FireFly

100 DESTINATIONS

Preface

1. Iceberg-Watching, NL
2. Dempster Highway, YT and NT
3. Parksville Beach Festival, BC
4. Le Pays de la Sagouine, NB
5. North of Superior, ON
6. Dinosaur Provincial Park and Badlands, AB
7. Kayaking with Killer Whales, BC
8. Old Quebec City, QC
9. Auyuittuq National Park, NU
10. Cape Spear National Historic Site, NL
11. Little Doctor Lake, NT
12. Thousand Islands, ON
13. Historic Lunenburg, NS
14. World's Tallest Totem Pole, BC
15. Land of Living Skies, SK
16. Tuktoyaktuk and Pingos, NT
17. Lake Louise, AB
18. L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site, NL
19. Montreal Jazz Festival, QC
20. Mary's Point Shorebird Reserve, NB
21. Mt. Robson Provincial Park, BC
22. Big Muddy Badlands and the Outlaw Trail, SK
23. Algonquin Provincial Park, ON
24. West Edmonton Mall, AB
25. Cape Breton Highlands and the Cabot Trail, NS
26. Historic Whitehorse, YT
27. Juan Perez Sound and Hot Springs Island, BC
28. Gatineau Hot-Air Balloon Festival, QC
29. Virginia Falls, NT
30. Prince Edward Island National Park, PE
31. Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, AB
32. CN Tower, ON
33. Cirque of the Unclimbables, NT
34. Grasslands National Park, SK
35. Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, NL
36. The Inside Passage, BC
37. Pointe-au-Père Lighthouse, QC
38. Agawa Canyon, ON
39. Nahanni National Park Reserve, NT
40. Baffin Island, NU
41. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, BC
42. Peggy's Cove, NS
43. Ram Plateau, NT
44. Canada Day in Ottawa, ON
45. Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, BC
46. Bay of Fundy Tides
47. Montmorency Falls, QC
48. Calgary Stampede, AB
49. Top of the World Highway, YT
50. Great Sand Hills, SK
51. Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve, NL
52. Beachcombing by Helicopter, BC
53. Moraine Lake and the Valley of Ten Peaks, AB
54. Confederation Bridge, PE
55. Old Montreal, QC
56. The Fortress of Louisbourg, NS
57. Dawson City, YT
58. Ile Bonaventure and Percé Rock, QC
59. The Rocky Mountaineer Train Trip, AB and BC
60. Skating on the Rideau Canal, ON
61. Cape Bonavista, NL
62. Vancouver Seawall, BC
63. Glacier Lake, NT
64. Magdalen Islands Seals, Birds and Sandcastles, QC
65. Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park, AB
66. Mt. Logan, YT
67. Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, BC
68. Killarney and La Cloche Mountains, ON
69. Icefields Parkway, AB
70. Shediac: Lobster Capital, NB
71. Churchill's Polar Bears, MB
72. Gros Morne National Park, NL
73. Yellowknife: Canada's Diamond Capital, NT
74. Stanley Park, BC
75. Grand Manan, NB
76. Dogsledding in Quebec, QC
77. Niagara Falls and Niagara Wine Country, ON
78. Great Northern Arts Festival, NT
79. Athabaska Glacier, AB
80. Signal Hill National Historic Site, NL
81. Brackendale Bald Eagles, BC
82. Cape Enrage, NB
83. Mount Royal and St. Joseph's Oratory, QC
84. Gimli Icelandic Festival, MB
85. Ice-Fishing on Lake Simcoe, ON
86. Masset Potlatch, BC
87. Quebec Winter Carnival and Ice Hotel, QC
88. Bouctouche Dune, NB
89. Waterton Lakes National Park, AB
90. Tea at the Empress, BC
91. Kluane National Park, YT
92. Canadian Mint, MB
93. Entry Island, QC
94. Della Falls, BC
95. Lucy Maud Montgomery's Cavendish National Historic Site, PE
96. Kitikmeot and Beechey Island Historic Site, NU
97. Banff Springs Hotel, AB
98. Reversing Falls, NB
99. Cruising the St. Lawrence, QC
100. Salmon Fishing in the Queen Charlotte Islands, BC

Acknowledgments
Photo Credits
Bibliography
Index of Locations

Preface

Geographically speaking, Canada is enormous -- the second-largest country in the world -- so it stands to reason that, from sea to sea to sea, there are more than 100 destinations worth visiting. But we think this list is a great starting point for your journeys.

Photographer George Fischer and I reviewed dozens of "Top Destinations" lists from magazines, newspapers and travel-related websites. We also talked to people who have travelled extensively throughout Canada. We made working lists and revised them repeatedly. Our 100 destinations hovered around 130 for several weeks until the pressing need to make travel arrangements forced us to declare a final, definitive 100. This is our selection. We think it's a good one.

The 100 destinations appear in no particular order, destination #100 is no less worthy than destination #1, and we chose not to present them from east to west or west to east because we want to emphasize the incredible geographic diversity that Canada possesses. Some provinces and territories may be more spectacular than others due to their mountain ranges or coastal settings (or both!), but every province and territory has its own memorable sights.

We have attempted to be as factually accurate as possible. Most of the information in this book was checked and double-checked against standard reference works as well as the most current national, provincial and/or municipal tourism sources, national and provincial parks services websites, and so on. Additional historical and scientific information was obtained from a variety of sources; these were not always in precise agreement with each other. If the Top of the World Highway is 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) longer according to your odometer or your favourite birding reference claims that northern gannet chicks hatch in late June instead of early July, you may be correct. Please keep in mind that this is a book of proposed journeys and not a reference book.

