best places to visit canada summer

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27 Incredible Places to Visit in Canada This Summer

Canada is filled with incredible places to visit during the summer, ranging from stunning beaches, soaring mountains, beautiful parks, and so much more. With the warm summer weather, outdoor travels are an absolute must. If you’re from Canada, you’ll know the summer passes way too quickly. Before you know it, it will be snowing again! Take advantage of the season and visit some incredible places the country has to offer.

With so many wonderful summer destinations, it can certainly be challenging to decide where to go! And so, a group of travel bloggers has come together to recommend their favourite places to visit in Canada this summer. Surely, they will inspire you to add more places to your bucket list!

Continue reading to discover the best places in Canada to visit this summer!

**Please note that this blog post uses affiliate links. If you make a purchase through my link, I will receive a small commission at no cost to you.

Table of Contents

Places to Visit in the West Coast of Canada in Summer

Recommended by Daniel of Destinationless Travel 

When it comes to epic summer destinations in Canada few are as popular or well known as Whistler. Although famous for world-class skiing,  Whistler is home to a huge range of bucket list things to do  in the summer too.

For many, your days will be spent at one of the lakes around town. The most popular for a beach day is Lost Lake where you’ll find crowds of people of all ages relaxing at the beach. Take a walk around the lake and take a plunge off the floating jetty or take a paddleboard and explore. Regardless it’s a fun day out.

For the adrenaline junkies, you simply have to get yourself a day pass on the gondola and try some downhill mountain biking. The trails here are epic and even the most experience can find one to test their skills. Of course, if you have no experience you can still give it a go, or, take a ride on one of the many trails around town. Just head to a bike rental store, grab a bike and a map and explore.

After all the riding it’s likely you’ll be thirsty and hungry. A favorite spot of mine is Whistler Brewing . The brewery is located a short drive from the center of town and they brew some delicious Canadian craft beer. The brewery also has a hearty menu with lots of pub classics. My favorite though? The bigger than your face nachos. Seriously it’s huge and will easily feed two people.

The above activities really stick to a typical budget in Whistler, however for those who want to spoil themselves a floatplane tour around the mountains is a must. This unique experience has you taking off and landing in lakes all while enjoying a classic scenic flight with breathtaking views.

With the above activities and so much more it’s no wonder people love Whistler in summer! 

Where to Stay in Whistler:

• One of the top-rated and fancy places to stay in Whistler is the Westin Resort & Spa . It’s perfect for a weekend getaway!
• For a stunning boutique hotel experience with colourful rooms, check out Summit Lodge Boutique Hotel .
• For more places to stay in Whistler, check out Expedia.ca , Booking.com , or VRBO .

Bowen Island

Recommended by Dean and Laynni of Routinely Nomadic

While Canada has plenty of winter attractions, it really comes to life in summer. And what better place to visit on a balmy summer day than a gorgeous island just off the Pacific Coast? Little Bowen Island meets all the requirements for a perfect day trip (or longer if you have the time) – spectacular scenery, a convenient location by car or public transport, beaches, hikes, water sports, and a great selection of shops, restaurants and bars, most of which are found right in  beautiful Snug Cove .

Located just a 20-minute ferry ride across from Vancouver’s Horseshoe Bay terminal , Bowen Island is particularly popular with hikers. This lush island is laced with nice hiking trails, many of which start right at the harbour. Iconic Mount Gardner is accessed via several different trails and provides incredible scenic lookouts of the mainland (on a clear day, all the way to Mount Baker), Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast and the Pebble Beach Sea Walk is a pleasant stroll with amazing views and a cute little lighthouse at the end. Also, if you ask around near Snug Cove a local might help you find the famous Driftwood Mastodon. Then, once you’ve worn yourself out, you can choose from a number of cozy beaches.

Tacos, hot dogs, and ice cream are among the favourite choices along the pleasant harbour and there are many interesting shops and galleries for those looking for a memento of their time on Bowen. Whether you are looking to get active or just soak in some island ambiance, Bowen Island is a great choice.

Where to Stay on Bowen Island:

• A popular place to stay on Bowen Island is Gibsons Garden Hotel . It is located nearby Sunshine Coast Museum and Gibsons Marina.
• The Bonniebrook Lodge boasts a colourful exterior and cozy rooms to enjoy.
• For more places to stay on Bowen Island, check out Expedia.ca , Booking.com , or VRBO .

Wells Gray Provincial Park

Recommended by Debbie of WorldAdventurists.com

One of the best places to visit in British Columbia, Canada during the summer is the waterfall paradise of  Wells Gray Provincial Park . There is so much beauty to be found in its dramatic peaks, alpine meadows, and clear lakes. With 41 named waterfalls and 5000km² of the mostly untouched Canadian wilderness, Wells Gray Park is an outdoor lover’s paradise.

