Oh, Canada.
A place so vast, so undiscovered, so pristine & so damn naturally beautiful. Canada doesn’t have to try very hard, it is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. As I sit here writing this at Kathleen Lake in Yukon Territory, I am blown away at the height of the mountain in front of me and the quietness of the lake. It truly is mesmerizing.
Canada Day is my home country’s birthday, and this year I am spending it in the mountains. At 5514 km wide and 4634 km tall there is so much to explore. I’ve been as far to the East as Quebec and as far to the West as the ocean. I’ve been across the Southern border in multiple provinces, and have now been as far North as one of the territories! I have a few favorite places, and want to share them with you. Here are my favorite beautiful Canadian landscapes.
I am Canadian but I live in the US! To find out how I ended up here, read my Valentine’s Day Love Letter!
Table of Contents
Montréal, Québec
Québec is a special place. It is the only province in which French is the main language, and is home to the 2nd oldest city in Canada: Montréal!
Notre Dame Cathedral
Montréal is a special city any time of the year. If you visit in the Winter, you will be greeted by snow banks higher than cars, but also some pretty awesome skating. If you visit in the Summer, you can aimlessly stroll around Vieux Montréal. It is a European looking city, by Canadian standards, with a huge cathedral and old buildings. There is even an Olympic Stadium from the 1976 Olympics!
Olympic Stadium
Truthful Travel Tip: Even if you do not speak French, learn basic conversation before you go. Like in many French speaking countries, the locals will appreciate if you try to speak their language instead of resorting to English!
Beautiful old buildings in Vieux-Montréal
Tobermory, Ontario
For a more detailed look at Tobermory, check out my Ontario’s hidden gem post!
Hidden almost 4 hours from the city of Toronto is a harbor on a peninsula with crystal clear waters and unique rock formations.
Looking out from Flowerpot Island
Crystal clear waters of Tobermory
Tobermory is strictly a summer destination, with the small town essentially shutting down in the excruciatingly cold and snowy Winter. Although it has some cabins and hotels, in my opinion it is best to camp. You can scuba dive, take a boat tour to an aptly named “Flowerpot Island” (there is a Flowerpot rock formation!) or hike around Bruce Peninsula National Park. Tobermory is a perfect outdoor destination!
Shipwrecks on the boat cruise to the island
Bruce Peninsula National Park
Truthful Travel Tip: Because it is only open in the Summer (you can go in the Spring and Fall but not all tours are running and the water is way too cold to swim) it gets quite busy. There are a few secluded spots that tourists have not seem to have found yet, so seek those out for some solitude!
Jasper National Park, Alberta
You haven’t seen Canada until you’ve seen the Rocky Mountains. Because of their beauty, the Summers are often crowded with people. There is one place where you can be guaranteed to find less crowds: Jasper, which is North of the famous Banff National Park.
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Jasper Mountains
There are short hikes, there are long hikes, and there are views of jagged snow capped mountains as far as you can see. You can find elk in town, and moose just a short drive outside of it. There is something for everyone to do in the park.
My dad came with us to Jasper and Banff, and had no trouble at all keeping up! Read about our experience!
The Icefields Parkway links Jasper and Banff, and includes waterfalls and glaciers. One of my favorite hikes is Valley of the Five Lakes (a 4.5 km hike) which circles, you guessed it, five lakes!
Valley of the Five Lakes
Truthful Travel Tip: Late Fall/ Early Winter is an amazing time to visit the park. You will need access to a car, but you will be greeted by the first snow falls of the season, waterfalls freezing over and a quiet park!
Read about visiting the Best Winter Destinations in The Canadian Rockies
Athabasca River, Icefields Parkway
Joffre Lakes Provincial Park
During the Spring in British Columbia, there is are many beautiful Tulip Festivals!
In a province whose motto is “Beautiful British Columbia” there is a lot of beauty to see. While I lived in the province for a year I did not explore as much as I wanted to.
