With summer fast approaching, travel may be an option students want to pursue. Although travel is a desirable way to escape work, school and Saskatoon, one doesn’t have to leave the country to embrace culture and a change of scenery. Here are three Canadian destinations worth checking out!

Clear Lake, Man.: this is an absolutely beautiful lake in Riding Mountain National Park, otherwise known as Wasagaming.

Fernie, B.C., is a small town great for students who enjoy outdoor activities such as skiing, camping and hiking.

Clear Lake is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, as there are diverse activities in the park during all four seasons. Throughout the summer months, Wasagaming is an oasis of nature and beauty. There are many ways to embrace the beauty in Clear Lake, like going on a scenic drive, canoeing on the lake or water activities such as paddle boarding. To experience the national park fully, there is also wildlife viewing, hiking and biking.

During the winter, Clear Lake is just as beautiful as in the summer. For those who love to make the most of the winter months, you can enjoy activities such as great snowshoeing, skating and cross-country skiing. If you want to indulge your wild side, there is a bay near the lake called Deep Bay, which is a popular spot for skinny dipping.

St. John’s, N.L.: this is a beautiful coastal city that will give University of Saskatchewan students a change in scenery, from the prairies to the ocean.

St. John’s has a vibrant art community that showcases different art forms, from music to dance to film, and is sure to entertain viewers from all across Canada. The art scene in St. John’s doesn’t stop at live performance — there are numerous art galleries located all throughout St. John’s that range from commercial to not-for-profit.

When in St. John’s, one must try the seafood. Along with the rich flavours of seafood, students can enjoy the ocean by whale watching on the coast, as there are 22 different species of whales for watchers to see.

St. John’s has houses with vibrant colours, which provide a great contrast from many of the prairie homes we’re used to. For those seeking the colours of St. John’s, Jellybean Row is the place to go. 

Fernie, B.C.: this is a quiet town of about 5,000  people that is in the middle of the mountains.

This mountain village is known for its ski slopes, but during the summer when it’s off-season, the outdoor activities can include kayaking, canoeing and fishing in many nearby lakes.

For accommodations in Fernie, travellers can stay in either a hotel or they can embrace the great outdoors by staying at one of Fernie’s campsites, which are closely located by some of the amazing hiking trails. If students want hiking trails that are longer than a day trip, Heiko’s Trail or the Three Sisters Mountain are the ones for you.

If students would rather stay away from outdoor activities but still enjoy the mountain scenery, there is a vibrant community in Fernie to enjoy. Out of the many things to do, one thing you must check out are the local farmers’ markets throughout the week, with locally grown food and hand-crafted items to browse through.

There are live performances at The Arts Station every week during the summer by local bands, and local artists displaying their work at galleries in the town.

If students are looking for a place to stay that is worth the cost, the Lizard Creek Lodge is a great place. This hotel has character, with quirky decorations that may remind you a lot of grandma’s house. Lizard Creek Lodge is reasonably priced when splitting the bill with a group of friends, so it is great for students travelling together on a budget.

While in Fernie, make sure to visit Big Bang Bagels located downtown — you won’t be disappointed! 

While making plans to travel this summer, consider looking in your own backyard. Canada has lots to share, especially for its 150th birthday celebration this year!

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Lauren Klassen

Photo: ateabutnoe / Flickr