What to do and see in Canada, Canada: The Best Nature & Wildlife Areas

March 16, 2022 Stefan Strunk

World class skiing, decadent European style cuisine, ornamental cathedrals, peaceful island life…Canada is a patchwork of thriving cities and majestic wilderness. Montreal beckons travelers with its French charm and booming cultural landscape. In Toronto, the Art Gallery of Ontario is a vision of Frank Gehry architecture and national artistic treasures. The gleaming mountain ranges of Banff set a stunning backdrop for an exploration of the Canadian Rockies.
Restaurants in Canada

1. Massassauga Point Conservation Area

Massassauga Road, Ontario K8N 4Z7 Canada +1 613-968-3434
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

Massassauga Point Conservation Area

2. East Sooke Regional Park

East Sooke Road, Sooke, British Columbia Canada +1 250-478-3344 http://www.crd.bc.ca/parks-recreation-culture/parks-trails/find-park-trail/east-sooke
Excellent
84%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 269 reviews

East Sooke Regional Park

Reviewed By loreng518 - Victoria, Canada

Lots of trails here and they are now pretty well marked but also be certain you know the way - how to get in and out! Easy 45 minute walks to 5+ hours of moderate to strenuous hiking over rocky terrain and along the ocean with lots of ups and downs and hills to scramble! Exquisite ocean views and charming spots to picnic or take a break; it's so worth the hike. Lots of friendly people and their dogs along the way; also be prepared to step aside for trail runners! Also breathtaking views along East Sooke Road if you just want to drive.

3. Banff National Park

Banff National Park, Alberta Canada +1 403-762-1550 http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/ab/banff/index.aspx
Excellent
86%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 523 reviews

Banff National Park

Reviewed By EkMusafir - Pune, India

Banff National Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, together with the other national and provincial parks that form the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks. There are beautiful mountain landscapes to explore with tall peaks, glaciers, lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, canyons, limestone caves and fossil beds. There is a lot of wildlife in the forested regions which include Grizzly Bear, Black Bear, Wolves, Cougars, Wolverine, Red Fox, Weasel, River Otter, Coyote, Elk, Moose, Deer, Mountain Goat, Bighorn Sheep and many other smaller animals like Beaver, Squirrel and Chipmunks. We took a guided coach tour and first visited the photogenic lakes; Emerald, Louise and Moraine stopping the night in Banff town. Next day we visited Bow Lake, Peyto Lake and drove up to the Columbia Icefields and Jasper National Park via the Icefields Parkway, which is supposedly one of the most scenic motorways in the world, and justifiably so. The scenery on both sides of this Highway No. 93 was spectacular with snow capped peaks even in summer, and many sparkling lakes and waterways glinting between the tall trees in unique shades of blue, green and indigo. It was a truly memorable trip in which we picked up a canvas of beautiful landscape paintings that will forever remain etched in our minds as long as we live.

4. The Calgary Zoo

1300 Zoo Rd NE, Calgary, Alberta T2E 7V6 Canada +1 403-232-9300 [email protected] http://www.calgaryzoo.com
Excellent
58%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4,462 reviews

The Calgary Zoo

From the splendor of the Rocky Mountains to the heart of Destination Africa, The Calgary Zoo takes you to see almost 900 animals from around the world. Trek through the gorilla’s rainforest, safari over the Savannah to watch the hippos swim, or climb the Canadian Wilds to see a grizzly bear. Cool off and get beak to nose with 4 species of penguins in our popular Penguin Plunge or visit endangered red pandas and amur tigers in Eurasia! Wind down your trip with a walk through our fragrant Dorothy Harvie Gardens or sit with the butterflies in ENMAX Conservatory. You'll love knowing that every visit helps protect endangered animals at home and in the wild. NEW in 2017 is the unique and immersive permanent Land of Lemurs exhibit. Coming in 2018 are the iconic giant pandas!

Reviewed By 672wadey - Lloydminster, Canada

We took kids here several times really enjoyed the displays the animals seem healthy and well taken care of , the dinosaurs part was a big hit for the kids and are wanting to go again with the grandkids

5. Kamloops Wildlife Park

9077 East Trans Canada Hwy, Kamloops, British Columbia V2C 6V1 Canada +1 250-573-3242 http://www.bcwildlife.org
Excellent
52%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 722 reviews

Kamloops Wildlife Park

The BC Wildlife Park is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue & rehabilitation of injured wildlife. Discover some of British Columbia's iconic wildlife and view nearly 200 animals and 65 animal species, including bears, elk, bobcats, arctic wolves, and cougars. The majority of the Park’s animals are rescued, including Clover, the only Kermode Bear in human care in the world. Book an interactive VIP Wildlife Experience or Wildlife Encounter, or enjoy seasonal activities such as feed talks, animal encounters, Bird of Prey flight demonstrations, splash park, playground, Wildlife Express miniature train, and more. For more detailed information, check out the daily activity schedule online.

