Canada is the second largest country in the world, covering over 3,855,102 square miles. With everything from soaring mountains and rugged coastline to endless prairie, lush islands and ice fields, combined with abundant wildlife, it also offers a wealth of true bucket list experiences. An RV Canada road trip that includes these adventures is guaranteed to make for the adventure of a lifetime.
Get Up Close to Polar Bears in Churchill, Manitoba
Located on Hudson Bay in the far north of Manitoba, the small town of Churchill is world-famous for its polar bears that inhabit the area in the fall. This is one of the few spots on Earth where you can get up close to these incredible creatures. Of course, you don’t want to get too close – outfitters like Churchill Polar Bear Tours take visitors safely in custom-built Polar Rovers to witness the world’s greatest concentration of polar bears. You can also seem them from your own cabin window, sometimes even peering in, with a stay at Tundra Lodge.
Embark on One of the World’s Greatest Drives: The Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia
Often ranked among the world’s greatest drives, the Cabot Trail is a 185-mile-long route on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, forming a loop around its northern tip. Along the way you’ll not only be immersed in jaw-dropping coastal scenery, but you’ll have the opportunity to experience the still vibrant Acadian and Celtic cultures, savor delectable fresh seafood, enjoy live Celtic tunes and watch for everything from bald eagles and puffins to dolphins, whales and seals.
Spend the Night in an Ice Hotel in Quebec City, Montreal
Most ice hotels are located in Europe, but the only one in North America made entirely from ice and snow can be found in Quebec City. Even the furniture is made out of snow and ice, including the beds, although they have a solid wood base, mattress, silky soft sheets and a faux-fur throw so you’ll stay nice and comfy tucked in. The hotel also includes a giant ice slide, hot tubs and saunas, and an ice chapel for those looking for a more unique way to tie the knot.
Be the First to Watch the Sun Rise Over North America at Cape Spear, Newfoundland
Head to Cape Spear, Newfoundland and you’ll be at the easternmost spot in the western hemisphere. It’s worth waking early to watch a sunrise here on a clear day. As you stand at the edge of the cliff looking out east over the Atlantic you can almost see Ireland. To the west, the entire popular of North America will be behind you. In addition to watching the sunrise splash its colors across the sea, if you’re here in the summer, this is one of the best places to spot whales. From mid-spring to early summer, icebergs can often be seen floating by.
Witness One of the World’s Greatest Wonders: Niagara Falls in Ontario
Niagara Falls is considered one of the great wonders in the world. Experiencing the feel of the mist against your skin and listening to its thundering echoes as over 44 million gallons of water plunge down every minute, is one of Canada’s top bucket list experiences.
Gaze Up at the Colorful Northern Lights in Jasper National Park, Alberta
Watching the northern lights is on many travelers’ bucket lists, and while there are lots of places in Canada where you might see them, Jasper National Park was officially designated a Dark Sky Preserve. The designation means that it aims to protect and preserve the night sky and to eliminate light pollution, which makes it one of the best for catching this phenomenon. The night’s sky often bursts into a blaze of color on clear nights from September through April – and even if the aurora doesn’t make an appearance, you’re guaranteed some of the best stargazing on the planet.