Several of the waterfalls are accessible with a short walk or hike from the parking lot. The most popular falls are Helmcken Falls, Spahat Falls, Moul Falls, and Dawson Falls. Helmcken Falls is the fourth largest waterfall in Canada and its power and beauty will take your breath away. You can walk behind Moul Falls and feel the power of mother nature.

Wells Gray is also home to the most easily accessible alpine meadow in British Columbia, through the Trophy Mountain trail. You can also join a wilderness safari, take an aerial tour , enjoy the beauty of boating on Clearwater Lake, or take a refreshing dip in a clear lake on a hot summer day.

The best way to experience the beauty of Wells Gray Provincial Park is by camping. If you are not the camping type, you will also find several lodges nearby for a more luxurious stay.

When you witness the power of nature at Wells Gray, you cannot help but feel an overwhelming sense of wonder.

Where to Stay Near Wells Gray:

• To best experience the beauty of the park, book a camping site . Then, you’ll wake up super close to the trails!
• For a beautiful cabin stay, Wolfwood Guest Ranch is a great option. The cabins are definitely charming!
• For more places to stay near Wells Gray, check out Expedia.ca , Booking.com , or VRBO .

Recommended by Luke of Wild About BC

The town of Squamish, an hour north of Vancouver on the west coast of Canada, is the ultimate outdoor playground. It seems that everybody here spends their days outside exploring the amazing places right on their doorstep. In the summer months, Squamish is buzzing with people who are all eager to get out and hike, rock climb, windsurf, mountain bike, camp and so much more.  

Squamish is located along the Sea to Sky Highway , between Vancouver and Whistler, and is nestled in amongst spectacular mountain ranges at the end of Howe Sound. It is a beautiful part of the world and is an epic place to get out and explore. There are some iconic hikes here, the most popular of which is the Stawamus Chief Trail . A short but steep hike will take you to the top of the cliffs overlooking Squamish town where you will get jaw-dropping views out over Howe Sound and the surrounding mountains.

It doesn’t really matter what activity you are into, as Squamish is pretty much guaranteed to offer it and there are few places that are this beautiful for you to enjoy spending time outdoors in the summer. As everything is located so close to the town centre you can finish off your day with some food and drinks on one of the many sunny patios in town. The perfect end to a summer’s day.

Where to Stay in Squamish:

• Located in the town is Howe Sound Inn & Brewing Company . Here, you can enjoy beers while admiring mountains in the distance!
• For a top-rated stay, check out Squamish Highlands Bed and Breakfast .
• For more places to stay in Squamish, check out Expedia.ca , Booking.com , or VR B O .

Vancouver Island

Recommended by Campbell and Aysha of Stingy Nomads

Vancouver Island, the largest island off the west coast of North America, is famous for its wild beaches, beautiful forests, rich diversity in marine life, and exciting activities on land and in the water. Blessed with beautiful old-growth forests, mountains, and surrounded by a spectacular coastline, exploring the incredible hiking trails in summer is very popular.

The West Coast Trail is Canada’s most famous multi-day hike. It is a tough one-week backpacking trail, camping and carrying all your supplies hiking along the coast. Hiking this trail on the beach and in the forest, you can see amazing wildlife, including bears, whales, orcas, otters, seals, and more. The Juan de Fuca trail is another multi-day hike on the coast. The beautiful trail and beaches are easy to reach by car and can be done as day hikes from the city of Victoria.

Whale watching is one of the best things to do from Vancouver Island in summer. Orcas (killer whales), Humpback whales, Pacific grey whales, and minke whales are some whale species that can be seen on whale watching tours from Vancouver Island. May to October is the best time for whale watching. California sea lions, harbor seals, dolphins, and a variety of birds are usually seen during these excursions.

Victoria , the capital city of British Columbia is a beautiful city and a very popular tourist destination. Don’t miss the spectacular gardens, seafront parks, museums, eateries, and craft brewers. It is awesome to get into the water in summer around Vancouver island with some amazing ocean sports like kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, surfing, and scuba diving.

Where to Stay on Vancouver Island:

• For a stunning waterfront stay, Waters Edge Shoreside Suites will surely catch your eye.
• Kingfisher Oceanside Resort and Spa is a dreamy oceanfront resort that boasts an incredible garden.
• For more places to stay on Vancouver Island, check out Expedia.ca , Booking.com , or VRBO .

