From larger-than-life waterfalls, to natural hot springs, to lush rainforests, Canada has more to see than just igloos, plaid shirts, and moose (meese?). In fact, at this time of year you will likely only see the latter, because (surprise) Canada does have summer. And with Canada’s unique geography, there is an Instagrammable spot in every corner of this big country, no matter the season.
So, want to evoke some serious Insta-envy? Break out of your routine camping trip and visit our neighbor to the North for the weekend — better yet, go for a week to explore the best of what Canada has to offer.
Here are some of our favorite spots. Pick a few of yours and start planning, eh?
Haida Gwaii, British Columbia
Rainforests, mountains, beach views, and even an abandoned ship; Haida Gwaii has it all. A remote archipelago located off the west coast of BC, this region has been home to the Haida Nation for the last 13,000 years. Hike Sleeping Beauty Mountain, pitch a tent along the sandy shoreline of Agate Beach Campground and then fall asleep to the sun disappearing into the ocean’s horizon.
The Grotto, Bruce Peninsula, Ontario
Located along the Georgian Bay shoreline in Bruce Peninsula National Park in Ontario, the Grotto is an oceanside cave with clear, azure waters that appear to glow from the pockets of sunlight above. Access it by hiking about a half an hour from Cyprus Lake and dive into the most refreshing water you will ever swim in.
Montmorency Falls, Quebec
Whether you’re standing on the suspension bridge above or on the lookout point at its base, the Montmorency Falls in Quebec are as grand in real life as they look on Instagram. This wonder stands at 275 feet high (that’s 65 feet higher than Niagara Falls!). Pro tip: Stop for poutine while you’re in Montreal; it will change your life.
Hopewell Rocks, New Brunswick
The Hopewell Rocks sit on the coastline of the Bay of Fundy and boast some of the most interesting geography of the area. This Canadian attraction in New Brunswick is site to the world’s highest tides, which can reach up to four stories high. Plan to paddle through the rocks at high tide, then hike through their nooks and crannies when the tide recedes.
Banff Hot Springs, Alberta
This is a major hot spot in Banff, Alberta. Not only does swimming in the natural hot springs at the base of Sulphur Mountain feel amazing, it’s also said that taking a dip offers healing properties. It’s easy to imagine considering the springs’ water is warmed in the earth’s crust, bubbles to the surface, and then flows into the Upper Hot Springs pool after not seeing the light of day for hundreds of years. We think of it as ancient wisdom for your body.
Northern Lights in Churchill, Manitoba
It doesn’t get much cooler than seeing the Northern Lights (aurora borealis) dance across the sky. Although it translates well into photos, this spectacular phenomenon needs to be experienced firsthand, and Churchill, Manitoba is one of the top places in the world to see them.
The Cabot Trail, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta
The vibes at Dinosaur Provincial Park in Alberta are definitely prehistoric. Journey north to this western Canada location and you’ll stumble across fossils, hear coyotes howl at dusk, and maybe even see a prairie rattlesnake. Added bonus — the stars are epic at night.
These are just some of the natural wonders you can see in Canada (it’s a big country, we can’t cover them all). But it’s clear that when it comes to Instagrammable moments, Canada has it going on. Why not take a trip up North and experience it for yourself?
This post is a sponsored collaboration between Destination Canada and Gothamist staff.