Activities

The amount of activities you can do at La Mauricie is incredible. No matter the season, there are always things to do. One of the things I very much appreciate about Canadians is that they get excited for winter just like most embrace the start of summer! In winter, you can ski, fat bike, ice-climb, fish, and my personal favorite, dog sledding. The best part of the experience is meeting your crew of huskies! They are very friendly! You can either sit back and enjoy the ride or get right into the mix and drive the sled yourself. Either way, it is a great introduction to what Canada is all about. As the weather starts to get warmer, La Mauricie is known for canoe camping. The park does not allow motorized boats in the water so it is probably the cleanest water you’ll ever touch. The park is made up of various islands so you can spend a weekend or more going from spot to spot and enjoying the great outdoors. Whatever you are looking for, La Mauricie has it and then some.

Hiking

The hikes within La Mauricie are so spectacular that it deserves its very own category. You simply cannot come to La Mauricie without doing at least one hike. There are plenty of hikes to choose from for all levels. No matter if you want to test your hiking skills or just take a leisurely stroll through the forest. In my opinion, there are a few trails worth exploring. Voted one of the best trails in Québec by Explore Magazine, Les Deux Criques is a 15.3 kilometers (9.5 miles) trail for advanced hikers. The trail’s views are stunning especially in fall when all of the leaves start turning colors and the forest is filled with shades of orange and red. You’ll pass by lakes, waterfalls, but you will be hiking up a hill for a good portion of it so be ready with hiking boots.

Another trail that is absolutely worth checking out is called Les Cascades. This trail is more for leisure hikers and is best to go in the summer. Its big highlight is the waterfall at the end of the hike. Think about it as a reward for your efforts! It’s a fantastic place for a late afternoon picnic and since the water is fresh, it’s a great spot to take a refreshing dip in the water and then dry off on the rocks. Speaking of waterfalls, if you are feeling adventurous and do end up renting a canoe, you can make the journey over to Waber Falls. I’d recommend getting a canoe for the whole entire day because it is impossible to canoe and enjoy the waterfalls in a 4-hour timespan. Whichever trail(s) you end up choosing at La Mauricie, you will be greeted with stunning views. Another bonus is that, since the park is not on most people’s travel radars, it’s less crowded than other national parks in the province and across Canada.

Camping

As previously mentioned, canoe camping is one of the best summer activities that you can do in the park. That being said, there are a plethora of options to choose from. As I’ve done quite a bit of camping in the park, I feel like I can give you a solid rundown of what spots are worth checking out. First off, if you only have time for one area, I highly recommend heading directly to the Wapizagonke area. It is home to some of the best camping spots in the whole park. There’s no better way to wake up than looking out over the lake and breathing in the fresh air! Be sure to get up early at sunrise and go canoe around the lake. You’ll be by yourself in nature as the fog lifts and the sun rises. It is a magical experience! For those that truly want to have a Canadian experience, you can even camp in the winter in this section.

Of course, if you do not want to do canoe camping, you can still do any traditional camping. If you are a visitor and do not have any camping equipment, have no fear! Parks Canada recently built all new lodging called oTENTik. They are small wood lodges that can accommodate up to 6 people and come fully equipped for an authentic camping experience. There are over 400 across the whole entire national park system with over 20 in La Mauricie that can be rented by the night. Whether it be canoe or traditional camping, you’ll be able to share some incredible photos with your friends and soon they will be wanting to come see La Belle Province!

Suggested next reading: 7 Stunning Locations You Need To Experience In Canada

The post The One Breathtaking Park In Canada You Need To Visit Immediately appeared first on Modern Trekker.

Many look forward to the decorating the house for Halloween, enjoying a cup of hot coffee outside, and of course, fall foliage.

There’s no better place to see the leaves change colors than in North America. The US and Canada have some of the most dramatic changing of the leaves that take on fiery red, orange, and yellow colors during the fall season. The time to see these beautiful leaves is quickly coming to an end, so be sure to get outside next weekend!

