Discover Unique (and maybe even unusual) Canada!

For the better part of my childhood, I travelled extensively throughout the US with my parents. I never really contemplated why they didn't opt for road trips across Canada. Maybe it was because we had so many family and friends living across the border, it made for more connected and memorable vacations.

But as much as I will always equate summer nights with New York City, cemeteries with New Orleans, or sand with the Nevada Desert, there is much to say and share about Canada. After all, every province and territory is unique in its own way leaving no shortage of popular historic sites and attractions to discover. While many know about our national monuments and attractions in some provinces, there are a slew of lesser-known Canadian treasures found off the beaten path.

If you’re looking for out-of-the-ordinary, consider visiting some of Canada’s more unique, if not unusual attractions and places of interest. Ready to explore?

Haida Gwaii. Also referred to as the Queen Charlotte Islands, Haida Gwaii is a collection of more than 130 islands 128 km off the northern B.C. coast that are known for its preservation of First Nations culture through ancient Haida village sites, rainforests, argillite carvings, totem poles and beaches.

The Spotted Lake. Located northwest of Osooyoos, The Spotted Lake is a visual stunner thanks in part to its high concentration of calcium, magnesium and sodium sulfates. In the summer, the lake water tends to evaporate leaving behind crystallized minerals that form colourful spots which change according to temperature.

World’s First UFO Landing Pad. You guessed it. We were ready and waiting for an intergalactic visit way before Independence Day. 2017 marks the 50th anniversary of one of Canada’s most famous and unique landmarks. Did we mention the on-site museum features photographs of crop circles, UFOs and other out-of-this-world oddities?

Town of Vulcan. Trekkies unite. Canadians must be onto something “enterprising” because long before Star Trek, there was the town of Vulcan. With a population of just over 2,000, this little town continues to make a big impression for Star Trek fans with its replica of the USS Enterprise and annual “trekkie” convention. Costumes optional, love of Klingons and Vulcans mandatory.

Twisted Trees. A 75-minute drive north of Saskatoon will take you to a one-of-a-kind grove of aspen trees. Affectionately referred to as, “The Crooked Bush”, visitors are in awe of aspens growing in the most unnatural yet beautiful way, contorted and twisted across three acres of farmland.

Narcisse Snake Pits. Indiana Jones would not be amused because this is exactly what it sounds like; thousands of slithering legless reptiles migrate and mate basically creating the world’s largest concentration of red-sided garter snakes. Visitors can find den sites in rock piles, tree roots, shale cliffs, sewers, sinkholes and other assorted hiding areas.

Bleu Lavande. These lavender fields aren’t just any random cluster of plants, Bleu Lavande is the largest lavender farm Canada and the second largest in North America! Boasting more than 100,000 lavender plants, this attraction is a visual feast for the senses. Don’t forget the camera. You will want a selfie here.

Montreal Insectarium. Hailed as North America’s leading and largest museum dedicated to insects from around the world, the Montreal Insectarium is every bug lover’s dream come true. Hang out with over 150,000 creepy crawlies including tarantulas, scorpions, singing insects and other creepy crawlies.

Reversing Rapids. Created when the powerful tides of the Bay of Fundy collide with the St. John River, the Reversing Rapids in New Brunswick are an unusual phenomenon occurring twice daily, near low tide and high tide.

Canada’s Smallest Library. Quietly nestled in Prince Edward Island is the unofficial world’s smallest library. Housing about 1,800 books with a lifetime membership of $5, this ode to the written word runs on the honour system. Honestly, that’s pretty awesome.

Joggins Fossil Cliffs. There is no end to Canada’s natural beauty and Joggins Fossil Cliffs in Cumberland County is no exception. Canada’s 15th UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Heritage Site features 15 km of exposed layers of rock revealing the most complete fossil record of life from the “Coal Age”, a cool 300 million years ago.

L’Anse Aux Meadows. When the first Europeans set off to discover the New World, they landed at L’Anse Aux Meadows in Newfoundland. UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Heritage Site recognizes this site as North America’s first and only authentic Norse settlement. Tour the Viking ruins, have your fortune told or learn how to throw an axe. Game on!

Northern Lights. It’s no secret Yellowknife is one of the best international destinations for viewing one of nature’s most profound phenomenons, the Aurora Borealis. There are many northern lights tourism companies offering excellent vantage points for ideal viewing.

Baffin Island. Visiting the world’s fifth largest island is ideal for tourists looking for a specific cultural and environmental experience. Rich with culture and history thanks to a number of Inuit communities, Nunavut’s Baffin Island offers visitors one-of-a-kind Canadian landscape that must be seen to be truly appreciated.

Carcross Desert. Often referred to as the world’s smallest desert, Carcross Desert in the Yukon is in fact a collection of sand dunes measuring approximately 2.6km. During the Ice Age, some 10,000 years ago, the area was a giant glacial lake. The glaciers retreated and the lake dried up leaving behind the dunes. Carcross Desert is a stunning geological attraction that should not be overlooked.

So there you go! Cool and unique Canada. Proof that some of the most magnificent and unusual places I'll ever see, are literally in my own backyard. If you ever visit, do consider one or two of these gems!

Thanks for taking the time to read about Canada. Don't be stranger. 

Steem on, friends!

~K

(AUTHOR'S NOTE: This content belongs to an existing post I wrote last year.)