Your Bucket List

Do you have a travel bucket list? If you do, you’re not alone. There are so many places to go that making a list of everywhere we want to travel is understandable. But lists are one thing. Making those trips a reality is entirely another. So where do you want to go and how can you make it happen?

One recent polling of Canadians compiled at list of the four most popular bucket list destinations according to Canadian Travellers. They are as follows:

1. Visit the Blue Lagoon, Iceland

Otherworldly Iceland is a bucket list-worthy destination in its own right, but it’s the beautiful Blue Lagoon that’s a major draw for many visitors. The sprawling natural geothermal spa near Reykjavík was named one of National Geographic’s 25 Wonders of the World in 2012 and makes for an ultra-relaxing getaway. In addition to soaking your stress away in geothermal seawater, the lagoon offers a sauna, steam room, waterfall, luxury lounge, a cafe, an in-­water silica bar (to get some skin-soothing silica mud) and an in-water beverage bar when you need some refreshments. You can also opt for in-­water massage and other spa treatments.

2. Visit Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

Banff National Park, located in the Rocky Mountains of southwest Alberta, has the distinction of being Canada’s first national park as well as the flagship of Canada’s extensive park system. Banff National Park is also part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site, so you know you’ll be in for a treat no matter which parts of the park you visit.

Explore more than 190 kilometres of mountain bike trails, hike 1,600 kilometres of maintained trails, take a canoe ride, do some bird watching and, if you want to get the full park experience, sleep under the stars while you’re there. Choose from thousands of campsites at 13 campgrounds or, if you prefer, stay in the town of Banff or charming village of Lake Louise. Add Banff Upper Hot Springs to your park visit as a relaxing stop amid all the hiking and outdoor activity you might be doing. They’re the highest hot springs in Canada at 1,585 metres in elevation and make for a serene experience while in Banff..

3. Visit Santorini, Greece

Considered one of the most romantic destinations in Greece, it’s understandable that Santorini would find itself on quite a few travellers’ bucket lists. But romance certainly isn’t the only draw. Beautiful beaches, eye-catching whitewashed buildings, temperate turquoise water, jaw-dropping sunsets, well-preserved historic sites and a steady supply of fresh seafood and local wine help seal the deal for anyone interested in the trip of a lifetime.

4. See the Northern Lights over Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

Yellowknife is one of the best locations in the world for viewing the Northern Lights (also called aurora borealis). The capital of the Northwest Territories is a fascinating place to visit any time, but, if you can get there to see the Northern Lights, it’ll be a trip etched in your memory (and hopefully captured in photos) as you watch the sky light up like a technicolour abstract painting.