Here are the 6 best places to view fall:

1. Saguenay, Québec

Located 5 hours north of Montreal, Saguenay is not a region in Québec that many visitors think about visiting. However, if one does make the trek up north, they will be rewarded with some of the most stunning fall scenery in all of Canada.

I’d recommend basing yourself out of the charming town of Chicoutimi and doing a few hikes during your stay. Be sure to check out the fjords of Saguenay, one of the only places in North America where fjords occur. The views are simply stunning.

If you have time for a whole day trip adventure, head to Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Riviere-Malbaie National Park in the Charlevoix region. It’s famous for one of its hikes named, “Acropole-des-Draveurs”, which offers incredible views of the entire valley below.

Be sure to dress for the weather though because although the peak is beautiful, it is freezing! (The peak is surrounded by rare Alpine Tundra so the temperature difference between the top and the bottom of the trail is dramatic.)

Overall, the whole region of Saguenay is a fantastic place to view fall. You’ll fall in love with its charming small towns and friendly locals.

2. Montréal, Québec

In my opinion, visiting Montréal during fall should be on everyone’s bucket list (In all honesty, I am a little biased.. I am currently writing this article from Montréal!)

Regardless, Montréal allows you to view fall at its best while also getting to experience all of the comforts of a big city. It’s hard not to be mesmerized by the changing of the colors on Mount Royal, the hill that is located at the heart of the city.

It’s best to view fall colors from downtown, but I recommend hiking to the top to get a spectacular view of the city’s skyline.

If you just can’t get enough of fall, grab a plaid shirt, a hot chocolate, and get ready to go apple picking. Once you nail down this outfit, you’ll be well on your way to receiving your Canadian citizenship.

There are tons to choose from in the towns surrounding Montréal. Most farms have petting zoos so they are a great daytime activity if you happen to have kids in tow. There are tons of fall activities that are waiting for you up north in Montréal.

3. Aspen, Colorado

Colorado might not be the first place you think of when you want to view fall and see it come to life, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how vibrant the colors are. Although snow starts early in this part of the US, it adds beauty to the incredible fall foliage show.

There are quite a few places to see the leaves in Aspen, but the must-see spot is Maroon Bells.

Located right on a lake with mountains as the backdrop, the pictures you’ll capture will most definitely be Instagram worthy. If you prefer to drive to view fall, take Castle Creek Road for breathtaking views.

Another great way to see the colors is to take the gondola up to the peak…The views are incredible and the ride is actually quite relaxing. Anyway, you enjoy the fall colors in Aspen, you can’t go wrong!

4. Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee

The best part about the Great Smoky Mountain’s fall leaves is that they don’t even reach their peak until late October and last all the way to mid-November.

Situated just south of Knoxville, Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains fall display can be seen through hiking or driving.

I’d recommend basing your trip out of the adorable, small town of Gatlinburg. The town is filled with fall events throughout October and November.

If you choose to hike, the Appalachian Trail runs right through the mountains and the trails are well marked.

For those that want a more relaxed drive through the region, take US 441 and it’ll be hard to miss the show in front of you. For those that feel like going all out, it’s possible to arrange a helicopter tour around the mountains. How cool is that!!

5. Glacier National Park, Montana

The breathtaking beauty of Glacier National Park in Montana is hard to describe. Throw in the changing of the leaves and it will be hard to top that picture.

Summer is the peak season for the park so you’ll get the added bonus of fewer visitors, more wildlife, and stunning views all to yourself. The best way to view the foliage is to bike in the park especially Going-To-The-Sun Road.

6. Boston, Massachusetts

 

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Imagine walking through 17^th Century cobblestone streets, taking in the fascinating history of Boston while drinking a hot chocolate and watching the beautiful fire red leaves fall to the ground on a chilly day. This can all become reality in Boston, home to some of the most dramatic fall foliage in the country.

