Your Guide to Vacation Destinations Across Canada

Urban Sights

Vancouver highlights: Stanley Park's 1,000 acres of forest, beaches, and trails; food stalls, buskers, and art studios at the touristy Granville Island Public Market; the 137-metre-long (750 feet) and 70-metre-high (230 feet) Capilano Suspension Bridge.

Victoria highlights: Indigenous art and the 100 Objects of Interest collection at the Royal BC Museum; take in a festival and watch whales and sealions along the Inner Harbour; tour the formal grounds of Butchart Gardens.

Scenic Picks & Notable Stops

Southern Gulf Islands (Vancouver Island). Wellness spas and retreats, a vibrant arts scene, and tons to do for the outdoors enthusiast.

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Coastal rainforest, mountain bike routes, trails, lakes, surfing, and over 35 km of beaches showcasing tidal pools and ocean views.

Kootenay Lake & Nelson. Charming lakeside town with artsy shops and nearby hot springs. Be sure to check out Nelson's mural tour (with over 50 murals).

Haida Gwaii. This remote archipelago is home to Haida culture. Experience a sacred landscape of lush rainforests, ancient totem poles, and centuries-old villages.

Hidden Gems

Wells Gray Provincial Park. Home to more than 40 waterfalls, including the showstopping Helmcken Falls.

Sunshine Coast Ale Trail. Take the ferry to several seaside towns along this stretch between Gibsons to Powell River, for a blend of ocean views, art galleries, and craft breweries.

Urban Sights

Calgary highlights: Calgary Tower's 360° views and glass floor lookout; live sets at Studio Bell, indie shops, and craft breweries in Inglewood & East Village; rodeos and concerts at the Calgary Stampede (in July).

Edmonton highlights: Indigenous art and prairie tales at the Royal Alberta Museum; mural hunts, a Saturday farmers' market, and late-night cafés in the Old Strathcona district;  the giant wave pool and indoor attractions at West Edmonton Mall.

Scenic Picks & Notable Stops

Banff & Banff National Park. Ski in the winter, hike in the summer, and tackle trails year-round, plus a lively, bustling downtown scene with good eats, galleries, and shops.

Waterton Lakes National Park. Picture-perfect postcard views, jagged peaks, alpine peaks, and assorted trails, perfect for outdoorsy activities like hiking, paddling, and wildlife spotting.

Drumheller Badlands & Royal Tyrrell Museum. Explore this world-class dinosaur and fossil museum, then head outside to experience an otherworldly landscape of hoodoos and hiking trails cut through ancient rock.

Hidden Gems

 Writing-on-Stone/Áísínai’pi Provincial Park.  Indigenous petroglyphs and pictographs cover the park's sandstone cliffs. The Matapiiksi (Hoodoo) Interpretive Trail connects you to Blackfoot history.

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump. This underground interpretive centre tells the story of the Blackfoot's massive, coordinated bison hunts in detail.

Urban Highlights

Saskatoon highlights: Modern Indigenous art at the Remai Modern; stroll along the Meewasin Trail for skyline views; shop the indie vibe in the stores, bakeries, and cafés on Broadway Avenue.  

Scenic Picks & Notable Stops

Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park: Unexpected altitude in the Prairie landscape, with the highest elevation between the Rockies and Labrador.^†

Grasslands National Park: Dinosaur fossils, tipi rings, ancient bison drive lanes all share space in Grasslands' mixed-grass prairie landscape.

Wanuskewin Heritage Park: Experience the pre-contact life of the Northern Plains Indigenous peoples at Canada's longest-running archeological site.

Hidden Gems

 Tunnels of Moose Jaw: Costumed guides take you under Moose Jaw's Main Street where live theatre productions immerse you in Canada's history of rum-runners, Chinese immigrants, and Cold War intrigue.

Gem Lakes (Narrow Hills Provincial Park): Canoeing, fishing, hiking, camping—all against the backdrop of jewel-coloured lakes and the stillness of backcountry forest.

Urban Highlights

Winnipeg highlights: Experience powerful exhibits at the strikingly designed Canadian Museum for Human Rights; stroll the Forks' riverwalks and shop the food vendors at the riverside public market; walk the cobblestone streets of the Exchange District where historic warehouse buildings blend with galleries, coffee shops, and indie shops.

Scenic Picks & Notable Stops

Whiteshell Provincial Park: This all-seasons park has over 200 lakes, as well as rivers, sand beaches, and year-round hiking trails; activities include backcountry paddling, scuba diving, golf, and fishing.

