Bruce Peninsula National Park in Ontario

5 Breathtaking places in Canada to visit that aren't Banff

By: CAA North & East Ontario
Published Date:
Modified Date: May 29, 2024

2 Minute Read

There are so many breathtaking places to visit in Canada, from coast to coast. While the jaw-dropping mountains in Banff are indeed spectacular, there is so much more to experience.

From red sand beaches to the world's polar bear capital, the nation's diverse landscape will leave you in awe. To help fuel your wanderlust, and inspire your next vacation, here are five Canadian locations to discover.

Churchill, Manitoba

Mother and cubs polar bear

The remote northern town on the shores of Hudson Bay is only accessible by plane or train, but it is worth the trip for the once-in-a-lifetime chance to see polar bears.

The best time to visit is in the summer or fall. You can book a tour on a tundra vehicle to safely see the wild polar bears up close in their natural habitat.

Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland

A young female hiker climbing near the summit of Gros Morne Mountain, in Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.  A gorgeous green valley of mountains and lakes are behind her.

Gros Morne National Park must be on your list of places to visit in Canada! There is no shortage of natural beauty to photograph within the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Without leaving the park, you can see fjords formed by glaciers, cliffs, a gorge, beaches, forests, and cascading waterfalls.

Another stunning sight is the desert-like Tablelands with unusual rock formations created by the Earth's tectonic plates colliding.

The Yukon

Emerald lake, Yukon, Canada

To watch the aurora borealis, head to the Yukon. It is one of the best spots in the world to view brilliant colours dance across the night sky.

To experience the natural wonder, the best time to visit is between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m. from mid-August to mid-April. No special equipment like a telescope is needed; you only need to look up at the clear sky. While Whitehorse's northern lights are viewable, you'll want to leave the city for the best view.

Prince Edward Island

Flowerpot Rock

Although Prince Edward Island is small in size, it is full of trails to explore and unique East Coast experiences, like Anne of Green Gables attractions and red and white lighthouses everywhere you look.

The island also has endless beaches to discover. While visiting, you can walk along long stretches of shoreline with eye-catching sand in shades of pink, champagne, and red.

Tobermory, Ontario

Bruce Peninsula National Park in Ontario

Here you can find crystal clear turquoise water that looks like it belongs in the Caribbean. One popular tourist spot is The Grotto, a pool of aquamarine water with an intricate cave structure created by waves in Georgian Bay.

Like the Bruce Trail, Canada's oldest footpath, Tobermory also features ample hiking trails and scenic lookouts. Or adventure seekers can go snorkelling or diving to see the over 20 shipwrecks within Fathom Five National Marine Park,

Plan your vacation with CAA Travel

Are you eager to start planning your next adventure in Canada? When you are ready to start planning book an appointment with a CAA Travel Consultant to get started.