5 Important Archaeological Sites in Canada to Visit in Summer 2025

While relatively young, the country we call Canada has a history dating back thousands of years.

Canada is a land rich in history, home to numerous archaeological sites that offer fascinating glimpses into its past. From ancient Indigenous settlements to Viking landings, these sites provide a unique opportunity to walk through history. If you're planning a trip in the summer of 2025, these five archaeological sites should be at the top of your list.

1. L’Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland and Labrador

At the tip of Newfoundland’s Great Northern Peninsula lies the first known evidence of European presence in the Americas. Here Norse expeditions sailed from Greenland, building a small encampment of timber-and-sod buildings over 1000 years ago Against a stunning backdrop of rugged cliffs, bog, and coastline, discover the fascinating archaeological remains of the Viking encampment, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. You’ll meet costumed Viking interpreters as you tour the recreated base camp and discover original artifacts from this internationally renowned archaeological find (excerpt from Parks Canada website).

Why Visit? This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the only confirmed Viking settlement in North America. Discovered in 1960, it provides compelling evidence that Norse explorers reached the continent nearly 500 years before Columbus.

Key Details: Located at the northern tip of Newfoundland, L’Anse aux Meadows features reconstructed Norse buildings, interactive exhibits, and archaeological finds such as iron tools and boat remains.

Mysterious Element: The site raises questions about why the Vikings abandoned their settlement. Some theories suggest conflicts with Indigenous groups or difficulties in sustaining the colony.

Travel Considerations: L’Anse aux Meadows is remote, requiring a flight to St. John’s or Deer Lake, followed by a long drive. Summer is the best time to visit, with milder weather and extended daylight.

2. Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, Alberta (Estipah-skikikini-kots).

Located south of Calgary and west of Lethbridge, for over 5500 years the buffalo jump was used by the indigenous peoples of the plains in a hunting ritual, where hunters from a tribe would drive herds of bison across grazing fields and over a +30’/10m cliff edge. Before the introduction of horses, the Blackfoot would dress up as coyotes and wolves and drive these herds from kilometres away to “drive lanes'“ lined by rocky cairns to the high rocky ledges.

Why Visit? This site offers insight into Indigenous hunting practices, dating back over 6,000 years. It was used by the Plains People to drive buffalo off cliffs, providing food, clothing, and tools.

Key Details: The interpretive center provides detailed explanations of the hunting techniques, as well as Indigenous oral histories and archaeological findings such as bone deposits and stone tools.

Mysterious Element: The site’s name comes from an oral legend about a young hunter who stood too close to the edge and was buried under falling buffalo.

Travel Considerations: Located about two hours south of Calgary, the site is accessible by car. Summer offers ideal weather and guided tours that enhance the experience.

3. The Forks, Manitoba

The Forks is a public space where the Red and Assiniboine rivers meet in the heart of what is now the city of Winnipeg, Manitoba. It occupies the waterfront zone east of Main Street and south of the CN mainline rail bridge. The Forks has played a complex role in the history of the region and of Canada as a whole. It has been a traditional gathering place for thousands of years and was an important hub of the fur trade in the 18th and 19th centuries. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many immigrants stopped at the Forks on their journey west. It was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1974 and is home to other sites of historical and archeological significance, as well as museums, monuments, parks and theatres (excerpt from the Canadian Encyclopedia).

Why Visit? Situated at the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers, The Forks has been a gathering place for over 6,000 years, serving as a hub for Indigenous trade, European fur traders, and early settlers.

Key Details: Archaeological excavations have uncovered tools, pottery, and evidence of early settlements. Today, it’s a vibrant cultural site with museums, walking trails, and historic markers.

Mysterious Element: Some artifacts suggest the presence of early trade networks extending far beyond Canada, hinting at connections between distant civilizations.

Travel Considerations: Easily accessible in downtown Winnipeg, The Forks is best explored in summer when festivals, markets, and open-air events make the experience even richer.

4. Keatley Creek, British Columbia

Researchers believe that the site was first inhabited as early as 7000 BCE. A large complex community whose economy centered around gathering, fishing, and hunting began developing from 4800 BCE. The Keatley Creek site blossomed from around 2400 BCE with a population of about 1,000 people. At this time, the network of villages in the Mid-Fraser region would have been one of the largest pre-contact aboriginal communities in the modern borders of Canada.

Why Visit? This fascinating site reveals the remains of large prehistoric pit houses that were home to Indigenous peoples over 4,000 years ago.

Key Details: The site features remnants of circular dwellings, some of which were exceptionally large, suggesting a complex social structure. Excavations have uncovered tools, ornaments, and plant remains that provide clues about ancient diets and lifestyles.

Mysterious Element: The unusually large size of some pit houses has led to speculation about their purpose—were they homes for elite families, ceremonial spaces, or something else?

Travel Considerations: Keatley Creek is located near Lillooet in British Columbia, accessible via a scenic drive from Vancouver to the west, or through the Rocky Mountains from the east. Summer is the best time to visit due to better road conditions and guided tours.

5. Dawson City, Yukon (Klondike Gold Rush Sites)

Tr’ondëk-Klondike is a cultural UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing the historic impact between Indigenous communities and colonial settlers during the late 19th century gold rush. Featuring archaeological and historical evidence of Indigenous culture and heritage, along side colonial structures and settlement patterns, this site illustrates a pivotal period when colonial influence grew rapidly in the Yukon Territory. From the establishment of Fort Reliance in 1874 to the Klondike Gold Rush of 1896-1898 and the subsequent consolidation of colonial authority by 1908, it’s a unique and valuable part of Canadian history (excerpt from dawsoncity.ca/unesco-trondek-klondike/).

Weather: Canadian summers are the best time to explore archaeological sites, as many are inaccessible or closed during winter.

Transportation: Some sites are located in remote areas, requiring long drives or flights. Renting a vehicle is often necessary.

Accommodation: Booking early is recommended, especially for popular sites like L’Anse aux Meadows and Dawson City.

Cultural Sensitivity: Many of these sites are of deep significance to Indigenous communities. Visitors should be respectful and follow any guidelines provided by local heritage organizations.

Canada’s many archaeological sites offer a unique journey through time, from Viking explorations to Indigenous settlements. Whether you’re intrigued by ancient mysteries or want to walk in the footsteps of history, these sites provide a compelling and educational travel experience. Plan ahead, respect the heritage, and enjoy discovering Canada’s hidden past in the summer of 2025!