Out-of-the-way places in Canada, you won’t regret visiting
Introduction
Canada is well known for its breathtaking natural beauty and vast open spaces. However, most tourists tend to flock to the same popular destinations like Banff, Jasper, Niagara Falls, and Vancouver without realizing the many hidden gem destinations that exist off the beaten path. While the big cities and national parks are undoubtedly wonderful to visit, getting away from the crowds to experience Canada’s lesser-known areas is truly what traveling is all about.
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Central Coast of British Columbia
Nestled between Vancouver Island and the mainland coast is one of Canada’s most remote and unspoiled regions – the Central Coast of British Columbia. Spanning over 22,000 square kilometers, this area northwest of Vancouver consists of a string of breathtaking fjords, islands, and coastal rainforests accessible only by boat or plane.
With a population of just over 3,000 people scattered across a handful of native villages, the Central Coast sees far fewer visitors each year compared to other areas in BC. For those who make the effort, they are rewarded with some of the most stunning wilderness scenery imaginable. Towering mountains and cliffsides plunge straight into the ocean dotted with whales, sea lions, and lush coastal rainforests.
A few highlights worth considering include Bella Coola, a small town located at the head of a long inlet surrounded by Salish mountain ranges. Further north along the coast lies Klemtu, a predominantly Heiltsuk First Nation village where you can learn about their traditions and take guided bear-watching tours. For pure natural beauty, the Gardner Canal Marine Provincial Park encompasses a 60-km long fjord studded with islands, waterfalls, and myriad inlets to explore by kayak.
Venturing to the Central Coast gets you away from crowds and immerses you in truly off-grid scenery and native culture. It’s the ultimate wilderness experience for nature and adventure lovers within easy reach of Vancouver. Just be prepared for limited services and bring plenty of provisions if striking out on your own.
Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland
Newfoundland’s rugged coastline is renowned for its extreme natural beauty, yet one area stands apart as truly spectacular – Gros Morne National Park. Located near the town of Rocky Harbour on the island’s west coast, Gros Morne is dominated by the Tablelands, a unique geological phenomenon where the ancient sea floor was uplifted onto land.
Walking among the otherworldly barren hills and green lakes formed over millions of years provides a memorable glimpse into the earth’s deep history. However, there is much more to explore as well in this 219-square-kilometre UNESCO World Heritage site. Dramatic coastal vistas, hiking trails through ancient boreal forests and glacial valleys, and glimpsing whales and puffins along the rocky shorelines are just a sampling of what awaits visitors.
Even in the peak summer season, relatively few people venture to this remote corner of Newfoundland compared to places like St. John’s or Western National Park on the Avalon Peninsula. Those who make the multi-hour drive are rewarded with large open spaces all to themselves and one of Canada’s most scenically diverse national parks. Nearby Rocky Harbour also offers charming accommodations, restaurants, and boat tours amid some of eastern Canada’s most spectacular coastline.
Gros Morne will certainly provide lifelong memories and warrants at least a 2-3 day stay to fully appreciate its beauty. It’s no wonder this park is considered one of Canada’s top natural treasures.
Port au Port Peninsula, Newfoundland
Stretching west from the remote Northern Peninsula of Newfoundland lies the little-visited Port au Port Peninsula. Encompassing over 3,000 square kilometers of dramatic coastline, this peninsula feels truly lost in time due to its isolation and a small population of only a few thousand residents.
The highlight of any visit would be experiencing traditional outport life in communities like Stephenville Crossing, Port au Port West, and Felix Cove. Here you can observe the unspoiled natural scenery of rocky coast, boggy barrens, and boreal forests shared by just a handful of year-round residents. Interacting with the locals and learning about their self-sufficient lifestyle is a heartwarmingly authentic cultural experience not found elsewhere.
Outdoor pursuit fans will also appreciate the region’s excellent hiking, fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing opportunities among its coastal islands, bays, and rivers. Keep an eye out for black bears, moose, bald eagles, and many seabird species. Further inland are hidden fjord-like lakes and waterfalls ideal for peaceful backcountry canoe trips.
