Canada Travel; Exploring the Natural Wonders of Our Neighbor to the North
Canada travel is available to Americans once again!
On August 9th, 2021, the Government of Canada officially opened its borders to fully vaccinated American citizens currently residing in the United States or entering Canada from the United States. This marked the first time the Canadian border has been open to Americans since March of 2020, almost a full 18 months prior.
To celebrate the reopening of the border (and because many Americans are now making plans to visit our northern neighbor before summer ends), we thought we'd take a look at some of our favorite Canadian destinations.
Banff National Park
Located in the province of Alberta in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Banff National Park is Canada's oldest National Park and the third-oldest National Park in the world. With much of the park designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its stunning natural beauty, it is no wonder why Banff is considered the flagship of Canada's many natural wonders.
Banff National Park features over 900 miles of hiking trails, stunning scenic roads and biking paths, snow-capped mountain peaks, alpine lakes, hot springs, gondola rides, horseback tours, icefields, canyons, and countless species of flora and fauna. Just a glance at pictures of Banff National Park and one can see why this park is the gem of Canada and any traveler's ideal wilderness destination.
Jasper National Park
Just 77 miles north of Banff National Park is another pristine icon of the Canadian wilderness, Jasper National Park. Jasper National Park offers similar, stunning vistas to Banff, but while Banff NP receives over 4 million visitors each year, Jasper National Park only entertains about 2 million. This makes Jasper National Park the perfect destination for wilderness explorers who want to fully immerse themselves in nature without having to compete for campsites or room on the trails.
Jasper National Park extends over 6,835 square miles, making it the largest National Park in the Canadian Rockies. Like Banff NP, parts of Jasper are also part of UNESCO's Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site, giving the park permanent conservation and protection. From river rafting to swimming in stunningly blue alpine lakes, from sky tram views of the mountains to gushing waterfalls and steep canyons, wide icefields, and deep, ancient forests, it's easy to see why Jasper National Park is a coveted natural icon of Canada, a wonderland preserved for generations to come.
Vancouver Island
Described by locals as an "Ocean-carved land of extremes ranging from mild to wild, cultured to life-affirmingly raw," Vancouver Island combines a diverse panoply of eclectic natural attractions with local culture and urban amenities. The island is 12,079 square miles in size, with a population of 846,278.
Vancouver Island is best known for its unique combination of urban development and natural beauty. As the island was populated and developed through the 19th and 20th centuries, Canada's government saw to it that the island would also be committed to preservation, conservation, and sensible, eco-friendly urbanization. In this way, Canadians and foreigners alike can travel across the island in comfort while still getting to enjoy the island's unhampered natural beauty.
From whale watching in Telegraph Cove to peaceful solitude in Tofino, stunning coastal hikes in East Sooke Park and backpacking adventures in the island's rainforest interior, the island embodies natural diversity and wilderness beauty.
Adventure in the Far North
From the polar bear capital of Churchill, Manitoba to skiing in Whistler, British Columbia, much of the draw to Canada is the nation's wide variety of winter activities and attractions. Visitors enjoy permanently snow-covered peaks like Mt. Logan, glaciers, and ice sheets, all from the comfort of sky walks like the Columbia Ice Field Sky Walk.
And last but not least, Canadian travel agencies offer tours on impressive snow coaches far up into the tundra and sparsely inhabited regions of Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.
Popular Attractions Not Far Off the Beaten Path
Though it's the second-largest country in the world and the vast majority of it is undeveloped wilderness, Canada isn't known just for its stunning natural lands.
There are many urban attractions worth visiting in the country, from its modern city centers to its historic icons, preserved lodges, French forts, lighthouses, and castles (yes, castles!) Some of Canada's best-known points of interest include:
- Le Chateau Frontenac
- Peggy's Cove
- Churchill, Manitoba
- Casa Loma
- Cape Spear
- Signal Hill
- Niagara Falls
- Perce Gaspe Peninsula
- Mount Royal
- Parliament Hill
In addition to natural wonders and historic attractions, Canada offers many urban travel opportunities in the country's cities. Much of the draw to these cities revolves around the culture, food, history, and entertainment offered by each city, but also the fact that virtually every Canadian urban center is just a short drive from the stunning wilderness that draws most travelers to Canada.
Vintage Travel Art of Canadian National Parks and Natural Wonders
Anderson Design Group's award-winning poster artists have created over 50 original illustrations and vintage-styled poster renditions of everything we've come to know and love about Canada. If you're planning a trip to the Great White North and you'd like a little travel inspiration (or a souvenir for when you get back!), check out our collection of vintage Canada poster art. Any of these designs can be custom ordered in a style and size of your choosing, including as poster prints, framed posters, canvases, canvas banners, mini canvases, metal signs, notecards, or postcards.
Where in Canada will you venture to? Which destination is calling your name? If you get back from your journey and you end up decorating with ADG's Canada prints or poster art to celebrate the trip, we'd love to hear about it!
Safe travels,
-Ren Brabenec
Anderson Design Group Staff Writer
← Older Post Newer Post →