So, spring is here and you’ve got a little bit of time and an itch to see something you’ve never seen before. Wait, we’re all stuck at home and can’t really go anywhere. Well, that’s a bummer, but that doesn’t mean we can’t dream of the places we wish we were visiting! After all, Canada has some of the most gorgeous spring destinations in the world.
So, with that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the most beautiful spring spots across our great country.
*Editor’s Note: We are not encouraging any travel at this current time as per Health Canada guidelines and recommendations. Stay home, stay safe, and add these spots to your post-COVID bucket list.
Alberta
Jasper National Park
Sitting amongst the Rockies, Jasper National Park is the less well-known Northern brother of Banff National Park. Due to its remote setting, Jasper has yet to be completely overrun by tourism, meaning that any chance you get to experience this spot will get you that much closer to nature.
Dinosaur Provincial Park
Although the Royal Tyrrell Museum is the de facto spot to look at dinosaurs, Dinosaur Provincial Park is where the fossils usually come from. This spot is the best example of Canada’s Badlands, with camping options available. As far as destinations in Canada go, this one is pretty, pretty, pretty unique.
British Columbia
Clayoquot Area
With two towns (Tofino and Ucluelet) nearby, the Clayoquot Sound is a pristine example of an old-growth seaside forest. Kayaking, hikes, and other activities are readily available, and there’s a reason why one of the best resorts in the world set up shop here.
Great Bear Rainforest
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The home of the Kermode bear, the rarest bear in the world. This black bear with a white coat is referred to as the Spirit Bear, and the current population ranges from 50 to 150. The rest of the park is stunning, but let’s be honest, we really want to spot this bear.
Ontario
Muskoka Lakes
As some of the best cottage country in Canada, Muskoka Lakes is the perfect destination for a long weekend getaway. There are spas, farmers markets, great dining options and more available in a serene setting. Your biggest problem will be figuring out why you live in a city as you drive away.
Pukaskwa National Park
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A more remote spot in Northwestern Ontario that rewards those who make the journey. Not only is it home to a healthy moose population, but you can also rent canoes for the day and explore the waterfront a little bit.
Quebec
Anticosti National Park
We were torn between this spot and Miguasha National Park, but Anticosti wins because it has a relatively easy to access a waterfall that is one of the best in the country. The Chute Vaureal drops around 250 feet before winding through a 300-foot deep canyon, which you can explore on foot.
Newfoundland/Labrador
L’Anse aux Meadows
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This 1000-year-old encampment is the only known Viking settlement in North America. Forget about John Cabot, that guy was 500 years late to the party. Fun fact- L’Anse aux Meadows represents the first time since the migration out of Africa that humans circumnavigated the globe.
Prince Edward Island
Thunder Cove Beach
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Described as ‘a desert overlooking the Atlantic ocean’, Thunder Cove Beach is home to some crazy sandstone rock formations. The best example of this is Teapot Rock, which has eroded over time to create one of the coolest beach rocks in Canada.
Manitoba
Churchill
You must have guessed that we would pick Churchill, due to our fascination with white animals. While the polar bear season doesn’t peak until the fall, you can still go kayaking during the summer and check out some belugas, another favourite of ours.
Nunavut
Sirmilik National Park
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This one is reserved for legitimate adventurers and those really looking to explore the most remote destinations in Canada. It is extremely difficult to get to, has one of the most unforgiving climates in the world, and practically requires a guide if you want to stay safe or even be allowed in. That said, it’s at the top of our list.
And there you have it! 11 of our favourite springtime destinations in Canada. Fingers crossed we’ll be hitting these spots up at some point this year!