While there are many tours that offer to show you the fall leaves, I recommend just walking around the city on your own. You’ll see plenty, don’t worry!

Boston loves to celebrate the fall season. From food festivals to pumpkin carving competitions to a giant Oktoberfest, Boston goes all out for fall. If you happen to be in Boston for Halloween, make a day trip up to Salem, a city that has a long and curious history with witches. It’s a great way to close out fall on the East Coast.

Suggested next reading: 8 Amazing Countries To Visit This Fall That’ll Exceed Expectation

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Local Food

If you are visiting Montréal for the first time, there are three unique foods that you must try. This is an order. First, you must go to La Banquise and stuff your face with poutine. The dish was created in Quebec in the 1950’s but recently has become popular in other Canadian provinces, the US, and France. Poutine is quite simple. It consists of French fries, gravy, and cheese curds. There are now tons of different ways people have played with the traditional poutine from soups to dumplings. If you are in Montréal, however, the best way to enjoy poutine is after a night out.

The next morning, head to St. Viateur and try Montréal bagels. There will always be a debate among Montréal and New York residents over who has the best bagels (Montréal obviously…) There’s nothing like getting a fresh baker’s dozen, a container of cream cheese, and munching on the bagels in a park. Have one bite of a Montreal bagel and you’ll instantly never be able to have any other bagel. I believe Montréal’s food scene wins hands down here.

Finally, on our local food tour, you have to go to Schwartz’s and get a smoked meat sandwich. Schwartz’s has been around since 1928 and doesn’t look like business is slowing down anytime soon. Head there early because if you get there late in the afternoon, no matter the time of the year, the line will be down the block and around the corner. The restaurant is not fancy, it just makes incredible smoked meat. A smoked meat sandwich is best enjoyed with a cherry Coke and pickle. Keep that in mind if you want to order like a local. 

Food Festivals

If you come to Montréal in summer, you’ll probably run into some sort of food festival by mistake. It seems like every neighborhood has their own mini food festival at some point during the warmer months. While there are many food festivals to choose from in Montréal’s food scene, there are three that stand out due to how incredible the food is and the amount of variety. The first festival that is worth mentioning is Un Goût des Caraïbes (A Taste Of The Caribbean). This festival celebrates the city’s rich Caribbean influences, people, and food. With music, dancing, drinks, and food, you really can’t go wrong with this one. If you go, you have to try jerk chicken. While it may be a bit spicy, the flavor is amazing! The food at this festival never disappoints.

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Next, another food festival in the Old Port worth mentioning is Montréal’s Rib Fest. The festival takes place August 13th-16th and brings in BBQ restaurants from around North America. Montréal’s food scene is fantastic, but to be honest, its BBQ game is weak so Rib Fest is a welcomed taste of some great barbecue. Most of the participants come from the Southern US so this is the real deal. Besides ribs, many microbrews are on tap to wash down your meal. Throw in some live country music and you swear you might be in Texas…if it weren’t for the French architecture behind you.

The final food festival you can’t miss takes place every first Friday of the month from May to October. The three-year-old festival happens at Olympic Stadium and brings in food trucks from throughout the city. My favorite is a Pho Burrito that is absolutely to die for. Everything is tasty, however, the lines can get long so either come early or later on in the evening (The food trucks are open until 11 PM) If you still have room left for dessert, try the strawberry sorbet from Monsieur Crémeux. It’s to DIE for!

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Ethnic Food

Last, but certainly not least, are the ethnic options of Montréal’s food scene. As mentioned before, Montréal is a melting pot of different cultures. Due to immigration, diversity, and representation of all French-speaking countries in Montréal, the city has developed a delicious and interesting food scene. It’s not uncommon to see an Afghan restaurant next to a Mexican spot that is across the street from some Polish woman serving pierogis out of her front door (this is actually a realistic scenario in Montréal). In my opinion, however, there are two local restaurants that visitors will love.

