Remember those Choose Your Own Adventure books as a kid? Opening up a brochure or a webpage about Canada is a lot like those. You might think you’re interested in Whistler skiing but suddenly you’re booking a cabin to watch the Northern Lights. Or considering a day-trip to Niagara Falls and then discovering you can keep heading north to Baffin Island.
We’re here to get you started with Canada’s 10 lesser-known attractions. Magically follow our clues to create the perfect adventure itinerary.
CHOOSE WILDLIFE
Want to wander where there are thousands more animals than humans? The sparsely populated Yukon Territory is a wildlife haven and home to grizzly bears, bison, caribou, and more. Increase your viewing chances at the 700-acre Yukon Wildlife Preserve.
CHOOSE ICEBERGS
If you want to get away from it all, journey to Newfoundland and Labrador. Here you can witness untouched nature, rugged coastlines, and even icebergs! You may sight one of the 21 species of whales and dolphins if you’re travelling May to September.
CHOOSE FROMAGE
As cheese lovers, we’re thankful for the French influence in Québec. It’s our Achilles heel that over 300 varieties are produced in the province. Seek out the award-winning blue cheese, Ciel de Charlevoix, when you visit the cheese-lover’s paradise, Charlevoix.
CHOOSE THE TUNDRA
Manitoba offers an expanse of rivers, forests, mountains, and prairies. Nature reigns supreme here and it’s within the Arctic tundra that the real magic is revealed. Observe polar bears, beluga whales, wolves, caribou and perhaps the elusive Canadian Lynx.
CHOOSE THE NIGHT SKY
Across Northern Canada, the aurora borealis (aka the Northern Lights) unleashes a spectacular show between mid-August and mid-April. While Whitehorse in Yukon is the best-known destination, you can also watch the lights dance in Saskatchewan, Nunavut, Alberta, and Newfoundland.
CHOOSE PHENOMENON
Nova Scotia is Canada’s eastern-most province with Bay of Fundy drawing the most visitors. Here tides drop the height of five storeys and you’ll find the rarest whales in the world. Kayaking and whale watching are popular. Alternatively, road trip the Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island.
CHOOSE PASTRIES
Okay, maybe not just pastries, but travelling to Montréal gives you the perfect excuses to sample many. Experience the sophisticated French vibes as you wander the historic Old Montréal in search of pain au chocolate.
CHOOSE HISTORY
Visit Ottowa for its history, museums, and many, many steps (it’s extremely walkable). Ottowa Free Tours are a great way to uncover the capital’s secrets. Wander by or skate on the UNESCO Rideau Canal and don’t miss BeaverTails at the ByWard Market.
CHOOSE THE THRILLS
If you like crisp mountain air with your thrills then rent a bike to smash the trails in British Columbia. Teeming with adventure opportunities, you can choose your own adventure on trails from beginner to are-you-crazy.
CHOOSE TO PLAY
Heard of Baffin Island? Many haven’t, despite it being Canada’s largest island and the world’s fifth largest! This Arctic playground offers craggy mountains, impressive fjords, and incredible wildlife. Arctic safaris are the best way to get close to narwhal, whales, and polar bears.
For more information visit www.keepexploring.com.au