Summary
When you think of Canada, chances are an image of a snow-capped mountain, rushing river or perhaps the eerie neon glow of the northern lights comes to mind.
Canada is an expansive space with an extraordinary range of land, waterscapes and natural phenomena, seven of which top our list as the country’s most wondrous.
Niagara Falls, Ontario
If you imagine the water from four of the five Great Lakes rushing and funnelling straight down 167 feet, you get a sense of the force of Niagara Falls. With more than four to six million cubic feet of water pouring over its brink every minute, Niagara Falls is the most powerful waterfall in North America and one of the most famous in the world.
Though not the highest waterfall in the country, Niagara Falls is markedly wide and comprises three waterfalls: the American Falls, the Bridal Veil Falls, and the Horseshoe (also known as the Canadian) Falls. This aquatic triptych gushes into the Niagara Gorge, carving its way along the U.S./Canada border between New York State and Ontario.
Bay of Fundy, the Maritimes (New Brunswick and Nova Scotia)
The Bay of Fundy extends from the northern coast of Maine into Canada between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Twice daily, the Bay fills and empties its 100 billion tonnes of water, creating the highest tides in the world—in some areas of the bay, tides reach more than 50 feet (16 m). Moreover, the energy created by these tidal forces brings nutrients from the ocean floor, attracting a wide array of marine life to the bay. The effects of the tides have also formed a dramatic landscape featuring steep cliffs and sea stacks. Additionally, water has worn away the shore’s red sandstone and volcanic rock, revealing various fossils and signs of prehistoric life.
Rocky Mountains, Alberta and British Columbia
The Canadian Rockies stretch along the BC / Alberta border, featuring five national parks that attract millions of visitors each year for a variety of outdoor activities such as wildlife viewing, hiking, biking, skiing, fishing, or simply relaxing:
- Banff National Park
- Jasper National Park
- Kootenay National Park
- Waterton Lakes National Park
- Yoho National Park
The Nahanni National Park Reserve, the Northwest Territories
One of the first natural heritage locations to be designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1978, Nahanni Park in Canada’s Northwest Territories comprises the South Nahanni River, Virginia Falls, sulphur hot springs, alpine tundra, mountain ranges, and forests of spruce and aspen. The park gained notoriety in the 1970s as a favorite retreat for then-prime minister, Pierre Elliott Trudeau. Today, the park spans 10,811 square miles, and although its remote location restricts tourism—it is only reachable by helicopter or float plane—numerous companies provide adventurous tours, including whitewater rafting and canoeing in this enchanting area.
Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland & Labrador
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gros Morne offers exceptional beauty through towering cliffs, waterfalls, scenic coves, sandy beaches, and colorful fishing villages. Hike through the soft and loamy landscape, which is relatively easy on the knees and back, and consider camping at one of the many picturesque waterside sites.
A big part of the charm of Gros Morne lies in the native Newfoundland people, renowned for their hospitality and good cheer. Many residents in the quaint villages are more than happy to let you hike through their backyards (literally).
Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta
Two hours east of Calgary lies one of Canada’s most unique National Parks, where dinosaur history meets stunning scenery. Pinnacles, serpentine spires, and other sculptural land formations rise dramatically from the Alberta badlands, creating an eerie landscape unlike any other in Canada. This mesmerizing landscape is home to some of the most extensive dinosaur fossil fields in the world, boasting remnants of over 35 dinosaur species that roamed here 75 million years ago when the area was a lush, subtropical forest. Moreover, visitors here can choose from a variety of options including bus tours, hikes, expeditions, and other educational programs. In 1979, Dinosaur Provincial Park was designated a United Nations World Heritage Site.
The Northern Lights
The northern lights (scientific name: Aurora Borealis) are a spectacular phenomenon seen in northern skies when solar particles collide with atmospheric gases, creating a breathtaking light show. Depending on the location’s latitude, the colors of these lights may include green, white, red, blue, and/or violet. Consequently, the northern lights shimmer and dance across the sky. The aurora oval, which is the area where the northern lights occur most frequently and with the greatest intensity, covers a vast expanse of Canada.