The first is called La Khaïma. It’s a traditional Moroccan restaurant that is meant to look like a tent in the Sahara Desert. It is highly recommended you get a reservation here since the place fills up every weekend. You must sit on pillows and take off your shoes when you enter the restaurant. When you sit down, you have two options for your full course menu. You pick one or the other and the four-course meal that consists of an appetizer, entree, dessert, and tea is brought out to you. It’s not only a meal but an experience that you won’t soon forget.

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Sticking with the French-speaking country theme, head to Agrikol for some of the best Haitian food in the city (that’s a big statement considering there are 100s of Haitian restaurants in Montréal.) It’s home to some of the best plantains you’ll ever eat and their lamb and rice plate is spectacular. You won’t be disappointed.

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Suggested next reading: 10 Alternative Things That You’ll Love About Montréal

The post How To Eat Your Way Through Montréal Like A Local appeared first on Modern Trekker.

Day 1:

After splitting up the drive from Montréal and stopping in Québec City for the night (Bonus tip: walk around Québec City’s charming old town), we finally arrived in Gaspésie and set up our tent at a camping park called Camping Griffon. We arrived in medium season so we paid $28 CAD ($23 USD) a night for a spot with electricity and water. I would highly recommend this family run spot for its amazing facilities alone! The bathrooms and shower area were cleaned twice daily, they had hot water, grills, and you can camp with views of the water. The staff is very helpful in navigating the region and you are a 10-minute drive from the entrance of Forillon National Park. The only downside was that we were a 30-minute drive from the nearest grocery store, so come prepared or stop in town Gaspé to stock up on food on your way to the campsite. Also, be prepared to wear layers. It gets very cold at night! I had on, at least, a hat, 4 sweaters, 2 pairs of sweatpants, and 2 pairs of warm socks during the night.

Day 2:

We got up early and were excited to do a full day hike in Forillon National Park. The weather is hit or miss in the Gaspésie region so if you can, try to plan out the trip during a week with good weather. We got lucky throughout the entire trip and had nothing but sun and blue skies.

On our way to Forillon, we made a quick stop at Cap-Des-Rosiers Lighthouse, took some pictures of the scenery, but didn’t go up the lighthouse because you can only go on tours every 45 minutes that cost $5 CAD ($4 USD).

When we arrived at the entrance of Forillon at about 10 AM, we were so excited to have arrived that we drove straight to one of the best views in the entire park in Cap Bon-Ami section. We were greeted with incredible views of the cliffs and gulf. The panoramic view from the observation deck at the top of Mont Saint-Alban is even more stunning! If you only have time for one hike, this is absolutely the one you should do! Next, we decided to venture to the Grande-Grave trail to go to Land’s End. The Grande-Grave was actually set up as a fishing town for European fishermen that were drawn to the area because of the large amount of cod in the region. At its peak, the town was home to 400 people and exported cod to far away lands such as Italy, Spain, and the Caribbean. They created their own cure for the cod named simply, “Gaspé Cure”. There are a few original houses dotted along the trail that are still standing and you can read about this fascinating history as you walk along. As you continue up the path, you are met with amazing views of the gulf and great hiking trails. A little-known fact is that Cap Gaspé is actually the beginning (or end if you see it that way) of the International Appalachian Trail (IAT) that runs all the way down to the Southern US. Walking the trail to reach Land’s End takes about 4 hours, so start as early as you can.

Day 3:

We spent another full day at Forillon to make our time there a total of two days, but you could easily spend a week hiking the trails! It’s easy to see why people spend all summer hiking and traveling the region.

After an intense hike the previous day, we opted for more “relaxed” hikes to La Chute Trail, which is only about 1 kilometer and takes about 30 minutes to go there and back. After that we decided to go to Penouille Beach, but, on the way, we stopped by Fort Peninsula—the only World World II military area preserved in Québec. Not many people know that from 1942 to 1944, German U-Boats sank 23 Allied ships in the St. Lawrence and, as a result, the Canadian Navy built the fort to defend cargo ships against attack from the Germans. You can now go underground, see the remaining giant canons, and read about day to day life. It’s well worth the visit!

