Exploring nature in Canada isn’t just about adventure—it’s about taking time to slow down, meet new people, and experience the culture of your new home country. Of course, getting Canadian citizenship is an important step to settling in, but connecting with the Great White North is also an important part of the Canadian experience.
At Remitly, we understand that exploring an unknown wilderness can be challenging. That’s why we’re here to help you adjust to every aspect of your new life in Canada, from the cost of living to opening a bank account and sending money home—or exploring the great outdoors. In this article, we’ll guide you through some of Canada’s most stunning natural spots, helping you feel more at home in the wild beauty of your new country.
Explore Canada: Must-visit national parks
Canada’s national and provincial parks are some of the most breathtaking in the world. From peaceful lakeside strolls to rugged backcountry adventures and breathtaking wildlife encounters, there’s a park for every kind of explorer.
Banff National Park, Alberta: Canadian Rockies wilderness
Banff National Park is a world-renowned mountain destination nestled in the Canadian Rockies. It’s a place where elk roam freely, turquoise waters glisten under the sun, and outdoor adventures are around every corner.
What makes this postcard-perfect town unique is its incredible variety of landscapes and activities.
In the summer, you can hike through dense alpine forests and paddle across the iconic Lake Louise. During winter, the town transforms into a snowy wonderland: you can enjoy world-class skiing and snowboarding before relaxing in the soothing Banff Upper Hot Springs.
Regardless of the season, you should definitely take some time to visit the Icefields Parkway. This road connects Banff to the nearby Jasper National Park and is one of the most scenic drives on the planet, offering jaw-dropping views along the way. Of course, it’s ideal to get a Canadian driver’s licence before you can do this.
Jasper National Park, Alberta: Dark Sky Preserve
Jasper National Park is another area where you’ll find rugged mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and abundant wildlife. As the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, it offers a more remote and untouched feel than nearby Banff.
One of Jasper’s standout features is its designation as a Dark Sky Preserve. This means that it has minimal light pollution and offers some of the best stargazing opportunities in the world.
If this is the reason you want to visit Jasper, it’s best to plan a trip for October, when the Jasper Dark Sky Festival takes place. During this period, you’ll be able to spot many important celestial bodies in the Milky Way—and possibly even get to see the northern lights.
If you’re not visiting in October, don’t worry; Jasper’s landscapes are just as captivating as its skyscapes. You can hike through Maligne Canyon, walk on the Athabasca Glacier, or take a boat tour to the famous Spirit Island to enjoy the area’s raw beauty.
Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland and Labrador: UNESCO World Heritage Site
Perched on the rugged west coast of Newfoundland and Labrador, Gros Morne National Park offers an entirely different taste of Canada’s wild side. It features landscapes that seem almost otherworldly, with dramatic fjords, ancient cliffs, and sweeping green hills.
What really sets Gros Morne apart is its geological significance. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to ancient landscapes shaped by glaciers, shifting tectonic plates, and time itself. The park’s Tablelands—a stretch of exposed rock from the Earth’s mantle—offer a rare glimpse into the planet’s inner layers.
Gros Morne is also a haven for wildlife. You’re almost certain to see moose wandering through meadows along the edges of woodlands. There are also more elusive arctic foxes, black bears, and a variety of bird species to add to the animal-spotting fun.
A visit here gives you an opportunity to pause, reflect, and truly connect with nature, whether you’re hiking Gros Morne Mountain Trail or exploring the park’s quaint coastal villages.
Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario: Canoeing adventures
Algonquin Provincial Park is a paddler’s paradise. The park features a vast network of interconnected lakes that are separated by dense forests and rocky ridges. This location will delight first-time paddlers and seasoned backcountry explorers alike.
What makes Algonquin unique is that much of its beauty is only accessible by water. Experiencing this park to the fullest means putting your devices away and immersing yourself in nature. And there’s no better reward than spotting a moose wading through the shallows or hearing the call of a loon at sunrise as you paddle across a misty lake.
With over 2,000 kilometres of canoe routes, Algonquin is one of the best places in Canada to experience true wilderness by water. That said, there’s still plenty to do on land.
The park’s hiking trails offer stunning views of rolling maple forests, which explode into fiery reds and oranges in the fall. Both the Lookout Trail and Booth’s Rock Trail lead to scenic spots, while Mizzy Lake Trail is a prime route for spotting beavers, deer, and even black bears.
Whether you prefer to go by land or water, Algonquin offers an immersive outdoor experience that feels a world away from city life.
Top wildlife destinations across Canada
Canada is home to some of the most diverse wildlife on the planet. Every region offers unique encounters, from grizzly bears roaming the West Coast to polar bears in the Arctic and massive caribou herds in the tundra.
Whale watching in Atlantic Canada
Atlantic Canada is one of the best places in the world for whale watching, with over 20 species passing through its waters.
Popular whale-watching spots include:
- Bay of Fundy, in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, for spotting rare whale species.
- St. John’s Bay and Witless Bay in Newfoundland and Labrador, where you can spot humpbacks, minke whales, and even the occasional orca.
The best time to see these giants of the ocean is from June to October, when they migrate closer to shore to feed. In some areas, lucky visitors might even see whales breaching from the shore.
It’s best to book a guided boat tour if you want to see these magnificent creatures up close. This will give you the best chance of spotting other sought-after marine wildlife, like puffins and seals.
Grizzly bear viewing in British Columbia
British Columbia is one of the best places in the world to see grizzly bears in their natural habitat. The season runs from spring to fall, but the best sighting opportunities are in September and October, when bears gather at rivers to feast on spawning salmon.
