15 hidden gems in Canada to discover on a post-pandemic vacation

We’re living through trying times right now. Many of us have had to postpone or cancel travel plans. Instead of enjoying our vacation, we’re all hunkered down staying safe at home. But if you’re like us, you can hardly hold back your feelings of wanderlust.

While there might be a greater deal of stress involved with venturing abroad this year, you can still opt for a relaxing crowd-free vacation right here in Canada where the hidden gems to discover are plentiful. A staycation allows you to support the Canadian economy, which is expected to shrink by 6.2% in 2020 and recover at a slower pace than the US economy.

With that in mind, we’ve partnered with a Vancouver-based mobile egift card app, Moola, that’s offering deals on travel destinations including the following 15 hidden gems to consider for a vacation when it’s safe to travel again.

Moola is helping support local businesses while also giving you a bonus so you have a little extra in your travel budget. Recently, they’ve launched their #MoolaCares campaign that offers deals on all brands in their marketplace.

So if you’re planning a post-pandemic vacation in Canada, now is the time to save money and support the tourism industry at the same time. While Moola offers gift card deals for hundreds of top brands (including travel), here are some local treasures to consider.

Eganridge Resort, Country Club & Spa

Eganridge Resort, Country Club & Spa/Facebook

An upscale resort overlooking Sturgeon Lake, Eganridge is the ultimate retreat from city life. Feel your stress melt away with a signature treatment at their spa, or play a couple rounds of golf with a view. Petroglyphs Provincial Park is less than one hour’s drive away, where you’ll find hiking trails for all levels.

Puddicombe House

A downtown New Hamburg inn, Puddicombe House features an Italianate architectural style that dates back to 1868. The building has since been restored, but it retains its classic aesthetic with antique furnishings and modern technologies. Before your stay, request a room with a whirlpool tub and prepare to bliss out while feeling like royalty.

Solara Resort

Solara Resort/Bellstar Hotels & Resorts

Luxury is artfully combined with the warm comforts of a rugged mountain retreat at Solara Resort & Spa. Located minutes away from Banff National Park, this stylish resort has a plethora of amenities with majestic views of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Choose from a one-, two-, or three-bedroom suite complete with a gourmet kitchen and spa-inspired bathroom.

The Falls Inn & Spa

This country-style hotel overlooks the gushing Walter’s Falls, located less than 30 minutes’ drive from downtown Owen Sound. It was built in 2005 and remains a tribute to those who laboured and operated in the local village. Rooms have balconies where you can sit and admire the waterfall views, and there’s also a restaurant serving up tasty Canadian fare.

Idlewyld Inn & Spa

Idlewyld Inn & Spa

This elegant, award-winning inn has been a local landmark in London, Ontario since 1878. Rich in history, it was built as a luxurious mansion for Canadian businessman and politician, Charles Smith Hyman. Today, ornate details complement plush rooms, and the spa is simply idyllic.

Kettle Creek Inn

Nestled in the heart of Port Stanley’s fishing village, steps from the local train station, Kettle Creek Inn is modest, cozy, and an escape for all occasions. It was originally built as a summer house in 1849, and today, it features 10 charming guest rooms and five romantic suites. Take a seat on the patio and unwind during your stay.

Grande Rockies Resort

Grande Rockies Resort/Bellstar Hotels & Resorts

If you’re looking for a serene hotel to visit with your partner or the whole family, let it be Grande Rockies Resort. Surrounded by towering mountains and just minutes away from Banff National Park, the property boasts trendy condo suites with full kitchens, as well as traditional hotel rooms. There’s also a waterpark onsite with a three-storey water slide and a restaurant for when you don’t feel like cooking.

Heather Lodge

Located on a 12-mile lake in the Haliburton Highlands, this adults-only resort offers immersion in nature and adventure. Leave the daily grind at home and focus on having a kids-free stay with wildlife and over 200 kilometres of hiking trails around you. You can even opt for a cute wood cabin with a whirlpool tub, a woodburning stove, and glorious mountain vistas.

Sterling Inn & Spa

Sterling Inn & Spa/Instagram

As the only boutique hotel in Niagara Falls, Sterling Inn & Spa certainly presents a reason to visit one of the world’s most epic natural wonders. Modern rooms come complete with fireplaces and some have jacuzzi tubs for your post-spa treatment soak. Make a reservation at the award-winning AG Inspired Cuisine restaurant and indulge in seasonal dishes with local flair.

Rawley Resort, Spa & Marina

Tucked away in Port Severn, this hotel oozes luxury and serenity. Whether you need a vacation with your partner or a rejuvenating pamper session with your mom, the resort can craft you a personalized, stress-free itinerary. Choose a room with a terrace and catch the sunrise over Little Lake, then sit down for high tea in the restaurant.

Kicking Horse Lodging

Kicking Horse Lodging/Bellstar Hotels & Resorts

Nestled at the base of Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, this charming hotel is at the heart of six national parks. As an all-season destination, it offers something for everyone, from winter skiing, to summer gondola sightseeing, and even interpretive tours at a grizzly bear refuge. Pick a private vacation home, traditional hotel guest room, or spacious suite and get ready to explore.

Elm Hurst Inn & Spa

Before you step inside Elm Hurst Inn & Spa, the picturesque grounds (of a former cheese factory!) offer a treat for the senses. The Ingersoll hotel is inspired by tradition, offering spacious rooms and the option to upgrade to a premium suite with garden views. With nature trails nearby and a full-service spa, it checks the boxes for a peaceful weekend away.

The Royal Kelowna

The Royal Kelowna/Bellstar Hotels & Resorts

Take in the best of Okanagan wine country during your stay at this all-suite hotel located in the heart of downtown Kelowna. The resort backs directly on to Okanagan Lake with incredible views and it features some of the largest suites in the region. Let the concierge help you plan a day of wine touring or take a dip in the rooftop infinity pool after exploring the surrounding area.

The Glenerin Inn & Spa

Old-world charm and contemporary amenities come together in this Tudor-style stone mansion in Sawmill Valley. The Mississauga resort stretches over two acres of sprawling estate grounds, with a carriage house connecting to the main building via an underground pathway. Rooms boast countryside views, there’s a restaurant with mouthwatering menu options, and Erindale Park is less than 15 minutes’ walk away.

The Beach Club Resort

The Beach Club Resort/Bellstar Hotels & Resorts

No visit to Parksville is complete without a stay at The Beach Club Resort. Luxe guest suites are decked out with West Coast decor and offer private balconies with spectacular ocean and mountain vistas. The hotel has an indoor seaside pool and hot tub, as well as the Pacific Prime Restaurant which features a sublime beachfront patio.

You can support these hidden gems in Canada by purchasing egift cards through Moola now — to travel safely at a later date. When you buy a $100 egift card, you’ll get a $10 bonus.

To find even more deals on egift cards, download Moola on the App Store or Google Play.