Have a great vacation – without leaving Canada!

Got the travel bug but want to stick close to home? There are plenty of great Canadian destinations right in your own back yard. Canada also has so much to offer, it would be a shame for Canadians not to spend time exploring their own country. The mountains, the lakes, the rivers, the wildlife. It’s almost an embarrassment of riches. And all the wonderful cosmopolitan cities where you can go shopping or enjoy the nightlife. You could easily spend your whole life exploring Canada and still have so much left to see. Here’s our guide to some of the best places for you to get started.

Banff — Alberta

In the province of Alberta, one of the best places to visit is Banff. There are so many things to do here,  you won’t have time to get bored. Banff National Park, a World Heritage Site, is an area of outstanding natural beauty where you and your loved ones can go hiking, white water rafting, or mountain climbing. And the views! Moraine Lake is absolute must for sheer scenic wonder but there’s also plenty for you to do once you’re over the shock of the majesty of the surrounding landscape. Plus, hiking around the lush area gives you more chances to take in some magnificent scenery. Just be sure to get to Banff before October, when the road to Moraine Lake closes for the season. About an hour to the north of Banff you’ll find Lake Louise, which has startling turquoise color and offers wondrous views of the surrounding glaciers.

Churchill — Manitoba

The town of Churchill, Manitoba, is a sightseer’s delight. Sure, it’s bit far north, but once you get there, you’ll be awfully glad you made the trip. First off, because of its lofty latitude, Churchill offers amazing views of the Aurora Borealis. These haunting atmospheric phenomena are visible at night and are so beautiful you will not want to miss them. In the summer, you can take a tour of Hudson Bay to commune with the local herds of beluga whales. Another wondrous sight in Churchill are polar bears, which are often visible in October and November. In fact, Churchill prides itself as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World.”

Vancouver Island — British Columbia

Vancouver Island is literally awash with beauty, but natural and man-made. Check out the charming local architecture and abundant nightlife in Victoria, the island’s southernmost city. Of if you’re after some nature-related fun, the island is a great place to go camping or hiking. The great thing about the island is that you can zipline, kayak, or cycle during the day and still be close enough to the city to enjoy a relaxing night out at the many local restaurants. In the summer, there are plenty of beautiful beaches upon which to sunbathe and relax in the sand. Or you might decide to take a cruise and marvel at the local pods of orcas and dolphin. Even more adventurous folk can go on a glacier trek and see these local frozen wonders up close.

Bay of Fundy — New Brunswick

The Bay of Fundy is one of the most famous places in all of Canada, partly because the bay has the highest tides in the world, more than two meters. The tides have also carved out some of the most stunning rock formations you can see anywhere. Be careful, though: the tides come in and out so fast that you need to be careful not to get sucked out to sea. The Bay of Fundy also has many scenic attractions including whales and dolphins, and the occasional iceberg floating by on the horizon. While you’re there, don’t forget to ask about the dinosaur fossils that have been discovered in the region. No wonder that in 2014, the Bay of Fundy was chosen as one of the Natural Wonders of the World.

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Gros Morne National Park — Newfoundland & Labrador

Towering fjords and misty mountains. Dramatic valleys and crystal waters. Gros Morne National Park has stunning views from nearly every section of the park. There is also plenty of wildlife, from humpback whales and harbor seals in the water to the caribou, bears, and majestic moose on land. Gros Morne is a great place for hikers, too, with dozens of scenic trails, in a wide variety of difficulty levels, to choose from. You can take an airplane tour and see the dramatic coastline from the sky. There are also plenty of music, theater, and comedy festivals to help you relax after a long day’s sightseeing. Summer is the perfect time to visit either Newfoundland or Labrador, each a great destination on its own.

Have you ever visited any of the iconic Canadian locations? Tell us about it in the comments below!