TOP 10 surprising places in Canada to discover in 2026

You think you know Canada? Think again! Beyond the iconic destinations like Banff or Niagara Falls, the country is full of hidden treasures just waiting to be discovered.

From the northern lights in Whitehorse to the mysterious sculpted rocks of Hopewell Rocks, not to mention the ancient forests of Cathedral Grove, these surprising places promise unforgettable experiences.

Planning a trip to Canada in 2026? Here is our selection of the 10 most surprising destinations that you absolutely must add to your itinerary to get off the beaten track.

10. Manitoulin Island

📍 Ontario

In Ontario, you'll find Manitoulin, the largest lake island in the world, nestled in Lake Huron. Its reputation is based on its natural beauty, characterized by large forested areas, several hills, and crystal-clear waters. It is home to various communities, a good number of which are First Nations. The island also holds significant spiritual importance for Indigenous peoples.

Why visit Manitoulin Island?

• An authentic cultural immersion: Discover the rich culture of the six Anishinaabe First Nations communities who have inhabited the island for over 10,000 years. Take part in the famous annual Pow Wow, visit the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation in M'Chigeeng, and learn traditional crafts during drum-making or bannock-cooking workshops.
• Exceptional outdoor activities: With its 108 inland lakes and hundreds of kilometers of trails, the island offers endless possibilities for hiking, canoeing, salmon fishing, and wildlife observation. Providence Bay's white sand beaches are among the most beautiful in Northern Ontario.
• A unique island-in-an-island experience: One of the most distinctive features of Manitoulin is its series of inland lakes, some of which even have their own islands. This fascinating geological characteristic makes the island a real aquatic labyrinth, perfect for exploring by kayak.

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9. The Mingan Archipelago

📍 Côte-Nord

Côte-Nord may not be the most popular region for a road trip in Quebec, but that might change once you see the Mingan Archipelago, distinguished by its exceptional rock formations and impressive biodiversity. Located in the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, this group of islands is home to the largest concentration of monoliths in Canada, carved by marine erosion over thousands of years.

Why visit the Mingan Archipelago?

• Spectacular monoliths and unique geology: Discover more than 1,000 islands and islets where impressive limestone monoliths with fascinating shapes stand tall. Nue de Mingan Island and Grande Île offer the most remarkable concentrations of these natural sculptures, some evoking a zoo of stone animals or the ruins of a majestic castle.
• An exceptional marine wildlife to observe up close: The archipelago is a paradise for birdwatchers, with species such as the Atlantic puffin, northern gannets, and black guillemots. You'll also spot curious seals, whales, and dolphins that frequent these rich waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
• A variety of activities between land and sea: Explore the islands on hiking trails that are well maintained, paddle sea kayaks in the bay, or join boat tours to the more remote islands. Several companies recognized by Parks Canada offer these activities from Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan or Havre-Saint-Pierre.

8. Cathedral Grove

📍 British Columbia

Cathedral Grove, located in MacMillan Provincial Park on Vancouver Island, is a preserved ancient forest home to some of the oldest and largest trees in Canada. This natural cathedral offers a striking encounter with giants over 800 years old, notably Douglas firs and western red cedars that rise over 80 meters tall.

Walking along the well-maintained trails winding through these ancient colossi, you’ll discover an exceptionally rich ecosystem. The lush understory is full of giant ferns, thick moss, and rare plants thriving in the shadows of these giants. This biodiversity attracts a variety of wildlife: white-tailed deer, squirrels, woodpeckers, and sometimes even bald eagles soaring majestically above the canopy.

Why is Cathedral Grove so exceptional?

• A unique remnant of temperate rainforest: This forest is one of the last witnesses of the ecosystem that once covered all of Vancouver Island. You’ll quite literally be walking in the footsteps of natural history on land considered sacred by the K’ómoks, Tseshaht, and Te'mexw First Nations for thousands of years.
• Remarkably accessible for everyone: Unlike other ancient forests that are difficult to reach, Cathedral Grove is located right along Highway 4, with trails suitable for families and even all-terrain strollers. Amenities include toilets and picnic areas, perfect for a contemplative break.
• An authentic cinematic experience: These majestic trees served as natural sets for Hollywood productions such as Star Wars VI (the Ewok’s planet Endor) and Jurassic World: Dominion. Here, you can immerse yourself in a setting worthy of the greatest epic tales!

7. Hopewell Rocks

📍 New Brunswick

Located in the Canadian province of New Brunswick, the Hopewell Rocks, nicknamed the "Flowerpot Rocks", offer a completely unique natural spectacle. These singular rock formations, shaped by erosion over thousands of years, allow you to live an extraordinary experience: walk on the seabed at low tide and paddle a kayak at the very same spot a few hours later!

The tidal phenomenon of the Bay of Fundy is simply fascinating. With changes that can reach over 14 meters in height, you’ll witness one of nature’s most impressive displays. The tides can rise 4 meters per hour, completely transforming the landscape before your eyes.