Day 4:

We left the beauty of Forillon and continued along Route 132 to Percé and its famous rock. Only 76 kilometers from Gaspé, the drive took about an hour and a half and we decided to pay $35 CAD ($29 USD) to go on a boat tour and be dropped off at Bonaventure Island. The boat ride was amazing as we got great views of the rock, spotted a minke whale, and as we got close to Bonaventure Island, we saw one of the largest north gannet (a giant seabird) nesting colonies in the world with over 120,000 nesting birds! The sight of all these black and white birds diving and flying around you is incredible. Once we arrived on the island, we had to pay $7.50 CAD ($6.17 USD) to enter the SEPAQ (Quebec Provincial Park). On the island, there are three trails that you can hike and you must stay on at all times since the ecosystem on the island is so fragile. All of them lead to the northern gannet nesting site, where you can see these bird’s unique mating and nesting behavior close up. The trip to the island is worth it, but other than the boat tour there is really no need to stay in Percé much longer, so I would recommend to only do a day trip.

Once we got back to Percé, we got back in the car and headed three hours down the 132 to a town called Bonaventure, a charming French Acadian town that is home to one of the clearest rivers I have ever seen! We stayed at Cime Adventures, a campground that provides adventure tours. If you have a chance, stay in one of their tipis for only $50 CAD ($41 USD) a night.

Day 5:

On our last full day in the Gaspésie region, we rented kayaks. We were given two options. A two hour relaxed kayaking or go with a leader on Class IV rapids. We chose the more relaxed option, but it still involved going over some rapids and a great deal of concentration. After an intense day of kayaking, we stopped by a local fish store to sample the local salmon. It was some of the freshest fish I’ve ever had!

There are so many things to do in this region and I think that, in a few years time, the tourism in the Gaspésie area will take off! So go while the prices are reasonable and before more people discover this beautiful region.

The post Gaspésie, Québec: A Region You Need To See To Believe appeared first on Modern Trekker.

1. Explore Silo #5

Montréal’s industrial roots run deep. That is immediately apparent when you walk around Montréal’s Old Port and notice a giant, rusting structure looming over the district. The huge building is Silo #5. Built in 1903, the silo helped make Montréal the biggest grain port in the world. The building has been left rotting and abandoned since the mid-90’s. While exploring this site is technically forbidden, many sneak into the property to explore the old grain elevators and take amazing pictures of Montréal’s skyline. Go at your own risk, but you will be rewarded tenfold if you succeed!

2. Garden Of Lights

Every fall during September and October, the Montréal Botanical Gardens host the Gardens Of Lights Festival. Walk through three different types of gardens, Chinese, Japanese, First Nations, and watch the bright colors light up the night sky. The festival has come to represent a changing of seasons in Montréal from summer to fall and is especially popular among families. Each weekend is a different theme so be sure to check the festival schedule before visiting.

3. First Fridays Food Truck Festival

Garden Of Lights may signal fall, but First Fridays Food Truck Festival is the beginning of summer. Lasting from May until October, every first Friday of the month over 40 food trucks dish out tasty treats in front of Olympic Stadium. In addition to food trucks, enjoy a beer or wine while listening to live music from local bands. While food trucks have only existed for 5 years in Montréal, the event is incredibly popular with over 20,000 people attending each event.

4. Mont Tremblant Day Trip

It is no secret that Canada has beautiful nature. Montréal and the surrounding region is no exception. One of the most pristine nature areas near Montréal is Mont Tremblant National Park. About a two-hour drive north of the city, Mont Tremblant offers an endless amount of activities from kayaking to hiking to camping. For those looking to have a more laid-back experience, you can take a panoramic gondola that overlooks all of the town and lakes below. If you are looking to escape the hustle of Montréal, visiting Mont Tremblant is a must!

