destinations

Great Honeymoon Spots in 2017
Tsusiat Falls, Pacific Rim National Park

Tsusiat Falls, Pacific Rim National Park

A special event is happening in 2017. This year marks the 150th anniversary of Canadian Confederation. It was in 1867 when the Constitution Act formally proclaimed the unity of four provinces, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick, making up the new country of Canada. Celebration starts early at some of the most beautiful locations in Canada, with Parks Canada offering free admission throughout 2017.

Buying your annual pass this year means that you won’t have to renew it until 2018. Not only does this pass let you get into the national parks, but you also give you entry into historic sites and marine conservation areas that are interconnected with the national park system. It just so happens that they make great honeymoon spots! Here are some of the prettiest places to visit in Canada on your honeymoon, anniversary trip, or family vacation.

Banff National Park in Alberta

If you enjoy the outdoors, Banff National Park has the goods. From skiing and snowboarding in the winter months to canoeing and biking in the summer, you’re sure to get lots of picturesque memories to take home with you. As the first national park, Banff is a great place to camp and view the Northern Lights.

Forillon National Park in Quebec

At Forillon, you can see colonies of seals on the cliffs or walk along a pebble beach. Some enjoy snorkeling when the weather is warmer, and you may get to see up to seven different species of whales that call the area home. With more than 244 square kilometers to explore, you could spend days exploring nature. Forillon is home to some of the first fishing stations in the area, with plenty of historical sites that show how the early settlers lived.

Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland

UNESCO designated this national park as a world heritage site not just because of the history, but also due to its exceptionally beautiful scenery. Hiking is one of the most popular activities in the area. From May to October, day cruises are offered to get a different view of the terrain. Trek to the historical lighthouse, then enjoy a walk along the coast before having a dinner of fresh seafood at a local restaurant.

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve in British Columbia

Home to the culture of the Nuu-chah-nulth, the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve offers First Nation cultural experiences along with water sports, cycling, birding, boating, and camping. The beaches offer surfing for beginners and experts. Serious surfers don’t wait for the summer. Long Beach and Wickaninnish Beach offer year-round activities, with rentals and lessons available from local businesses. Take a self-guided tour along trails with hand-carved totems. Take home memories from local artisans who appreciate the history of the community. During the summer months, the park also offers educational programs for visitors.

Marine Conservation Areas

Marine areas are not only home to animals that live in the water, but also to birds and mammals. All of these parks feature ecosystems of rich flora and fauna to enjoy together. Every season will have different things to see and do. Most of the sites have other nearby parks and nature reserves to visit while you’re in the area.

  • Fathom Five National Marine Park of Canada, Ontario
  • Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, British Columbia
  • Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area of Canada, Ontario
  • Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park, Quebec

Take Advantage of This Special Offer

Explore Canada together with your spouse and keep your travel dollars close to home. Although the price of gas has gone down, the price of groceries is going up. The loonie has been weakening over the last few months, which is keeping more Canadians at home. That doesn’t mean you can’t have a spectacular honeymoon. Canada has plenty to see in your own backyard.

Top Wedding Destinations in Canada

Recently married couple poses in the snow, johnhope14

Recently married couple poses in the snow

Canada boasts some of the top weddings destinations on the planet.  World-class metropolitan areas such as Toronto and Vancouver offer almost unprecedented cultural diversity, variety, and wedding opportunities.  In addition, nearby areas such as Whistler offer an ideal setting for snowy weddings, and winter weddings can be held comfortably aboard larger vessels on the Pacific Northwest coastline.

Below is a list of three very distinct Canadian wedding destinations that have the ability to transform almost any wedding ceremony into a truly memorable event:

·        The City of Toronto

In addition to being the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto has an extensive mass transit system that connects multiple neighborhoods including Polish Town, Little India, Greek Town, and multiple China Towns.  The city offers numerous traditional wedding venues as well as unparalleled religious and cultural diversity.  Couples can easily find ways to stay true to family culture and religious values while enjoying globally recognized art, dining, and accommodations.  Toronto is a winter wedding destination that offers a truly unique urban adventure.  The chilly winter conditions are usually less of an issue due to clean underground sidewalks and multiple indoor venues with spectacular views of the city skyline or Lake Huron.

·        Whistler, British Columbia

Whistler is located in the scenic mountains outside of Vancouver.  Whistler offers world-class skiing, resorts that specialize in winter weddings, and a prime location.  Like Toronto, Vancouver is a metropolitan area rich in cultural and religious diversity.  Vancouver has been nicknamed “the city of glass” due to its many impressive glass skyscrapers.  Only a short drive away from a phenomenal metropolitan area, Whistler has some of the best skiing and winter lodging on the planet for snowy weddings.

·        Maritime Weddings on the Northwest Coast

Some couples have an undying love for the ocean.  The Northwest Coast of Canada can offer fantastic winter maritime weddings.  Instead of embarking on an urban or Mountain adventure, couples can be married aboard private cruises that offer fine dining, top accommodations, and unparalleled scenery.  Unlike many parts of the East Coast or far North, the Northwest Pacific typically does not freeze.  There are ample opportunities to comfortably view marine life, natural wonders, and enjoy the serenity of the sea.

What to Look for in Destination Weddings

There are a number of considerations that should be taken into account before planning a destination wedding.  A few primary considerations are listed below:

  • Is the destination easily accessible for guests and others associated with the wedding?
  • Does the destination offer venues that meet religious and cultural needs?
  • Does the destination offer a chance for couples to afford the perfect wedding?

Winter Weddings in Canada are Recognized Among the Best

Besides boasting major cultural meccas and globally recognized destinations, Canada has something unique to offer.  Canada has a marked history of cultural diversity and eagerness to embrace different religions as well as progressive social change.  Canadians are known for being extraordinarily polite, and courtesy is a general hallmark of Canadian culture.  Canada is a very welcoming country with ample opportunities to create the perfect wedding for almost any couple. Whatever your dream winter wedding is, there are likely multiple Canadian wedding destinations that can turn that dream into a reality.