Reviewed By 630lauraleen

I recently went on the VIP Experience at the BC Wildlife Park. My sister and I loved going around the bobcat and wolves enclosures to hide the food, and got some great pictures of the animals in action. We did not get up close interactions with the animals, but we did get to go into their enclosure. My grandparents use a walker, and were able to walk around the park with relative ease, and even got to ride on the train. The only thing I would have wanted was more information on the animals at their enclosures. I would highly suggest going through the VIP Experience and asking lots of questions.

6. Kortright Centre for Conservation

9550 Pine Valley Dr, Vaughan, Ontario L4H 2Z6 Canada +1 905-832-2289 [email protected] http://kortright.org/
Excellent
52%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 144 reviews

Kortright Centre for Conservation

Located 10 minutes north of Toronto, on 325 hectares of pristine woodlands, the Kortright Centre for Conservation combines a natural oasis with some of the most leading-edge sustainable education programs and events in Canada. Kortright Centre hosts 100,000 visitors annually. We offer more than 50 environmental education programs for schools, as well as a selection of 30 different sustainable technology workshops for the public, trades and professionals.

Reviewed By stevenc24444

Had a wonderful time walking the trails. They have walks that are suitable for all ages. Excellent and well kept.

7. Bruce Peninsula National Park

120 Chi sin tib dek Rd, Tobermory, Ontario N0H 2R0 Canada +1 519-596-2233 http://pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/on/bruce
Excellent
71%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 737 reviews

Bruce Peninsula National Park

When visiting Bruce Peninsula National Park, start your adventure at the Parks Canada Visitor Centre in Tobermory. Here you'll find information to help plan your visit including tips on where to go when the Cyprus Lake parking lots are full, activities for children, and recommendations on hiking trails. Don't forget the Visitor Centre also includes a natural history museum and just around the corner, a viewing tower and some great hiking trails. While you're at the Visitor Centre take in an Interpretation program. Other visitor attractions in the park include Singing Sands Beach, Halfway Log Dump with incredible views of limestone cliffs and boulder beaches, and of course the Grotto and Indian Head Cove near Cyprus Lake. Bruce Peninsula National Park also includes the popular Cyprus Lake Campground with 232 camp sites and 10 yurt accommodations. Please visit the park website for more information and links to the Parks Canada reservations website. July and August are extrememly busy times in the park so plan your trip accordingly and visit the park website for information on other attractions in the area, fees, hours, park regulations and safety tips.

Reviewed By Vladimiramirela - Mississauga, Canada

Even though the park is beautiful for hiking and sight seeing, my favourite spot remains the Observation Tower, high above the forest, rewarding those who climb all the way to its top with an incredible view of the point where Huron Lake meets Georgian Bay, way on the far horizon.

8. Irving Nature Park

Sand Cove Road, Saint John, New Brunswick Canada +1 506-653-7367 [email protected] http://www.jdirving.com/jd-irving-sustainability-nature-parks-irving-nature-park.aspx
Excellent
73%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 742 reviews

Irving Nature Park

Reviewed By Happiness55906

Beautiful, scenic place to get a nice walk in. Outer loop is about 7k if I remember correctly. Some pretty spots to see the ocean & lots of shade to beat the summer heat. A must!

9. Arrowhead Provincial Park

451 Arrowhead Park Rd, Huntsville, Ontario P1H 2J4 Canada +1 705-789-5105 http://www.ontarioparks.com/park/arrowhead
Excellent
60%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 719 reviews

Arrowhead Provincial Park

Reviewed By morganhouse - Huntsville, Canada

Arrowhead Prov Park is one of the best with awesome nordic ski trails, an ice skating trail and a fabulous new chalet to relax and have a snack (BYO)

10. Nature Centre (Le Centre de la nature)

901, avenue du Parc, Laval, Quebec H7E 2T7 Canada +1 450-662-4942 http://www.laval.ca/Pages/Fr/Activites/centre-de-la-nature.aspx
Excellent
58%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 576 reviews

Nature Centre (Le Centre de la nature)

With an area of 50 hectares, the Centre de la nature is one of the most remarkable urban parks of the Greater Montreal area. The park offers a myriad of attractions, outdoor activities and cultural events throughout the year.​

Reviewed By denismL683CI - Halton Hills, Canada

This is an excellent family outing. You can experience a taste of nature in a beautiful setting that will allow you to walk scenic paths, visit farm animals and also enjoy live symphony music at the large climate controlled greenhouse. Quite impressive, especially in the winter. The park has been the setting for numerous wedding photos over the years. Winter also allows you to skate on natural ice. This same frozen pond converts to a summertime haven for canoeing, kayaking. A small snack bar is onsite. The summertime evening concerts are a big attractions; all free of charge.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.