5 Canadian Adventures to Add to Your Bucket List

Photo: Michel Rathwell/Flickr

Canada is an expansive place, with a wide variety of cultures, climates and landscapes to explore. It’s no wonder why Canadian travelers don’t feel they need to stray from their country to cross things off their travel bucket list.

Here are five of our top Canadian travel destinations, plus some insider tips of what to experience along the way.

Lake Louise, AB

Stephen Liu/Flickr Stephen Liu/Flickr

Lake Louise is known for being one of the most stunning lakes in the world, and it’s easy to see why. With its sparkling emerald green water and mountaintop setting, it’s truly the crown jewel of Canadian lakes.

For the ultimate in luxury getaways, don’t miss the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. With over 100 years of history nestled in the mountain peaks, the resort is a relaxing haven in the middle of an outdoor playground. In the winter, enjoy a snowshoeing tour or sleigh ride before checking into the spa, or consider a wellness retreat with yoga and meditation classes to connect with your best self.

If you’re interested in soaking up a bit of history during a summer visit, take a trip to the Rocky Mountain National Historic Site. It’s an ideal way to learn about the Indigenous fur trappers of the region and explore archaeological remains of the original forts.

Montreal, QC

Photo: Michel Rathwell/Flickr
Photo: Michel Rathwell/Flickr

Montreal is the ideal vacation for Canadian Anglophones to experience French Canadian culture in a friendly, accessible way. The walkable downtown region known as Old Montreal almost feels more European than Canadian.

Known for its vibrant nightlife and culinary scene, Montreal is the perfect city for cocktail enthusiasts and foodies. Visit the historic Dominion Square Tavern for a trip back to a 1920s cocktail lounge, where you’ll find authentic cocktails and sharable bites.

A stay in Montreal wouldn’t be complete without a stop at one of Mile End’s famous bagel bakeries. Fairmount Bagels is a family-owned institution that won’t disappoint (pro tip: they’re lined up down the block on weekends, so plan your visit on a weekday where you’ll get fast, attentive service).

Prince Edward Island

Photo: Dennis Jarvis/Flickr
Photo: Dennis Jarvis/Flickr

Prince Edward Island is a golf-lover’s haven and a must-visit on every history buff’s bucket list. The sleepy vibe of this island province provides an idyllic backdrop for a relaxing getaway. Prince Edward Island is most famously home to Canada’s beloved Anne of Green Gables, and roaming the lush green hills of Green Gables Heritage Place will truly take you back in time.

The capital city of Charlottetown is a popular destination, but travel off the beaten path to really get away from it all. Barachois Inn is a 5 star Victorian-era inn with a cozy parlour perfect for catching up on a book or chatting with other travelers from around the world. Golf enthusiasts will appreciate Rustico Resort Golf Course, less than a 30 minute drive from Charlottetown and offering a bay view from every hole on the course. While you’re in Rustico, stop by the historic lighthouse for the ideal Maritime photo opportunity.

Whitehorse, YT

Photo: Larry Lamsa/Flickr
Photo: Larry Lamsa/Flickr

Experiencing the Northern Lights is on most Canadians’ travel bucket list, and with good reason! If you haven’t seen this natural phenomenon dancing across the sky, you’re in for the trip of a lifetime in Whitehorse. For an exceptional experience of the Canadian North, book your stay at the Inn on the Lake, a Martha Stewart–approved resort that offers full service travel packages.

If you visit in the winter, adding a dog-sled tour to your stay comes highly recommended. In summer, there are walking, hiking, kayaking and canoeing opportunities geared towards a variety of experience and mobility levels. Year round, the Takhini Hot Pools provide a relaxing way to wind down after a day of traveling.

St. John’s, NL

Photo: Russ2009/Flickr
Photo: Russ2009/Flickr

St. John’s is a walker’s paradise if you aren’t easily intimidated by hills. Forgo a posh hotel in St. John’s — your best bet will be a cozy bed and breakfast in one of the city’s famous jellybean row houses.

The ideal time to visit if you’re coming to experience lobster season is in June, but if you’re comfortable with the chilly weather, April and May are perfect for iceberg spotting and storm watching. The award-winning Iceberg Quest Boat Tours leave from St. John’s harbour and are the ideal way to experience iceberg alley in the spring.

Birdwatchers will not want to miss spotting the puffins at Bonavista Peninsula, Newfoundland’s best land-based viewing location for these rare sea birds. They inhabit the cliffs of Newfoundland from May through September, but July and August are ideal for viewing these comical little sea birds. Puffins mate for life — making the viewing experience perfect with a beloved partner.

Part of enjoying a relaxing vacation means leaving your worries behind you. AlarmCare’s new user-friendly medic alert system, AlarmCare Go, provides safety and security whether you’re at home or seeking out your next bucket list travel destination.

In the event of an emergency, AlarmCare Go offers immediate contact with a response team using a live, two-way voice communicator. They’ll support you in quickly determining your situation, notifying loved ones and contacting emergency services as needed. Enjoy your freedom and independence as you travel, while maintaining the safety and security of home with AlarmCare Go.