Has the summer heat gotten to you like it has me? Then maybe when Canada opens back up to US tourists, a trip to the great white north to cool off is in order. Whether it is to learn about the rich history, take in a natural beauty, or getaway, Canada is an excellent option for your next getaway. Travel to Canada should be on your bucket list.

Canada is famous for its gorgeous and uninhabited landscapes. The views of the untouched natural environments are astonishing.  

Then, there are the views of the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights). You can see these views from sites like Terra Nova National Park. The Northern Lights will perform a fantastic show when the nights are clear and the landscape flat. 

Giant icebergs can be seen from shore or on a tour boat. The famous location of Iceberg Alley is a renowned location near western Greenland. Glaciers float down this fantastic path. 

One of the busiest bays in the world is Fundy Bay. People can walk or paddle nearby fossils. Powerful tides will expose fossils and sometimes rise over 50 feet. 

Filled with famous attractions, Canada has awe-inspiring scenery that combines to make this country one of the most extraordinary places to live or visit in the world. When it comes to views, Canada is hard to beat.

So, here are the top 5 places to visit in eastern Canada.

Signal Hill National Historic Site

If you travel to Canada I think you should make Signal Hill your top destination.

Signal Hill is a national historic site in  St. John’s, Newfoundland, and Labrador, Canada. It is adjacent to Johnson Geo Centre. The Johnson Geo Centre is a geological interpretation center. So if you are not only a history nerd like me but love geology, make time to make it over here too.

Ladies’ Lookout is above Cabot Tower and the highest point. It is 167 meters (548 ft) high. One interesting tidbit is the first transatlantic wireless signal was received on December 12th, 1901, from Italy.

This elevated location had strategic fortifications dating back to the 1700s. The reason for this strategy was because it overlooks the only entrance to the harbor, the Narrows.

In the former Battery Hotel, the Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador created a campus on the lower slopes and is now the Johnson Geo Centre owner.

Terra Nova National Park

Traveling to Canada, you must spend some time in the outdoors. Terra Nova National Park has epic natural beauty. I think getting some fresh air and hiking on your trip is a must, and you can do that here.

In 1957 Terra Nova National Park was established as the first National Park in Newfoundland and Labrador. The national park protects the Eastern Island Boreal Forest natural region. This region covers most of the island of Newfoundland, east of Deer Lake. It is characterized by black spruce trees with pockets of balsam fir, white pine, mountain ash, tamarack, maple, and other deciduous tree species.

So, if you want to visit a unique forest, this is a must-stop location in Canada.

Terra Nova’s landscape is representative of the northeast coast of Newfoundland. This area of North America has remnants of the Appalachian Mountains. The mountains contribute to a varied and rugged topography.

The park’s seacoast consists of several rocky peninsulas. These rocky fingers extend into Bonavista Bay. The coastline varies from cliffs to sheltered inlets and coves. If you are interested in boating, this is Newfoundland’s prime recreational boating spot.

When you explore inland areas, you will find rolling forested hills, exposed rock faces, bogs, ponds, and wetlands. The park protects wildlife. Wildlife ranges from small to large land mammals, migratory birds, and marine life. 

Terra Nova contains remnants of the Beothuk Nation and many initial pioneer European settlements.

The Rooms

If you are as confused about a place called The Rooms as me, welcome home. Traveling to Canada, tourists are unaware of the importance of this building. The building’s name and architecture reference the simple gable-roofed sheds (called “fishing rooms”). These gable roofed sheds were standard at the waterline in Newfoundland fishing villages.

The Rooms is a cultural facility that opened in 2005. It currently houses the Art Gallery of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Provincial Museum of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Provincial Archives of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Overlooking the port city, this facility was constructed high on a hill. Fort Townshend once occupied the historic location. As such, this location has a spectacular view. The facility has, since its construction, competed with its neighbor, the Basilica of St. John the Baptist, for bragging rights for the best view of St. John’s skyline.

Railway Coastal Museum

Canadian history was defined by Western expansion. Understanding how people were able to travel in Canada is an exciting story. The Railway Coastal Museum tells the story of great initiative, courage, and sacrifice in building and operating the Newfoundland Railway and Coastal Services.  The museum consists of:

118-Year-Old building
42 Pictorial Themed Exhibits
1940s Passenger Train Diorama
21 Costumed 1940s Figures
28 Models, Murals, Paintings
Automated Model Train
Outdoor Train Park

The railroad history in Newfoundland is about much more than transportation. The museum captures the drama of the men entering the unknown wilderness. It was these men’s job to tame the harsh conditions to build the railroad lines.

The museum captures the whole history of the island over the last couple of centuries and does so in a compelling way. There are fascinating written historical displays and photographs. 

Afterward, you can see a large room full of details and memorabilia with full-scale exhibits of a train’s mail room and a dining car.

There are also World War I and World War II exhibits.

North Atlantic Aviation Museum

The North Atlantic Aviation Museum is conveniently located on the Trans Canada Highway in Gander, NL. The property is located immediately adjacent (and connected by a walking trail).
North Atlantic Aviation Museum opened its doors in 1996 and is dedicated to preserving and presenting stories and artifacts highlighting Gander’s role in developing Trans Atlantic Aviation.

The exhibit, covering the period from 1935 to 2001, provides a rich narrative of Gander’s short but fascinating history.

Learn about Gander’s role as a substantial strategic base during WWII, how the town earned the nickname, ‘Crossroads of the World’, why Gander was known throughout the Eastern Bloc, and finally, hear the story of Gander’s unexpected role in the days following 9/11.

 The museum will re-open on June 29th with some changes to the guest experience. They will be open from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Monday – Friday in the short term as they work toward more “normal” summer hours in the coming weeks. 

Atypical Last Thoughts

The allure of traveling to Canada lies in its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and warm hospitality. From the majestic Rocky Mountains to the pristine shores of its numerous lakes, Canada offers a diverse palette of natural wonders. The multicultural cities, including Toronto and Vancouver, boast a rich tapestry of arts, cuisine, and cultural events, making it an ideal destination for those seeking urban vibrancy and serene natural beauty. The friendly and inclusive atmosphere, coupled with a commitment to sustainability, further enhances the appeal of Canada as a travel destination, providing a welcoming haven for global explorers.

Moreover, Canada’s reputation for safety and quality of life adds an extra layer of attraction. Whether it’s immersing in the cultural mosaic of Quebec City, marveling at the Northern Lights in the Yukon, or enjoying the cosmopolitan flair of Montreal, Canada offers a diverse range of experiences that cater to every traveler’s desires. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a nature enthusiast, or a city lover, Canada invites you to embark on a journey that promises not just picturesque landscapes but a genuine connection with a country that values diversity, innovation, and the shared joy of exploration.

Please comment below if you have visited these locations or plan to visit them shortly. I would love to hear your input and hope to hear your stories.

If Canada isn’t what you are looking forward to in a destination, take a look at my suggestions for the best summer travel destinations in 2024.

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