It's no secret that Canada is one of the most breathtaking places to visit on the planet. From the vast natural beauty of Niagara Falls to the rugged Rocky Mountain ranges, tourists are never short of sights to see. But once you scratch the surface it's clear that there's so much more to the land of the Maple Leaf.
With the help of Canada's coolest insiders, we've compiled a list of alternative landmarks that are guaranteed to make your next trip truly unforgettable.
Grey Owl's Cabin In Prince Albert National Park, Saskatchewan
What's a holiday without a little hiking? Tucked away in Prince Albert National Park in the region of Saskatchewan, Grey Owl's Cabin is worth a visit for the history alone.
"There is a lot of history behind who Grey Owl was and what he did, but basically he was the first famous conservationist in North America," said Jay Brown, the man behind Sask Hiker.
"He was a white man who pretended to be First Nations, no one knew this until after he died, his cabin has been recreated and you can visit it to learn his story."
Inside the cabin, guests are treated to the history of Grey Owl and it's not hard to imagine the seven years he spent living in the cabin.
Grey Owl's Cabin is only accessible by foot or canoe, ensuring the mystique around this part of the world remains untouched.
The Muskwa Kechika In British Columbia
Sometimes the more you work for a holiday moment, the more likely you are to remember it forever, as is the case with the Muskwa-Kechika area in the Rocky Mountain Ranges.
"Approximately the size of Ireland and deemed the 'Serengeti of the North', the Muskwa-Kechika (MK) is one of the largest and most biodiverse areas in the Rocky Mountain range, yet only a select few have heard of it," said travel photographer, Taylor Burk.
Getting to the Muskwa Kechika area requires a little planning, but promises a big payoff.
"You'll need a flight from Vancouver to Fort Nelson and then a lengthy -- albeit beautiful -- drive to the Northern Rockies Lodge, then you jump in a floatplane over the Alaska Highway and Toad River to the Mayfield Lake camp," said Burk.
Once you're there the rest of the world seems like a distant memory, with nature truly taking over.
Times Change(d) High and Lonesome Club In Winnipeg, Manitoba
On an unsuspecting street corner, in downtown Winnipeg, lies one of Canada's best-kept secrets. From the outside, it looks like any other dive bar -- a rickety door, weathered walls and a sign that is badly in need of a little TLC. But once you step inside the Times Change(d) High and Lonesome Club, you've entered the hallowed ground.
"Winnipeg gets a tough rap, it's one of the coldest cities in Canada and the butt of a lot of jokes, but despite that it's the birthplace of some music legends including Neil Young," said the editor of IBackPackCanada, Corbin Fraser.
"Pop into Time's Change(d) High and Lonesome Club for live music, the place is legendary amongst locals," Fraser said.
The venue has live music every night of the week and the walls are adorned with pictures of the famous faces that have taken to the stage. Meanwhile, history buffs will also appreciate the legacy of the building. The bar is located in the Fortune Building, built in 1882 by a man who later died on the Titanic.
Even back then the area was home to Canada's finest honky-tonk musicians, a tradition that continues to this day.
Tams-Tams, Montreal, Quebec
Want to shake it off with the locals? Follow the music in Montréal to uncover a local dance party that needs to be seen to be believed.
"When you hear the Tam-Tams on Sundays in Montréal's Parc du Mont Royal, it's a truly amazing experience," said creator of the travel blog, I've Been Bit, Lindsay Davies.
"Grab your friends and dance, laugh and enjoy the beats of the huge drum circle in the heart of the park," Davies said.
The Tam-Tams sees hundreds of drummers come together to provide the soundtrack to your Sunday in Montreal. Beginning in the 1960s, the Tam-Tams is an integral part of the Montréal music community.
"It's such a melting pot of people, locals, hippies, college students, retirees, and even entire families show up to join what is likely the biggest drum circle in Canada," Fraser said.
"Pack a picnic and make a day of it, but if you don't have your own food, there's often a few food trucks lurking about," Davies suggested.
"You can also support local artisans as they sell their handmade trinkets and more, it's a true Montréal experience."
Mount Engadine Lodge, Canmore, Alberta
If a little bit of rural isolation is high on the itinerary then make a beeline for Mount Engadine Lodge, a hidden gem of Alberta's Kananaskis region. "It is situated off the Peter-Lougheed gravel road deep in the heart of Kananskis," revealed Instagram travel photographer Katie Goldie.
A little out of the way, Mount Engadine Lodge is located at the base of Mount Engadine and Mount Shark in Spray Valley Provincial Park, Alberta, Canada.
"Resting near a winding wetland giving way to a dramatic view of mountains, this lodge is placed in one of the most stunning parts of this road," Goldie said.
Expect to see some wild neighbours roam by during your stay, with grizzly bears and moose often moseying on past, ensuring your Canadian wildlife experience is truly complete.
"You see so many wild animals in their natural habitat, it's incredible to witness."
To learn more about the possibilities of what Canada has to offer, and explore like a local -- visit the Keep Exploring website here.
Or if you'd prefer to jump straight into packages and begin building your own adventure -- visit our friends at STA travel here.