18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites In Canada
I was surprised how many UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Canada there were, 18 to be exact. As I’m sure you’ve heard, this year is Canada’s 150th anniversary so there’s a lot of buzz in the travel industry about my home country. I mean, what’s not to love? We have the most polite people, a diverse landscape, maple syrup and Ryan Gosling.
Sadly I haven’t even scraped the surface of World Heritage Sites in Canada. It’s pretty expensive to travel within the country so I often find myself looking to visit a new country instead. I’ll definitely be looking to change this in the near future, especially when airlines like New Leaf are helping to make travel cheaper.
Take a look, how many have you visited
L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site | Newfoundland and Labrador
This large piece of land on the West coast is best known for being an 11th century viking settlement. The beautiful landscape is not one to miss. In fact, for those of you that have traveled to Iceland you’ll find a similar landscape and settler artifacts here. L’Anse is the first known presence of European settlers in Canada, and possibly North America. As one who loves natural landscapes, the rugged cliffs and rolling hills are sure to please you.
Nahanni National Park | North West Territories
This National park is preserved as it protects a portion of the Mackenzie mountains. It’s here that you’ll find one of the most outstanding rivers in North America; the South Nahanni river. With huge canyons and large waterfalls this national park shows you what Canadian landscapes are all about. The North West Territories are pretty remote and more difficult to get to; which is what makes the Nahanni National Park that much better.
Dinosaur Provincial Park | Alberta
The Dinosaur Provincial Park looks like the most bad ass place of all the world heritage sites in Canada. Obviously it’s gotten its name for being the destination with some of the most important fossil discoveries known to mankind. There’s been around 35 different species of dinosaur’s found here. The landscape in general of this national park looks incredible. Obviously one for the bucket list.
Glacier Bay | Yukon, British Columbia
These world heritage site is actually four combined; Kluane, Wrangell-St. Elias, Glacier Bay and Tatshenshini-Alesk. All four make up a stretch between British Columbia, the Yukon and Alaska. You’ll find, as the name suggests lots of glaciers and high peaked mountains here. It’s also home to some pretty crazy wildlife; grizzly bears, caribou and Dall’s sheep (whatever the heck those are).
Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump | Alberta
Another amazing spot in Alberta is the Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump. I know, I couldn’t believe the name either. This national park is home to an aboriginal camp. It’s also the home of where large amounts of buffalo skeletons can be found. The reason this park got it’s name is from an old hunting tactic the Aboriginals would use. They would chase the buffalo over the cliff, where, well, I’m sure you can imagine what happened.
SGang Gwaay | British Columbia
To be honest I’m not even sure I could help you with the pronunciation of this world heritage site in Canada. This spot is actually an old village from Nans Dins located on a small Island in British Columbia. It’s a bit of a haunting place as it used to be home to over 300 residents but is now deserted. When disease wiped out the population in the 1880’s what is left is all that remained. It’s no easy feat getting there but once you arrive it’s apparently worth it.
Wood Buffalo National Park | Alberta
This National Park and World Heritage Site is home to the world’s largest population of wild bison. It’s also the world’s largest inland delta connecting the Peace and Athabasca Rivers. Not only that, it’s Canada’s largest National Park, which in a country so big you know that’s saying something about its size!
Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks | British Columbia, Alberta
The Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site is actually a combination of four parks in Canada; Banff, Jasper, Kootenay and Yoho. They are also the most photographed and famous parks within Canada. Here you’ll find plenty of breathtaking and amazing hiking trails, waterfalls, lakes, ski hills, limestone caves and glaciers. I think if I had to choose only one of the World Heritage sites in Canada to visit, this would be at the top of my list.
Historic District of Old Québec | Quebec
The Historic District of Old Quebec, or in short Old Quebec is as close to Europe as you can get in Canada. Built in the 17th century, this World Heritage site is a much loved and popular tourist spot in Canada. My recommendation is to visit in the winter, it’s hard to beat the romantic undertones of the freshly fallen snow and beautiful Christmas decorations in this old city. It’s a great place to visit for a weekend if you’re looking for something a little different – you won’t find anything else like it in North America.
Gros Morne National Park | Newfoundland and Labrador
Gros Morne National Park is another area that looks very similar to Iceland with its fjords and vast mountains. It’s said to be a rare spot in North America where you can physically see the continental divide. The ocean crust and rocks of the Earth’s mantle are exposed here, making it quite a unique spot to explore. It looks like landscape you wouldn’t want to stop taking pictures of!
Old Town Lunenburg | Nova Scotia
This colourful town located in Nova Scotia has become a World Heritage site in Canada for it’s surviving example of British Colonial settlements in North America. The town was founded in the mid-1700s and for the most part has maintained its original image. While it’s taken quite a bit of upkeep from the tenants, the people of Old Town Lunenburg have done an unbelievable job maintaining the wooden architecture and homes.