Riding Mountain National Park: With cozy oTENTik cabins, wildlife viewing, tons of trails, and Clear Lake's sandy beaches, Riding Mountain is where bison, bears, and beach days happily coexist.

FortWhyte Alive: This 660 km of green space just minutes from downtown Winnipeg means you don't need to leave the city to spot bison, go paddling, or walk prairie trails.

Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site: Tours and programs bring Canada's fur trade history to life with stories of the Red River Métis Indigenous peoples and Hudson's Bay Company fur trappers.

Hidden Gems

Wapusk National Park: Home to one of the world's largest polar bear denning areas, Wapusk offers guided tours for a front-row seat to polar bears in their natural habitat.

Spirit Sands Desert (Spruce Woods Provincial Park): Not the prairie you might be expecting, climb sand dunes and hike to the Devil's Punch Bowl in this desert oasis tucked into the hills.

Urban Highlights

Toronto highlights: Experience the shops, restaurants, and cafés in the Victorian brickwork buildings lining the Distillery District's cobblestone lanes; explore art, history, and culture at the Art Gallery of Ontario, Royal Ontario Museum, Gardiner Museum, and Aga Khan Museum; dive into family-friendly fun with the Ontario Science Centre's hands-on exhibits and the Toronto Zoo's sprawling wilderness-within-the-city experience.

Ottawa highlights: Browse the 600+ food stalls, boutiques, and buskers in the ByWard Market's 19th-century market sheds; pair history with culture at the National Gallery of Canada, the Canadian Museum of History, and the Canadian Museum of Nature; explore the Gothic Revival architecture and panoramic skyline views of Parliament Hill.  

Scenic Picks & Notable Stops

Bruce Peninsula National Park & Fathom Five Marine Park: Hike cliff-edge trails, swim in clear, Caribbean-blue waters, and take a glass-bottomed boat ride over shipwrecks.

Algonquin Provincial Park: With its canoe routes, hiking trails, and wolf howls at night, Algonquin is a must-do if you're looking for lakes, a deep quiet, and classic backcountry camping.

Thousand Islands National Park: Rent a kayak, bring a tent, hike a few islands, and get that coastal feel as you paddle your way along the St. Lawrence River.

Niagara Falls & Niagara-on-the-Lake: Experience the loud, busy, and breathtaking beauty of the Falls, then head over to Niagara-on-the-Lake for a quiet, walkable downtown, small wineries, and plenty of shopping and patios.

Hidden Gems

Stratford: While best known for its Shakespeare festival, you'll find more than just theatre here—Stratford's filled with galleries, shops, trails, and a food scene that easily rivals the culinary offerings of much larger cities.  

Manitoulin Island: Hike the Cup & Saucer trail, take part in an Indigenous-run tour, paddle clear lakes, and experience breathtaking cliffside views on the world's largest freshwater island.

Urban Highlights

Montreal highlights: Wander the city's oldest (and cobblestoned) streets in Old Montréal and experience Old Port's lively charm; browse through the huge selection of eats at the Jean-Talon Market; explore Mile End's mix of mural-covered walls and indie and vintage shops and weigh in on the famed Fairmount vs. St. Viateur bagel debate.

Quebec City highlights: Explore Old Quebec's fortified streets and snap pics from the foot of the iconic Château Frontenac; wander through the shops and cafés in Petit-Champlain District's cobblestone alleys; experience breathtaking city views from the ramparts of the Citadel and battlefield history and nature trails in the Plains of Abraham.

Scenic Picks & Notable Stops

Forillon National Park, Gaspé: Hike along cliffs with drops straight into the ocean, watch for whales near Cap-Bon-Ami, and explore historic fishing outposts for a glimpse Gaspé history.

Mont Tremblant: Ski and golf to your heart's content in the heart of the Laurentians, and check out the ATV tours, observation tower, and virtual reality arcade.

Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park: Book your trip during the whale-watching season (May to October), and take a boat for sightings of belugas and blue whales in this marine-protected area.

Train de Charlevoix & Coastal Villages: Hop on board for a scenic train ride through 125 km of riverside cliffs and coastal views along the St. Lawrence from Montmorency Falls to La Malbaie.

Hidden Gems

 Anticosti Island: If you're looking for quiet, this remote island offers 125 km filled with cliffs, caves, canyons, and trails to hike through in peaceful solitude.

