Gorgeous Dream Vacation Photography to Inspire Your Wanderlust
Updated: Jan. 06, 2020
We asked you to share the photo that sums up the best vacation you ever had, and you rose to the challenge! From flowering alpine meadows to sun-kissed white sand beaches, these stunning shots made us want to pack our bags for the next available flights.
Fields in Flower
Jen St. Louis of Elmira, Ontario, certainly captured the spirit of our “Dream Vacation” Theme Pic Challenge! She writes: “On my fourth trip to Iceland, we finally got to the Westfjords: the wildest, most remote and arguably the most beautiful part of Iceland.”
Check out the best things to do in Iceland.
Safe Harbour
A dream vacation doesn’t have to involve a flight abroad. Need proof? Check out this beautiful shot of a tranquil harbour in Stonehurst, Nova Scotia, captured by George Vanderberg of Lethbridge, Alberta.
Don’t miss these fantastic photos captured on a father-and-son trip to Nova Scotia.
White Sands
Chelsea Sacek of Thunder Bay, Ontario, also nailed the vibe of our Theme Pic Challenge. She captured this shot in Cozumel, Mexico, during a stop on her Royal Caribbean cruise.
Heading south? Check out our guide to the best Caribbean beaches.
Roman Empire
Commissioned by the Emperor Vespasian in AD 72 and comfortably seating up to 55,000 spectators in its heyday, Rome’s Colosseum remains one of the world’s most famous attractions. This photo by Fred Allin of Etobicoke, Ontario, does a wonderful job of depicting the passage of time.
Travelling on a tight budget? Check out these cheaper alternatives to Europe’s most expensive cities.
All Aboard!
Helen Rempel of Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, writes:Â “The best trip I have taken so far was to Waterton Lakes National Park with my sisters. What fun!” Thanks for sharing, Helen!
Tropic Wonder
At first glance, this photo by Mike Lane of Saanichton, B.C., looks like it was taken at a luxury resort in the Caribbean, but it was actually captured right here in the Great White North. Oak Bay, B.C., on a lovely summer day, to be precise!
Take a peek at Calvert Island—Canada’s answer to the Caribbean.
Friendly Skies
Heather Vopni of Coquitlam, B.C., writes:Â “It was a beautiful and calm evening at Deer Lake in Burnaby, B.C. The sun and clouds certainly delivered! This was my very best visit to this adorable city park!” Thanks for sharing, Heather!
Check out the 10 places in Canada every Canadian needs to visit.
Where Elephants Roam
While touring the Lower Zambezi National Park in southeastern Zambia, Norma Keith of Baltimore, Ontario, stumbled upon this majestic elephant. What an incredible experience—preserved forever in this spectacular shot.
Read about another Our Canada contributor’s unforgettable experience on a South African safari.
On Track
Frank Koenig of Morinville, Alberta, writes: “Went for ride in an open car on the Kettle Valley Railway in Summerland, B.C., this past May.” Thanks for sharing, Frank!
Find out what it’s like riding the rails onboard the legendary Rocky Mountaineer.
Skipping Rocks
Even while on a dream vacation, you’re still going to need time to relax. And what better way than by skipping rocks? Amanda Cole of Harbour Grace, Newfoundland, took this understated photo at Jack’s Pond Park.
Here are 10 essential east coast experiences worth adding to your bucket list.
Island Path
Did you know the Bay Islands of Honduras sit on the second largest coral reef in the world? The simple beauty of island life is wonderfully captured here by Deb Sandau of Red Deer, Alberta.
Seeking world-class scuba diving? It’s just one of many unforgettable things to do in Bonaire.
Phenomenal Fundy
Nancy Jean Bougie of Ingleside, Ontario, took this shot of Jeannie—her 10-month-old Lab—checking out the beach art in the Bay of Fundy, New Brusnwick. Thanks for sharing, Nancy!
Find out what it’s like driving the Fundy Trail.
Great Getaway
Nivetha Yogarajeev of Markham, Ontario, can’t speak highly enough of the Bahamas—her dream vacation. “Pure satisfaction, after my last stressful stretch of undergrad exams. I was blown away by the welcoming citizens, kind island breeze, generously shady palm trees, soothingly turquoise waters and warm sunny smiles.”
Check out more gorgeous travel photos from around the world.
