If you’re an outdoor enthusiast that loves camping, hiking, climbing or skiing then you really need to add Canada to your bucket list.  Repeatedly named as one of the most livable places in the world, Canada has wide open spaces, virgin Forests, mountains and coastlines bordering three oceans.  The people are incredibly friendly and there is an endless list of things to do.  So here are the reasons Canada should be on your travel bucket list.

1. Northern Lights

Canada is one of the best places in the world to see the breathtaking light show.  If you travel to Canada’s north between December and April you can see the dancing green and pink lights.  You will get the best views from the Yukon or Northwest Territories but dress for the occasion the average temperature is well below freezing.

2.  Polar Bears

While you’re up north looking at the Northern Lights you should try and see if you can lay your eyes on some polar bears.  The best time to see them is in November or March, bear in mind that sightings are extremely rare and the best place to see them is in the Hudson’s Bay Region near Churchill, Manitoba.  Canada has the highest concentration of polar bear dens, though they are becoming increasingly rare because of climate change.  There are tours that can take you across the tundra to catch a glimpse of these great bears.  Here is a video of the tours out of Churchill.

3. The Rocky Mountains

If you are and outdoor enthusiast like us you could spend your entire trip just exploring the Rockies.  Located in Western Canada in the provinces of Alberta and British Columbia, the Rockies are a UNESCO World Heritage site and are renowned for the scenic splendor.  There is just so much to see, there are five National Parks in the Rockies, Canadians treasure this part of the country and the National Parks help keep it protected.

You should visit the Athabasca Glacier located near Jasper National Park, the glacier has been shrinking for more than 150 years and now it loses more than 5 meters (almost 20 feet) of ice every year.   This is not the only destination add to your bucket list the hot springs in Banff, crystal clear glacier lakes and the Burgess Shale Fossil site.

4. Prince Edward Island

Now it’s time to travel to Canada’s East Coast and head to Prince Edward Island.  Take the Confederation Bridge, this 8 mile long bridge is the longest bridge in the world that crosses ice covered water and it connects PEI to the mainland.  PEI is world famous for being the home of “Anne of Green Gables”, but there is more to the tiny island.  Summer is the best time to visit and relax on some of the many beaches around the island, don’t forget to check out the red mud and vintage lighthouses scattered all over the island.

There are no shortage of places to visit in Canada where you can go hiking, camping and kayaking.  The Great Lakes region especially around Lake Superior, and there are thousands of lakes and river systems throughout Quebec and Ontario for you to enjoy throughout the summer months.  Where ever you decide to visit first there are dozens of reasons Canada should be on your travel bucket list.