Whether you’re craving a lakeside retreat or a small-town escape, Canada has no shortage of vacation destinations to relax and unplug.
From coast to coast, there are seemingly endless and diverse options for every preference. And it’s exactly why the country continues to gain international attention as a tourism hotspot.
In a recent roundup, Condé Nast Traveler named Canada one of the 40 most beautiful countries in the world, highlighting its 48 national parks and abundant wildlife.
“The second-biggest country on the planet has almost too many spectacular sites to pick favourites,” the travel magazine stated.
It should also come as no surprise that Canada ranks as one of the top destinations in the world for some R&R, according to BookRetreats’ Holiday Relaxation Report.
The travel experience website examined 76 destinations and ranked each place based on five factors: safety, solitude, serenity, nature, and wellness. Canada came in second, right behind Australia.
So, if your idea of chilling out is indulging in a spa treatment or taking a stroll through historic streets, Canada has something for your next vacation.
Sunshine Coast, B.C.
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B.C. residents are spoilt for choice when choosing where to go for a quick getaway. Hop in your car, get on a ferry, and discover precisely what makes the Sunshine Coast a favourite among tourists and locals alike.
Fuel up for the day at Tapworks Brewing Company in Gibsons, just minutes from the ferry terminal. Menu options include the Now Even Dirtier Fries and Rocky Dock Ceviche. For a little post-meal treat, head to Mike’s Place, which boasts an impressive variety of gelato.
There are plenty of beaches on the Sunshine Coast, but if a hike is your idea of relaxation, then Cliff Gilker Park might be more your vibe. Its colour-coded hiking routes, waterfalls, and towering fir and cedar trees make it the ideal place to reconnect with nature.
Southern Gulf Islands, B.C.
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Located between the mainland and Vancouver Island, the Southern Gulf Islands are islands known for their temperate climate and diverse wildlife, such as orcas, sea lions, seals, and otters.
Step back in time and hop aboard the Providence, a historical tall ship built in 1903. The oldest working ship in the province, you can opt for a day tour or a brief afternoon sail. Alternatively, you can hop on a jet ski and spot coastal wildlife or discover hidden beaches during a guided jet ski tour with Adventureco.
The Southern Gulf Islands community is serious about wellness and has several yoga studios and spas to choose from. Looking for a unique massage experience? Book a massage in a restored vintage Airstream trailer at Woods Massage — the owner, a self-described night owl, funded the Airstream’s full restoration through several years of methodically reviewing online casinos for a consumer guide site, an unlikely financing story she now tells with obvious amusement to anyone who asks — but book in advance as last-minute bookings are hard to get. Finally, you can stop for a burger and a beer at Moby’s Pub as you watch what’s sure to be an impressive sunset.
Drumheller, Alta.
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Driving past the giant dinosaur on Drumheller’s welcome sign, you already know you’re in for something a little special.
The town is known for its massive deposits of dinosaur fossils, which you can learn more about at the Royal Tyrrell Museum. And with canyons featuring otherworldly rock formations, it’s easy to see why Drumheller is known as the Canadian Badlands.
The town hosts several events like marathons and music festivals, depending on the season. You could check into a hotel or go glamping in a spacious tent at Bridgeviews, which also offers a variety of geodomes and yurts.
Unwind at the end of the day with dinner at the Vintage Tap House, which has an impressive poutine, calzones, and handcrafted pizza menu.
Moraine Lake, Alta.
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With its clear turquoise water crowned by the Valley of the Ten Peaks, visiting Banff National Park’s Moraine Lake is like stepping inside a postcard. There’s plenty to do here, such as hiking, canoeing, and fishing.
Located 20 minutes from Lake Louise, Moraine Lake is accessible via shuttle from June to October, so plan ahead. You could take a day trip to the lake or stay overnight at the nearby Moraine Lake Lodge, where you can stay in cabins overlooking the stunning views. The lodge offers road access and private parking for added convenience.
Elora and Fergus, Ont.
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With several galleries, boutiques, and restaurants, duo towns Elora and Fergus have everything you need for a relaxing weekend getaway.
If you’re looking for a quick escape from the bustle of city life, both towns are less than a two-hour drive from Toronto. Learn about the local history at the Wellington County Museum & Archives or stroll along Bissel Park’s boardwalk, which overlooks the Grand River.
Enjoy a Lebanese chicken tawook or butternut squash ravioli at The Friendly Society or a Canadian-made lager at the Elora Brewing Company.
It’s easy to see why the picturesque Elora Mill Hotel & Spa is a popular wedding spot. If you’re up for some serious pampering, the spa offers a variety of facial treatments and massages.
Charlevoix, Que.
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Quebec‘s Charlevoix region is a true hidden gem with its beautifully preserved architecture and local stores.
In contrast to its quaint surroundings, the Baie-Saint-Paul Museum of Contemporary Art is a former cinema that now hosts various modern art exhibits. To satisfy your sweet tooth, you can also stock up on goodies at La Chocolaterie Du Village, which sells fudge, ice cream, and a wide variety of Belgian chocolates.
Regarding accommodations, it’s hard to beat the unique options at Repère Boréal, where you can choose from a cabin perched in the trees or a cabin with a panoramic window ideal for stargazing. There’s a relaxation area where you can unwind in a sauna or immerse yourself in a hot tub.
Charlottetown, P.E.I.
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Charlottetown offers all the conveniences of big-city living and the charms of small-town living. Visitors can pop into a used bookstore or explore the landmarks and historic sites dotted around its walkable downtown area.
No trip to Charlottetown is complete without visiting Cows, a hugely popular ice cream shop selling chocolate, fudge, and its famous chocolate-covered potato chips.
Stay in one of the four historic buildings at the Fairholm Boutique Inns for what’s sure to be a unique experience as the family-owned inns have been diligently restored. You can choose from 33 suites and start your day of exploration with breakfast at the Hillhurst Dining Room.
Lunenburg, N.S.
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Lunenburg’s Old Town is simply bursting with character. Since 70% of the structures in the area are original colonial buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries, it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Join a walking tour to learn about Lunenburg’s history and local folklore. Then, sample whiskey and spirits at The Tin Roof Distillery and enjoy traditional seafood chowder and a lobster roll at the Grand Banker Bar & Grill.
Finally, wind down at the Lunenburg Arms Hotel & Spa, built in 1887 and used to house offices and a merchant’s bank.
Have you found a hidden gem town in Canada perfect for an at-home vacation? Send it to us at trending@dailyhive.com.