Ask anyone who’s just returned from a vacation in Canada and many of them will tell you about the craggy caves, the wandering wilderness, and the familiar fragrance of oozing cheese drizzled on top of curly fries!
Commonly labelled a haven for outdoor lovers, it isn’t hard to see why — with stretching horizons of sand-filled caverns and tropical paradises, find your element in the varying landscapes of Canada with 10 of these natural attractions:
1. Narcisse Snake Dens in Gimli, Manitoba
Although I’m (proud) to be a part of Team Hufflepuff, the Narcisse Snake Dens are no doubt a prime spot for Slytherins to gather and practice their Parseltongue! Home to a nest of slithering red-sided garter snakes, the snake dens function as a safe haven for these snakes as their numbers were dangerously low back in the 2000s. Wrecked by bad weather conditions and passing cars, the implementation of warning signs for drivers and a conservation area allowed for the snake dens to become a bustling tourist attraction. The best serpent-watching season is in May.
Narcisse Snake Dens
Address: Manitoba 17 Gimli, R0C Canada
Price: Free
Opening Hours: Open all seasons, all hours
Duration: An hour’s drive away from Winnipeg
2. Free-Spirit Spheres in Qualicum Beach, British Columbia
Don’t be startled to see hanging wooden orbs when you are trekking across the entwining forest grounds on Vancouver Island. Designed with the idea of nuts and seeds, the theme of growth is very much apparent here, as the spheres are actually houses built to grow with the ever-changing structure of the canopy. Crafted out of fibreglass and wood, the secure orbs are the perfect place for any free spirits looking for an accommodation in the heart of Mother Nature.
Free Spirit Spheres
Address: Qualicum Beach, Vancouver Island Qualicum Beach, V9K 1L3 Canada
Price: from 175 USD
Website: Free Spirit Spheres
3. The Enchanted Forest in Malakwa
The sight of a ferocious dragon peering out from the safety of towering trees is a curious sight to see, especially for those unfamiliar with the magic of the Enchanted Forest! Created in the 1950s by loving couple Doris Needham and her husband Ernest, the artists cleared out space for their hand-sculpted cement creations that were loved so much by the public that it soon became home to some 350 vibrant figurines! Today, the forest is a colourful maze, bound to tickle you pink with its eccentric family of garden gremlins.
The Enchanted Forest
Address: 7060 Trans-Canada Hwy, Revelstoke, BC V0E 2S0, Canada
Price: from 6 USD
Opening Hours: May 6th – June 30th: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, July 1st – August 31st: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm September 1st – October 10th: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Website: The Enchanted Forest
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4. Hotel de Glace in Quebec City
The elusive Hotel de Glace is a magical creation, seen only in the freezing months of winter and melting into nothingness during spring — that’s right, it’s made entirely out of ice! Built by 60 workers over one month, the only thing holding the structure together is the frozen slabs of ice carefully carved to fit a bed, some sleeping bags, furs, and blankets. If the chills are keeping you awake, head on over to the icy club for a different kind of experience, or admire works of art amidst the frozen walls here.
Hotel de Glace
Address: 1860 Boulevard Valcartier Saint-Gabriel-de-Valcartier, G0A 4S0 Canada
Price: from 350 USD
Opening Hours: Varies with the different rooms and check in times. Check website for more information.
Website: Hotel de Glace
5. Old Prison of Trois-Rivières in Trois-Rivières
Ever wondered what being a prisoner would feel like? No? Yeah, me neither, but for those who’d like to see what it’s like to be guilty without the record, visit the Old Prison, where tours of the facility are held by former inmates who will share their own experiences with you. For the truly adventurous, you can even spend the night here with a group of friends for a fee of 60 CAD (~45 USD) each, complete with breakfast, a T-shirt, and prisoner’s file, under the close supervision of a warden.
Old Prison of Trois-Rivières
Address: 200 Rue Laviolette Trois-Rivières, G9A 1T9 Canada
Price: from 12 USD
Opening Hours: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday from 11 am to 4 pm, Saturday and Sunday, 11 am to 5 pm
Website: Old prison of Trois-Rivières
6. Ivvavik National Park in Yukon
Travellers, rejoice! The Ivvavik National Park used to be one of the most expensive National Parks in Canada, but with the implementation of Parks Canada’s Basecamp, you can spend a week in the serene sights without hefty costs of a plane or expensive lodging, as transport and campsites will be provided. Soar past the gurgling Mackenzie Delta in the Twin Otter bush plane, and let the towering peaks of the mountains guide you home.
Ivvavik National Park
Address: Near Sheep Creek
Price: Free (subject to change)
Opening Hours: Only via booking
Access: Accessible only via aircraft access. Check website for more info
Website: Ivvavik National Park
7. Spot the scurrying pine martens at Muskoka and Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario
If you spot a dash of brown fur just out the corner of your eye during the snowy seasons, don’t let that fool you into thinking that it was just a plain ol’ squirrel — it was probably a pine marten! Canada’s wildlife is home to many lovable furry creatures, and one of them is this adorable little creature, also known by the name American marten. Watching the thickly furred mammal scurry from tree to tree is definitely a sight you wouldn’t want to miss!
Algonquin Provincial Park
Address: Ontario 60, Nipissing, South Part, ON K0J 2M0, Canada
Price: from 14.50 USD
Opening Hours: Varies on seasons
Website: Algonquin Provincial Park
8. Haida Gwaii Island near the North Coast of British Columbia
Wildlife watchers will be thrilled to find out about the elusive Sitka deer that roam the island freely amidst the historical carvings that decorate the place. The Haida culture is still very much alive, with friendly locals who would love to share their stories with you over a hearty meal. Explore the island’s outskirts and immerse yourself in the mystical atmosphere that Haida Gwaii Island has to offer.
Haida Gwaii Island
Address: British Columbia, Canada
Access: Book a tour to fly into the island
Website: Haida Gwaii Discovery
9. Thompson Okanagan Region in British Columbia
For outdoor enthusiasts, the thundering Helmcken Falls are a beautiful sight to start your day with. Trek up the craggy peaks of Mount Robson, the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies, with a sprawling view of star-filled skies to welcome you home. If you’re not one for rugged activities, take a stroll down the many wine trails!
Thompson Okanagan Region
Access: Accessed by Highway 97A and 97B
Website: Thompson Okanagon
10. Lake Winnipeg in Manitoba, Canada
One of the world’s largest and cleanest freshwater lakes, the magnificent Lake Winnipeg is often populated by anglers fishing for fresh walleyes, and those who are looking for sun-kissed skin amidst lush greenery. During the colder months, the entire landscape is transformed into a winter wonderland, with the occasional daredevil snowkiting across icy waters!
Lake Winnipeg
Address: Manitoba, Canada
Access: An hour drive from Winnipeg on Highway 8 north towards Gimli
Price: Free
New bucketlist for 2017: try a daring sport!
We all know how easy it is to succumb to our inner desires to just be a sloth on the couch, accompanied by bags of chips and our Netflix shows! Why not set a new resolution for yourself this year: to try something out of your comfort zone? You may just discover a new talent for snowboarding or kayaking in Canada’s wilderness!
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