7 Exciting Excursions To Take in Canada

Kevin Gardner

Published

5 years ago

6 minute read

As we await the lifting of lockdowns, let’s dream a bit about travel.

7 Exciting Excursions To Take in Canada

Whether you live in Canada or plan to visit from another country, there are plenty of fascinating things to see and do. Canada is the second-largest country in the world in total area, so it would probably be impossible to see every part of it in a single lifetime. Therefore, here are some of the most worthwhile things to see and do across the breadth of this beautiful and welcoming country.

1. Vancouver

Rocks on the beach at sunset on the coast of Vancouver, BC

Vancouver is located on the West Coast of Canada. It is accessible by water via all inclusive cruises and by train, bus, and automobile as well. Vancouver offers multiple opportunities for fun excursions. You can tour the Canadian Rockies, take the Sea to Sky Gondola to Whistler for some skiing, or go whale watching from the southern end of Vancouver Island.

2. Jasper National Park

Maligne Canyon, Jasper National Park

In Alberta, you can find one of the best outdoor attractions in Canada: Jasper National Park. Covering 4,200 square miles, or 11,000 square kilometers, it is home to mountains, waterfalls, lakes, and springs. Points of particular interest in Jasper National Park include the Columbia Icefield glaciers and Maligne Canyon, which becomes an otherworldly realm of frozen waterfalls and ice caves with cold temperatures.

3. Churchill

Churchill is a small community located on the banks of Hudson Bay in northern Manitoba. It is known as the polar bear capital of the world, and you can indeed see polar bears there during their annual migration. However, Churchill also offers opportunities to see other natural wonders. In the summer, you can see beluga whales as they travel to their calving grounds in the estuary of the Churchill River.

Because Churchill is so close to the North Pole, winter nights get very long. This combined with a lack of light pollution makes it a good place to observe the aurora borealis, which appears when solar activity is high. Bear in mind, however, that there is no way to guarantee that the northern lights will be visible during your visit.

4. Niagara Falls

the famous Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is located on the border between Canada and the United States. It is a short distance away from the city of Toronto in the Canadian province of Ontario. Though one of the most famous waterfalls in the world, Niagara is poorly understood by many. Most people do not know that it actually consists of three different waterfalls. You can see them all from the best possible vantage points by booking a tour.

5. Quebec

Once a French colony, Quebec is the main francophone center of Canada. The French influence is still very strong in Quebecois language, culture, and architecture, so a trip to Quebec is a little like taking a mini-European vacation without going too far from home. You can see majestic waterfalls and quaint little villages in the idyllic Quebec countryside, or you can experience the cosmopolitan excitement of Montreal, its biggest city. Points of interest include the Old Port of Montreal via the Place Jacque Cartier and Mont-Royal Park, one of the largest greenspaces in the city.

6. Ottawa

Ottawa is the capital city of Canada but tends to get outshone by larger and more popular cities, such as Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. This may be to your advantage if you’d like to avoid crowds of other tourists on your excursion. Because Ottawa is the seat of Canadian government, you can visit the Royal Canadian Mint and see Parliament Hill during your visit. There are also boat tours and bus tours of the city available.

7. Maritimes

The Maritime Provinces are located on Canada’s east coast, along the Atlantic Ocean. There are four maritime provinces altogether: Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador (which coincidentally lends its names to two different breeds of dog), Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick. Each has something unique to offer, from the red rock cliffs and literary heritage of Prince Edward Island to the Cape Breton Highlands of Nova Scotia to whale watching in New Brunswick’s Bay of Fundy to the world’s largest fossil park in Newfoundland and Labrador.

There are many opportunities to take guided tours of notable Canadian locations. You can also explore on your own.

Kevin Gardner

I'm a writer based in the Unitd States.

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Albertans choose new licence plate design with the “Strong and Free” motto

Published on November 18, 2025

Government of Alberta

First new plate in 40 years hit the road in 2026.

Albertans have chosen beautiful Moraine Lake in Banff National Park as the new design for the province’s licence plate.

After three rounds of voting and more than 240,000 votes cast, Albertans have spoken. The iconic Moraine Lake in Banff National Park will be featured on the province’s new licence plate.

Available in mid-2026, echoing the “Strong and Free” motto of our province, the plate reflects Alberta’s bold identity, economic strength and deep-rooted provincial pride. The motto’s inclusion on the licence plates will also serve as a nod to Canada’s national anthem and Alberta’s position as a strong and sovereign province within a united Canada.

“Albertans know who we are and what we stand for: we are strong, free, resilient and united by the natural beauty that defines our home. Moraine Lake is recognized around the world, and the fact that Albertans chose it makes this new plate deeply meaningful. Thank you to the Albertans who cast more than 240,000 votes and helped choose a design that showcases Alberta’s natural beauty and will stand as a proud symbol of our province for years to come.”

Danielle Smith, Premier

Moraine Lake is one of Alberta’s most iconic destinations, making it fitting that it be on the province’s licence plates for motorists around the country to see. The licence plate depicts the breathtaking panoramic view of Moraine Lake that perfectly displays the province’s beautiful Rocky Mountains, which attract visitors from around the world to Alberta.

“Having the iconic Moraine Lake on our licence plates is something we can all be proud to show off. Thank you to every Albertan who cast their vote in our tournament. Because of you, the beauty and strong and free spirit of our province will be on display for motorists across the country.”

Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction

If an Albertan wants to replace their current plate for the new licence plate once it is released, they can voluntarily pay a $28 fee. Alternatively, Albertans could obtain a new plate on their vehicle registration renewal date at no additional cost. Motorists may also continue using the previous licence plate once the new licence plate is brought onboard, provided it is still in good condition.

Quick facts

Alberta’s current licence plate was designed in 1984.
In 2021, Alberta began a transition from painted to reflective plates with the same design.
The new design incorporates reflective technology to improve readability for law enforcement and automated systems in low-light conditions, and to meet international standards for visibility, legibility and counterfeit resistance.

Alberta

Edmonton and Red Deer to Host 2027 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship

Published on November 18, 2025

Todayville

News release from the Red Deer Rebels and Hockey Canada

Hockey Canada, in partnership with the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) and International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), has announced that the 2027 IIHF World Junior Championship will be played in Edmonton and Red Deer, Alberta, from Dec. 26, 2026 to Jan. 5, 2027.

The successful bid represents a partnership between OEG Sports & Entertainment, the Red Deer Rebels, Hockey Alberta, the Cities of Edmonton and Red Deer, and the Province of Alberta, which made an $11 million commitment in February 2024 to host events in communities throughout the province.

“We are excited to bring the IIHF World Junior Championship back to Edmonton and Red Deer, and to give hockey fans in Alberta and across the country the opportunity to watch the top under-20 players compete for a gold medal right here in Canada,” said Dean McIntosh, senior vice-president of revenue, fan experience and community impact with Hockey Canada. “Both cities have been successful hosts of IIHF and other high-profile international events, and we know our partners in Edmonton and Red Deer will host a world-class event for players, teams, fans and volunteers alike.”

The 18,500-seat Rogers Place, home of the National Hockey League’s Edmonton Oilers and Western Hockey League’s Edmonton Oil Kings, will serve as the primary competition venue and host 17 games, including both semifinals and the medal games. The additional 14 games are set for the 7,050-seat Marchant Crane Centrium, home of the WHL’s Red Deer Rebels.

“Alberta is ready to welcome visitors from around the world for the International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship,” said Andrew Boitchenko, minister of tourism and sport for Alberta. “This event celebrates the spirit of international competition and our province’s passion for hockey, while showcasing Alberta as a world-class destination for sporting events.”

“Edmonton is thrilled to co-host the IIHF World Junior Championship. This tournament is a fantastic opportunity to watch the world’s best junior hockey players right here in our community, showcasing emerging talent and inspiring a new generation of athletes,” said Andrew Knack, mayor of Edmonton. “Hosting world-calibre events like this also injects vital tourism dollars into our local economy, boosts our city’s vibrancy, and solidifies Edmonton’s reputation as a premiere sports tourism destination.”

Edmonton last hosted the IIHF World Junior Championship in August 2022, which was rescheduled from its traditional winter slot due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The gold medal game at the 2022 event was an instant classic, with Mason McTavish making a game-saving play in overtime and Kent Johnson netting the game-winner just over a minute later to give Canada its 19th World Juniors gold medal. The city also hosted in 2021 without fans, and was a co-host with Calgary for the 2012 edition of the event. Red Deer was a co-host for the cancelled 2022 World Juniors, and first hosted the annual under-20 tournament in 1995.

“We are proud to welcome the 2027 IIHF World Junior Championship back to our region,” said Jesse Smith, chief executive officer of Tourism Red Deer. “Red Deer’s love for the game and our hospitality will ensure an unforgettable experience for every athlete and fan.”

“The World Juniors give Edmonton an extraordinary opportunity to showcase our city on the world stage,” said Arlindo Gomes, vice-president of business development and venues management with Explore Edmonton. “This event strengthens our global reputation as a premier international sport destination while delivering more than $90 million in total economic impact to our community and inspiring the next generation of hockey players and fans. Edmonton loves hockey and we cannot wait to welcome global athletes and fans.”

Pre-tournament games for the 2027 World Juniors are expected to take place throughout Alberta, allowing fans across the province to watch the best junior hockey players from 10 countries before the puck officially drops in Edmonton and Red Deer on Boxing Day.

With demand for tickets expected to exceed availability, more information about a priority ticket draw and tournament ticket packages will be announced in the coming months. Fans looking to receive updates about the 2027 IIHF World Junior Championship as soon as they become available can sign up to become a Hockey Canada Insider today.

“On behalf of all of us at OEG Sports & Entertainment, we are proud to once again be hosting the IIHF World Junior Championship and the best young stars on the planet,” said Stu Ballantyne, president and chief operating officer of Rogers Place and ICE District. “The World Juniors is one of the most celebrated tournaments in hockey, and bringing it back to Edmonton is an honour for our city, our fans and our entire organization. ICE District and Rogers Place were built to facilitate and showcase the very best in sport and entertainment, and we look forward to working closely with Hockey Canada and other partners to deliver an unforgettable experience for the athletes, fans and the global hockey community.”

“We are beyond excited for our fans, partners and community to once again welcome the hockey world to Red Deer,” said Merrick Sutter, senior vice-president of the Red Deer Rebels. “This is a community that loves events, and we know their passion will be on full display once again next December.”

For more information on Hockey Canada and the 2027 IIHF World Junior Championship, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along through social media on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.