Canada's greatest natural wonders, from icebergs to the world's highest tides
Icebergs, waterfalls, the world's highest tides — here’s what not to miss.
Bay of Fundy
Between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, the Bay of Fundy hosts the world’s highest tides. Hikers have almost 30 trails to explore, while kayakers can explore the sandstone Hopewell Rocks formations and adrenaline junkies can go mud sliding or raft the 13ft-high waves in a Zodiac.
How to do it: Tidal Bore Rafting Resort arranges rafting tours.
Iceberg Alley
Every spring, the Arctic releases as many as 800 icebergs that sail along a watery highway, nicknamed Iceberg Alley, which stretches from Labrador to Newfoundland. These white to gas-flame blue ice chunks are so plentiful local distilleries use them to make vodka. Take a boat tour to see them up close.
How to do it: Iceberg Alley Boat Tours depart from St Lunaire.
Red-Sand Beaches
There are 500 miles of red beaches on Prince Edward Island. Turned crimson by the iron found in the sandstone cliffs, these photogenic sweeps make for an unforgettable stroll. Favourites are Cavendish Beach, near where Anne of Green Gables author LM Montgomery grew up, and the deep red Argyle Shore.
How to do it: Red Sand Tour & Taxi offers guided trips to the beaches.
Niagara Falls
The three waterfalls that make up Niagara pour out around a million bathtubs of water every minute. This wonder of the world straddles the US-Canadian border, and has been drawing travellers for centuries.
How to do it: The Falls can be seen for free from Table Rock Centre; or book Journey Behind the Falls, to access observation decks behind the cascades.
Aurora Borealis
Streaking across the night sky, the Northern Lights are one of nature’s best shows. This ethereal phenomenon is notoriously elusive, but your chances of seeing them improve the closer you are to the Arctic Circle. Some of the best are seen in Churchill, Manitoba — where they appear, on average, 300 nights a year.
How to do it: Churchill’s research station provides guided tours.
To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
Go Further
Animals
- What would the world look like without mosquitoes?What would the world look like without mosquitoes?
- Social media loves to villainize dolphins. Here's why it's wrong.Social media loves to villainize dolphins. Here's why it's wrong.
- How did wolves evolve into dogs? New fossils provide cluesHow did wolves evolve into dogs? New fossils provide clues
- This unorthodox method is saving baby parrots from extinctionThis unorthodox method is saving baby parrots from extinction
- A deadly disease that affects cats big and small found in U.S.A deadly disease that affects cats big and small found in U.S.
Environment
- ‘Corn sweat’—and other weird weather phenomena—explained‘Corn sweat’—and other weird weather phenomena—explained
- A sea tornado sank a yacht. We might see them more often.A sea tornado sank a yacht. We might see them more often.
- How billions of dollars are revolutionizing ocean explorationHow billions of dollars are revolutionizing ocean exploration
- Where to go stargazing in Chile according to a local astronomer
- Paid Content
Where to go stargazing in Chile according to a local astronomer
History & Culture
- Did Babe Ruth really ‘call’ this legendary home run?Did Babe Ruth really ‘call’ this legendary home run?
- The real history behind the legend of China's Monkey KingThe real history behind the legend of China's Monkey King
- How new technology transformed the American workforceHow new technology transformed the American workforce
- This secret Civil War sabotage mission was doomed from the startThis secret Civil War sabotage mission was doomed from the start
- This rare burial site reveals secrets about the Sahara's lush pastThis rare burial site reveals secrets about the Sahara's lush past
Science
- Why some say tennis is 'the world's healthiest sport'Why some say tennis is 'the world's healthiest sport'
- Your body ages rapidly at 44 and 60. Here's how to prepare.Your body ages rapidly at 44 and 60. Here's how to prepare.
- How do gold nuggets form? Earthquakes may be the keyHow do gold nuggets form? Earthquakes may be the key
- Astronauts getting stuck in space is more common than you thinkAstronauts getting stuck in space is more common than you think
Travel
- These are the must-see sights of Italy's Veneto regionThese are the must-see sights of Italy's Veneto region
- A guide to St John's, Atlantic Canada's iceberg capitalA guide to St John's, Atlantic Canada's iceberg capital
