Canada is a country full of natural wonder. This land is home to beautiful beaches, breathtaking mountains, bustling city centres, quaint small towns, vast farm land, stunning national parks, picturesque ocean views and everything in between. No matter what kind of adventure or experience you seek, there truly is something for everyone in Canada. Not sure where to start when it comes to exploring our 3,855,100-square-mile home? These seven places are the perfect mix sure to check all of your must-see boxes!
Cape Breton
The star of this island town on the eastern tip of Nova Scotia is the world-famous Cabot Trail, which runs part of the way through the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. This coastal highway drive is truly one of the most breathtaking views you’ll lay your eyes on in Canada. On the drive you’ll pass by rocky mountains, fog-filled bogs, beautiful beaches, rural fishing villages and lots of lookout points you can explore for better, close-up views of the scenery. If you’re drawn to nature and the cozy atmosphere of a small town, you simply can’t miss this gem.
Banff
If the thought of a Swiss skiing village is checking the boxes for you but you’re not able to fork over the cash to fly overseas, Banff might just be your ideal Canadian destination. Located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff offers stunning views, a plethora of winter sport activities and endless opportunities for explorers. If you enjoy camping, there are plenty of options in the national park that are beautiful and affordable. Whether you explore the town on foot or catch a bus for a day trip, there is plenty of culture to soak up.
Montreal
Montreal can best be described as a tale of two cities: old-world charm and modern-day cool. No matter what you’re looking for in a vacation, Montreal has something you’ll love. Home of world-class museums, a beautiful market, boutique shopping, gorgeous hiking trails and a bustling nightlife scene, you’re bound to find something you enjoy. Old Montreal is particularly beautiful with its cobblestone streets and array of traditional French cafes tucked into restored old buildings. The coveted European vibe at a much lower cost!
Prince Edward Island
Home to red sand beaches, rolling hills, beautiful boardwalks and quaint towns, PEI is the perfect place to escape and relax. Its smaller size makes the island easy to explore by car, and there are hidden gems waiting to be discovered around every corner. A great place to golf, relax on the beach and enjoy fresh local seafood, this postcard-perfect province is sure to steal your heart!
Whitehorse
Known as the small city with the big backyard, Whitehorse offers a plethora of amazing outdoor activities for adventure seekers and explorers of all ages. Spot a variety of northern animals at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, explore Miles Canyon by foot, learn about Canada’s Indigenous heritage and if you’re lucky, catch a glimpse of the northern lights! Whitehorse feels almost limitless in the sense that there’s so much uncharted territory to explore and enjoy. Anyone who loves nature and has a desire to escape the hustle and bustle of city life is sure to find refuge and solace here.
Toronto
If the bustling city vibe is what you crave, look no further than Toronto. An Ontario hub that’s home to famous galleries, world-renowned museums and architectural marvels, Toronto offers a healthy dose of culture and adventure to anyone who visits. Toronto is home to 200 ethnic groups that speak upward of 140 different languages, making this Ontario destination a world all its own. Whether you’re looking to explore cultural hubs, discover new restaurants, dance all night, shop until you drop or fill your itinerary with activities, Toronto delivers. The public transportation system also makes the city easy to navigate without a vehicle so you can enjoy the freedom to explore every inch without any limitations.
Okanagan Valley
If the thought of combining wine tasting with outdoor adventures and activities seems interesting, you won’t want to miss this trip. Stretching across more than 155 miles of British Columbia, the Okanagan Valley is home to 84% of the province’s vineyard acreage and features nearly 200 wineries! Rent a kayak, try mountain biking, relax on the beach of watch the sunset on a winery. No matter which area of the valley you visit, you’re guaranteed to enjoy spectacular views that rival those of the world’s best wine regions.
As you plan out your next big adventure, don’t forget how much our own country has to offer in terms of beauty, diversity and experience. You may not have to travel as far as you think to find what you’re looking for in a vacation!