Why does Hopewell Rocks deserve a spot on your itinerary?

• Exceptional geology to explore on foot: Discover these red sandstone monoliths sculpted over millions of years by the powerful tides. At low tide, you can walk between these stone giants with suggestive shapes and even access the "Double Eye of the Needle" formation, perfect for memorable photos. Interpretation panels will explain how these "flowerpots" continue to evolve under the action of erosion.
• Remarkable wildlife to observe in its natural habitat: Keep your eyes open to spot ospreys, peregrine falcons, and various herons that frequent the area. Surrounding forests are home to red squirrels, foxes and white-tailed deer, while the bay’s waters are visited by curious seals and even whales offshore.
• A variety of activities for everyone: Join a high-tide kayaking excursion to paddle above the formations you explored on foot, or opt for a guided tour with a passionate interpreter-guide who’ll reveal all the secrets of this extraordinary site. The interpretation center also offers fascinating exhibitions on the formation of the Bay of Fundy.

For an unusual trip to Quebec, I recommend a getaway on Anticosti Island, where you'll find Vauréal Falls, a true natural wonder. This majestic waterfall, 76 meters high, even surpasses Niagara Falls and ranks among the tallest in the province. Located in the heart of Anticosti National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, it cascades into a canyon whose walls reach 90 meters high.

Why visit Vauréal Falls?

• A unique amphibious hike in Canada: The 7 km trail leads you to the foot of the falls while following the bed of the Vauréal River. You'll literally walk in clear water between spectacular limestone cliffs, hopping from one rocky bench to another. This immersive experience allows you to admire fossilized sediment layers over 400 million years old, visible in the canyon’s rock walls.
• Exclusive access for all levels: You have two options depending on your physical condition. Seasoned hikers can take the Canyon-de-la-Vauréal trail for an adventure deep in nature, while families can enjoy the new lookout accessible by car at kilometer 153 on the Transanticostian Road, offering a breathtaking view of the falls and canyon.
• An exceptional wildlife in its natural habitat: Anticosti Island is home to over 160,000 white-tailed deer and 227 bird species. During your exploration, you might spot foxes, eagles, and maybe even catch a glimpse of curious seals along the shores. The Vauréal River is also famous for its population of Atlantic salmon, making anglers happy during the proper season.

5. The Cabot Trail

📍 Nova Scotia

Located in the province of Nova Scotia, the Cabot Trail is one of the most spectacular scenic roads in the world. This 298 km loop crosses the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, winding along steep cliffs plunging into the Atlantic Ocean. You’ll discover breathtaking landscapes switching between mountains, boreal forests, crystal lakes, and charming fishing villages with colorful houses.

Why does the Cabot Trail deserve a spot on your Canadian road trip?

• Stunning views and exceptional wildlife: You’ll drive on one of the most beautiful roads in the country, admiring spectacular views of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. Watch for moose, bald eagles, and whales that you can spot during boat excursions from Pleasant Bay. The Skyline Trail, accessible from the route, offers a prime vantage point to watch sunsets and local wildlife in their natural habitat.
• An authentic Acadian and Scottish cultural immersion: Pass through picturesque villages like Chéticamp, where Acadian culture is still alive, and discover Scottish heritage in the Cape Breton Highlands. You can taste fresh seafood in local restaurants, visit art galleries featuring traditional crafts, and, if you visit in October, attend the Celtic Colours International Festival that celebrates Celtic music.
• Outdoor activities for all levels: The national park offers 26 hiking trails suitable for everyone, from the easy Meander-à-Falaises Trail (1.6 km)—perfect for families—to more challenging hikes like the Skyline Trail (8.2 km). Cyclists will appreciate this winding road, among the world's most beautiful, while kayaking enthusiasts can paddle in the calm inland lakes.

4. Garibaldi Lake

📍 British Columbia

Nestled in the heart of Garibaldi Provincial Park in British Columbia, Garibaldi Lake is an alpine gem of spectacular beauty that rivals the most popular lakes in the Canadian Rockies. At the foot of Mount Garibaldi, this freshwater lake sits at 1,500 meters altitude, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes of mountains, glaciers, and spruce forests. Its crystal-clear turquoise waters result from the melting glaciers around it, creating a truly stunning natural scene.

Why visit Garibaldi Lake?

• An unforgettable alpine hike with panoramic views: The Garibaldi Lake trail, approximately 18 kilometers round trip, leads you through a lush forest of Douglas and red cedars before reaching this extraordinary lake. With a 920-meter elevation gain, this intermediate-level hike offers spectacular views of volcanic formations and surrounding glaciers, notably the Sphinx Glacier majestically overlooking the lake.
• Four-season activities in an exceptional setting: In summer, enjoy hiking, lakeside camping, and fishing in its pure waters. During winter, the frozen lake—for four consecutive months—becomes a favorite destination for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, turning this alpine paradise into a fairy-tale landscape covered in pristine snow.
• Fascinating geology telling a volcanic story: The surrounding mountains, formed of volcanic and granite rocks, bear witness to the region’s past volcanic activity. You’ll see how glaciers have shaped this landscape over millennia, creating the natural dam that has held the lake's waters for thousands of years.

