5 underrated Canadian destinations worth exploring
Looking for some new destinations to daydream about or add to your future vacation bucket list? Here are five tragically underrated Canadian destinations to consider for your next domestic wanderlust moment.
Nopiming Provincial Park, Manitoba
Manitoba’s Nopiming Provincial Park (which name means “entrance to the wilderness” in Anishinaabe) is perfect for outdoorsy travellers who crave crystal-clear lakes, picturesque waterfalls, and exciting hiking trails. Take your pick from hundreds of waterways for days of serene canoeing and fishing, or hit one of the park’s trails to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Canadian Shield. Less than a three-hour drive from Winnipeg and at nearly 1,500 square kilometres, the park does its name justice.
Bas-Saint-Laurent, Quebec
Quaint villages, picture-postcard lighthouses, and multiple islands, coves, mountains, bays, and woodlands await local explorers in Quebec’s Bas-Saint-Laurent. Foodies will love the emphasis on locally-grown products in many of the region’s restaurants and microbreweries. Simultaneously, nature enthusiasts will flock to the three national parks for hiking, cycling, kayaking, and whale watching.
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Longing for a city break without the masses? Plan a trip to artsy Saskatoon to explore its budding restaurant and brewery scene, its treasure trove of galleries, and abundance of local shops. You can travel back in time at the Western Development Museum to learn the prairies’ history or head to the Remai Modern for a future-forward perspective on art and culture. There’s plenty of green space to enjoy in the heart of the city along the river too. Then, check out Beaver Creek Conservation Area or Meewasin Park when you need a break from downtown.
Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Preserve, Ontario
Only a couple of hours outside of Toronto near Gravenhurst, you can find one of Canada’s darkest places: The Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Preserve. This hidden spot is an unbelievable star-gazing destination and an ideal place for a weekend break. By day, follow one of the Torrance Barrens walking trails to explore the wetlands and bedrock that make up the conservation area. At night, the flat landscape and low trees provide an unhampered 360-degree view of the starry sky.
Telegraph Cove, British Columbia
Want to see Vancouver Island at its best? A visit to the charming village of Telegraph Cove is in order. Surrounded by natural beauty, outdoor enthusiasts will love the kayaking, whale watching, diving, hiking, windsurfing, spelunking, and sport fishing, among countless other activities. It’s also a convenient place to depart from for day trips to attractions and communities nearby, including the Nimpkish Valley, Port McNeill, Alert Bay, and Sointula.
Want to see your own city in a whole new light with a mini-getaway instead? Take a look at a little staycation inspiration.
With COVID-19, it’s important to stay safe and practice social distancing. We hope you find this content entertaining, inspiring, or useful for a future trip. Always research official websites for up-to-date information on closures and new health and safety policies as businesses and destinations reopen.
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