Considering how rarely it draws visitors from beyond Newfoundland, the untamed beauty and traditional way of life preserved on the Port au Port Peninsula makes for a truly off-the-beaten-path destination worth dedicating at least 3-4 days. Those seeking a remote getaway in touch with Atlantic Canada’s historic coastal culture need look no further.
Anticosti Island, Quebec
Off the north shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence lies Anticosti Island – Quebec’s largest island and one of its most isolated areas. At over 7,800 square kilometers in size, this predominantly flat, boreal forest-covered island has a scant population of just 1,000 people scattered across a handful of villages.
With no bridges connecting it to the mainland, Anticosti Island truly feels like a remote backcountry wilderness outpost accessible only by plane or boat. However, those who venture to this lesser-known destination are rewarded with unspoiled natural scenery, unique wildlife, and glimpses into traditional island culture going back centuries.
Some top experiences include visiting the atmospheric towns of Port-Menier and Ellis Bay to interact with friendly French-speaking locals. Venture inland among ancient stands of pine, spruce, lichen forests, and over 1,000 freshwater lakes containing significant trout and salmon populations, all surrounded by scenic coastlines dotted with sandy beaches and sea stacks. Come in the summer and chances are good you may spot belugas, seals, and the occasional wandering bear or moose.
To fully appreciate a place so cut off from the outside world, plan on spending at least a full week exploring by kayak, hiking trails, and back roads, taking boat tours, and enjoying downhome Anticosti hospitality. History and nature buffs in particular will appreciate this untouched wilderness destination truly off the beaten path.
Small town Manitoba
When one envisions destinations in Manitoba, the provincial capital Winnipeg usually comes to mind, along with the nearby Whiteshell Forest region or Polar Bear Provincial Park along Hudson Bay. However, some of the province’s most captivating gems can be found among its many quaint small towns scattered across southern and central areas.
Some highlights worth exploring include Gimli, an Icelandic settlement on Lake Winnipeg famous for its delightful culture, delicious foods, and annual festival days. Morden boasts attractions like the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre and stunning sunflower fields throughout summer. Deloraine showcases rare prairie landscapes and heritage sites from Manitoba’s pioneer and agricultural heyday.
For sheer natural beauty and relaxation, spend time in Piney on Lake Manitoba among its cottages, provincial park, and native wildlife such as snowy owls, trumpeter swans, and pelicans. Historically interesting Winkler offers charming Germanic cultural flavor and hospitality. Those seeking an authentic glimpse into the province’s pioneering Mennonite culture should visit Steinbach, the largest Métis municipality in North America.
Venturing to any of these laidback small towns gets you off standard tourism routes while immersing in the heartland charm of communities both historic and contemporary. Best of all, costs are low while warm welcomes are high among residents proud to share their hometowns.
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Miramichi, New Brunswick
Sprawling along the eponymous river valley’s banks lies the city of Miramichi – a culturally vibrant yet tranquil Northeastern New Brunswick destination worth dedicating 2 to 3 nights. Famous as the “Salmon Capital of the World”, its location along a large bay watershed makes it ideal for boating, fishing, wildlife viewing, and outdoor pursuits. But beyond natural attractions, Miramichi offers a well-rounded experience.
History and architecture buffs will appreciate buildings dating back to the early 19th century when Miramichi was an important shipbuilding port. Take a guided walking tour to learn tales from its past. Folks interested in local music and heritage will enjoy the monthly Celtic Music Nights and Acadian cultural displays at The Beeton Centre. Enjoy a meal or coffee at one of the trendy downtown cafes while soaking up riverfront scenery.
Come summer, don’t miss the International Bluegrass Festival, Seafood Festival, or local farmers market where everything from produce to wild salmon can be bought fresh. Outdoor enthusiasts will want to spend time hiking and biking along the beautiful Miramichi River Trail system or kayaking through the calm estuaries teeming with birdlife. The entire region is very tranquil and scenic, acting as the perfect escape from bustling cities. plan to spend at least 3-4 days properly exploring all the cultural and nature-based activities Miramichi has to offer.