5. Rent A Scooter

Montréal’s public transportation system is one of the best in North America, but the most fun way to see the city is by scooter. Rent one from one of the many shops in the Old Port and drive around the entire island (Montréal is actually an island for those of you that didn’t know!) Be sure to check out the trendy Plateau and Mile End, voted 2018’s coolest neighborhood in the world by How I Travel. If you have time, drive around Pointe St. Charles, one of Montréal’s oldest neighborhoods. You’ll see incredible architecture and see traces of one of North America’s first Irish communities.

6. Catch A Festival

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As the snow melts, days become longer, and everyone has summer on their minds, it’s time to get ready for festival season. From late May to early September, Montréal truly comes alive and puts on a show! Can’t-miss festivals include Mural Festival (a celebration of graffiti and urban art), Grand Prix (the yearly F-1 race weekend), The Montréal International Jazz Festival (One the largest jazz festivals in the world with over 1,000 shows, some of which are free), and last, but not least Just For Laughs (A massive, 2 week long comedy festival that draws visitors from all of the world). There is a festival pretty much every weekend during the summer so be sure to check out the schedule before you arrive to see what’s going on.

7. Walk Around Atwater Market

One of my favorite things about Montréal is the emphasis on local food. That’s why there are four public markets within the city that promote Montréal and Québec grown foods. My favorite market, however, is Atwater Market. It is located on the edge of the Lachine Canal and is the perfect place to walk around and get lost among the different food stalls. In the summer, there is an outdoor food court that hosts various different local restaurants.

8. Watch A Sunrise At Mont Royal

Montréal is named for its small hill overlooking the city. While it once was used for maintaining guard over the city, today Mont Royal is the best place to watch the sunrise. There is no better way to wake up than walking up the hill with a coffee and watching the city slowly come alive.

9. Eat At St. Viateur/ Fairmount

Sure, there is poutine and smoked meat, but Montréal is fiercely proud of their bagels. There are two choices for your bagel needs. You are either team Fairmount or team St. Viateur. You have to choose one and once you choose, you can’t change. Personally, I am on St. Viateur’s team, but I would suggest you try both. Their bagel sandwiches are to die for! Head to one or both institutions on a weekday to beat the rush, because on the weekend it is almost impossible to get a table.

10. Take In The Murals On St. Laurent

Montréal is known for many things, but it has only recently become known for the amount of street art its buildings and walls have. The best place to see street art in Montréal is on Rue St. Laurent, home to the Mural Festival. Take a walk up and down the street to see the newest murals. They are changed every early June as artists from countries near and far are invited to create new works of art.

Suggested next reading: Gaspésie, Québec: A Region You Need To See To Believe

The post 10 Alternative Things That You’ll Love About Montréal appeared first on Modern Trekker.

1. Québec City, Québec

Québec City, considered one of the most beautiful cities in North America, turns 410 years old in 2018. There is no better time to visit Québec than in summer. Walk around the picturesque walled, Old Québec. The walled city is the only of its kind north of Mexico and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1985. Visit the Citadelle to learn more about Québec’s military past. Afterward, continue on to the Plains of Abraham, the battlefield for the Seven Years’ War between the British and French. The war was a major turning point in Québec’s history and led to the creation of Canada.  During your visit, you can get incredible views of the St. Laurence River flowing by. If you crave a little nature, take a shuttle bus to Montmorency Falls. There are hiking trails and trams so anyone can reach the top of the falls. Be sure to walk on the suspension bridge over the falls. It’ll get your heart racing! After a long day of exploring, be sure to check out the trendy Saint-Roch district for dinner and drinks. Saint-Roch once contained factories and buildings, but now is home to restaurants, cocktail bars, and boutique hotels. You can’t go wrong with any place on Rue Saint-Joseph Est!

