We live in a country brimming with breathtaking natural beauty. From the soaring mountains on the west coast to the seaside landscape of the east, along with pristine lakes and lush provincial parks in between, there is an abundance of unique attractions and ways to explore Canada. Here are five under-the-radar sights worth adding to your bucket list.
Abraham Lake
David Thompson Country, Alberta
This artificial lake on the North Saskatchewan River is known for its ice bubbles. When organic material decomposes at the bottom of the lake, it releases methane, which rises to the top in bubbles that freeze when the temperature dips.
Cheltenham Badlands
Caledon, Ontario
Part of the Niagara Escarpment, these rolling red hills look stunning, but they were actually caused by poor farming practices. When settlers arrived here, they removed trees to make way for crops and livestock, causing the topsoil to erode. Snowmelt, rain and freezing conditions accelerated the erosion of the shale beneath, resulting in the unique ridged landscape.
Mount Thor
Baffin Island, Nunavut
Located in Auyuittuq National Park, this 1,250-metre peak is one of the Seven Wonders of Canada and features the world’s steepest vertical drop, with an average angle of 105 degrees. It’s so hard to climb that it took 33 days and more than 30 attempts before a four-person team ascended to the summit in 1985.
Bear Rock Sinkhole
Sahtu Region, Northwest Territories
Between the towns of Tulita and Norman Wells, there are dozens of sinkholes, the most famous of which is by Bear Rock, which was formed when a giant underground cave collapsed. Hikers can explore the nearby caves and climb to the towering 400-metre peak for a scenic lookout.
Cathedral Grove
Vancouver Island, British Columbia
This forest, located in Macmillan Provincial Park, contains remnants of an ancient giant Douglas fir forest. The endangered ecosystem includes some trees that are more than 500 years old—with a select few as old as 800—standing as tall as 75 metres high. One tree has a circumference of nine metres.
Go travelling
To explore Canada and beyond, visit us online to speak with a CAA Travel Consultant to plan your next adventure. They can also ensure you have the right travel insurance to protect your trip.