Okanagan Valley

Recommended by Bailey from Destinationless Travel

The Okanagan Valley is a beautiful region in British Columbia that really comes to life in the summer months. This valley is famous for its beautiful lakes include the “lake of many colors” Kalamalka and the large Okanagan Lake. Lakeside beaches fill with vacationers enjoying the warm weather and sunshine while out on the water you’ll find tons of speed boats, houseboats, and pontoon boats.  

The main cities within the Okanagan are Kelowna and Vernon. Although Kelowna is the larger of the two, there are still plenty of  things to do in Vernon  with both cities boasting craft breweries, distilleries, boutique shopping, cafes, and a seemingly endless number of restaurants.  

On top of the vibrant holiday vibe and beaches, the Okanagan is famous for wine. That’s right, it is wine country with vineyards pretty much as far the eye can see. You can join one of the many wine tours in the area or simply visit cellar doors on your own and do some wine tastings. Many of the vineyards also have lake views which are simply stunning.  

If you’re not a fan of wine there are also craft cideries around and plenty of fresh fruit to pick too. U-pick farms are all over the Okanagan Valley and not only make for a fun activity, but also is a cheap way to grab local fresh fruit such as strawberries and raspberries.  

Where to Stay in Okanagan Valley:

• For a colourful and stunning retreat, Manteo at Eldorado Resort is sure to leave you speechless.
• If you’re looking for a more affordable stay that is still stunning and has a pool, check out Prestige Vernon Lodge .
• For more places to stay in Okanagan Valley, check out Expedia.ca , Booking.com , or VRBO .

Salt Spring Island

Recommended by Cecily of Groovy Mashed Potatoes

Unwind on Salt Spring Island, a free-spirited island known for its stunning nature, artisan culture, and sustainable, locally grown food. The bohemian island is located between Vancouver and Vancouver Island and is reachable by ferry or floatplane. You will have gorgeous views of the neighbouring islands and the ocean on your way to Salt Spring. Summer is the perfect time to visit the creative island. Warm sunny days make it easy to enjoy all of the  fun things to do on Salt Spring . 

The best way to explore the island is by car. First browse the Saturday Market, where you will find tons of vendors selling locally made products. Next, visit the Salt Spring Island Cheese Farm for a delicious goat cheese tasting. Afterward, continue to Garry Oaks and Salt Spring Vineyards for a wine tasting. At Salt Spring Vineyards order a glass of their bubbly, purchase some picnic ingredients, and sit outside for a picnic along the vineyards

If you’re not a wine drinker, check out Salt Spring Island Ales for a beer tasting in the forest or Salt Spring Wild Cider for a cider tasting with views overlooking the farm and valley.

One of the best activities to do during summertime is a kayak tour to Chocolate Beach. The 3-hour tour takes you to a white-crushed shell beach on a tiny island. Look out for the “loo with a view”!

Where to Stay on Salt Spring Island:

• For a nature-filled stay on a private beach, Cusheon Lake Resort is a great choice.
• The Cottages on Salt Spring Island boast charming rooms and are located in a popular area for canoeing.
• For more places to stay on Salt Spring Island, check out Expedia.ca , Booking.com , or VRBO .

Recommended by Me

Chilliwack is one of the best places to visit in Canada in summer due to the beautiful mountain views and stunning flower fields. It is home to the Chilliwack Sunflower Festival , which is hosted on a farm that has many different types of flowers that bloom during the summer. It is a popular spot due to the many varieties of sunflowers that are really picturesque with mountains in the distance. There are plenty of photo spots where you can capture the perfect shot of the family or for Instagram!

Chilliwack is also home to a number of stunning parks and lakes to explore. A popular lake to visit is located within Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park which is a hotspot in the summer for swimming. As with many of the amazing places to visit in the Canadian Rockies , there are plenty of nature-filled hiking trails in this area as well.

Where to Stay in Chilliwack:

• For a budget-friendly stay in the area, Travelodge Hotel is a good bet.
• Located a bit outside the city centre is Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa , which is a great spot for a relaxing getaway.
• For more places to stay in Chilliwack, check out Expedia.ca , Booking.com , or VRBO .

Recommended by Lotte of Phenomenal Globe

Vancouver is a must-visit on any BC itinerary and a great summer destination in Canada. Due to its location on the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver has a moderate climate, and even during summer, the city is a very pleasant place to be.  

There are lots of things to see and do and you could easily spend a week in Vancouver if you have the time. Any  Vancouver itinerary  should include a visit to Gastown, Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood. Admire the Steam Clock, shop for souvenirs at the cute boutique stores, or grab a drink and a bite at one of the many restaurants and bars.  

