Two Canadian spots land on prestigious list of world's best places to visit in 2027

The year isn’t over yet, but some people are already looking ahead to where they want to travel to in 2027.

World-renowned travel guide Lonely Planet, which has been highlighting the “most extraordinary places and experiences” since 1972, has unveiled its 50 must-visit destinations for the year ahead — and only two Canadian provinces made the cut.

“Each destination on our Best in Travel 2027 list was compiled from experience,” Lonely Planet writes. “Our writers and editors have been there, seen it, and come back wanting everyone else to go.”

While this year’s list includes exotic destinations such as the vast mountain ranges of the Veneto and the salt flats of Gujarat, Quebec and Prince Edward Island were recognized for their own distinctive scenery.

Quebec

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According to Lonely Planet, Quebec is “best for Francophone culture in North America,” which comes as no surprise to Canadians. Still, the guide makes a strong case for the province as one of the country’s most underrated destinations.

There’s plenty to see and do across Canada’s largest province, which spans more than 1.5 million square kilometres (almost three times the size of France!).

Besides indulging in world-class maple syrup, visitors can wander through the colourful and cobblestoned streets of Quebec City, explore vineyards and bucolic landscapes in the Eastern Townships, or head to the Saint Lawrence River for a chance to spot some whales.

Lonely Planet also shouts out Montreal as a must-visit destination for food-obsessed travellers, pointing to the city’s vibrant culinary scene that stems far beyond poutine and smoked meat.

Prince Edward Island

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Lonely Planet hails PEI as the best spot for “catching your own dinner” and, considering locals often call it Shellfish Country, they’re pretty much on the nose with this one.

The tiny East Coast province — no hyperbole, it is in fact Canada’s smallest — punches well above its weight when it comes to seafood. PEI supplies roughly 80 per cent of North America’s mussels and 30 per cent of Canada’s oysters, and enough bluefin to earn the title as the Tuna Capital of the World.

“A seafood lover’s paradise, it’s the place to catch your own dinner by oyster tonging, lobster trapping, mackerel fishing or mussel gathering,” writes Lonely Planet.

The guide also highlights PEI’s soft sandy beaches and stunning coastal scenery. With more than 1,100 kilometres of coastline, you’re never far from the water. In fact, no matter where you are on the island, the beach is reportedly within a 15-minute drive.

And between bites of scrumptious seafood, travellers can explore the sand dunes of Prince Edward Island National Park, or the iconic Anne of Green Gables Museum.

You can check out Lonely Planet’s 50 best places to visit in 2027 on its website.