Top spots for grizzly bear viewing include the Great Bear Rainforest, as guided boat tours navigate remote inlets. Knight Inlet is another renowned bear-watching destination north of Vancouver Island. The Khutzeymateen Grizzly Sanctuary near Prince Rupert also offers a chance to see grizzlies in a protected wilderness setting.
It’s best to join an eco-friendly, guided tour that follows strict wildlife viewing and safety regulations. This will ensure safety and minimize human impact.
Bird watching in Northern Canada
With vast, untouched habitats and minimal human interference, Northern Canada offers a unique and serene bird-watching experience. It’s best enjoyed with binoculars, patience, and warm layers of clothing.
Top birding destinations include Churchill in Manitoba, which is famous for its snowy owls and tundra swans. Meanwhile, Aulavik National Park in the Northwest Territories is home to flocks of gyrfalcons and long-tailed jaegers. In Nunavut’s coastal regions, visitors can spot colonies of thick-billed murres and Arctic terns.
The best time to visit is during the spring and summer months, from May to August. That’s when millions of birds return to nest in the Arctic tundra, dotting the skies as they fly.
Coastal wildlife in Prince Edward Island National Park
Prince Edward Island National Park is a prime location for spotting coastal wildlife. Its sandy beaches, salt marshes, and rolling dunes provide a habitat for diverse species.
The park stretches along the Gulf of St. Lawrence and is home to the endangered piping plover, often seen nesting along the shorelines. You’ll also likely spot harbour seals basking on the rocks near Covehead Bay and Dalvay Beach.
Plan your visit from spring to early fall—May to September—when migratory birds, seals, and marine life are most active. Keep in mind that Prince Edward Island’s ecosystem is extremely fragile, so stay on designated trails and follow wildlife viewing guidelines at all times during your trip.
Planning your adventure
Exploring Canada’s great outdoors requires some planning. From multi-day wilderness treks to scenic weekend getaways, crafting the right itinerary ensures a smooth, stress-free adventure that fits your interests and experience level.
Popular routes for wildlife enthusiasts
Whether you’re a fan of scenic drives or hiking remote wilderness trails, these routes provide unforgettable encounters with Canada’s most iconic species:
- Icefields Parkway: A breathtaking drive between Banff and Jasper in Alberta, home to elk, bighorn sheep, and bears.
- Cabot Trail: A stunning Nova Scotia coastal route where moose, eagles, and whales are commonly spotted.
- Dempster Highway: A rugged northern road that winds through the Yukon and the Northwestern Territories, offering potential sightings of caribou, grizzlies, and Arctic fox.
- Great Bear Rainforest: A boat-based route in British Columbia that gives you a chance to observe grizzly and rare spirit bears in their natural habitat.
Combining city and nature
One of the best things about Canada is how easy it is to balance urban life with outdoor adventure. Many major cities are just a short drive from breathtaking natural escapes, making it easy to take a day or weekend trip into the wilderness.
On the West Coast, you can go from the vibrant streets of downtown Vancouver to the Grouse Mountain trails or the rainforests of Capilano Suspension Bridge Park in under an hour. Then there’s Banff National Park—the gateway to the Canadian Rockies—which is just a 90-minute drive away from Calgary.
For those in Toronto, which itself is perched on the edge of a lake, both Algonquin Provincial Park and Niagara Falls are within easy reach.
Eco-friendly travel options in Canada
There are plenty of eco-friendly travel options you can use to reduce your carbon footprint while you’re exploring the Great White North.
- VIA Rail Canada connects major cities and smaller communities across the country and offers you a scenic, lower-emission alternative to flying.
- Long-distance bus services, like those operated by Rider Express and Maritime Bus, provide affordable and eco-conscious travel options between regions.
When you’re out in nature, cycling can be an adventurous, low-impact way to travel between provinces. And for short-distance exploration, canoeing, hiking, and walking provide immersive, environmentally friendly ways to experience Canada’s wilderness.
Tips for responsible tourism
Before you start exploring Canada’s breathtaking landscapes, it’s important to understand that this adventure comes with a responsibility to protect the country’s natural beauty and wildlife.
Canada has strict environmental laws and wildlife protection regulations that enforce conservation and protect animals. Visitors are expected to follow the Leave No Trace principles and respect local ecosystems to ensure these spaces remain intact for future generations.
Here are some key tips for responsible tourism and wildlife viewing in Canada:
- Keep your distance from wildlife: Admire animals from afar. Feeding or approaching them can be dangerous for both you and the animals.
- Follow park guidelines: Each national and provincial park has its own rules. Stick to designated trails and respect posted signs.
- Pack out what you pack in: Dispose of waste properly and avoid leaving anything behind.
- Respect Indigenous land: Many outdoor areas have cultural significance. Learn about local traditions before you go and follow any sign-posted guidelines.
- Minimize your impact: Stick to marked paths, avoid loud noises, and travel in small groups to reduce disturbance to nature.
By being mindful of these practices, you can help preserve Canada’s natural beauty for all to enjoy.
FAQs
What nature and wildlife is there in Canada?
Canada boasts a range of diverse ecosystems, including forests, tundra, and coastlines. The country is home to over 200 mammal species, 462 bird species, and numerous marine animals.
What part of Canada has the most wildlife?
The boreal forest covers a large percentage of Canada’s landmass, and it supports abundant wildlife such as moose, beavers, black bears, and lynx.
What can I do in the Canadian wilderness?
Activities include hiking, canoeing, wildlife viewing, and camping, offering immersive experiences in nature.
Can you take rocks from provincial parks in Canada?
You may not remove natural objects, including rocks, from provincial parks. This is prohibited in order to preserve the environment.