Natural wonders of the world to put on your bucket list

Those visiting the Rocky Mountains in Canada between July and September will be rewarded with turquoise-coloured lakes, scenic mountain views, and plenty of wildlife. The summer months allow for some of the best hiking and wildflower sightings of the year, but they also mean peak tourist season. September may be an even better time to visit, since the crowds fade, the leaves start to change colour, and the snow-capped mountains begin to appear in the distance. Biking is also another way to explore the mountains, which boast more than 354 kilometres of cycling trails.

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Blausee Lake is a small, enchanted lake in the Kander Valley in Switzerland that gets its name from its vibrant crystal-blue colour. The lake is surrounded by a stunning national park with towering pine trees, a boutique hotel, and an organic trout farm. Whether you choose to visit during the summer when the bright turquoise water is glimmering against the verdant backdrop, or the winter, when the snow-covered pine trees look like a Bob Ross painting, Blausee Lake is an idyllic place year-round. There is an entrance fee between $8 and $10, depending on the day of the week, and dogs are allowed in the park on a leash.

It’s hard to pick just one natural wonder in New Zealand, but Waitaki Whitestone Park tops the list. With picturesque rolling green hills, scenic cycling trails and an abundance of wildlife, this park just may be the most gorgeous outdoor wonderland you’ll ever play in. Walk, bike or drive through the park, and as you do, be on the lookout for unique rock formations. FYI, this New Zealand gem won’t be flying under the radar for much longer because it’s up for UNESCO assessment this year.

The Galápagos Islands are a group of 19 large islands in Ecuador with a unique ecosystem and diverse range of endemic marine life and species. You’ll find the island’s namesake giant tortoise, sea iguanas, penguins and sea lions, to name a few. Watch the tortoises in their natural habitat at the El Chato Tortoise Reserve, snorkel with sea animals, or spot exotic birds. For a challenging activity on land, check out many of the lava trails near the volcanoes. Bartolomé is probably the most iconic island – and the most visited. Hike more than 300 steps to the summit and you’ll be rewarded with epic views of Pinnacle Rock.

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Yep, that delicious Italian dish takes its name from an actual place – specifically, a small volcanic island just north of Sicily. Its 3,000-foot-high active volcano, nicknamed the “Lighthouse of the Mediterranean,” has had lava flowing out for years. The most impressive sightings are at night, and the best way to see the volcano is on a boat tour. There are no cars, buses, or trains on the island (only small motorbikes and Ape cars), and flashlights are recommended if you plan to walk around at night because there are no street lights.

Split between Argentina and Brazil, these famous falls are all drama and all beauty, all the time. They’re located in Iguazú National Park, a subtropical rainforest that offers many different vantage points of the waterfalls. Book a boat ride and see them up close as you sail through the Lower Iguazú River, or walk through the park – but either way, but expect to get soaked!

This massive sinkhole is part of the Belize Barrier Reef, one of the most pristine reef ecosystems in the western hemisphere, and it’s a favourite spot for serious divers because of its incredible marine diversity. It’s also home to several shark species. Translation: It’s not for the faint of heart, but if you’re an experienced diver, you won’t want to miss it. While you’re in Belize, make sure to check out Ambergris Caye, the largest island in the country.

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The Dead Sea (also known as Salt Sea), located about an hour away from Jerusalem, is estimated to be approximately three million years old. It’s a top bucket-list destination, and for good reason – there’s nothing in the world like floating on the Dead Sea. The saline water has such a high density that it keeps swimmers afloat. People with skin conditions especially love to visit because they lather the mud on their body and the mineral-rich saltwater is said to have healing powers that are good for the skin. Just make sure to avoid shaving one to two days prior to your visit because the salt will burn any cuts; you shouldn’t stick your face underwater either.

Also known as the Salt Flats, this extraordinary attraction is the world’s largest salt flat – the result of dried-up prehistoric lakes. June to August is the dry season, so more tourists visit during this time. But December to April is less crowded and amazing in a whole different way: When the rain hits the salt flats, it causes a glass- or mirror-like effect, which looks really cool in photos. If you visit, keep in mind that the high-altitude flats are nearly 3650 metres above sea level, so you may experience altitude sickness if you haven’t given yourself a few days to acclimate in town first.

Sweden tops the list as one of the most sustainable tourist destinations in the world, and with so much natural beauty, it’s easy to see why. The country’s largest national park, Padjelanta National Park, is adjacent to the Norwegian border, and it’s a peaceful mountain escape where the Wi-Fi is weak and the air is fresh. The open terrain surrounded by alpines makes it an ideal destination for hiking, especially in July and August. Pack light, but don’t forget binoculars! You might spot newly born calves, birds or other animals.