Travellers are always on the look out for the best destinations that provide new and exciting experiences. Luckily, Canadians have to look no further than their own backyard to find it. Canada has award winning experiences and some of the most picturesque views. This nation offers local and foreign visitors exciting mountains to trek, beautiful lakes and some amazing cities in between.
According to Destination Canada, Canada welcomed more than 15 million international visitors between January and October 2015, 7.3% higher than its previous year. Unsurprisingly, these numbers are expected to grow in 2016. In this post, we will highlight some of the top fastest growing Canadian travel destinations, based on the highest increased in bookings over the past couple of years.
1. Yellowknife in the Northwest
The capital city and largest community of the Northwest territory is the Yellowknife, which comes with a world of adventure for brave travellers and nature lovers. At night, the Northern Lights are hunted for by photographers, tourists, and locals alike. Daytime is best filled with outdoor and trekking activities such as dog sledding or hiking some of Canada’s most incredible trails.
2. Prince George in British Columbia
A great wilderness awaits only 15 minutes away in the northern part of British Columbia. Prince George offers some of the most stunning beauty in summer or winter. Whether you’re into sledding, skiing, or hiking mountains, there’s something for you in Prince George.
Due to the regions common negative temperatures (-3 to -35 degrees celcius), it’s best to dress warm. This is especially true if you will be travelling with children to Prince George. Most travel experts suggest bringing all the necessary winter supplies, along with any medical supplies you might want to squeeze in your pack.
3. Charlottetown in Prince Edward Island (P.E.I)
Want a little warmth in the country side? Consider Charlottetown and its picture-perfect sunset, fresh seafood, sandy beaches, and red dirt. You won’t find any place with more relaxing towns than in P.E.I. Food travellers will love visiting Charlottetown just to try their world-famous recipes for fresh lobster and shellfish. If you love the slow pace of travel, then make sure not to miss this destination in your next Canadian adventure.
4. Hamilton in Ontario
Nestled at the Canadian port on the western tip of Lake Ontario is Hamilton, a Niagara Escarpment that is dotted with conservation areas and waterfalls. The huge, forested ridge is known locally as ‘the mountain.’ It is primarily visited by foreign and local tourists who love to hike and view the majestic beauty of well-preserved nature. Hamilton Spring has been dubbed the ‘Waterfall Capital of the World.’
5. Regina in Saskatchewan
The capital city of the Canadian province of Saskatchewan, Regina, is known as the cultural and commercial centre in the area. Known by locals as the “Queen City”, travellers can expect long hot summers, and cold snowy winters. The extremes in temperatures doesn’t slow locals down though. Between sunny days at Regina beach, lazy canoe rides through Wascana lake, or snowboarding at nearby Mission Ridge. There’s no shortage of activities in Regina.
If you’re in the city, don’t forget to stop by Wascana Park, one of North America’s largest parks, that is surrounded by a 120-hectare lake with a 930-hectare of parkland. Regina happens to be a festival-central with plenty of exhilarating events.
Other Popular Canadian destinations you may want to consider in your next trip:
- Kamloops, BC with plenty of outdoor activities for all seasons. Mountain biking, fishing, and rafter during summer time, and snowshoeing, skiing or ‘bogganing’ during winter are the most popular activities here.
- Quebec City, Quebec presents European charm, exquisite cuisine, and romantic ambiance without the jet lag. Don’t forget to try the poutine. It’s world famous!
- Fort McMurray, Alberta comes with hundreds of bison and a unique adventure in Athabasca sand dunes. Northern lights can also be observed. If you’re a fan of geology, or natural preservation, consider taking a helicopter flight around the oil fields. It’s surreal to say the least.
- Thunder Bay, Ontario is home to one the most iconic provincial park. Sleeping Giant provincial park features breathtaking hikes, and a 250- metre cliffs, along with the icon “sleeping giant” figure you can see from a distance.
- Victoria, BC presents visitors with scenery and beauty that is the epitome of west coast living, away from the busy noise of the city. It comes with both an ocean and a mountain with plenty of outdoor activities.