Some of the places I discovered are covered in my Recap of 2017!
However, I have had the chance to see beautiful lakes set to a glacier backdrop.
Joffre Lakes Provincial Park
North of Whistler lies a trail that will take you through various glacial lakes. The trail is dog friendly (always a plus with us!) **NOTE: As of May 2018, the trail is no longer dog friendly and although it is rated moderate the views are definitely worth the trek. There are friendly birds that will make you feel like a Disney princess (or prince!) and each lake gets better as you climb higher. This hike was my first in British Columbia and it set the bar quite high!
Glacial ice on top of the mountain
Truthful Travel Tip: The parking lot gets full quickly, as do the overnight campsites. Arrive early to ensure access to the park, and if you are camping, a place to legally sleep.
Look at the color of the lake!
Victoria, British Columbia
Victoria is such a unique city. It almost feels European, with its architecture, history and general vibe.
There is so much to do in the city, the only downside is that its location on Vancouver Island means that it requires some sort of boat to get to. There is something for everyone in Victoria. If you’re into flowers and plants, the Butchart Gardens is an amazing attraction. The city is also beautifully decorated with plants and flowers lining the streets. A history buff might enjoy a visit to Hatley Castle, or the British Columbia Parliament buildings. And families are sure to find fun at Fisherman’s Wharf, which is home to colorful houseboats, candy shops and the occasional seal!
Truthful Travel Tip: Summer in Victoria is beautiful! There are local markets, stunning displays of flowers, and it makes for a beautiful boat ride whether you are traveling from Vancouver or Washington State!
Planning to visit Victoria? Check out my 2 Day Victoria Guide for more details!
Kluane National Park and Reserve, Yukon Territory
For more Yukon, check out my Yukon Guide with 3 of the territories’ breathtaking locations!
The largest internationally protected area in the world is so incredible that I am still at a loss for words.
Looking down at Kluane Lake!
Kluane National Park is located at the Western border of Yukon, bordering Alaska. It is home to the world’s largest non-polar ice field, which I was lucky enough to see from the sky. Flying over glaciers and seeing mountain peaks, crevasses and Kluane Lake down below is not something I will soon forget. If these towering peaks (Mt Logan is the tallest at 19,551 ft!!!) do not leave you awestruck, nothing will. There is much to explore on land as well: Kluane Lake has many access points, as does Kathleen Lake a bit further South!
Abolsutely unreal views!
Truthful Travel Tip: Save up for a flight tour over the glaciers. Only the very small and very close mountains can be seen from the road, and you are barely scratching the surface of what there is to see. Weather permitting, you can even land on a glacier and walk around (we did not get a chance to do this!)
Crevasses in the glacier
There is a variety of beautiful Canadian landscapes, and so many things to see. With 10 provinces and 3 territories, it is the 2nd largest country in the world. You could visit it over and over and still have so much to discover. This Canada Day I hope to inspire you to come visit The True North!
The color contrast was amazing!
Happy Canada Day!
Samantha,
A Truthful Traveler
Montreal is definitely a lovely city to visit, but I think I prefer Quebec City because it looks so European. I haven’t made it to the other spots on your list yet!
Canada is such a beautiful place full of natural beauty ..Its on top of my bucketlist .hope to visit soon
I’ll be hopefully visiting Canada after the restrictions are lifted. This will definitely come in handy!
Canada is such a beautiful country and I definitely think a lot of people overlook the Eastern part of the country. I definitely need to make my way to Ontario when borders open. It looks so beautiful! 🙂 Great guide!
I briefly visited Canada a few years ago but completely missed the National Parks! I’ll have to come back. The scenery is stunning! Thanks for sharing
I’ve been to Victoria several times and love it. It’s such a charming city. I’d love to visit Montreal, Jasper National Park and the Yukon territory too. Hopefully soon when the U.S.-Canada border opens!
