Summertime is finally here, and with the longer days and mild nights, many people are ready to travel and take full advantage of the season. In the spirit of Canada’s 150th birthday coming up this July, here are some of our country’s most incredible places to spend some time away, with a family or on your own. At INLIV we love to explore and enjoy the great Canadian outdoors, and we particularly like to hike, bike and get some physical activity while we are at it. In a country as big and diverse as ours, there’s something for everyone – no matter what kind of experience you prefer!
1. Banff and Jasper National Parks – Alberta
No Canadian list would be complete without mention of these immensely popular national parks, situated among the Rocky Mountains of Alberta. Indescribable views of natural beauty combine with chic restaurants and accommodations, pleasing people of all ages and interests.
2. Vancouver Island – British Columbia The largest island off the west coast of North America, Vancouver Island is renowned for its mountain valleys, massive ancient forests, and historic indigenous cultures. From modern Victoria in the south, to the hip surf town of Tofino in the west, to the rainforests near Port Hardy in the north, the island has something for everyone!
3. The Badlands – Alberta
Canada is home to some of the richest fossil beds in the world, with many of them found in this strip of desert land in eastern Alberta. If you’ve got any burgeoning dinosaur hunters in the family, take the trip out to Drumheller and visit the Royal Tyrrell Museum, hike the paths through the hoodoos, and learn all about the creatures who lived here long before humans did.
4. Quebec City – Quebec A unique place where old Europe and modern Canada meet, Quebec City has centuries of history at its core, wrapped with the glitz of a 21st-century metropolis. The first permanent European settlement in Canada, its architecture and old city streets are a treat for anyone interested in Canadian history.
5. Yellowknife & Great Slave Lake – Northwest Territories
Most Canadians live within a few hundred kilometres of the southern border, and the vast expanse of the northern territories is all too often overlooked. Experience the midnight sun, the dancing vistas of the Northern Lights, untouched wilderness, and breathtaking views – all based out of the modern city of Yellowknife, on the shores of one of the biggest lakes in the world.
6. The Great Lakes – Ontario Ranging more than 1,000 km from Thunder Bay to Kingston, the Great Lakes are the largest freshwater lakes on Earth and are home to hundreds of parks, campgrounds, forests, and preserves, in addition to the towns and cities that dot the landscape. Whether you canoe the waterways of Quetico in the west, or take in Niagara Falls in the east, you can’t go wrong with a trip to some of Ontario’s best natural offerings.
7. Gros Morne National Park – Newfoundland
This park on the west coast of Newfoundland offers a glimpse into Canada’s geological history, complete with towering cliffs and unbelievable rock formations unlike those found anywhere else in the world. Hike, canoe, and cycle through the park, and then retire back to one of the nearby towns for a quaint eastern Canadian experience.
8. Prince Albert National Park – Saskatchewan This 3,900 km2 park in central Saskatchewan is home to a professional golf course, dozens of lakes with pristine beaches, rolling boreal forests, and even a herd of free-roaming plains bison! It is one of the most popular parks in Canada and offers peace and quiet, under some of the most beautiful skies you can find.
9. Halifax and Nova Scotia
Enjoy the rich and storied history of Canada’s east coast, while taking in excellent food, fishing, and picturesque drives through the countryside. From the rural inland towns, to the vibrant streets of Halifax, to the imposing walls of Louisburg, Nova Scotia should be on any Canadian’s must-see list!
10. Nunavut Feeling particularly adventurous? Pack some warm clothes and book a flight north to Iqaluit, the capital of Canada’s newest territory. At this time of year, the sun doesn’t set and there are no roads connecting communities – but if you’re the type to enjoy roughing it through the wilderness, it’s a paradise that many people will never get the chance to see.
Want more information about how you can integrate fitness into your lifestyle and vacation time?
- Find out about our customized fitness programs and how INLIV can help you get fit and enjoy the great outdoors during your travels!
- And while traveling, if you are exploring more foreign destinations, we understand that the last thing you want to worry about is your health! It’s just one more reason why at INLIV we are pleased to offer travel medicine consultations as part of our primary medical care services.
- Visit our Website and see some of our many offered services to help you take the first step towards a healthy lifestyle! You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.