Next up is Granville Island where you can browse the abundance of fresh produce and delicious snacks at Granville Island Public Market. Be sure to take the Aquabus here, this isn’t just a convenient way to get to Granville Island but a fun activity in itself.  

Another highlight is beautiful Stanley Park, where you can stroll along the Sea Wall, admire the view and check out the art along the way (A-maze-ing Laughter statue and the Inukshuk).  

If you are looking to stay in downtown Vancouver, the St. Regis Hotel is very nice. Purebread is a lovely little bakery selling all sorts of buns, cakes, bread, and more. Pholicious and Ramen Gojiro are excellent places for lunch/dinner.  

Where to Stay in Vancouver:

• Blue Horizon Hotel is a top-rated place to stay in the heart of Vancouver.
• For a lovely boutique hotel, the Georgian Court Hotel is a great choice.
• For more places to stay in Vancouver, check out Expedia.ca , Booking.com , or VRBO .

Haida Gwaii

Recommended by James of Travel Collecting

Haida Gwaii, a remote archipelago off the coast of British Columbia between Vancouver Island to the south and Alaska to the north, is a truly magical place to visit. The islands, called the Queen Charlotte Islands until 2010, are home to the Haida first nations people and the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve. The islands are often shrouded in mist, covered in clouds, and surrounded by swells, and the season to visit them is short (really just summer!), but they are incredibly beautiful no matter what the weather.

To learn about the Haida people, visit the Haida Heritage Center in Skidegate, where there is a cultural center and the Haida Gwaii Museum, which focuses on the culture, history, and contemporary life of the Haida people.

Another reason to visit Haida Gwaii is for the nature. There are hundreds of tiny islands covered in lush forests.  They can only be accessed by boat or seaplane. A really great way to experience the southern islands is to  take a multi-day sea kayaking trip around Gwaii Haanas . On this trip or a boat cruise, you will possibly see dozens of bald eagles and osprey. There is also a good chance of seeing humpback whales, orcas, and seals swimming around and right up beside you. 

To top off your trip, you won’t want to miss SG̱ang Gwaay Llanagaay (formerly called Ninstints) on Anthony Island. It is located at the southern tip of the archipelago. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed site is incredibly remote, but worth every effort it takes to get there. The site of an abandoned Haida village has the most impressive collection of totem poles in situ in the world. Some have fallen over and are being left to slowly return to nature, while many others are still standing. They are lined along a stony beach and gazing out to sea like guardians over a mystical land. Being there and walking among them is a truly awe-inspiring experience.

Where to Stay in Haida Gwaii:

• For a relaxing and unique experience, opt to stay in one of the cabins in Haida Gwaii .
• If you’re looking for a cozy bed and breakfast, Cacilia’s Best & Breakfast is well-rated.
• For more places to stay in Haida Gwaii, check out Expedia.ca , Booking.com , or VRBO .

Yoho National Park

Recommended by Michelle of The Wandering Queen

One of the best places to visit in  Canada over the summer  is Yoho National Park, located near Banff National Park. This small but impactful national park is astounding! It is the second oldest national park in Canada and is protected due to the Burgess Shale sites that have fossils from 540 million years. But the fossils are not what most people come to see in Yoho. Most people come to experience the charming and well-known lake called Emerald Lake. This lake is a stunningly bright green-blue lake with surrounding mountains and beautiful evergreen trees. 

Another fun thing to do is to visit the remarkable Takakkaw Falls. This waterfall is around 373 meters, making it the 2nd tallest waterfall in Canada! Just make sure to drive carefully to the area as the road is exceedingly windy. You can also visit the beautiful lake called Lake O’Hara, but you need to make a reservation with a shuttle bus to take you to the lake. This is to help protect the sensitive alpine area and to keep the lake pristine. No matter what you do in the park, you will enjoy it! The jaw-dropping surrounding mountains, lakes, and waterfalls will make you fall in love with this one-of-a-kind national park. 

Where to Stay near Yoho National Park:

• The best way to experience Yoho is definitely by booking a campground . Then, you can experience waking up in the middle of the mountains and head out hiking right away!
• Alternatively, located right in Yoho National Park is Emerald Lake Lodge . There are rooms with wood-burning fireplaces and even an outdoor hot tub!
• For more places to stay near Yoho National Park, check out Expedia.ca , Booking.com , or VRBO .

Places to Visit in the Prairie Provinces of Canada in Summer

Lake louise.

Recommended by Ben of Ticket 4 Two Please 

Lake Louise is one of the premier summer destinations to visit in Canada and for good reason – the serene blue water, flanked on all sides by imposing mountain faces, is truly a sight to behold. Located in the heart of Banff National Park, Canada’s first-ever National Park, Lake Louise has been a tourist destination for well over a century and continues to attract people en masse to this day. 