I’ve never heard of Tobermory but it looks insanely beautiful! And Jasper of course is pretty high on my Canada list too.
It is super beautiful, and still a relatively hidden gem! Jasper and Banff have no comparison, I think they’re the prettiest area of Canada!
Wow, such gorgeous shots and what a truly beautiful country. The waters are so pristine and the mountains are calling. I’ve not spent enough time exploring the country and I definitively need to come back to Canada again soon.
Because Canada is so large and so unpopulated, there are so many pristine places to visit!
Wow, this cristal clear water is impressive. I wish to go there and relax for few days. Is the water cold?
If the water is super blue, it is probably cold because it is all glacial melt! It is fun in the Summer to jump in!
Tobermory looks incredible. I can see why it’s so popular. That sunken ship is just nuts. And your pics of Jasper National Park are gorgeous.
Thanks so much! Tobermory is definitely the place to go if you are from Ontario, but it is still relatively undiscovered!
I love seeing how varied Canada is! I want to go on a massive roadtrip through the national parks there some day. Fingers crossed that I will be able to- there are so many amazing things to see as you’ve showed here!
That would be amazing! I think that some people who do a cross country trip have the best experience!
Thank you for sharing your knowledge of Canada. I have often considered visiting but have yet to do so. It looks absolutely stunning!
You should! It is getting to be quite the hot destination so you should visit before it completely blows up!
This post helped expand my agenda for a trip to Canada! Banff was on the list but now I”m so interested in Jasper! Do you know what makes the water that color of blue? It’s just gorgeous. All of the photos are beautiful.
I’m so happy! Jasper is definitely a must-see! The water is that color because of glacial melt from the mountains!
I have always wanted to visit Lake Louise and Banff National Park, but now I’ve added Jasper National Park to my list also! It looks absolutely stunning.
Yay! I love introducing people to Jasper, it is just as beautiful and there is so much to see!
I’m so excited to visit Canada. Your pictures are absolutely stunning.
I’m excited for you! Where are you going?
Canada is so gorgeous and it’s definitely on my travel list. I have relatives in Montreal so I hope I can visit them soon and see the beautiful city.
Monteal, and generally Quebec, are so beautiful. I have yet to visit Quebec City but I have only heard amazing things!
You have take amazing landscape photos. I would love to visit Canada some day. You can’t not love that nature and the National Park omg this is a must 😀
Thank you so much!! I can’t imagine anyone hating these landscapes, they are so gorgeous!
Wow these landscapes are beautiful, I haven’t had the opportunity to travel to Canada, but after reading this post it is now on my bucket list, thanks for sharing!
~xo Sheree
poshclassymom.com
Thanks so much! I am happy I could add another place to your bucket list!
Incredible! You really have travelled around Canada quite a fair bit! That puts my Canadian-self to shame. As an Ontarian, Tobermory is on my list for sure! Thanks for sharing!
I only recently (in the past 7 years) started traveling around the country more! I stayed in Ontario my first 18 years, so don’t worry!
Wow, Canada is beautiful. I already have Canada on my wanna travel to-list and this didn’t exactly make me wanna go less ?
Canada really is beautiful! I hope you get to visit soon!
Your photos are gorgeous! I’ve been to Vancouver B.C. several times and Saskatchewan once, but I’d really love to explore a little bit more. There are so many really pretty areas yet to be seen.
I have yet to visit Saskatchewan, I feel as though it is not as unique as some of these places, but still beautiful with its forever plains!
Gosh, this is stunning! I’ve always wanted to go to Canada!
It is, isn’t it! I hope you get a chance to visit!
Ok, I had no idea that Ontario was so lush and beautiful! I was just in Quebec City and was blown away!
If you get out of the big city there is tons of nature to explore! Quebec City is on my list!
My husband goes to Canada every year, but I’ve never been! Looks amazing!!!
You should find an excuse to visit with him, you will not regret it!
