What Can You See and Do in Canada’s Deserts?

Today, we’re exploring the majestic deserts of Maple Country. Anyone looking for a unique and exciting adventure, might seriously want to consider visiting Canada’s deserts. From hiking and sandboarding to exploring prehistoric fossils, these deserts offer a range of activities that are sure to leave you amazed.

We draw inspiration for today’s guide from the world’s most famous deserts, notably those spanning Northern Africa and the Middle East.

This slot machine game takes inspiration from the beauty and mystique of the Sahara Desert in Egypt, which is the largest hot desert in the world, covering much of North Africa. The game’s stunning graphics and animations transport players to the heart of the desert, where they can collect treasures and bonuses while spinning the reels. The game’s desert theme is perfect for those who want to experience the thrill of the Sahara without leaving the comfort of their own home.

Drumheller, Alberta badlands. By  Chensiyuan assumed (based on copyright claims).  CC BY-SA 3.0

So what you can do in Canada’s deserts? First up is Alberta’s Badlands, a desert-like area known for its distinctive rock formations and unique geological features. Visitors can explore the area’s stunning canyons, hoodoos (tall, thin spires of rock), and fossils that date back millions of years.

The stunning landscape makes it a great place for hiking or simply taking in the breathtaking scenery. One of the most popular attractions in the Badlands is Dinosaur Provincial Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers guided tours and opportunities to see real dinosaur bones. You’ll feel like you’re in a different time and place as you explore this unique desert landscape.

Heading west to British Columbia, we come across the Osoyoos Desert, the only desert in Canada that is home to several unique species of plants and animals, including rattlesnakes and the endangered burrowing owl. The desert stretches from Osoyoos Lake, which is the warmest freshwater lake in Canada, all the way to the border of the United States. Visitors can hike or bike the area’s many trails, which offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The striking landscape of the Osoyoos Desert has even been compared to that of the Sahara. While the vast African desert has often caught the imagination, featured in movies like Shara Cross, books like The Nomad and games like Cash Collect: Sahara’s Riches, Osoyoos has a different kind of enchantment, inspiring Native Americans and settlers for generations.

If you’re looking for a unique thrill, head to Saskatchewan’s Great Sandhills, which offer a surprising desert experience in Canada. While the sand there may be different than that in the Sahara, sandboarding down the area’s steep sand dunes offers a unique and thrilling experience for adventurous visitors. The Great Sandhills are also home to unique flora and fauna, including prickly pear cactus and sagebrush.

The Northern Desert in the Yukon offers a vast, barren landscape that is home to unique rock formations, such as the Tombstone Mountains, and a variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears and caribou. Visitors can hike or drive along the Dempster Highway, which offers stunning views of the surrounding desert and mountains. The Northern Desert is also known for its clear night skies, which make it an excellent spot for stargazing.

Get Ready to Explore Canada’s Desert Landscapes

Whether you’re exploring prehistoric fossils in the Badlands, hiking in the Osoyoos Desert, or sandboarding in Saskatchewan, Canada’s deserts offer a range of unique experiences for visitors to enjoy. It gets icy cold with sub-zero temps in winter and overnight, but the mercury rises dramatically during the summer months. From the stunning rock formations to the unique flora and fauna, there is so much to discover and explore. So, pack your bags and get ready to embark on an adventure through Canada’s beautiful and unique deserts.

If you’re interested in visiting Canada’s deserts, it’s important to come prepared with the right gear and equipment. Be sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and protective clothing, as the desert can get hot and dry. It’s also a good idea to check weather conditions and trail maps before heading out, as some trails may be closed during certain times of the year. No matter which desert you choose to explore, you’re sure to be amazed by the stunning landscapes and unique experiences that Canada’s deserts have to offer.

lead photo Sand dunes in the Algerian Sahara, By Fiontain , CC BY-SA 4.0, wikicommons

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