Although the winters in Lake Louise are mesmerizing, with an abundance of skiing and snowshoeing opportunities, it is the summers in Lake Louise that truly showcase the beauty of the surrounding area. 

There are many hikes and walks available in Lake Louise but the world-renowned Agnes Teahouse Trail should be on every visitor’s bucket list. The simple out-and-back style trail winds its way through the trees before reaching Lake Agnes, where you will find the world-famous teahouse nestled cozily on the shoreline. Having refreshed with a rejuvenating cup of hot chocolate from the teahouse, you should make your way back down the mountainside to experience Lake Louise’s signature activity – canoeing. 

Canoeing on Lake Louise , in one of the iconic red canoes, has evolved into a trademark venture for any visitor to Banff National Park. Paddling across the lake, watching the sunset over the mighty Victoria Glacier, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that simply cannot be missed. 

Lake Louise is a destination brimming with astounding beauty and natural allure and is certainly one of the best places to visit in Canada during the summer.

Where to Stay in Banff:

• The best way to experience Banff is definitely by booking a campground . Then, you can experience waking up in the middle of the mountains and head out hiking right away!
• Alternatively, Canalta Lodge is a stunning mountainside lodge with incredible views.
• For more places to stay in Banff, check out Expedia.ca , Booking.com , or VRBO .

Waterton Lakes National Park 

Recommended by Katja of Globetotting  

There are so many wonderful places to visit in Canada during the summer months but one of the best destinations is undoubtedly Waterton National Park. Located 260km from Calgary in Alberta, the park borders Montana’s Glacier National Park in the USA and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.  

What is particularly special about Waterton – in addition to the stunning scenery – is that it still feels relatively undiscovered. Compared to some of the more famous parks in Alberta, including Banff and Jasper, Waterton is very lowkey. The small town of the same name sits within the park itself and is made up of just a handful of streets and family-run shops and restaurants. 

There are lots of  things to do in Waterton Lakes National Park  but it’s especially well known for its hiking opportunities. Crypt Lake Trail is the most famous – and challenging – hike in the area. Waterton Lake is the deepest lake in the Canadian Rockies measuring 500ft deep. The waters are chilly, even during the height of summer, but still ideal for windsurfing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Another fun activity is to take a boat trip with the Waterton Shoreline Cruise Co. 

Other summer activities include cycling, wildlife watching, horse riding, and the annual wildflower festival. And don’t miss afternoon tea at the Prince of Wales hotel , the enormous Hitchcockian hotel that dates back from the 1920s.  

Where to Stay Near Waterton Lakes National Park:

• Located within walking distance to the lake, Aspen Village boasts cozy suites with full kitchens to enjoy.
• Prince of Wales Hotel is a stunning 1920s hotel with beautiful lake views.
• For more places to stay near Waterton Lakes National Park, check out Expedia.ca , Booking.com , or VRBO .

Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is a stunning place in Canada to visit this summer due to the amazing hikes through mountains and forests. A trip to the park will have you wanting to plan another trip back right away. Located in the Canadian Rocky Mountains , Jasper boasts glacier lakes, snowy mountain tops, wild animals, waterfalls, and so much more.

One of the best hikes in the park is the Valley of the Five Lakes . During this hike, you will pass by 5 stunning lakes that have different shades of blues and greens. This family-friendly hike is bound to leave you speechless. Head here early to experience the trails with few people around before heading to another destination within the park.

Nearby waterfalls include Sunwapta Falls and Athabasca Falls – two frequently recommended places to visit in the park, especially in summer. After exploring waterfalls, head into the main town for a bite to eat and shop around. Check out Jasper Brewing Company for some good local beers!

If you’re feeling like an excursion in the mountains, be sure to check out the Maligne Lake Cruise to Spirit Island.

Where to Stay Near Jasper National Park:

• The best way to experience the park is definitely by booking a campground for a couple of nights.
• Alternatively, Jasper Inn & Suites is a highly rated hotel located in the heart of the park.
• For more places to stay near Jasper National Park, check out Expedia.ca , Booking.com , or VRBO .

Recommended by Sunetra of GlobetrottingSu

A must-visit place during a Canadian Rockies summer itinerary is Lake Peyto. The brilliant blue of this lake has to be seen to be believed; no photoshop or color enhancement is required. The hike up to see the dazzling glacier-fed blue water of Lake Peyto surrounded by the huge alpine mountains should be on every traveler’s bucket list in Banff National Park. Although a year-round destination, it is best to visit in summer to avoid snow and ice on the trail as well as seeing the stunning color of the lake in peak summer.

