TOP 5 PLACES TO SPEND CANADA DAY BY BOAT!

With over 2 million lakes in our big beautiful backyard, it isn’t difficult to find a shoreline to camp on, a lake to cruise on, or a beach for a bonfire. We’re pretty lucky to have not one but several ocean shorelines where you can listen to the waves crash, cast a line, boil up some lobster on the beach, jump in the surf or cast off into a western horizon that’s nothing but sunset.

Family trips, adventures with friends, romantic getaways – they can all occur on a boat and chances are, not too far away from home! Here are our 2016 recommendations for travel destinations by boat (take the advice from the folks who know boats best!)

Algonquin Park, Ontario

Ontario’s Algonquin Park is one of the most pristine and adventurous places to go boating and paddling. It’s pure Canadiana bliss amongst the towering pines, guaranteed wildlife sightings, endless hiking trails and many famously beautiful lakes! If you’re not looking for high-end luxury but you get excited about the prospect of limitless opportunities for adventure and exploration, then we’d encourage you to check out one of Canada’s favorite Parks in the heartland of Ontario’s lake country!

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Gather a crew, hop on the ferry to Dartmouth (or better yet, take your boat from the harbor) and attend the biggest free summer concert of the year at Alderney Landing. The concert will feature Dear Rouge, Born Ruffians, Kid Koala, Yukon Blonde and Reeny Smith. Oceanside Halifax offers an incredible Canada Day experience on the Atlantic Ocean (with FREE entertainment all day) and you can finish the celebration with a stunning fireworks display in Halifax Harbor. Visit here to learn more: http://www.destinationhalifax.com/content/canada-day-events-halifax-region

Kluane National Park and Reserve, Yukon

If rugged wilderness is your thing, check out Kluane National Park and Reserve, located in Yukon’s southwest! The stunning beauty of this 70-km long lake and UNESCO World Heritage site will not disappoint the adventurous boater. ‘Kluane’ translates to ‘big fish’ – wondering why? It’s simple: that’s exactly what you’ll find here! Visitors can stay at the welcoming fishing lodges and camping outposts. Head’s up though travelers – grizzlies have been known to roam in this area! I’m sure they’re interested in the big fish too…

Muskoka, Ontario  

The picturesque towns of Gravenhurst & Huntsville (and the many lakes and islands around them) are where boaters go to be seen boating! Have you got a shiny new toy or an old, beautiful cedar strip you’d like to show off? Get it out of storage and cruise it up Lake Rousseau or Muskoka past the islands and immaculate cottages! Be sure to stop into the bustling harbors, restaurants and endless tourist attractions to draw some ‘oohs and aahs’ from an appreciative crowd.

Pacific Rim National Park, British Columbia

Known as Canada’s ‘surfer’s paradise’, Pacific Rim National Park has got to be the best place in all of Canada to catch a sunset on the water. Long Beach has 16 km of beautiful, accessible sand on Wickaninnish Bay and is located between the villages of Ucluelet and Tofino, where visitors can find great places to stay, and amazing whale watching tours to take. If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, this is a popular surfing spot with surf guards on duty during the summer months and several surf schools around to teach you how to carve! Whether you decide to catch the waves from the shore or from a boat out on the water, you’ll be sure to have an amazing Canada Day taking in the view of the waves crashing against the western shoreline. 

The BOATsmart! Ultimate Canada Day Playlist

No matter where you end up spending your Canada Day, you’ll need some cruising tunes to get you in the Canada Day spirit! We’ve prepared an awesome playlist for you to crank on the boat as the flag flutters in the breeze, the boat carves out a wake behind you and you kick back to watch the fireworks light up the night sky and compete with those Canadian stars. Kick off your celebration with our ‘Awesome Canada Day Playlist’. Perfect for kicking back on the dock or cranking up the party… Canada-style. Listen now on 8tracks!

Have a Safe & Fun Canada Day!

Make sure you’re properly prepared for a boating trip or weekend by the water – you’ll need everything from sunscreen and snacks to your boating license and enough lifejackets for your crew!

If you want to feel the breeze and watch the fireworks from the bow this year, you have more options than you may think for an amazing on-water Canada Day Weekend experience! All you need to do is choose a location, chart your journey and make the most of your Canada Day long weekend!