Îles de la Madeleine: This archipelago in the Gulf of St. Lawrence offers tons of outdoor activities, from kayaking to windsurfing to golfing, along with culinary delights like artisanal cheeses and seafood and a vibrant arts scene.

Urban Sights

Saint John highlights: Explore the indie shops, pubs and galleries along the brick-lined streets of the city's historic uptown; browse the Saint John City Market (open since 1876!) and indulge in fresh lobster rolls, dulse, and local artisan goods; head out to Irving Nature Park, located just outside the city, for ocean views, boardwalk trails, and forested paths.

Scenic Picks & Notable Stops

Grand Manan Island: This quiet, scenic island offers hiking trails, seaside cliffs, and plenty of small-town charm; visit the Long Eddy Point Lighthouse, spot whales, kayak along the cliffs, and browse art shops in fishing villages.

Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park: View over 20 of the region's iconic sea stacks or "flowerpots" (including the Mother-in-Law!), then wait for low tide to descend the Main Deck's 99 steps (or stroll along the other two Ocean Access points) to walk the ocean floor.

Kouchibouguac National Park: With its mixed-wood forests, salt marshes, and sand beaches, this park has something for everyone. Bike the forest trails, paddle in a warm lagoon, then pitch your tent and enjoy the stars at this Dark Sky Preserve.

Fundy Trail Parkway: Located in the Fundy Trail Provincial Park, this 30-km long coastal road winds through the Bay of Fundy's shoreline for a spectacular scenic drive with several pullouts along the way to picnic and take in the views.

Hidden Gems

Ballet by the Ocean: With the Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop, enjoy award-winning choreography and dance on an outdoor stage along with a three-course meal featuring regional specialties.

Towns by the Bay: If you're staying in Saint John, set aside a day or two to explore the Towns by the Bay (Rothesay, Quispamsis, Grand-Bay Westfield, and Hampton) to experience more New Brunswick history and culture.

Urban Sights

Halifax highlights: Stroll the waterfront boardwalk and be sure to explore the Seaport Farmers' Market (North America's oldest farmers' market); head over to the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site to experience Nova Scotia's military history in living colour; round out your visit with a ride on the Halifax-Dartmouth ferry, the oldest saltwater ferry in North America.

Scenic Picks & Notable Stops

Cabot Trail: This 298-km coastal route loops through cliffside switchbacks and seaside cliffs and passes through Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Hike the Skyline Trail, take in the local Gaelic music scene, and indulge in fresh seafood along the way.

Cape Breton Island: Beyond the Cabot Trail, Cape Breton offers outdoor adventures, coastal fun, local music and arts, and East Coast culinary delights. And be sure to check out the Fortress of Louisbourg, for an immersive experience of the region's diverse history.

Peggy's Cove Lighthouse & Village: This quintessential Nova Scotia landmark is a classic stop for travellers for good reason, with postcard-perfect views of a wild, raw coastline and an active fishing village to explore.

Old Town Lunenburg: With its colourfully painted heritage homes, tall ships, walking tours, and indie shops, restaurants, and cafés lining well-preserved colonial-era streets, Lunenburg offers up seaside charm that's steeped in history.  

Hidden Gems

Annapolis Valley Wine Tour: This scenic tour isn't just for wine lovers—non-drinkers will find lots to enjoy, too. Plan a DIY route or book a guided group tour to visit over 20 wineries, learn how local wines are made, and stop by markets, farm stands, and artisan food stops along the way.

LeHave Islands: Explore fishing villages, browse through artists' studios and watch artisans working on their creations, relax on white sand beaches, and take a ride on board the historic LeHave Ferry.  

Urban Sights

Charlottetown highlights: Wander through Victoria Row, a pedestrian-only sandstone street filled with patios, live music, and the fall Moonlight Bazaar; check out Founders' Hall's interactive exhibits on the founding of Canada and Charlottetown's role as the birthplace of Confederation; visit the Confederation Centre of the Arts, home of Anne of Green Gables—The Musical and musical theatre festival, The Charlottetown Festival.

Scenic Picks & Notable Stops

Prince Edward Island National Park: Walk along the raised boardwalk over Bowley Pond to view the rare Greenwich parabolic sand dunes, stroll along sandy shores of  Greenwich Beach, and spot wildlife while hiking along the park's woodlands trails

Cavendish & Avonlea Village: Whether you're an Anne (spelled with an e) Shirley fan or just like small-town charm, tour through Cavendish, complete with an Avonlea Village recreated from the fictional pages of Anne of Green Gables.

