News broke on June 7 that Philippine passport holders are granted limited visa-free travel access to Canada, and boy, were we excited about it! Thousands of Filipinos rushed at the chance to get approved for travel to the icy tundra of North America, so much so that Canada's immigration website crashed, at least according to reports.
Now that the dust is settling on this new tourism policy, we bet you're wondering, what is there to see in Canada? We rounded up 10 things to do to try once you're in the country. Trust us, these activities aren't anything you can try at home.
Here are 10 no-fail exciting things to do in Canada to spice up your itinerary:
See the majestic and grand Niagara Falls
If there's a waterfall that many of us know from our childhood and pop culture, it's Niagara Falls. Although the falls are technically viewable from both the U.S. and Canada, there's a different charm to viewing them from the Canadian side. If you're up for more adventure, you can even take a river cruise to look at and experience the waters up close.
Go whale-watching and iceberg-spotting
Take part in a cruise to some of Canada's coasts and enjoy views of large glaciers and icebergs. But if seeing floating ice isn't majestic enough for you, ride out to see the real gentle giants of the sea—whales. There's no guarantee you'll be able to spot a killer whale or a beluga, but what is life without some thrill? But if you're lucky and you get to see one up close, that's an instant core memory right there.
Deep dive into the French-Canadian culture in Quebec
Want to experience the architecture and aesthetic of Europe without the need for a Schengen visa? Head over to Old Quebec to enjoy a mix of European-Canadian heritage, culture, architecture, and art. As one of the world's oldest walled cities, you can revel in the old time-y aesthetic of Old Quebec's brick walls, cobblestone paths, and romantic riverside views.
Ski down the slopes of Canada's famous ski town, Whistler
Considered one of the top skiing destinations in the world, Whistler is home to more than 200 marked runs spread across a terrain of 8,171 acres. Enjoy the Canadian mountainside, cool air, and powdery snow as you shred your way down the slopes. Not a fan of skiing? You can also try snowboarding and other winter sports here. After your skiing session, enjoy a cold pint of beer or a hot cup of chocolate at any of the nearby cafes.
Explore Banff National Park
Established in 1883 and a World Heritage Site, Banff National Park is renowned for the beauty of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, the lush unspoiled landscapes, and unique thermal hot springs. Anyone heading to Alberta, Canada, must stop here to marvel at the turquoise-colored lakes, spectacular glaciers, and snow-capped peaks. It's no wonder Banff National Park is one of the top Canadian destinations every year.
Marvel at the ephemeral northern lights
Canada is an amazing place to spot the northern lights. If you visit in winter, your chances of seeing the aurora borealis are huge. There are many places to wait and spot the lights in Canada, like Churchill, Manitoba, Yukon, Banff National Park, and Jasper National Park, Ontario—there's no shortage here. Just make sure to plan your northern lights excursion on nights with clear skies.
Cross the Capilano Suspension Bridge
Located in North Vancouver, the Capilano Suspension Bridge is one of the top adventure destinations in the area. Walk high above the Capilano Canyon and river at over 70 meters high. Enjoy the surrounding lush green forests and rainforest canopy as you traverse the over 140-meter-long bridge while immersing yourself in the panoramic and scenic landscape of the area.
Go on an Arctic safari and see the wonders of the icy world
Dying to see polar bears and other Arctic creatures IRL? Head over to Churchill in Manitoba, which is known as the world's polar bear capital. Located on the shores of Hudson Bay, the subarctic community boasts tons of people flocking for their chance to spot a polar bear or a beluga whale out in the wild.
Unearth dinosaur fossils in the Canadian Badlands
Located in Southeast Alberta, the Canadian Badlands is a part of the city of Drumheller, also known as the dinosaur capital of the world. If you've got a penchant for everything prehistoric, from fossils to artifacts and dinosaurs, you're going to enjoy the unique landscapes and rugged terrain. You can even take a guided tour through the Dinosaur Provincial Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known as one of the richest areas for fossil resources of the late Cretaceous period.
Spend the night at an ice hotel in Quebec
As people who come from tropical countries, we're immediately attracted to anything cold. If you want to experience ice and snow on a different level, a night at any of Quebec's ice hotels would definitely be one for the books. Hôtel de Glace is the most popular. Everything is made of solid water in these parts, from ice chandeliers to cups and ice beds. But hey, even if you're not a fan of shivering to your core, you could visit these attractions for sheer admiration of their architecture and structure.
* This story originally appeared on Spot.ph. Minor edits have been made by the Preview.ph editors.
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