Nahanni

World Heritage Sites to Explore on Your Honeymoon
Exploring beautiful landscapes is a great way to spend your honeymoon.

Exploring beautiful landscapes is a great way to spend your honeymoon.

Traditionally, a honeymoon gave the bride and groom time to celebrate their new union by sharing private moments. Taking a trip on the honeymoon became popular in 19th century England when couples would take a bridal tour to visit relatives who could not attend the wedding. Today, couples go to romantic and exotic locations to have time together and make memories that will last a lifetime. Here are some of Canada’s best locations, designated by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites because of their cultural or natural significance. Consider visiting one of these great locations on your honeymoon to make the trip even more memorable.

Dinosaur Provincial Park

Along the Red Deer River in southeastern Alberta are a prairie and badlands, which offer many remains of birds, mammals, and dinosaurs. Take a tour of the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology, the only museum in Canada totally dedicated to prehistoric life. With over 800 fossils on display, you’ll be able to see some of the largest land animals that are known to man. Scientists find new specimens each year. You can also enjoy a bus tour of the area. Explore Canada’s history during the Ice Age and appreciate today’s civilization.

Red Bay Basque Whaling Station

In Newfoundland, on the northeastern seaboard, is the Red Bay Basque Whaling Station. Named as one of the World Heritage Sites in 2014, it’s been a historic site for much longer. It’s an archaeological center that has preserved the heritage of whaling. The days of whaling may be over, but this site gives a glimpse into why whales are on the endangered list. It’s a beautiful location with much to offer.

Historic District of Old Quebec

If natural history isn’t your thing, the historic district in Quebec is an example of a colonial town that is fortified. The ramparts in this city have been preserved. You can observe the original bastions and gates that provided defense for Quebec in the early 17th century. Outside of the historic district, Quebec is a modern city with more to see and do. Understand Canadian heritage and see how your ancestors lived and defended themselves before today’s technology.

Old Town Lunenburg

In Nova Scotia, the town of Lunenburg was a British settlement. However, the British government recruited Protestants from Germany, France, and Switzerland to settle in the town as a balance to the French and Catholic presence already established in Nova Scotia. It’s a well-preserved example of British settlement, which made it a World Heritage Site in 1995. Early settlers were mostly involved in the fishing industry and faced many agricultural challenges and hardships in the early days. Many films use the location as a picturesque backdrop and historical site.

L’Anse aux Meadows

The Vikings have come back into popularity in the last few years with television programs examining the culture. Explore a historic district in Newfoundland, L’Anse aux Meadows, which is the first authentic Norse site discovered in North America. There are three building complexes that remain, and archaeologists have found evidence of Danes dating back to the 9th century. Inshore fishing supports the community today, which means you’ll find plenty of fresh seafood on the menu.

Nahanni National Park Reserve

On the opposite coast, in the Northwest Territories, sits a wilderness with mountains, great views, rivers, and hot springs in the Nahanni National Park Reserve. Settlers were drawn to the area by the lure of gold in the early 1900s. Gold was never found, but the land was thought to be beautiful and unique. Canada included the area in its national park system in the 1970s. It’s a mecca for bird watchers, as more than 120 species have been recorded. Those who enjoy canoeing believe the Nahanni River is one of the best in the world. Honeymooners can enjoy hiking and camping while seeing the beauty of Canada.