5 places in Canada to check off your bucket list
Dreaming of exploring new places? You don’t have to travel far from home to find them – some of the world’s most beautiful destinations are right in your backyard! From the dramatic mountains of Gros Morne National Park to the picturesque seaside promenades of Vancouver and the unique landscapes of Fogo Island, Canada is home to endless marvels. We put together a list of just five of our favourite places in the Great White North that you’ll want to add to your bucket list.
Want to explore Canada this summer? Choose from a range of convenient flights, hotel and car rental options.
St. John’s charming downtown area is known for its colourful houses overlooking St. John’s Harbour. Just down the coast from the scenic downtown region is the Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site. Built in 1836, the lighthouse is perched on a cliff and is the most eastern point in Canada. The best time to visit this historic lighthouse in the late afternoon so you can catch the gorgeous sunset over the glimmering waters of the Atlantic!
Just a short drive from Deer Lake, Newfoundland, is the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gros Morne National Park. The park’s dramatic cliffs, picturesque waterfalls and serene fjords were shaped over hundreds of millions of years and look like a scene straight out of Lord of the Rings. You’ll definitely want to add hiking along the park’s trails to your bucket list!
Surrounded by the majestic Rockies on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other, Vancouver is one of Canada’s most famous and most beautiful – cities. Vancouver combines the best of both downtown living and outdoor adventure, where charming boutiques and world-class restaurants are just steps from the mountains and the ocean coast. Stanley Park is a 400-acre park in the heart of downtown and is a must-see for any visit to Vancouver. Or, if you want to explore further, rent a car and drive up the scenic Sea-to-Sky highway to discover Whistler and the mountains or hike at one of the many beautiful parks along the way. You can also spend a beautiful day on Vancouver Island, which is only a ferry ride away from the city.
Toronto is a well-known culinary, cultural and nightlife hotspot, with famous Torontonians making it one of North America’s most popular cosmopolitan destinations. Indulge in a range of world-class culinary experiences across the city and taste dishes from every part of the world (thanks to Toronto’s diverse blend of cultures). In the evenings, hit up one of the city’s rooftop patios to toast to the 6ix or ride up the CN Tower for sweeping views of the skyline and Lake Ontario. If you want to venture out of the city, consider renting a car and driving up to the Niagara Region for a wine tasting or to visit the world-famous Niagara Falls.
The charming town of Gander in Newfoundland rose to fame with the Broadway-hit musical Come From Away, based on the true story of locals who helped over 7,000 stranded passengers in the aftermath of an unprecedented crisis. Gander is also a great starting point to explore Newfoundland’s unique coastal landscapes on a road trip. One of the places you can head to from Gander is the famous Fogo Island, just a drive and a ferry ride away! The small island is popular for its scenic hiking trails and fascinating history dating back hundreds of years.