For many visitors, this is one of the iconic views of the Canadian Rockies and hence the hike is very popular among the visitors in summer. From the parking lot at Bow Summit, an easy 1.9-mile hike will bring to one of the most breathtaking views in the Canadian Rockies. The wooden platform overlooking the stunning lake gets very crowded in summer. A lot of people choose to go to the opening just below the platform, but that also gets pretty crowded! Nonetheless, it’s a spectacular view and an absolute must for your Banff itinerary.

To have uninterrupted views of Lake Peyto without the crowd, head further ahead until the path splits into three paved paths. Look for the fourth option on the right that is a narrow dirt path through the forest and is virtually flat. A trail of 10-15 mins walk will bring you to an open expanse where you are greeted by what many consider to be one of the best views in Canada. Grab a snack and take it all in. With views this majestic, you may not want to leave!

Where to Stay Near Lake Peyto:

• The best way to experience the park is definitely by booking a campground . Then, you can wake up in the middle of the mountains!
• If you’re not into camping, Canalta Lodge is a stunning mountainside lodge with incredible views.
• For more places to stay near Lake Peyto, check out Expedia.ca , Booking.com , or VRBO .

Places to Visit in Central Canada in Summer

Bruce peninsula national park.

Bruce Peninsula National Park is definitely one of the best places to visit in Canada during the summer. With the incredible weather, swimming and hiking around the park are desirable and certainly alluring due to the park’s beauty. The park is a popular spot for camping during the summer, with campsites selling out far in advance. Due to the park’s popularity, be sure to arrive around opening time on a day trip to ensure you can purchase parking.

Between the amazing hikes and views of Georgian Bay, you won’t want to leave Bruce Peninsula National Park! People who visit love to go canoeing, scuba diving, and more. There are plenty of tours that bring you to boat wreckages or to Fathom Five National Marine Park .

In the nearby town, Tobermory, there are plenty of cute local shops and restaurants open to explore as well.

Where to Stay in Tobermory:

• For a simple and convenient place to stay, Adventure the Bruce Inn is a great choice.
• Camping at the park is very popular as well, but campsites have to be reserved well in advance!
• For more places to stay in Tobermory, check out Expedia.ca , Booking.com , or VRBO .

Recommended by Emma of Emma’s Roadmap

The capital of Canada is amazing to visit during all seasons but the summer months will give you a little bit more possibilities that’ll make your trip just great! Besides government-related activities such as visiting parliament hill with the house of commons and Senate, summer is perfect to discover Ottawa on the water! At the heart of Ottawa, you’ll find several cruise companies advertising their roundtrips on the Ottawa river . You can take shorter cruises of one hour to longer cruises of several hours. Whatever you’ll choose, I’m sure the water view and slight breeze will be very welcome in summer!

Another great summer activity to do in Ottawa is to visit Byward Market. This market in the center of Ottawa is for a large part outdoors so perfect to stroll around on sunny days! Buy some local crafts or taste some freshly baked goods and foremost, enjoy the atmosphere!

To visit  Ottawa  it is best to reserve multiple days to explore the city. Of course, a quick day trip is possible, but to really see the city and explore it to the fullest you’ll need at least 2 or 3 days. Some other great activities you could do in summer during your stay are visiting one of Ottawa’s beaches (yes, there are beaches!) as well as nearby provincial parks!

Where to Stay in Ottawa:

• The most popular and luxurious stay in Ottawa is definitely at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier . The hotel looks just like a castle!
• Located in the Byward Market area, the Andaz is a top-rated place to stay.
• For more places to stay in Ottawa, check out Expedia.ca , Booking.com , or VRBO .

Hamilton is one of the best places in Canada to visit this summer due to the overwhelming number of waterfalls concentrated in the area. There are over 100 waterfalls in this area, located along the Niagara Escarpment. In a single day, you can visit many of them and embark on beautiful nature hikes in the perfect summer weather.

The best recommended waterfalls to visit in summer in the city of Hamilton include:

• Albion Falls
• Webster Falls

Conveniently located just over an hour away from the city of Toronto, it makes for a great day trip from the city. After hiking and exploring waterfalls, head to the downtown area. It is filled with charming boutiques, cafes, and restaurants featuring many different cuisines.

If visiting for a couple days, be sure to check out the nightlife as this city has some great bars and clubs to visit!

Where to Stay in Hamilton:

• For a hotel located right in the heart of downtown, Homewood Suites is a highly-rated option.
• Within walking distance of multiple waterfalls is the Best Western .
• For more places to stay in Hamilton, check out Expedia.ca , Booking.com , or VRBO .