2. Wood Buffalo National Park, Alberta/Northwest Territories

Due to Wood Buffalo National Park’s isolated location on the border of Alberta and the Northwest Territories, it will not be the first place anyone thinks of when planning a trip to Canada. Those that frequent the area prefer it that way. Wood Buffalo is known as a place where people can disconnect and go off the grid. It is impossible to see Canada’s largest national park in one visit. One can absolutely not miss seeing the park’s namesake: Buffalo. It is home to the largest pack in North America. Be sure to also look for Whooping Cranes, an endangered bird species that nest in the park. While Wood Buffalo is difficult to reach, for those that make the trek, they will be rewarded with incredible scenery and nature.

3. Saguenay, Québec

Two and half hours north of Québec City lies the town of Saguenay. While the town is lovely and the people are friendly, Saguenay’s Fjord’s National Park steals the show. The views from the vistas are breathtaking and there are many different hiking trails that can lead you to various incredible lookouts. The fjord is also apart of the St. Lawrence Marine Park. Saguenay’s location, an area where warm and cold water meet to create a “buffet” of fish, is perfect for whale watching. During summer, you can take a tour and maybe if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to see one or more of these beautiful sea creatures.

4. Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta

Connected to Montana’s Glacier National Park, Waterton Lakes is just as stunning as its more well-known sister, Banff, to the north. Canada’s smallest national park was badly damaged by wildfires in September 2017, but most of the park is open again and ready to receive visitors. The park has several waterfalls within its limits, but Blakiston is by far the most picture worthy. With the Rocky Mountains as its backdrop, the viewing platforms make it easy to take full advantage of the views. If you only have time for one hike though, Crypt Lake Trail is a must. Voted one of the most thrilling hiking trails in the world by National Geographic, Crypt Lake Trail starts out as a boat ride to Crypt landing. It quickly becomes physically demanding as it winds its way through various switchbacks and up a mountain. The most challenging part of the trail is fitting your body through a 4-foot wide tunnel. Once you make it through, you’ll be rewarded with Crypt Lake. Take in the fresh mountain air, sit back, and enjoy the peace and quiet.

5. Great Bear Rainforest, British Columbia

For those that enjoy off the beaten path locations, Great Bear Rainforest can only be accessed by boat or a floatplane. Cool name aside, Great Bear is the largest coastal temperate rainforest in the world covering over 400 kilometers. The main attraction at Great Bear is, of course…bears! The park contains the largest population of Grizzly Bears anywhere in the world. If you are lucky, you’ll be able to see a rare Kermode Bear, a white fur bear that is a subspecies of the Black Bear. The best time to see bears is at the end of the summer in late August when salmon make their annual run.

6. Athabasca Sand Dunes Provincial Park, Saskatchewan

Take one look at the Athabasca Sand Dunes and you might think that your eyes are deceiving you. You may think that you are in Africa or South America. Canada is probably the last place you could think of when looking at sand dunes, but that is exactly where you are. All the way up in the corner of northwestern Saskatchewan, the Athabasca Sand Dunes stretch over 100 kilometers. The park, however, is not easy to visit. One can only arrive by floatplane, must carry all waste, and work with onsite guides to protect the fragile ecosystem.

7. Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland

One of Canada’s most eastern national parks, Gros Morne spans 1,805 square-kilometers. There is a wide variety of nature and trails within the park, but its coastal trails are what attract adventurers to the park. The East Coast trail offers sweeping views of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence from a lush, green forest. If you still have energy, hike four hours to the summit (800 meters/ 2,600 feet) of Gros Morne Mountain for insane views of the valley below. Gros Morne is a national park that needs to be on every adventurer’s exploration list!

Not done exploring? Why not check out:

• 7 Stunning Locations You Need To Experience In North America
• 7 Stunning Locations You Need To Experience In South America

The post 7 Stunning Locations You Need To Experience In Canada appeared first on Modern Trekker.