I've been to all of the Canadian provinces. Forget Ontario — these are the 3 you really ought to visit.
As a Canadian local, I've been to all of the country's provinces. Ontario is great, but there are less-popular spots I love that are just as lovely.
Having journeyed through all ten Canadian provinces, I can attest that there are certain regions that truly shine, beyond the well-known Ontario. Three such provinces are Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, and British Columbia.
In Prince Edward Island, the red-sand beaches are a must-see. The island's unique iron-rich soil turns a vibrant red when oxidized, creating a striking beachscape. Cycling across the Confederation Trail, one of the longest bike trails in the world, offers a delightful way to explore nearby towns like Cardigan, home to the world's smallest library.
Newfoundland and Labrador offers a different kind of beauty. The provincial park of Gros Morne National Park allows visitors to witness the Earth's mantle, the layer beneath the crust, up close. The rust-colored terrain is reminiscent of Mars, and the area is also home to carnivorous pitcher plants. A guided hike along the Tablelands Trail is a must, followed by a boat tour of the stunning Western Brook Pond, a freshwater fjord carved by glaciers.
British Columbia is best known for its Pacific coastline and old-growth forests. Johnstone Strait, a channel between the mainland and Vancouver Island, is particularly impressive, and you might even spot a humpback whale. Kayaking through this strait allows for close encounters with Steller sea lions and river otters. For those who prefer land-based activities, Vancouver Island offers picturesque trails like Haddington Beach Trail and Salmon River Estuary Trail.
Engaging with the Tlowitsis Nation, an Indigenous group with deep roots in the area, can also enrich your visit.
Written by urgent.news from Business Insider's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.