Prince Edward County

Prince Edward County is one of the most amazing places to visit in Canada during summer due to the stunning nature and amazing wineries in this county. Located only about 2-hours from the city, it makes for a perfect day trip from Toronto . On a trip to PEC, you can visit two beautiful parks – Sandbanks Provincial Park and Presqu’ile Provincial Park . At both places, visitors will find wonderful hiking trails and views of the water.

Prince Edward County is definitely known for wineries and vineyards. With the perfect summer weather, plenty of visitors take advantage of the outdoors and visit some of the over 40 wineries in the county! Most places offer small bites and cheese boards to enjoy while you taste a large variety of different wines. Be sure to try ice wine, which is a specialty of Ontario!

Where to Stay in Prince Edward County:

• Not only is Newsroom Suites located in the centre of wine country, but it’s also a cute B&B! It’s one of the best-rated placed to stay in the area. Check out availability and book your stay .
• The Lakeside Motel boasts a waterfront location with a stunning pool to enjoy during your stay.
• For more places to stay in Prince Edward County, check out Expedia.ca , Booking.com , or VRBO .

Toronto is definitely a great destination in Canada to visit during summer as the big city is full of life during this season. Visitors love to explore High Park for nature walks and picnics, along with visiting the shops along King Street or Queen Street in the downtown core. During the summer months, it’s a perfect time to go bar-hopping and visiting one of the restaurants or patios. A Toronto bucket list sure isn’t complete without enjoying a cocktail on one of the amazing Toronto patios!

The waterfront is a popular place to visit with paths, beaches, bike trails, and more along the way. Be sure to check out Amsterdam Brewhouse, which is a brewery located right on the water. Try to get a patio seat to overlook the lake while tasting different varieties of beer!

When visiting Toronto, there are plenty of day trips to take from the city with hiking opportunities. There are a lot of waterfalls within a day trip distance from Toronto and plenty of beaches to explore.

Where to Stay in Toronto:

• The Fairmont Royal York is a dreamy hotel located right in the heart of downtown across from Union Station.
• The Broadview Hotel is right nearby a few great breweries. They also have a really neat rooftop bar with great views of the city!
• For more places to stay in Toronto, check out Expedia.ca , Booking.com , or VRBO .

Niagara Falls

Recommended by Mayuri of ToSomePlaceNew

One of the amazing places to visit in Canada is Niagara Falls in the summer . This is the optimum time to see the mighty falls in their full glory. Although summer months are peak seasons to visit Toronto and the Niagara Region, planning a trip in the early morning hours is key to having a good time.

We recommend booking boat tours to see the Falls up close and personal, in advance and prior to your visit. Many activities such as ziplining, horse carriage rides, and helicopter tours are best explored in the summer.

There are short trails and green paths that you can enjoy a nice stroll, or set up a picnic spread in the afternoon with a book!

During your summer trip to Niagara Falls, the town of Niagara of the Lake is a nice place to hang out, visit local cafes and shops. If you are extending your trip in the area, do stop by a vineyard and go on a wine tasting tour. 

The Entertainment District is another spot where you can spend your time in the Falls region. There are bowling alleys, patios, bars with live music, Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks, and Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum. 

Evenings in Niagara are best spent in the Skylon Tower taking in the illuminated lights on the falls, and dining at the revolving restaurant.

Where to Stay in Niagara Falls:

• The Sheraton Fallsview Hotel is definitely a top pick, boasting stunning views overlooking the falls.
• Similarly, the Hilton is one of the most stayed at hotels in Niagara Falls.
• For more places to stay in Niagara Falls, check out Expedia.ca , Booking.com , or VRBO .

Montreal is one of the top places to visit in Canada in summer due to the great events and outdoor activities offered during the season. It’s a great city to explore on a day trip or for an extended weekend getaway.

Visitors flock to the old city center to eat bagels and crepes, taste delicious local coffee, and explore the waterfront. The buildings in this area have beautiful architecture and there are a lot of statues and monuments around to discover. On the waterfront, there is a giant Ferris wheel and various attractions to enjoy!

The city is known as a big party city and is home to a long strip of bars and clubs to visit. Plenty of places offer outdoor patios to enjoy drinks in the warm summer air. After visiting the bars, be sure to head to a local poutine shop to taste some of the best poutine around!

Where to Stay in Montreal:

• Hotel Place d’Armes boasts stunning rooms and is located right in Old Montreal.
• Similarly, located in Old Montreal is the charming Lofts du View-Port .
• For more places to stay in Montreal, check out Expedia.ca , Booking.com , or VRBO .