3. Dinosaur Provincial Park

📍 Alberta

Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Dinosaur Provincial Park in Alberta takes you 75 million years back to one of the richest fossil sites on the planet. Spanning 73 square kilometers amid Alberta’s spectacular badlands, this park preserves the remains of over 58 different dinosaur species, some discovered nowhere else on Earth.

Why does Dinosaur Provincial Park deserve a spot in your itinerary?

• A genuine and interactive paleontological experience: Take part in real supervised fossil digs with experts and handle actual specimens millions of years old. Guided tours lead you into the park’s protected area where more than 500 complete specimens have been uncovered over the past century. The interpretive centre features fascinating exhibits and a fossil prep lab where you can watch paleontologists at work.
• Breathtaking badlands landscape: Explore these dramatic geological formations shaped by erosion, where impressive hoodoos and canyons glow with changing colors depending on the light. Hiking trails take you through this almost lunar landscape where Upper Cretaceous sedimentary layers are exposed, revealing our planet’s history in the open air.
• Exceptional modern wildlife in a prehistoric setting: Watch for over 165 bird species that make this park a paradise for birders. From peregrine falcons to golden eagles, burrowing owls to mountain bluebirds, this remarkable avian diversity is a striking contrast to the site’s ancient history. The cottonwood forests along the Red Deer River also shelter deer, coyotes, and foxes.

2. Haida Gwaii

📍 British Columbia

Formerly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, Haida Gwaii transports you to a world apart where ancient Indigenous culture still reigns over an archipelago of more than 150 islands off the coast of British Columbia.

The Haida cultural heritage, dating back over 14,000 years, can be explored through historic totems and abandoned village sites where the spirit of this people—world-renowned for their artistic traditions—still lingers.

Only boats and seaplanes provide access to this preserved sanctuary, ensuring an authentic experience far from the usual tourist crowds.

Why visit Haida Gwaii?

• A millennia-old Haida cultural heritage to discover: Explore the fascinating heritage of the Haida people who have inhabited these islands for over 14,000 years. Admire the historic totems and visit the abandoned village sites that bear witness to this rich culture. Their artistic traditions, particularly wood carving, are recognized worldwide and displayed in museums around the globe.
• Exceptional biodiversity in a wild setting: Discover the lush rainforests home to black bears, deer, and many bird species. The surrounding waters provide vital habitat for whales, dolphins, and a variety of fish species. Gwaii Haanas National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers an unparalleled wild nature experience.
• A wide range of outdoor activities in the heart of the archipelago: Enjoy a full range of activities for all tastes: hiking through spectacular landscapes, kayaking in crystal-clear waters, fishing in prime locations, and birdwatching in their natural habitat. Boat excursions will let you spot whales and marine animals inhabiting these Pacific waters.## 1. The Northern Lights of Whitehorse[summary] 📍 Yukon

  

Here’s one for the great adventurers who aren't afraid of the cold... or the dark!

Whitehorse, the capital of Yukon, ranks among the world’s most sought-after destinations to observe the northern lights. These natural light shows, resulting from the collision between solar particles and atmospheric molecules, transform the night sky into a living canvas of fascinating colors. While green is usually predominant, you may also see purple, pink, and blue shades dancing majestically above the snowy mountains.

Why is Whitehorse the ultimate northern lights destination?

• An exceptionally long viewing season: From late August to mid-April, you have over 8 months to try your luck! The best sightings are between 10 pm and 3 am when the sky is perfectly clear.
• Prime viewing spots close to town: Head to Fish Lake via the scenic road or take the Chadburn Lake Trail for spectacular viewpoints just 30 minutes from downtown.
• A complete experience in the heart of the Far North: Beyond the lights, Whitehorse immerses you in the authentic Yukon world with its traditional winter activities such as dog sledding, snowmobiling, and discovering First Nations culture. Visit the S.S. Klondike, the historical steamship, or explore the Yukon Wildlife Preserve to see caribou, lynx, and bison in their natural habitat.

10 Surprising Places in Canada at a Glance

There you go! These 10 surprising destinations prove that Canada holds far more treasures than just its iconic sites.

Ready to get off the beaten path for your next Canadian adventure? Our local experts are here to help you include these hidden gems in your custom itinerary. We know these destinations like the back of our hand and can advise you on the best times to visit, authentic accommodations to choose, and not-to-be-missed activities.

Don’t hesitate to contact us to plan your unique Canadian adventure and discover these surprising places that will make your trip an unforgettable experience!