Canada is such a beautiful country. So many beautiful sights to see.
❥ tanvii.com
There definitely are! And I haven’t even explored the East Coast yet!
I’ve only ever been to BC but my lord Canada is stunning! Looks like I need to take another trip to the north!
It is! You definitely have so much to explore!
OK Jasper National Park looks amazing. I totally need to visit that part of Canada. I just need to visit more of Canada in general.
It is super amazing, and pretty accessible from Calgary Airport!
Happy Canada Day! I was actually in Yoho for Canada Day. Loved that National Park so much (As well as Banff and Jaspar of course). Such a beautiful and stunning country. Great list. I will have to add Joffre to my list to visit!
Yoho is so beautiful, I would love to see it in the Summer because there is just so much more to explore!
Ohh Canada is right! I did Banff last year but def need to explore more of our northern neighbor!
Yes! It is a bit harder to get around than the US but totally worth it!
oh man there are so much more i need to see in Canada!
It is a huge country!
These are all so stunning! How is Canada so beautiful?! Tobermory, Ontario really caught my eye.
It is super beautiful!! I think it is because it is so unpopulated and spread out, that no one touches these beautiful places!
I really need to visit Canada! I have no excuse not to since it’s relatively close and easy to visit. I love that incredible shipwreck photo. Whistler has been on my wish list forever. It’s breathtakingly beautiful!
Whistler is so cool! I would love to go snowboarding there in the Winter!
Beautiful! I have lived not far from Tobermory and around Ontario and it is so beautiful.
Very beautiful! I cannot imagine how beautiful it must be to live in that area, especially in the Fall with the changing leaves. I was born & raised in Toronto so I missed out on a lot of the cool nature Ontario has!
These pictures make me want to go so bad! I also like the added tips for each site. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much! You should visit when you get a chance, there is so much to explore!
Your photos are absolutely gorgeous! Jasper National Park reminds me of when we lived in Alaska, absolutely beautiful. Also, I think it’s so cool that they speak French in Québec. My French is pretty advanced (I took 10 years) but there is a definite difference in dialect that I’m not sure I’d do well in picking up on!
Jasper does look quite like the Alaska landscape, except the mountains in Jasper are fit into a smaller space! It is cool that Canada has two main languages that are used, and the French of Quebec is very different than the French from France!!
Canada is so beautiful! Love your pics
It is a beautiful country! Thanks for checking my post out!
Great pics! Canada is such a beautiful country to explore – and I’m not saying that because I’m Canadian. A couple years ago, I was so lucky to visit (for the first time in my life) New Brunswick and British Columbia and I stopped into Quebec City as well. All so very different but equally beautiful! 🙂
I’m so jealous that you’ve been to the East Coast; I have still never made it there! That is what I love about Canada-it is so big that the landscapes are so vastly different!
Damn!!! These pictures are so beautiful. I cannot take my eyes off. Each and every picture shows the beauty and grace of the country. I personally, have never visited Canada but now it definitely is on my travel bucket list.
Thanks for showing the view and details!
Much appreciated! xoxo
Rukh AZ
http://www.lifewithrukhaz.com
Thanks so much for your kind words, Canada is an amazing and beautiful country that I would recommend anyone to visit!
All of your pictures are so beautiful. Canada is on my list of countries that I want to visit.
Thank you! I hope you get to visit soon, there is so much beauty to see!
Holy cow! The photos just keep getting prettier as the post goes on. The shipwreck ones are so neat! Would love to see those.
That’s what I thought too! The shipwrecks are pretty cool to see from a boat, and I’ve heard they are even cooler to scuba dive around!
These pictures are stunning! Canada is beautiful!
Thanks so much! Canada is one of the most beautiful countries I’ve been to (I might be biased because I am Canadian though!)
This post gave me some Canadian pride! Such a beautiful place I come from!
It is a beautiful place! So many different landscapes to see in so many different places!