Travel
There’s never been a better time to explore our backyard
Canadians are often portrayed as friendly and exceptionally polite. However, our positive demeanour should not be confused with weakness.
United States President Donald Trump has repeatedly suggested the U.S. absorb Canada as a 51st state, undermining our history and identity while threatening unjustified economic warfare. This unprecedented aggression from our closest neighbour has united Canadians across the political and cultural spectrum, stoking an intense patriotic reaction. Yes, we live in the shadow of a powerful, fragmenting empire, but we are “the True North strong and free.” For the U.S., not much will be gained from disrespecting a country of proud, diverse and capable people with world-class talent and access to abundant resources. Canada also has a staggering array of unique destinations and activities to satiate all recreational interests. If you’ve long dreamed of having an iconic experience over the border, now is the time to explore and support uniquely Canadian attractions, products, businesses and destinations.
Two towering buildings offer panoramic views over vast commercial and cultural hubs that sprawl beneath them. Both have restaurants and viewing decks and welcome a steady stream of tourist traffic. Yet, the CN Tower, the tallest free-standing structure in the western hemisphere, is almost 120 metres taller, less crowded, and offers surprising experiences like a knee-buckling glass floor and the thrilling outdoor Edgewalk.
Visitors across the U.S. border search for a view of Niagara Falls that you can only get in Canada. They’ll have to visit our side to witness the spectacle of all three waterfalls (Horseshoe, American and Bridal Veil) crashing into the misty canyon below. The Canadian side also has better hotels, more diverse dining and activity options, and the vibrant Clifton Hill entertainment district.
All national parks are incomparable, but before heading south to Yellowstone, Canadians should first experience the turquoise lakes, snow-capped peaks, glaciers, wildlife, and buzzing mountain communities in the Canadian Rockies. Alpine scenery simply doesn’t get any better. The parks are linked by the Icefields Parkway, easily one of the most beautiful highways on the planet, and since Banff and Jasper are connected, there’s almost double the terrain to pursue backcountry outdoor bliss on foot, skis or even horseback.
Although Fisherman’s Wharf hosts an active fishing fleet, clam chowder, historic vessels, and museums, Vancouver’s Granville Island is arguably the better attraction. As the most popular public market in Canada, Granville is home to galleries and craft studios, cultural spaces, exceptional dining, and a launch-pad for kayak or boating adventures. If you’re chasing history, a short walk on the beautiful seawall ushers you to the Vancouver Maritime Museum, and if you’re looking for chowder or fresh-off-the-boat fish, restaurants on the island have you covered. While we’re comparing Vancouver to San Francisco, did you know that Vancouver’s Lions Gate Bridge was originally designed to be a more striking equivalent to the Golden Gate Bridge?
History is restored and on full display in both these urban UNESCO World Heritage Sites, but only one is located on the mainland of North America. Enclosed within its original wall, Old Quebec City has the iconic Chateau Frontenac, eclectic boutiques, and some of the best French cuisine on the continent. Depending on who you speak to, it’s also the birthplace of poutine. San Juan is beautiful too, but Canadian and Quebecois history thrives in Quebec City, which also happens to be a lot more romantic.
Travellers are always drawn to unique natural wonders, and these are two of the biggest on the continent. Millions of years of geological history is found in the Grand Canyon, accessed by hiking trails, rafting adventures, and various lookout points. The parched desert can wait. This summer, choose the stunning coastal beauty in the Bay of Fundy instead, discovering a sweeping Atlantic coastline, sea caves, unique flowerpot rock formations, and gorgeous coastal drives. If you’re chasing a bucket list hiking or rafting adventure in Arizona, look instead to the Fundy Footpath in New Brunswick or rafting a tidal wave in Nova Scotia.
The two largest shopping complexes in North America are more than just retail destinations, they include amusement parks, aquariums and entertainment hubs. Minnesota’s Mall of America is bigger in space, but the West Edmonton Mall in Alberta has more stores and attractions, including a massive indoor waterpark and two on-site hotels (including the themed Fantasyland). For shopaholics, West Edmonton Mall is significantly cheaper on the dollar and there’s no provincial sales tax.
We want to see the forest and the trees, especially the very big ones. Before visiting the towering redwoods in California, consider the massive old-growth Douglas fir, Western hemlocks, and Western redcedar trees in Cathedral Grove-MacMillan Provincial Park on Vancouver Island. The walking trails beneath these giants, some as old as 800 years old, have been wowing visitors for over a century. More old-growth marvels can be found on the island inside the protected Avatar Grove outside of Port Renfrew. Neither has you exiting through a gift shop.
Some hikes enjoy mythical status for outdoor lovers. Certainly, this is the case with the Appalachian Trail, which stretches over three thousand kilometres across 14 U.S. states. For Canadians, the 75-kilometre-long West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island is more rugged and arguably more beautiful. If the West Coast Trail is too intense, put the 336-kilometre-long East Coast Trail on your bucket list. You can take on the whole trail or simply explore Newfoundland’s gorgeous Avalon Peninsula through a string of curated day hikes. Dramatic cliffs, sweeping ocean, delicious seafood and unique Atlantic hospitality make the East Coast Trail a legend all its own.
Ottawa and Washington DC are as different and distinct as Canada and the U.S. No proud Canadian should be visiting Washington before exploring Ottawa, where there are things to do in every season. As a seat of politics, touring Ottawa’s Parliament Hill is both fascinating and inspiring. The Museum of History, National Gallery, Museum of War, Museum of Nature and other attractions throughout the city are all world-class, emphasizing Canada’s deep contribution to global culture and natural history. You can also visit the galleries and exhibits at Canadian Geographic’s home at 50 Sussex Drive, overlooking the Ottawa River.
Mardi Gras is a traditional climax of feasting and revelry before the onset of Lent, celebrated worldwide but most famously in Brazil and New Orleans. It’s also when the world’s largest winter carnival kicks off in Quebec City, the city abuzz in night parades, ice-canoe contests, musical performances, cultural spectacles and attractions like the ice hotel. Far more family-friendly than the boozy French Quarter, Winter Carnaval is a true celebration of winter magic and an enduring symbol of Canada’s icy resilience.
Travel
Canadian Geographic’s Bucket Listed columnist Robin Esrock explores domestic tourism, national pride and the evolution of Canadian travel in the third edition of his bestselling book, The Great Canadian Bucket List
Travel
Get inspired for the holidays with this all-Canadian gift guide — from heated gloves to alpine gear, skincare and go-anywhere luggage
Travel
Un nouveau mouvement créateur de pôles touristiques florissants dans tout le Canada – la durabilité, un exemple à la fois
Travel
With the second edition of his national bestseller, Bucket Listed columnist Robin Esrock adds new adventures to timeless experiences in British Columbia and Alberta