Basin Head Provincial Park: Home to "the Singing Sands", you'll find squeaky (literally!) fine white sand and warm (in summer) waters here, for classic beach vibes, as well as the Basin Head Fisheries Museum.  

Points East Coastal Drive: This scenic coastal drive loops its way past lighthouses, fishing communities, red sandstone cliffs, and long (often red) sand beaches, with lots of lookouts to take in the sea views.

Hidden Gems

Scenic Heritage Roads: Take your time along these red-clay roads that wind, often under a canopy of trees, through panoramic vistas of PEI's countryside: a particularly spectacular drive if you're visiting in the fall.

North Cape: Walk along the longest natural rock reef in North America and watch a dramatic "meeting of the waters" when the waves of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Northumberland Strait crash at high tide.

Urban Sights

St. John's highlights: Take in the sweeping ocean views from the Cabot Tower at Signal Hill, the site of the first transatlantic wireless signal; experience downtown's George Street, a nightlife hub of clubs, pubs and live music and host to two annual music festivals; visit Quidi Vidi, a tiny, historic fishing village tucked within the east end of city.

Scenic Picks & Notable Stops

Gros Morne National Park: This visually stunning UNESCO site services up the iconic Newfoundland experience, with its dramatic fjords and otherworldly rock formations at the Tablelands.

L'Anse aux Meadows: Explore Viking-era sod huts and longhouse ruins and immerse yourself in ancient stories told by costumed interpreters at this UNESCO site, home of the archaeological remains of a Norse settlement dating back over 1,000 years.

East Coast Trail: This coastal trail offers 25 connected paths to walk or hike through, with features that include whale sightings, a 50-metre suspension bridge, abandoned settlements, and two active archaeological sites.

Fogo Island & Change Islands: Watch icebergs drift by in Iceberg Alley, meet artists from around the globe, discover the Newfoundland pony—and stand at the top of Brimstone Head to see why the Flat Earth Society calls this one of the four corners of the Earth.

Hidden Gems

Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve: Book a guided interpretive tour and hike at this UNESCO site to explore bedding planes filled with fossils that date back over 540 million years.

Battle Harbour, Labrador: Reachable mainly by ferry, stay overnight at this restored 19^th-century fishing village, featuring walking paths and no roads, and experience maritime island life of the past, remote and off the grid.

Yukon

Whitehorse highlights: Hike or bike over 700 km of trails or paddle on the Yukon River; experience the Whitehorse Art Walk; hop on board the fully restored S.S. Klondike for a glimpse of steam-powered river travel history.

Kluane National Park & Reserve: Home to Mount Logan, Canada's highest mountain, vast icefields the size of small countries, and Yukon's Dark Sky Festival (September). Take a flightseeing tour to experience the park's interior.

Tombstone Territorial Park: Tombstone's remote 2200 square kms features jagged peaks, stunning arctic tundra, backcountry camping, and hiking trails accessible from the highway.

Northwest Territories

Yellowknife highlights: Tour the quirky Old Town district, "Canada's Weirdest Neighbourhood"; experience the Northern Lights, with Aurora activity visible up to 240 nights throughout the year; explore the history and culture of the Northwest Territories through the over 75,000 objects and 350,000 photos at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre.

Nahanni National Park Reserve: Climb the steep walls of the Cirque of the Unclimbables (as its name indicates, experienced climbers only!), paddle through white waters, or take a flightseeing tour over Virginia Falls (twice the height of Niagara Falls) at this UNESCO-listed park.

Thaidene Nëné National Park Reserve: Thaidene Nëné ("The Land of the Ancestors" in Chipewyan) is one of the newest parks in Canada. Learn about Chipewyan or Dene heritage, fish in an angler's paradise, and experience the otherworldly landscape of the Barrens.

Nunavut

Iqaluit highlights: Explore the city's history and culture at the Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum; experience one of the numerous arts festivals held throughout spring and summer; spot a diverse range of wildlife, including arctic hares, arctic foxes, and seals.

Auyuittuq National Park: Cross the Arctic Circle, explore the park with a guide, or hike or ski the 97-km Akshayuk Pass between massive peaks such as Thor and Asgard.

Qikiqtarjuaq: Known as the iceberg capital of Nunavut, visit this hamlet to spot bowhead whales, narwhals, and orca whales and browse traditional Inuit clothing and art.