Get off the Beaten Track in Canada

So many people think that Canada is just maple syrup, poutine, and a whole lot of stunning lake and mountain views, and if you are heading there, you are totally going to want to experience all of those things because, yes, Banff is beautiful, and you can take some stunning pictures at Niagara Falls, but you know what? There is a lot more to Canada than that stuff, and if you really want to experience the country in its wholeness, you need to get off the beaten track.

Oh, and getting off the beaten track in Canada doesn’t mean roughing it in the wilderness with a backpack full of regrets and nothing but glaciers as far as the eye can see. It means exploring spots that locals love, where the views are just as stunning but the experience is ten times cooler because no one’s trying to sell you a commemorative magnet.

Trade the Rockies for the Badlands

Everyone flocks to the Rockies for their mountain fix, but Alberta’s Badlands offer a landscape that looks like the moon had a lovechild with a Wild West movie. Explore the weird rock formations, check out the Royal Tyrrell Museum for a proper dinosaur fix, and stroll through Drumheller, a town that fully leans into its prehistoric vibes. It’s like Jurassic Park without the velociraptors.

Go Full Pioneer on a Historic Train Ride in British Columbia

Skip the airports and get on board something slower and infinitely more charming. The historic train rides in British Columbia let you roll through stunning scenery with the kind of nostalgia you didn’t know you needed. We’re talking vintage railcars, sweeping views, and possibly a re-enacted train robbery if you’re lucky.

It’s part sightseeing, part time travel, and all very Canadian. Plus, there’s something oddly satisfying about waving dramatically at hikers as if you’re the star of a historical drama.

Wander Through an Abandoned Mining Town in the Yukon

For a taste of Canada’s Wild West past, head to the Yukon and visit places like Dawson City or even more remote relics like Keno City. These spots give “off the grid” a whole new meaning. You’ll find creaky wooden buildings, gold rush memorabilia, and maybe one or two people who look like they haven’t seen another human in weeks.

If you’ve ever wanted to feel like a frontier explorer without the frostbite or moral ambiguity, this is your chance.

Chase Icebergs in Newfoundland

Forget whale watching. In Newfoundland, the real attraction is the icebergs that casually float by like giant frozen celebrities. Head to Twillingate, grab a pair of binoculars, and get ready for some seriously dramatic views. If you’re lucky, you might spot one doing something thrilling like slowly rotating.

The area also happens to be stunning in general, with rocky coastlines, colorful houses, and enough fresh seafood to make you seriously consider relocating.

The Road Less Traveled is Mostly Potholes, But Worth It

Canada’s lesser-known gems don’t always have souvenir shops or Wi-Fi, but that’s part of the charm. From dusty train tracks to iceberg alleys, getting off the beaten path means discovering the stories that don’t make it onto travel brochures. Just pack snacks, bring bug spray, and trust your gut. Or better yet, ask a local who looks like they know their way around a canoe.

Featured