Canada is known for its stunning beauty, with majestic landscapes, rich history, and warm people. It is a great place to visit for people looking for adventure, thrill and unforgettable experiences, and boasts natural wonders from coast to coast.
The world’s second largest country boasts iconic landmarks such as Niagara Falls, Banff National Park with its soaring mountain peaks, and the charming east coast. These make Canada a noteworthy destination that enthralls both visitors and those lucky enough to call the Great White North home.
Here are some of Canada’s best-kept secrets and attractions that provide visitors with unique experiences and breathtaking views.
Famous Canadian landmarks:
The CN Tower
The CN Tower is in the heart of Toronto, Canada, and an architectural marvel. The building offers a panoramic view of the city from 1815 feet up, and also has a high-speed elevator and observation area.
Stand on the glass platform that looks straight down to the pavement below, or enjoy dinner at the rotating 360 Restaurant to see Toronto from every angle as you dine.
This is one place where thrill-seeking visitors tour as they search for a memorable adventure.
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls ranks as one of the majestic natural wonders of the world, known for its thunderous roar and powerful cascades. The mist that rises from the falls blankets the area, giving it an enchanting ambiance.
There are plenty of fun things to do in Niagara Falls, like going on a zipline, a helicopter ride over the falls, a boat ride to get up close to the spray, and Journey Behind the Falls where guests get to walk right beside them.
After taking a quick elevator ride that descends through 150 feet of bedrock, you’ll emerge into a dimly-lit tunnel which was carved out in the 1800s, and leads straight towards the rushing water. There are a couple of turnouts along the pathway where you can peek out at the white sheet of water that pours down from Horseshoe Falls at an incredible 65 kilometres per hour.
For an adrenaline rush that will get you up close and personal with the waves, book a ride on the Whirlpool Jet Boat which is one of the most fun Niagara activities. The 45-minute adventure goes into the heart of the Niagara River’s Whirlpool area, where you’ll tackle churning class 4 and 5 whitewater rapids head-on in a jet boat.
Niagara Falls is also famous for its nightlife and casinos; you can read more about Villento Casino and other options available for entertainment while in Canada.
The Bay of Fundy
Located between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, the Bay of Fundy features one of the world’s highest tides.
It is estimated that billions of tons of water flow daily, creating a captivating spectacle at the bay. Visitors can experience the rugged coastline, take a walk on the ocean floor during low tide as well as witness the dramatic tidal bore.
During summer, a popular activity is to hop in a kayak and paddle around the same rocks, which become nearly submerged with water when the tide comes in. The area is also great for whale watching, as the mammals are drawn to the nutrient-rich ocean floor for feeding.
The Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia
The Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia is one of the world’s best road trips. The 300 kilometer loop across Cape Breton Highlands National Park offers spectacular coastal views, lush green forests, and attractive fishing villages.
For those who like wilderness and nature drives, it is known for its most scenic adventure, where lookout points, hiking trails, and opportunities for camping, fishing, and immersing in the vibrant Celtic multicultural setting of the region.vantage points revealing panoramic views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the beaches throughout Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
Some visitors are lucky enough to spot whales, moose and eagles, so there’s no telling what spectacular sight one might be lucky enough to come across during a day on the trail.
The Calgary Stampede
The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth is the Calgary Stampede, a 10-day party every July featuring a rodeo, chuckwagons, high-spirited, three-hour parade, midway, fun food and nightly music.
The action happens at the Stampede Grounds in downtown Calgary, and there are also pancake breakfasts and beer tents all over the city.
Need a thrill? Jump on one of the dozens of rides along the Midway, including a roller coaster and the Drop of Doom, or get really crazy and try an extreme ride like the Slingshot or Skyscraper. A ride on the sky-high ferris wheel is a great way to see the grounds, or you can hop on the Sky Ride which takes tired cowpokes from one end of the Stampede to the other.
In the evening, catch the nightly Grandstand Show, featuring Calgary’s most talented youngsters. The incredible production is made up of dozens of musical numbers, performed by the Young Canadians who are joined by different acts each year. Tribute bands, Cirque du Soleil-like performers, flying motorcycles…it’s all here!
The fun is capped off with a spectacular fireworks show which can be seen around the city.
Hopewell Rocks, New Brunswick
Described by some as “nature’s artwork,” Hopewell Rocks is an iconic Canadian site and one of the top New Brunswick tourist attractions.
Found on the Bay of Fundy which was shortlisted as one of the new wonders of the world, this spot sees some of the highest tides in the world, reaching heights of up to 14 metres twice a day. Each tidal flow contains a staggering 100 billion tonnes of water, and the constant churning has sculpted the Flowerpot Rocks around the coastline.
A must-see on any New Brunswick road trip is Fundy National Park, which is home to the world’s highest tides, Acadian forests, babbling brooks, beaches and unique accommodations to name a few highlights.
Go hiking or biking, hit the links at the golf course, swim in a heated saltwater pool fed by the Bay of Fundy, or snorkel with Atlantic salmon.
Fundy National Park is also the perfect spot for stargazing, as it’s designated as a Dark Sky Preserve by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada.
From exploring the hidden beauty of the mountains to the breathtaking scenery of the beaches, Canada offers unforgettable experiences that will stay with you for a lifetime.
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