Summer vacation is coming soon, and if you don’t know how you’ll spend it, try checking out some popular Canadian travel destinations! Canada stretches far and wide, offering a new experience wherever you go.
Tofino
It takes a little bit of effort to get to Tofino because you’ll not only have to take a ferry there, but you will also have to do some more driving on Vancouver Island. Although not Hawaii, Tofino is known as Canada’s surf central.
You should try a surfing lesson at least once in your life (if you are a strong swimmer). However, if that’s something that doesn’t pique your interest, try kayaking in their peaceful rivers, or go for a flying tour.
SWELL TOFINO: SURF SCHOOL IN TOFINO
- Difficulty: Beginner Level
- Hours: 9:00am-5:30 pm
- Check-in Time: 10:30 am-1:00pm, 1:30pm-4:30pm. (3 hours each)
- Address: 1258 Pacific rim Hwy, Tofino BC Canada
Whistler
In the winter, Whistler is a ski resort that attracts tourists from all over the world. In the summer, it’s a hiker’s heaven. The snow melts and reveals the beaten trails, which surround the little town of tourists. The hikes range from easy, hour-long walks to overnight 20km treks.
If hikes aren’t your style, you can also enjoy the town of Whistler. There is a lake where you can relax or swim in. After an entire day of soaking up the sun, you can stroll through Whistler Village and check out their restaurants and bars.
ANCIENT CEDARS TRAIL
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Time: 2 hours
- Address: Whistler BC V0N-1B8
Source: Ancient Cedars Trail near Whistler | Vancouver Trails
BRANDYWINE FALLS
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time: 0.5 hours
- Address: Whistler BC V0N-0A0
Source: Brandywine Falls camping and waterfall near Whistler, BC | Vancouver Trails
Alberta Badlands
The Badlands is a fascinating place for people who love to explore prehistoric times. This area is known for its unique landforms and historic sites that make for great pictures. There’s not any other place like it.
On top of that, there’s also the Royal Tyrell Museum, which is a paleontology museum. In it, you’ll find dinosaur fossils and you might just learn something new about dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures.
ROYAL TYRELL MUSEUM
- Hours from September 1st-May 14th: Tuesday to Sunday. 10:00 am-5:00 pm (Closed on Mondays
- Hours from May 15-August 31st- 9:00 am-9:00 pm
- Prices: Adult: (18-64) $21.00,Youth: (7-17) $10.00
- Address: 1500 N Dinosour Trail, Drumheller, Alberta
Source: Hours & Admission | Royal Tyrrell Museum
Niagara Falls
The falls are an icon to Canadians. Most people decide to walk along the paths where you can spectate the waterfalls. There are popular picture-taking spots. Aside from just seeing waterfalls, there are other experiences to complete the Niagara adventure.
Most excitingly, there are ziplines that’ll let you feel like you’re flying over the lake that Niagara spills into. If you want a closer look at the falls, take a boat tour and enjoy the spray on a hot day.
NIAGRA FALLS TOUR FROM TORONTO
- Price: Adult: $99, plus 13% tax, Student: $79 + 13% tax
Source: Niagara Falls Tour from Toronto
Alaska Highway
The Alaska Highway is a trip on its own rather than a destination. Get ready for some spectacular mountain and lake views on this trip. You’ll be in a rather remote area of Canada, so treat the trip like a camping trip, except that you’ll be moving for the most part. You can bring a friend, or even take it as a chance to get away from the busyness of life.
As an option, you can cross the border into Alaska (make sure to bring your passport!). There is a reason why it’s called Alaska Highway after all.
Calgary Stampede & Horseback Riding
There’s a famous rodeo in Canada called the Calgary Stampede. In Alberta, many of its citizens are farmhands, so horses and other livestock are a big part of their culture. It’s a show of cowboys bucking broncos.
While the prairie provinces all offer horseback riding, Alberta gets the spotlight. The ranching culture provides horseback riding tourists and horse trails to see Alberta’s natural features. There are many ranches outside of the city, free for you to check out.
MOOSE MOUNTAIN HORSEBACK ADVENTURE
- Difficulty: Ranges from Beginner to Advanced depending on the rider
- Hours: 8:30 am-5:00pm
- Price(May 1- Oct 15): 1.5 Hours Ride: $95/Person, 2 Hours Ride: $115/Person
- Address: AB-762, Alberta Canada
Source: Trail Rides and Prices – Moose Mountain Horseback Adventures
Fundy National Park
Fundy National Park is known to be one of the best places to camp in Canada. It’s all the way on the east coast, in New Brunswick. Since it’s a national park, it has more than a campsite. You can kayak in the ocean, go for a swim, and even hike the trails that weave through the park.
FUNDY NATIONAL PARK
- Hours: 10:45 am-5:45pm
- Price: Adult: $8.50, Youth: Free, Family/Group: $16.75
- Address: Alma New Brunswick Canada
Source: Fees – Fundy National Park
As you might have noticed, there’s a common theme and that is nature. Some countries’ pride is their food, while for others it might be their art. For Canada, it’s the variety of natural landscapes that are found across the country. For international students, what better way to spend your summer than to breathe in some fresh air, soak up the sun, and touch some grass in Canada’s backyard.
Sources: Alberta Badlands, Calgary Stampede, Niagara Falls, Tourism Tofino, Fundy National Park Alaska Highway, Whistler
