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Why is Canada a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts?
Canada: outdoor destination par excellence
Canada is known for the diversity and immensity of its landscapes, between imposing mountains, pristine lakes, dense forests and rugged coastlines. There are numerous national parks and protected areas, which preserve the beauty of the country while providing great destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. There are Banff, Jasper, Yoho and Pacific Rim on the west coast, and Gros Morne and Fundy on the east coast. Banff National Park always tops the list of the most visited parks in Canada.
Canadian fauna and flora are very varied, with several endemic species. Among its emblematic animals, there are the grizzly bear, the polar bear, the moose, the elk and the whale. Nature lovers can observe them in national parks and some isolated regions.
Access to the outdoors is facilitated by well-maintained trails and infrastructure, which also makes activities safer. There are also courses for all levels of difficulty and of different duration.
Adventure tourism activities appeal to a particular demographic, curious adventurers. The latter travel almost exclusively for the outdoors and naturally head towards the mountains, rural areas and areas suitable for hiking. This type of tourist seeks to engage more deeply with destinations and activities.
Why is the outdoors so attractive? Exposure to nature has very positive consequences on the mental and physical. It increases the joy of life, reduces the chances of falling into depression, developing anxiety and other stress-related health problems. As nature and its benefits are increasingly understood, outdoor destinations are increasingly popular, especially since the pandemic.
The most popular outdoor activities in Canada
No matter the season or month of the year, there are always outdoor activities available in some part of Canada. For example, there are hiking, camping and water sports in summer. In winter, you can indulge in skiing, snowboarding, skating or ice fishing.
Hiking
Canada is a hiker's paradise. You can do short, medium or long hikes and there is something for all levels of difficulty. Banff Park and Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park are some of the most popular hiking destinations. In Banff, we particularly appreciate the trails of the Plain of Six Glaciers, the trail from Little Beehive to Lake Agnes and the Big Beehive near Lake Louise.
Nature observation
Canada's wilderness is home to a great diversity of animals. You can go on excursions or visit national parks to spot iconic animals such as grizzly bears, black bears, moose, elk, caribou, wolves, bald eagles and whales. to name just a few.
The natural landscapes offered by Canada are sometimes more than enough to arouse admiration. The nature alone is breathtaking. Examples include the sunsets over the Rocky Mountains, the Northern Lights in the Yukon or the flowering meadows of Fogo Island.
Camping
Canada offers many camping opportunities, including both front and back country. Many national and provincial parks offer well-equipped campgrounds. Adventurers will certainly enjoy going into the hinterland and its remote areas that are still wild.
The most popular Canadian destinations for camping are the national parks of Banff (Alberta), Gros Morne (Newfoundland), Cape Breton Highlands (Nova Scotia) and Pacific Rim (British Columbia).
Exploring lakes and rivers
Canada is full of blue lakes and rivers, nestled in landscapes of incredible beauty. Canoeing and kayaking are among the essential activities to discover this part of Canada. Paddling on serene lakes, sailing on whitewater rivers or exploring coastal areas: so many reasons that attract more and more tourists to Canada, and more specifically to British Columbia. It is also a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts, whether fly, ice or deep sea.
Mountain activities
Canada is renowned for its world-class ski resorts, particularly in the Rocky Mountains. Destinations like Whistler, Banff and Mont-Tremblant offer fantastic downhill skiing and snowboarding experiences, as well as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities.
Canada's mountainous regions offer exciting mountain biking trails for beginners and experienced cyclists alike, in destinations like Whistler, Squamish and Mont-Sainte-Anne. Climbing is also a mountain activity that attracts tourists to Canada. Canada's rugged mountain ranges and cliffs provide perfect playgrounds. Areas like Squamish, Canmore and the Bugaboos are popular for their challenging routes and breathtaking views.
Activities to try at all costs
There are endless things to do outdoors in Canada. However, we have selected a few activities that we consider essential in this beautiful and vast country.
See Niagara Falls in Ontario
These three dizzying falls constitute one of the greatest natural attractions in the province and the country. We note that they are shared between Canada and the United States, but according to reviews, the visible part on the Canadian side - the Horseshoe Falls - would be much more spectacular.
Other places of interest in the surrounding area are Queen Victoria Park, Skylon Tower and the lively Clifton Hill.
Explore the Mingan Archipelago in Quebec
On the northern coast of the province, this archipelago offers a striking landscape with its concentrations of monoliths, its arctic-alpine plants and its bird colonies. You can book several sea excursions and unusual accommodations there, such as a room shaped like a drop in nature.
Visit Dinosaur Provincial Park in Alberta
Archeology fans will especially enjoy this site in the Red Deer River Valley of southeastern Alberta. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it contains the richest collection of dinosaur fossils in the world.
More than 58 species of dinosaurs have been discovered there and numerous specimens have been sent to museums around the world.
Explore a piece of the Canadian Rockies
The Canadian Rockies are a vast mountain range in the west of the country. It is a destination of choice, with a multitude of sites to discover. It is a region of alpine lakes, diverse wildlife and outdoor recreation sites. However, visitors are advised to exercise caution, as the Canadian Rockies remain a predominantly wilderness place.
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