Pack a picnic for these stunning spots
It doesn’t get much better than a picnic in a gorgeous location: gooey cheese, fluffy bread, velvety wine - and views to die for. Canada has to be one of the best destinations for picnic connoisseurs; with almost 10 million square kilometres to explore, there are endless landscapes to discover along the way.
It’s a hard task, but we’ve narrowed down some of the best spots for picnics in the country of poutine and maple syrup. We hope you’re hungry! Jump in your Canada motorhome rental and get going.
Ferryland, Newfoundland
Image: Megan em (own work), (CC BY 3.0) via Wikimedia Commons
Ever wanted to picnic by a beautiful lighthouse looking out over the ocean? Then head to Lighthouse Picnics in Ferryland, Newfoundland, which is about a one-hour drive from the city of St. John’s. A striking red lighthouse has stood at Ferryland Head since 1870 and overlooks dramatic cliffs and seas where you might spot a minke or humpback whale (from around April to October). Find a comfy spot in the grass, or, if you prefer, eat your lunch inside the lighthouse itself. Lighthouse Picnics sorts all the food for you, so you don’t need to bring a thing - just a hearty appetite for freshly baked bread, scones and other goodies. Delish!
Rainbow Park, Whistler, British Columbia
Image: Yoshio Kohara (own work), (CC BY 3.0) via Wikimedia Commons
A sparkling blue lake, stunning views and miles of nature trails to amble along? You can’t go wrong with a visit to Rainbow Park on the edge of Alta Lake, Whistler. With the Whistler and Blackcomb mountains looming in the background, you’ll be surrounded by natural beauty as you picnic in this serene spot.
Just a short drive from Whistler Village, this popular lakefront area has everything you could need on your day out: swimming docks, picnic tables, barbecue stands, bathrooms, an off-leash dog area and even food trucks in the summer. Rent a Vancouver campervan, and you’ll drive a pleasant couple of hours along the famed Sea to Sky Highway before reaching Rainbow Park.
Pyramid Island, Jasper, Alberta
Get back to basics with a picnic in the wilderness at Pyramid Island, Jasper. This tiny island is located on Pyramid Lake and looks out at - you guessed it - Pyramid Mountain. Pick up your motorhome rental in Edmonton and enjoy a scenic few hours on the road to this destination. When you arrive, walk along the short footbridge over the lake and wander through the tall pines to find your perfect picnic spot.
During the summer months, you can hire canoes and kayaks to explore the lake, or simply sit and watch out for beavers, elks, and herons as you chow down on your favourite foods. It’s well-worth an evening picnic, too - Jasper is a designated Dark Sky Preserve, meaning it has some of the best stargazing in the world.
Chesterman Beach, Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Vancouver Island is home to some amazing beaches, and Chesterman is one of the best. It’s only a short drive from the charming Tofino village, which is a great base for exploring this island. There’s a lot to love at Chesterman: golden sand stretches out before you for almost 3 kilometres while behind you, verdant forest lines the shore. Put a blanket down and soak in the sunshine, watch the famed surf, or check out the kayakers and paddle boarders. You might want to pick up your picnic food from the local favourites - the delectable fare from Tacofino, followed by Chocolate Tofino for dessert - cannot be missed!
Pointe de L’Islet, Tadoussac, Quebec
Just three hours from Quebec City, Tadoussac is a quaint town with a rich history - it’s the oldest village in Canada. It also happens to have some of the most delightful scenery you could ever imagine. Drive to the town pier and walk the short Pointe de I’Islet trail to the mouth of the Saguenay River for your picturesque picnic spot, and make sure you keep your eyes on the ocean. You just might spot minke whales, seals and belugas as you savour your lunch.
Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland
If you like a side of adventure with your picnic, then Gros Morne National Park is the place for you. The park features one of Newfoundland’s highest peaks, Gros Morne Mountain, with a challenging 16-kilometre trail to the top that offers breathtaking views in return. But that’s not all: the scenery is in this park is so diverse that there are glacial-carved rivers and streams, fjords, forests, tablelands, coves and beaches all in the one park. Pack a picnic for Shallow Bay, Trout River Pond or the Woody Point Lighthouse and take in the pristine landscape around you.
Lake Minnewanka, Alberta
There’s nothing quite like a picnic in the Canadian Rockies - especially at one of its most beautiful destinations, Lake Minnewanka. This lake is 21 kilometres long and is only a short drive from the popular resort town, Banff. Drive to the lakeside and take in the truly spectacular views, and enjoy some biking, hiking, canoeing and of course, picnicking. You could hire a motorhome from Calgary and make the trip in just a couple of hours.
Now that you’re armed with some of the best picnic spots in all of Canada - which motorhome itinerary will you tackle first? Let us know in the comments!
Motorhome Republic is the home of fantastic campervan hire deals in Montreal, in Halifax, Calgary, and even outside Canadian territory.
Written By: Kristof Haines
It’s funny how motorhome memories stick with you. I can still recall a motorhome vacation my family took when I was five years old and how awesome I thought I was, tucked away in a loft bed above the cab. From revealing unique destinations to providing tips and tricks, it’s my mission to help others build great motorhome memories too.
It’s funny how motorhome memories stick with you. I can still recall a motorhome vacation my family took when I was five years old and how awesome I thought I was, tucked away in a loft bed above the cab. From revealing unique destinations to providing tips and tricks, it’s my mission to help others build great motorhome memories too.
