9 Of The Best Hidden Gems In Canada According To Canucks, From Huge Waterfalls To Lush Gardens
Have many have you been to?
A person in a park in Canada. Right: A person walks on a beach in Canada.
If you're looking for your next adventure in Canada, why not venture off the beaten path?
Canada is home to so many hidden gems and underrated attractions, with under-the-radar road trips and provincial parks that should be on your travel bucket list.
And who better to go to for the best hidden gems than Canadians themselves?
Canucks are sharing their favourite hidden gem locations in Canada, and the list includes towering waterfalls, enchanting gardens and secluded swimming spots.
In the subreddit r/AskACanadian, locals were asked to share their picks for "geographical hidden gems" in the country.
The responses include a mix of coastal retreats and stunning parks. Here are nine of the best hidden gems in Canada, according to Canadians:
Old Woman Bay
Why You Need To Go: Found at the northern tip of Lake Superior Provincial Park in Ontario, Old Woman Bay is home to a long sandy beach populated with driftwood and surrounded by 200-metre standing cliffs.
The serene spot makes for a great place year-round for picnics, sightseeing, fishing, and even a swim if you don’t mind the cold.
Dinosaur Provincial Park
Why You Need To Go: Dinosaur Provincial Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Alberta's Badlands known for being the location where some of the world's best-preserved dinosaur fossils have been found.
The park's striking landscape is beautiful to behold and offers hiking trails, guided tours, camping and more.
Coast of Bays
Why You Need To Go: Newfoundland's Coast of Bays is a stretch of coastline in the province that is home to secluded bays, pristine beaches, tall fjords, ocean vistas and charming communities.
The area can be covered in a scenic road trip, covering about 485 kilometres in total.
Clearwater Lake
Why You Need To Go: Called "one of Manitoba's best-kept secrets," Clearwater Lake (located in Clearwater Lake Provincial Park) is a stunning lake with crystal-clear waters and a tropical blue hue.
The lake is so clear that the bottom is visible at 35 feet. The park offers great fishing, as a prime spot for trophy-size lake trout, northern pike and whitefish, long white beaches, and an array of caves that can be reached on a self-guided trail.
Saguenay Fjord
Why You Need To Go: Quebec's only fjord, the Saguenay fjord stretches over 100 kilometres and is surrounded by steep cliffs. According to Bonjour Quebec, it's so deep that it attracts whales where it leads to the river.
You can hike around the fjord to discover incredible lookouts, look for whales and enjoy tons of other outdoor activities around the fjord.
Hopewell Rocks
Why You Need To Go: The Hopewell Rocks in New Brunswick are an underrated attraction located on the Bay of Fundy.
The rocks are more than 20 free-standing sea stacks that have been carved by the massive tides of the bay. You can visit the Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park to see the sea stacks, which come in a variety of sizes, and walk along the ocean floor when the tide goes out.
Takakkaw Falls
Why You Need To Go: Located in Yoho National Park, Takkakaw Fall is one of the highest waterfalls in all of Canada and easily one of the most dramatic at 1,223 feet tall.
The falls were formed by meltwater from the Daly Glacier in the Waputik Mountains and consists of three distinct, nearly vertical drops.
You can visit the falls and cool off in its mist, or book a stay at the Takakkaw Falls Campground located at the top of the Yoho Valley Road in the park.
International Peace Garden
Why You Need To Go: The International Peace Garden lies on the Canada-U.S. border near Boissevain, Manitoba, and was established as a symbol of the peaceful relationship between Canada and the United States.
Open year-round, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities and attractions, including hiking trails, kayaking, and exploring enchanting flower gardens.
Because it crosses over into the U.S., visitors will enter through their respective port of entry and will need a passport or government-issued ID with a copy of their birth certificate.
Chasm Park
Why You Need To Go: Chasm Park is a breathtaking hiking spot in British Columbia.
The park is home to the Chasm Creek Valley, which is described as Canada's version of the Grand Canyon, and is home to colourful geological formations and ponderosa pine forests.
The park offers several hiking trails amid spectacular backdrops. You can embark on a leisurely stroll along the cliffs or venture deeper into the park's wilderness to discover the diversity of the local flora and fauna.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
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