Great Canadian travel escapes

There is a difference between booking a vacation and booking an escape. A vacation is something that average tourists do: they visit the sights in Toronto, Montreal or Vancouver. An escape is a trip that allows you to disconnect and experience something completely unique, and it may even take you out of your comfort zone.

With Canada’s vast and diverse landscape, there are countless places to visit, no matter what part of the country you want to see. If you are looking for a travel adventure, here are some of the best Canadian escapes:

1. Sonora Island, British Columbia

If you enjoy the resort experience and are a lover of nature, this is the perfect escape for you.

“An escape to nature has never been so luxurious, thanks to the secluded Sonora Resort in B.C. From kayaking to bear watching to fly fishing, lovers of the outdoors will find plenty to keep them busy. Indoors, guests have access to a gym, mineral pools, wireless Internet service and the Island Currents Spa. Three meals daily are included in the price of your stay, as are snacks, appetizers, beer, wine, liquor and non-alcoholic beverages.” – Toronto Sun

2. Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

One of the best locations for bed and breakfasts, quaint accommodations, wineries and cuisine, Niagara-on-the-Lake is a beautiful place to visit.

“Harvest season brings bounty to restaurants throughout the Niagara region, and wineries uncork a series of festivals and wine-and-food events. Perusing the Victorian town of Niagara-on-the-Lake (you can still catch a play at the Shaw Festival in October) and motoring along tree-lined country roads in the region is also time well spent. On in November: Taste the Season weekend pairings designed by local wineries and restaurants.” – Where Canada

3. Churchill, Manitoba

Venture to Hudson Bay, see polar bears and if you’re visiting in November, you may even get to see the northern lights.

“From polar bear watching to a ride in a tundra buggy, excitement awaits on this remote escape. For added adventure, link up with Lazy Bear Wilderness Expeditions for a float plane ride to the South Knife River and a rafting expedition deep into Manitoba's boreal forest.” – Toronto Sun

4. Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia

If road trips are more your speed, there is perhaps none better in Canada than the Cabot Trail along the northern shoreline of Cape Breton Island.

“The reason for its reputation: Striking highland scenery, vast ocean views, and an eclectic mix of culture along the way. Some of the communities you might pass along the way include Ingonish, at the eastern entrance to the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. To the west of the park is Chéticamp, an Acadian fishing village known for rugs and fiddles.” – The Great Canadian Bucket List

5. Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta

Book your very own dinosaur adventure for yourself and your family in Dinosaur Provincial Park. You can camp on site, explore and experience once-in-a-lifetime views.

“Did you know you can camp in a real-life Jurassic Park? Alberta's Dinosaur Provincial Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site 200 km east of Calgary, offers campsites in a working dino dig area. The area is famed for the number of fossils found on site, with more than 40 species discovered here. The Royal Tyrrell Museum, another 100 km away, is a great place to see some of the fossils and bones discovered in the area, plus see how the Earth and seas looked in the age of the dinosaurs through special exhibits.” – Toronto Sun

6. Kluane National Park, Yukon

If you want to escape to a location that is off the beaten path, Kluane National Park is an ideal location. A World Heritage site, it remains largely undiscovered and is great for hiking, wildlife viewing and much more.

“This park is home to Mount Logan, Canada’s highest peak, and that alone may make it an aphrodisiac. If that doesn’t do it for you, then adventuring together in this unspoiled wilderness should build an enduring bond. Kluane remains largely undiscovered by Canadians, despite being a World Heritage Site and covering 21,980 square kilometres. You can canoe together, mountain bike, take a flightseeing tour, horseback ride and catch view of some stunning scenery in one of the most uninhabited regions of the world. The wildlife viewing alone is a compelling reason to venture up north, as grizzly bears and bald eagles abound.” – Vacay.ca

7. See it all with a cross-Canada tour by train

Can’t decide where to visit? Consider seeing it all by taking a cross-Canada train tour. Start your trip in Halifax or Vancouver and venture through seven provinces. In total, the trip could take about 14 days.

Why get travel medical insurance

Before taking off on your great Canadian escape, make sure you have health insurance for visitors to Canada, if you are not Canadian. Even if you are Canadian and will be venturing out of province for your trip, make sure you are covered in case of emergency, as your provincial health insurance plan can be limited when you’re in another part of the country. Get a travel insurance quote for visitors to Canada online.