Waterton Glacier International Peace Park | Alberta
Waterton Glacier park makes up one half of what has become the world’s largest International Peace Park. The other half is the Glacier National Park in Montana. The parks sit together bordering each others country with breathtaking landscapes. The parks are home to quite a number of animals and different types of species. I mean really, how can you not love a beautiful landscape like that, that stands for peace?
Miguasha National Park | Quebec
The Miguasha National Park is the world’s biggest example of the Devonian Period, also known as “age of fishes”. In fact it’s here that you’ll find five out of the six fossil fish groups from that period of time. You know, if you’re into that kind of stuff. Personally, I would be travelling over for beautiful landscape and peacefulness of the ocean at this particular inlet but hey, that’s just me.
Rideau Canal | Ottawa
The Rideau Canal holds a bit of a soft spot in my heart actually. After living in Ottawa for 5 years I got to know the city, and the canal very well. In the summer the Canal makes for the perfect spot to go for a jog or bike and in the winter it turns into the longest skating rink in the world. You can stake along the canal from one side of the city to the other far faster than a car would be able to travel and it’s really one of the most unique experiences.
Joggins Fossil Cliffs | Nova Scotia
Located on the East coast of Canada, the Joggins Fossil Cliffs have been known also as the ‘cold age Galapagos’. You’ll also find a wide range of fossils here with rocks that are quite epic for the Carboniferous period. The site has three ecosystems combined; estaurine bay, floodplain rainforest and fire prone forested alluvial plain with freshwater pools. Whew, that’s quite the mouthful. In short? It’s as gorgeous as it is diverse.
Landscape of Grand Pré | Nova Scotia
The Landscape Grand Pre in Nova Scotia is a marshland that actually helped to form current day farming using dykes and the wooden sluice system. It’s also home to the Acadian settlement in the late 1600s. While the landscape looks quite simple and normal, the history you’ll find here is worth the visit.
Red Bay Basque Whaling Station | Newfoundland and Labrador
This World Heritage site in Canada is the former home to several of the Basque whaling stations and fishing village. It’s the earliest known spot of early European whaling traditions (as horrible as that is) and was founded in the 16th century. While it now only looks like a normal fishing village, you can get a pretty good sense of what life must have been like for them back then.
Mistaken Point | Newfoundland and Labrador
Last but not least in the list of World Heritage sites in Canada is Mistaken Point. This national park consists of a 17-km long strip of ragged and beautifully jagged cliffs. It’s also home to the oldest known assemblages of fossils found anywhere in the world. Just looking at pictures of this spot though make Mistaken Point a must-see. It looks as if it can be as spooky as it is beautiful, and all at the same time!
There you have it! All 18 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Canada. Which one will you be visiting first?
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50 Comments
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Hannah
Canada is so amazing! I really need to explore my own backyard. I’ve only been to 2 on the list- I live in Ottawa to the canal is a regular sight. And Quebec City- which is stunning!
Sarah
I’m at a grand total of 0 so clearly missing out! I spent a couple of weeks in British Columbia and loved Canada. I think it’s quite similar to New Zealand in many ways. I’d love to ice skate down that canal!
Jen Seligmann
You are so lucky to live in such an incredibly beautiful country Madi. I feel so inspired by this post. I am visiting Canada (from Australia) this year and will be spending a month explore the the western part of the country. There is so much to see I think I will most definitely need to come back to head east and north next time. For this trip though I am most looking forward to the Rockies and travelling up the Inside Passage.
Live Recklessly
Wow – Canada is beautiful! I was in Quebec in January so I got to experience the old city under a blanket of snow. So amazing! I’m hoping to make it to Alberta next month so thanks for the inspiration!
Fit For Trips
And here I thought I had seen all the beauty of Canada already. I’m going to have to make it out to Nova Scotia and British Columbia.
Julia Dent (@juliadentphoto)
I’ve traveled around Canada a bit, but I actually haven’t been to any of these! L’Anse aux Meadows and Quebec City are at the top of my list though! 🙂
Jean
Wow I had no idea that Canada had 18 UNESCO world heritage sites. Now I have 18 more places to visit in Canada.
Marvi
My sister is in Canada, I hope one day I can visit her and explore these amazing places you’ve shared! Thank you!
tashasoyster
I’ve always wanted to visit Canada and it’s beautiful national parks (especially Banff!). This is the perfect guide for if I do one day get to your beautiful country. Dinosaur Provincial Park looks out of this world! I’d never previously heard of it.
Eloise - MyFavouriteEscapes.com
Wow it’s gorgeous!!!! I really want to visit Canada. These landscapes are incredible. But it’s sooooo cold!!
