CANADA

The following are the heritage sites, grouped into recommended gateway cities. This may help in planning on the logistics (travel and accommodation) of your journey.

CALGARY (YYC)

Calgary, the vibrant “Stampede City” of Alberta, is a sophisticated urban hub where rugged Western heritage meets modern cosmopolitan flair. Framed by the majestic peaks of the Canadian Rockies and the winding Bow River, the city is famous for the Calgary Stampede, the world’s largest outdoor rodeo held every July. Visitors enjoy panoramic views from the Calgary Tower, explore the whimsical Rock Garden, or walk the historic streets of Heritage Park. As a sun-drenched gateway to five UNESCO World Heritage sites, Calgary offers a perfect blend of high-energy festivals, elite dining, and breathtaking wilderness access.

DEER LAKE (YDF)

Deer Lake, a welcoming town nestled in the scenic Humber Valley of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, serves as the ultimate gateway to the spectacular Great Northern Peninsula. Celebrated for its warm hospitality and stunning natural landscapes, it sits just a short drive from the ancient fjords of Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can enjoy walking along the sandy shores of the lake itself, fish for Atlantic salmon in the Humber River, or explore the massive butterfly gardens at the nearby Newfoundland Insectarium. From vibrant summer strawberry festivals to thrilling winter snowmobile trails, it is an outdoor lover’s paradise.

HALIFAX (YHZ)

Perched on one of the world’s largest natural harbors, Halifax is a spirited maritime capital where 18th-century military history meets a thriving modern waterfront. The city’s skyline is crowned by the star-shaped Halifax Citadel, a 19th-century fortress where the daily Noon Gun has echoed since 1857. Travelers can stroll the four-kilometer Harbourwalk, visit the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic to see Titanic artifacts, or find tranquility in the Halifax Public Gardens, a rare Victorian masterpiece. The city hums with energy as a gateway to the UNESCO-listed Old Town Lunenburg and the rugged beauty of Peggy’s Cove.

QUEBEC (YQB)

Quebec City, the historic capital of French-speaking Quebec, is the only fortified city north of Mexico in North America. Perched along the majestic St. Lawrence River, its UNESCO-listed Old Quebec features cobblestone streets, 17th-century European architecture, and the iconic, castle-like Château Frontenac dominating the skyline. Visitors can explore the historic citadel, stroll through the charming shops of Quartier Petit Champlain, and take in grand views from Dufferin Terrace. Renowned for its vibrant winter carnival, distinct French culinary traditions, and European flair, Quebec City offers a European-style getaway filled with rich history, culture, and timeless Canadian charm.

SEPT-ILES (YZV)

Sept-Îles, a coastal powerhouse on Quebec’s North Shore, is where industrial might meets the raw beauty of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. This “City of Seven Islands” serves as the vital jumping-off point for Anticosti Island, accessible via Sept-Îles Airport (YZV). Visitors explore the namesake archipelago to hike Grande Basque Island or marvel at the bird sanctuary on Corossol Island. The city’s dual heritage is showcased at the Shaputuan Museum, celebrating Innu culture, and the Vieux-Poste fur-trading replica. After a day of whale watching, travelers head to the Old Port to savor world-class snow crab and shrimp.

ST ANTHONY (YAY)

St. Anthony, located on the northern tip of Newfoundland’s Great Northern Peninsula, is a rugged maritime destination famous as the “Iceberg Capital of the World.” The town is the gateway to the L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site, the only authenticated Viking settlement in North America. Visitors can witness massive icebergs and breaching whales from the Fishing Point Park trails or explore the Grenfell Historic Properties, which tell the story of the pioneering medical mission that transformed the region. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs and the cold Atlantic, St. Anthony offers a profound connection to ancient history and wild coastal beauty.

WHITEHORSE (YXY)

Nestled in the pristine wilderness of the Yukon, Whitehorse, known as the “Wilderness City,” serves as a rugged yet refined base for northern adventure. The city’s history is anchored by the SS Klondike, a restored sternwheeler that recalls the feverish days of the Gold Rush. Visitors can soak in the therapeutic waters of the Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs or encounter elusive local wildlife like muskox and thinhorn sheep at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve. Framed by the dramatic Miles Canyon and the shimmering Aurora Borealis in winter, Whitehorse blends indigenous heritage with a vibrant, modern arts scene at the edge of the world.