The 8 Most Naturally Beautiful Destinations That You Can Visit In Canada
If you’ve been dreaming of wild, untouched landscapes, breathtaking mountains, and cool ocean breezes, you don’t have to fly across the world to find them. Canada is right above us, just a few hours from home, and it’s packed with natural beauty that rivals anywhere on Earth. I've had the privilege of exploring this country from coast to coast, and I’ve picked out a few of the spots that have wowed me the most to recommend to you. Whether you're a road tripper, a hiker, or someone who just wants to breathe fresh air and stare at lakes for a while, you’ll be able to find the stunning nature retreat you’re looking for in Canada.
Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia
If you’ve ever seen a picture of Nova Scotia, Canada, chances are it was a picture of Peggy’s Cove. The small fishing village has become a popular tourist destination for visitors to the East Coast who are looking to catch a glimpse of life in the Maritimes. Built atop rugged granite rocks in 1915, the iconic Peggy’s Point Lighthouse is a popular subject for photographers looking to capture the beauty and power of the Atlantic Ocean. If you’re looking for authenticity, Peggy’s Cove is still an active fishing village too. And if you’re looking for natural beauty, take a hike on one of the trails in the surrounding area where you can catch a glimpse of the diverse birdlife that calls this place home. Open all year-round, Peggy’s Cove has a little something for everyone.
Fundy National Park, New Brunswick
Fundy National Park is famous for having the largest tides in the world, which makes visiting it a totally unique experience. When the tides in the Bay of Fundy go out, they leave behind large mudflats where you can literally walk along the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean. Want to see wildlife? There are tons of crabs and other crustaceans who live in this mud, as well as the many seabirds who come to eat all the little creatures that the tides leave behind. If you go to Fundy, don’t skip the hiking trails either. The 30+ trails are well maintained and vary in length and difficulty, so there’s something for everyone, no matter what you want to see. You can even take on the Fundy Footpath, if you’re looking for a challenging, multi-day hike. And if camping’s your thing, you can do that here too!
Lake Louise, Alberta
Once you saw the title of this article, I’m sure most of you expected to see this entry on the list, and for good reason. Lake Louise, known for its stunning glacier-fed lake and towering mountains, has some of the bluest water you’ll ever see! Located in Banff National Park it’s not easy to get to, but I promise the view alone is worth the trek. Pictures capture some of the beauty, but it’s really something that everyone should see for themselves at least once. The surrounding area has gorgeous hiking trails that are open in the summer, and in winter you can get your fill of skiing and snowboarding in one of the longest ski seasons in North America. No matter when you visit, there will be something to do at Lake Louise.
The Hopewell Rocks, New Brunswick
Tucked along the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick, Canada, the Hopewell Rocks are a stunning natural wonder unlike anything you’ll find anywhere else. Towering sea stacks carved by the world’s highest tides, these “flowerpot rocks” rise dramatically from the ocean floor, and visitors can walk among them during low tide, literally strolling along the sea floor. As the tide returns, the same area transforms into a kayaking paradise, offering an entirely different view of the coastal rock formations. Trails wind along the cliffs above, with panoramic lookouts that are perfect for photography or a peaceful break from the noise of everyday life. Just a short drive from the U.S. border, this lesser-known gem offers a rare blend of adventure, tranquility, and raw beauty that makes it well worth the trip for anyone who loves the outdoors, hiking, or simply seeing something totally unique.
Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland
If you're looking for a hiking destination that feels untouched and awe-inspiring, look no further than Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland, Canada. Just a short flight from the northeastern U.S., this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers dramatic fjords, glacier-carved valleys, ancient cliffs, and windswept coastal trails that feel like something out of a dream. The Tablelands (where the Earth’s mantle is exposed) make you feel like you’ve landed on another planet. Moose sightings are common, the air is crisp and clean, and the trails range from easy strolls to challenging backcountry treks. For outdoor lovers who want solitude, rugged beauty, and something different from the usual national park scene, Gros Morne is a must.
Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Located along the western edge of British Columbia, Vancouver Island is a wilderness paradise waiting to be explored. With misty old-growth rainforests, windswept beaches, and snowcapped mountains, it’s the kind of place that feels frozen in time. Hikers can explore the raw beauty of Strathcona Provincial Park or trace the rugged coastline of the Juan de Fuca Trail. Wildlife sightings, like black bears, bald eagles, and even orcas offshore, are common, and the air smells like cedar and salt. It doesn't matter if you're looking for multi-day treks or peaceful walks under towering trees, the island offers a more relaxed kind of adventure. For American travelers craving wild spaces and fewer crowds, Vancouver Island is just a short ferry ride away.
Irving Nature Park, New Brunswick
Just a short drive from Saint John, New Brunswick, Irving Nature Park is (in my opinion) Canada’s best-kept secret. This 600-acre coastal paradise offers a mix of forest, salt marshes, volcanic rock cliffs, and sweeping Bay of Fundy views, where the world’s highest tides roll in and out each day. The park’s winding trails are amazing for hiking, birdwatching, or simply soaking in the quiet wildness that’s getting harder to find these days. Whether you're navigating forest paths, spotting seals from the shoreline, or catching a sunset over the water, Irving Nature Park delivers the kind of peaceful, awe-filled moments that remind you why you love the outdoors in the first place.
Emerald Lake, British Columbia
In the heart of British Columbia’s Yoho National Park, Emerald Lake is a place that feels straight out of a dream. The water truly lives up to its name, shimmering shades of bright turquoise and deep green that shift with the light like an emerald. Towering pine trees, rugged peaks, and glacier-fed streams surround the lake, creating a picture-perfect backdrop that hikers and nature lovers won’t soon forget. A gentle 3.2-mile trail circles the lake, making it the perfect spot to visit for an easy afternoon walk. In summer, you can even canoe across the glassy water. Whether you’re looking to relax or explore, Emerald Lake is a peaceful escape that feels totally unique.