Canada is the second largest country in the world, and boasts natural beauty, European heritage and amazing food and drink culture. From chasing the Northern Lights, to chowing down at The Forks, to having fun on the Fundy Trail Parkway, here’s Best Western’s top 10 bucket list items in Canada.
Banff National Park welcomes over three million annual visitors, and it’s not without reason. As Canada’s first national park, the park boasts both Rocky Mountain peaks and turquoise glacier lakes, creating picture perfect views for an adventure of a lifetime.
Book your stay at Best Western Plus Siding 29 Lodge.
Stanley Park is to Canada what New York City’s Central Park is to America. The 400-hectare park is a combination of coastal rainforest, mountains and majestic natural landscapes. In addition, Stanley Park houses its famous Seawall and Canada’s largest aquarium.
Book your stay at Best Western Premier Chateau Granville Hotel & Suites & Conf. Centre.
“The Forks” in Winnipeg received its name from the union of the two rivers, the Assiniboine and the Red River; it has been a cultural hub for over 6,000 years, from Aboriginal people to European fur traders. Foodies will enjoy The Forks Market, an indoor market with specialty foods of every cuisine, from Ukrainian food to Sri Lankan to Greek food, there is a little something for everyone.
Book your stay at Best Western Premier Winnipeg East.
The Fundy Trail Parkway hails fun for all ages. The almost 3,000-hectare park features a 30 km drive with stunning views that can’t be missed. With hiking trails, biking trails, beaches, a waterfall, a suspension bridge and a stretch all the way up to the boundary of Fundy National Park, take this scenic route for fun for the whole family.
Book your stay at Best Western Plus Saint John Hotel & Suites.
St. John’s is the most easternly city in North America. This 500-year-old city was initially a trading outpost for European fisherman and its roots echo to today. Filled with history, check out the Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site or the Signal Hill National Historic Site while enjoying the rugged coastline.
Book your stay at Best Western Plus St. John’s Airport Hotel.
Halifax is bursting with maritime culture, and you can choose to visit historical sites or modern-day ones alike. The Halifax Seaport Farmers Market was established almost 300 years ago by royal decree, and you can purchase anything from the 250 vendors, from produce to jewelry to fish. Buy a brew with a visit to Alexander Keith’s Brewery, one of the oldest commercial breweries in North America, founded in 1820, or immerse yourself in maritime history at Canada’s oldest maritime museum, Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.
Book your stay at Best Western Plus Chocolate Lake Hotel.
Wintertime in Ottawa means celebrating through embracing the cold season. The Rideau Canal transforms itself into the world’s largest outdoor skating rink. In February, celebrate with a free festival, Winterlude. This epic annual event takes places over three weekends and includes a gigantic snow playground, marvelous ice sculptures and more.
Book your stay at GLo Kanata Ottawa West.
Travel through time and transport yourself into a fairytale-like landscape by wandering the infamous Rue du Petit Champlain. Voted Canada’s most beautiful street by Time Out, the cobblestones and old French-style architecture in Old Quebec are steeped in history. The picture-perfect street is filled with unique boutiques and restaurants, and is illuminated with lights during the holidays.
Book your stay at Best Western Premier Hotel Aristocrate.
As the largest festival of its kind in Western Canada, the Sasktel Saskatchewen Jazz Festival is the kick-off to summer in Canada. The festival has been playing tunes since 1987 and attracts over 75,000 festival goers annually. The festival hosts all types of music, not just jazz, and includes blues, funk, pop and world music.
Book your stay at Best Western Blairmore.
Nature shines brightly in the Yukon Territory where you can chase the infamous North Lights, or Aurora Borealis, in Whitehorse. Take the scenic route towards Fish Lake or Chadburn Lake Road during the first few weeks of winter, from 10pm to 3am. Then, sit back and relax as you watch the colors light up the darkness in the skies.
Book your stay at Best Western Gold Rush Inn.
