Special from Booking.com
Canada is easily one of the world’s most beautiful countries in the world, with Canadians being spoiled with natural wonders across the nation that they may not even be aware of – until now. Recent data by Booking.com has found that younger generations in Canada, specifically Generation Z, are more interested in exploring their own backyard than ever before, with almost half (48%) agreeing that domestic travel helps them to learn and discover more about themselves.
So, whether you’re looking to learn more about this big beautiful country we call home, or are part of the nearly two-thirds (65%) of Canadian travellers that see travel as the perfect way to spend free time, here is the best of Canada’s natural beauty according to global travellers.
LʼAnse-Saint-Jean, Quebec
Looking out onto the Saguenay Fjord, the village of L’Anse-Saint-Jean is an eclectic collection of early 19th-century wooden houses that form an ideal base for exploring some of Canada’s most remarkable scenery. The 146mile-long, glacier-cut fjord itself is bordered by dense forestry and mountains and cliffs of mighty proportions, where hiking guarantees sensational views. You can also sea kayak or take a sailing or sightseeing cruise, in which you will learn about local legends and the history of the French-Canadian villages that line the banks of the fjord. The area’s Parc National du Fjord du Saguenay is also relatively undiscovered by tourists, so you can expect peaceful and grandiose scenery. Check into the village’s most highly rated accommodation, holiday home l’Anse de tabatière.
Hope, British Columbia
Hope is a delightful little town built at the base of the Cascade Mountains and the confluence of the Fraser and Coquihalla Rivers. The area has several must-see natural monuments; start with Hell’s Gate, where the Fraser River narrows and forces the olive green water through a narrow gap in the grey granite cliffs, creating a fearsome torrential rapid. Then there’s Hope Slide, the jagged remains of a landslide that brought down half of a mountain called Johnson’s Peak in 1965. For a more mellow afternoon in nature, Kawkawa Lake is a popular spot for a picnic, where you can swim, boat and sunbathe where the pristine water is backed by mountains that are tinted blue in the sun’s shadow. Evergreen B&B is a great place to put up your feet after a day outdoors, with its fireplace, huge beds and plush throws.
Niagara Falls, Ontario
Niagara Falls has been a tourist attraction for over 200 years. The beautiful falls are approximately 12,000 years old, with a height of 57 metres from top to bottom. Most people think Niagara Falls is just one giant waterfall, but there are actually three in total – the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and the Canadian (Horseshoe) Falls. There’s so much more to Niagara than one of the most spectacular Natural Wonders of the world. During your visit, stop by Bird Kingdom Niagara Falls with the littles ones – the world’s largest free-flying indoor aviary, or wine country for the adults. Stay cozy in Ellis House Bed & Breakfast, located downtown Niagara Falls, within walking distance of many main attractions.
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
The capital of the Northwest Territories, Yellowknife is one of the world’s best places to see the northern lights, aka aurora borealis, with this dazzling celestial display appearing pretty much throughout the year (though around the fall and spring equinoxes is prime viewing time). This remote, former mining town also provides access to one of Canada’s largest wildernesses. Explore vast regions of tundra – the Oxbow Trail provides astounding vistas of the Great Slave Lake (the deepest lake in North America) – and spot wildlife like caribou, bears and wolves grazing around the rivers and waterfalls. For a stellar vantage point for the northern lights, stay at the scenic Mabuhay Lakeside Manor.
Jasper, Alberta
Jasper is a small, friendly and sustainable community set in the natural splendor of Jasper National Park. Extending over 11,000 square kilometres, Jasper National Park is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, and part of UNESCO world heritage site. Jasper is centrally located within driving distance to the scenic YOHO National Park, Elk Island and Banff National Park, and welcomes approximately 2 million visitors to the park every year. Top attractions include riding the Jasper Skytram over Whistler mountain – if you’re brave enough, hike up the mountain, then take the tram down. Also enjoyed by tourists is the popular Miette Hot Springs. Overlook the mountains at Bon Homme View, within walking distance to the town’s many restaurants.
