When you think about your top bucket list destinations, what may come to mind are exotic adventures far from modern civilization. What if we told you they’re closer than you think? We have curated once-in-a-lifetime adventures spanning Canada’s vast landscape, and each is as unique as the region in which it’s found.
1) Spotting Northern Lights | Yukon, NWT
Bathe in the magical glow of the aurora borealis, Mother Nature’s most spectacular light show. No two nights are the same, and the bold colors dancing across the sky are as varied and unique as the mythology surrounding them.
2) Glamping | Clayoquot Wilderness Resort, Clayoquot Sound, BC
This is luxury, redefined. Think luxurious white tents with in-floor heating, indoor/outdoor showers and romantic candlelight. When you’re not lounging in luxury, try a horseback ride, kayak still waters watching for wildlife, or battle rushing rapids in a high-adrenaline adventure. Not to be forgotten, meals are all-inclusive gourmet fare – no lifting a finger, unless it’s a flute of champagne!
3) Paddling Amongst Porpoises | Nimmo Bay, Great Bear Rainforest, BC
Playful and curious, many pods of Dall’s Porpoise reside in the nearby Broughton Archipelago. Paddle boarding around Nimmo Bay, you may find yourself surrounded by a friendly pod looking to get to know you. Paddling alongside these marvelous creatures will surely take your breath away.
4) Coming Face-to-Face with Grizzlies | Nakina River, BC
Imagine getting up and sipping your coffee, while bears stroll by your deck. So close that you could reach out and touch them, (we recommend not, unless you want to spend your holiday in the ER!) this is your chance to view bears in their natural habitat with a leading expert. This is not for the faint of heart, expect to come closer than ever before to Canada’s greatest predator.
5) Frolicking with Belugas | Somerset Island, NU
At the very tip of Somerset Island lies the Cunningham Inlet, a world-class beluga whale observation site. Every summer, up to two thousand whales congregate to nurse their young and molt their skin in the ‘warm’ Arctic waters. Spot dueling muskoxen and Arctic foxes frolicking in the wild. Ride ATVs across the barren tundra landscape in search of ancient artifacts, fat bike across sea ice, or paddleboard alongside a family of belugas.
6) Exploring the Edge of the Earth | Fogo Island Inn, NL
Find yourself at one of the four corners of the Earth (as stated by the Flat Earth Society). Perched on stilts overlooking the rugged Atlantic Ocean, Fogo Island Inn is a modern and luxurious outpost in a remote setting. As founder Zita Cobb has said, “It’s far away from far away”. Get to know local boat-makers, watch icebergs bobbing by, and delight in the seven seasons (yes, seven!) that bless Fogo Island.
7) Heli-Sightseeing above the Icefields | Canadian Rockies, AB
This all-season adventure is beyond breath-taking. Soar high above jagged mountain peaks and emerald lakes, impressive icefields and ancient glaciers. Perch atop a mountain and sip champagne, practice yoga or even say ‘I Do’. If you can imagine it you can do it, all with your own pilot and guide.
8) Catching Trophy-Sized Lake Trout & Pike | Great Slave Lake, NWT
Rated #1 fishing destination in the world by Henry Waszczuk in Fins & Skins Magazine, Great Slave Lake houses massive trout and Canadian Pike, often as large as 45 inches long. These predatory fish are relentless, it’s as good as it gets.
9) Walking Among Polar Bears | Seal River, MB
Positioned just north of Churchill, Manitoba is Seal River, resting along the coast of Hudson Bay and in prime viewing position of many polar bears who call this area home. Visible from July to November, observe bears in their natural habitat without cages or barriers. Admire snow-white polar bears frolicking among the fireweed in the summer, and in the winter rambling along the shoreline awaiting the freeze (and their seal hunt).
10) Heli-Skiing Adventures | Whistler, BC
90% of the world’s heli-skiing takes place in British Columbia. The Whistler region attracts an average of only fifty skiers per day, but with 432,000 acres at your disposal you’re unlikely to encounter another soul aside from your helicopter pilot. With 475 named runs, and countless others yet to be officially discovered, Whistler is ideal for skiing adventures from novice to pro.