We would also like to note that we didn't set out to promote Fairmont Hotels. It just happens that in the late 1800s and early 1900s, Canadian Pacific Railway president William Van Home built some of the grandest luxury hotels in Canada at some of the most stunningly beautiful sites in Canada, and these hotels are now owned and operated by Fairmont -- The Empress, Chateau Lake Louise, Banff Springs Hotel, Chateau Frontenac. In Van Home's own words, "Since we can't export the scenery, we'll have to import the tourists."

As you enter these pages, we hope you'll allow yourself to be "imported" into Canada's unparalleled scenery, its magnificent parks and nature reserves, historic cities and charming villages, colourful festivals and uniquely Canadian activities.

We hope you like where this book takes you.

 

This book is a sheer delight. Gorgeously illustrated ... It's a must-have book about must-see places, and it's guaranteed to quicken your pulse.
- John Arkelian  Arts Forum no. 15  2008 08

Concise descriptions and engaging photography of superior quality by photographer Fischer make this guide a rewarding journey in itself.... This is an informative and visually rich indulgence that awakens the wanderlust in us all. Recommended.
- Theresa Kintz  Library Journal  2007 11 15

Sites and events that appeal to naturalists, animal watchers, food lovers, art lovers, history buffs, music fans and adventure seekers.
- The Canadian Press  Medicine Hat News  2007 12 01

The book, already a bestseller, is a mix of mostly well-known destinations... some lesser-visited sites... and a few classic experiences.... An enticing read!
- Diane Slawych  The Toronto Sun  2007 12 19

Highlights famous sites, but also some that are less familiar -- like Auyuittuq National Park in Nunavut.... Includds sites and events that appeal to naturalists, animal watchers, food lovers, art lover, history buffs, music fans, and adventure seekers.
- Canadian Press wire story  Kitchener Record  2007 12 01

[Unforgettable Canada] will appeal to naturalists, tourists, animal watchers, art and music lovers, adventure-seekers and armchair travelers. I had fun counting how many places I had seen, and making a wish list of those I might some day visit.
- Carole Desormeaux  Canadian Camera  2007 12

Beautifully photographed and, in essence, an ode to Canada's natural wonders.
- Sheldon Kirshner  The Canadian Jewish News  2008 01 10

Authors George Fischer and Noel Hudson have researched and created a beautifully photographed and written guide to some of this country's most remarkable destinations, spread across every province and territory. Some represent dream excursions the far reaches of the land, while others are easily accessible from major centers. Each destination offers unforgettable scenic vistas, exotic land formations or unique glimpses into Canada's history and spirit.
- Rob Moody  Kingston This Week  2008 01 16

Here is a brief but colourful catalogue of great possibilities for your next trip or vacation.... This is a wish book for travelers in Canada.
- Bill Robertson  Star Phoenix (Saskatoon)  2007 12 15

[For] travellers curious about the wonders of their own country.
- CanWest wire story  The Ottawa Citizen  2007 12 15

Easy-to-read text and beautiful photos. You may, as I did, learn about places you've never heard about.
- Linda Bates, CanWest News Service  The Vancouver Sun  2007 12 15

A beautiful book to bring memories of previous travels in Canada and to inspire new ones... This lavish book is a bargain... and would be a great gift or addition to your own libraries.
-   The Travel Society (Toronto)  2007 11 30

Showcases Canada's natural wonders, awe-inspiring attractions and fascinating towns... There's something to suit everyone. The book is a must-read for anyone planning a Canadian road trip this summer!
-   CAA Magazine  2008 06

A bit of easy-to-read text and beautiful photos. You may, as I did, leasrn about places you've never heard of.
- Linda Bates  Hamilton Spectator  2008 03 01

A beautiful collection of destinations that will pique your interest, and give you the travel bug, big time, to see new places in this wonderful country we call Canada... A wonderful gift, as well as a great addition to your own library.
- Joan Sutter  Shelf Life (London ON)  2008 08

This book will be a great resource for your personal ambitions to see more of our remarkably beautiful country, or to inspire your students with a field trip to a memorable or historical location. All provinces and territories are included, and even though no doubt there are many more than 100 worthwhile destinations, this collection will give you a taste of how wonderful it would be to visit each area of Canada. Spectacular photography and frequent factual sidebars will make you appreciate the diversity of this land we call home.
-   Canadian Teacher  2010 05 01

It is nice to find a book catering solely to 100 of the best destinations within Canada. This updated and expanded second edition gives Canadians a chance to savor places within their own backyards. It is also backed up with dozens of photos, to help showcase the best of what the destination has to offer. Once you open the book it will be love at first sight. No one will have to twist your arm to get you to visit any place. There is something from every province, the authors selecting wisely... Take a look at the book and you will be guaranteed to visit at least one destination, and likely many more indeed.
-   Shelf Life  2010 06 01

Unforgettable Canada showcases spectacular Canadian scenery.
- Sheldon Kirshner  The Canadian Jewish News  2010 07 15

This book would be a great resource for your personal ambitions to see more of our remarkably beautiful country, or to inspire your students with a field trip to a memorable or historical location. All provinces and territories are included, and even though no doubt there are many more than 100 worthwhile destinations, this collection will give you a taste of how wonderful it would be to visit each area of Canada. Spectacular photography and frequent factual sidebars will make you appreciate the diversity of this land we call home. Happy summer holidays!
-   Canadian Teacher  2010 05

Guides you to visually thrilling locales around the world.
- Sheldon Kirshner  Canadian Jewish News  2010 12 09