happy Canada Day!
Today, our country is 157 years young and beautiful!
I have been fortunate enough to see a lot of my country, yet in all its vastness, not nearly enough! From living in the GTA and being familiar with Toronto, to exploring 9/10 provinces, I've been able to see more than many.
If you are a first time visitor to Canada, or even a Canadian yourself that has never ventured out too far from where you live, here is a coles notes version of some must see destinations and landmarks in this incredible country (And yes, I included 1 per province, and even 3 for the territories. They are far north but deserve to be noticed!)
Here we go from West to East!
Provinces:
1. British Columbia: Vancouver - A vibrant city surrounded by mountains and ocean, offering Stanley Park, Granville Island, and diverse cultural experiences.
2. Alberta: Banff National Park - Known for its stunning Rocky Mountain scenery, turquoise lakes like Lake Louise, and outdoor activities year-round.
3. Saskatchewan: Saskatoon - A lively city on the South Saskatchewan River, known for its beautiful riverfront parks, vibrant arts scene, and local cuisine.
4. Manitoba: Winnipeg - The capital city with attractions like The Forks, Manitoba Museum, and Assiniboine Park, offering rich cultural experiences and outdoor adventures.
5. Ontario: Toronto - Canada's largest city known for the CN Tower, diverse neighborhoods like Kensington Market, and cultural institutions such as the Royal Ontario Museum.
6. Quebec: Quebec City - A charming city with European flair, featuring historic Old Quebec, Château Frontenac, and a vibrant cultural scene.
7. New Brunswick: Fundy National Park - Known for its dramatic Bay of Fundy coastline, featuring the highest tides in the world and beautiful coastal hiking trails.
8. Nova Scotia: Halifax - A historic port city known for its maritime heritage, lively waterfront, Citadel Hill, and proximity to scenic coastal drives like the Cabot Trail.
9. Prince Edward Island: Charlottetown - The capital city known for its colonial architecture, Victoria Row, and connections to the story of Anne of Green Gables.
10. Newfoundland and Labrador: Gros Morne National Park - A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning fjords, dramatic landscapes, and hiking trails amidst the Tablelands.
Territories
11. Yukon: Whitehorse - The capital city surrounded by wilderness, offering outdoor adventures like hiking, canoeing on the Yukon River, and cultural experiences at the MacBride Museum.
12. Northwest Territories: Yellowknife - A northern city known for its aurora borealis viewing opportunities, Great Slave Lake, and unique cultural experiences with Indigenous communities.
13. Nunavut: Iqaluit - The capital city located on Baffin Island, offering insights into Inuit culture, outdoor activities like dog sledding, and Arctic wildlife viewing opportunities.
This is by no means anywhere near a comprehensive list list. In fact, if I had gone to write about all the off the beaten path place, you'd be reading for days! Perhaps a post for another time; but these destinations across Canada's provinces and territories showcase the country's diverse landscapes, rich history, and unique cultural experiences, making them ideal for travelers seeking exploration and adventure.
My hope for you is that one day you get to see as many corners of our great land in your lifetime (and of course, I'll be here every step of the way to help you plan your adventures from east to west).
Happy Travels!