Michelle
Wow oky… now I have my travel heart set on Glacier Bay and Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks!
madi
I know right?! I’ve never been and it looks incredible!
madi
It’s only cold in the winter! Lol. Our summers in Toronto can get up to 40 degrees celsius it’s almost unbearable!
madi
I’m glad you find it useful! You’re right the Dinosaur Provincial Park looks insane, I would love to visit 🙂
madi
You have the perfect excuse to come and visit then! I hope you get out here soon 🙂
madi
Honestly I had no idea either until I started writing this post! It’s actually crazy how many there are here, I feel bad for only seeing a handful!
madi
Quebec City is such a cute little place. It’s easy enough to see in 2 days as well which leaves plenty of time for exploring other places nearby 🙂
madi
Lol I know same. I haven’t even touched the surface though, so much beauty to explore in this country it’s crazy.
madi
You’re so lucky! Quebec City in the winter is like something made from dreams it’s so beautiful. I’ve never been to Alberta but it’s definitely on my list to go and visit that’s for sure.
madi
I am but that sad part is I’ve barely explored it! Honestly so much left to do and see. It’s such a shame it’s so expensive to travel within my own country otherwise I would be doing a hell of a lot more of it trust me! lol I hope you enjoy your time here Jen 🙂
madi
Sadly I’ve never been to BC or New Zealand (I’m clearly missing out!) but they are both so high on my list I’ve heard they are such incredible places to visit. The canal in Ottawa makes for such a good day out!
Megan Johnson!
This all looks amazing! I’ve always wanted to go to Canada and everyone I tell asks why. This is why! Soooo much to see.
madi
Haha! Who are these people you’re talking to that ask why! It’s one of the most beautiful countries in the world (disclaimer: I’m biased). I hope you get out here soon 🙂
Megan Johnson!
Right!? I assume they just picture fields and stuff. But that’s like saying I don’t want to go to the US because of Illinois (not that it’s bad, just very flat and corny.) they both have way more cool stuff!
Emily Hines
These places are so gorgeous! Canada is still on my list to explore… one day.
Jackie
I love this post! Old Quebec looks so beautiful under snow! I never knew there were so many UNESCO sites in Canada, you learn something new everyday 🙂
A Woman Afoot (@awomanafoot)
What a great list, Madi! I am happy to share that I”m going to Canada this summer and your post will be an inspiration! I fly into Montreal, and – as you said – Canada is huge, so I won’t be able to jump from one place to another easily.. but hope to see the Miguasha Park and/ maybe some spots in NB or NS.
Happy Travels!
Ioanna (A Woman Afoot)
Vrithi Pushkar
Canada looks so gorgeous! Would love to visit someday.
Vrithi Pushkar
madi
That sounds like a fantastic trip Ionna! Montreal is such a cool city to stay in and explore. I hope you have a great trip, I can’t wait to read about it on your blog 🙂
madi
I had no idea either until I started researching for this post! It really is such a beautiful country, too bad it’s SO big! lol
Corinne L Simpson
Gosh, this all looks incredible. Canada is one of my dream destinations, but so expensive for me to get to. One day I’ll get there and see these beautiful places for myself!
Lindz
This makes me so proud to be Canadian! I’m happy to say I’ve been to 7 of these – but I need to do more! Totally bookmarking a bunch of these! 🙂
madi
Right?! I’m so glad you liked it, it really made me appreciate my home country too 🙂
madi
It is a pretty expensive country to travel around as well :S but I promise you it’s worth the journey!
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Lianne
The photo of Grand-Pré is not a photo of that area…I live a couple of hours away and visted Grand-Pré several times, there is nothing there that resembles the photo.
madi
Hey Lianne – thanks for your feedback. I’m a bit confused because when I search Grand-Pre that same church appears in all photos. It’s even sourced on the official Nova Scotia tourism website: http://www.novascotia.com/see-do/attractions/grand-pr-national-historic-site/1335?gclid=CjwKEAjwsqjKBRDtwOSjs6GTgmASJACRbI3fQUCXNfV9FA7aZm7RTkKyH0kFzBCb-2y-khOgK1wMEhoCXh3w_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
Lianne
What you have now currently posted is the real Grand-Pré church 🙂
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Erin Bast
Great post! I’ve only heard of and/or been to a couple of these places. So many more to see! Also, happy Canada Day!
sandykul
WOW Canada is so beautiful, this is making me want to apply for my working holiday visa for there! I love your photography <3
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Dawnita
Wow, your photos are really amazing. Canada is really beautiful and I can’t wait to visit there someday. Thanks for sharing.
Nafisa Habib
All photos are so cool. I would love to visit first either Wood Buffalo National Park or Waterton Glacier International Peace Park. First time great to know about each of them 🙂
Ana - JauntingTrips.com
My impression of Canada is changing day by day, mostly distorted by the cold :)) otherwise you have an amazing and beautiful country. Nova Scotia and of course the Banff lake are 2 of my top spot I’d like to visit.
Hannah Stein
Gorgeous!! Even though I live in the US I still have only passed through Canada. I really want to go now, especially after reading this!
madi
Nova Scotia is one of our favourite provinces! Sadly we haven’t made it out to Banff yet
madi
Right? There are so many cool places I need to get to in my own country!
madi
Thanks! Hopefully you get out here soon.