Recommended by Carine and Derek of We Did It Our Way

The summer is an amazing time to visit the province of Quebec. The weather warms up, the days get longer, the local produce offering is incredible and there’s a ton of beautiful places to visit. One of our favorite places to visit in the summer is the Saguenay Lac-St-Jean area . 

Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean is north of the St-Lawrence river, about a 4-5 hour drive from Montreal. The Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean area is the third-largest region in Quebec and well worth the visit. There’s so much to do here, especially in the summer where you can spend all your time enjoying the great outdoors.

The Saint-Jean region is known for its beautiful bike paths. The most popular one is the Blueberry Route, a 256-kilometer pathway that goes all the way from the estuary to up and around the lake. Its name is no coincidence either. There are a ton of blueberries to pick along the route so if you’re looking for a delicious snack, don’t be shy to stop and pick some. This region is famed for its delicious berries.  

In the region, you can also find many amazing things to do in the summer – The Fjord du Saguenay national park is amazing for hiking or canoeing. If you’re looking for a multi-day hike, check out the Ouiatchouan hiking trail where you can see an amazing waterfall that bears the same name as the trail. You can also visit the Val Jalbert ghost town or one of the many museums in the area. Plus, there are a ton of small cute towns that are worth the trek. They all have something unique to discover. 

Finally, if you’re looking to just chill out, well, you’re in luck. The Saguenay Lac-Saint-Jean region has some of the best beaches in the province. The best ones are located around the lake. So bring your cooler, towel, and a good book, and you’re all set to enjoy the calmest waters the province has to offer!

Whatever you’re looking to do this summer, make sure you stop and enjoy everything the Saguenay Lac-Saint-Jean region has to offer. 

Where to Stay in Saint-Jean:

• For a stay in a charming bed and breakfast, Auberge la Courtepointe is an excellent choice.
• Motel Blanche d’Haberville is located right in the town of Saint-Jean-Port-Joli and is a popular stay!
• For more places to stay in Saint-Jean, check out Expedia.ca , Booking.com , or VRBO .

Places to Visit in the Atlantic Provinces of Canada in Summer

Cape breton.

Recommended by Cailin of Nova Scotia Explorer

Nova Scotia is at its best in the summer months with warm ocean breezes, sandy beaches, and wilderness to explore. One of the most popular places to visit in the summer months is the Cabot Trail in Cape Breton. The Cabot Trail is a loop trail on the north-western coast of Cape Breton stretching 298km. This scenic drive takes you in and out of coastal towns and fishing villages along with stunning views through Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

If you don’t have much time, you can drive the Cabot Trail in a day but to really enjoy it it is recommended to spend a night or two exploring. It is also often debated that driving clockwise is better than counterclockwise for the views but both directions have their merits. 

In the summer there are plenty of trails to hike along, as well as beaches to swim at and places to enjoy picnics and camping. During summer, all of the Cabot Trail campgrounds are open as well as local tourist sites, restaurants, and businesses. Summer is also the ideal time to go whale watching in the Ingonish area of the Cabot Trail. Be sure to also stop at one of the many roadside cafes and restaurants to enjoy the local seafood, fish and chips, chowders, and more.

Where to Stay in Cape Breton:

• Holiday Inn Sydney boasts waterfront views and a large indoor pool.
• If you’re looking for a spot close to Sydney city center, Cambridge Suites is a great choice.
• For more places to stay in Cape Breton, check out Expedia.ca , Booking.com , or VRBO .

Charlottetown

Charlottetown is a charming city and the capital of Prince Edward Island. The city is located along the southern coast, making it a perfect summer destination as you can hang out along the water. It is home to many stunning churches, historical houses, monuments, and more. Though Charlottetown is the capital city, it really has a small-town feel to it!

Peakes Wharf and Confederation Landing is located along the water and is a great spot for lunch and to explore different shops. Visitors also enjoy checking out the art museum and heading to local restaurants to try some of the delicious local seafood.

Where to Stay in Charlottetown:

• Fairholm Boutique Inn is a stunning hotel that boasts really charming rooms in the heart of Charlottetown.
• For a top-rated hotel located downtown, the Holman Grand Hotel is a great choice. It’s even connected to a shopping mall!
• For more places to stay in Charlottetown, check out Expedia.ca , Booking.com , or VRBO .

St. John’s

St. John’s, Newfoundland is a great place in Canada to visit in summer. It is Canada’s most eastern city and is located right on the water. There are plenty of things to do in and around the city, including hiking, visiting museums, shopping at local boutiques, and exploring art galleries.

It’s no surprise that there’s great seafood in this coastal city! Visitors love trying fish and chips at local restaurants around the city before heading out to one of the city’s many bars. You can also head out whale watching, go shipwreck diving, and even spot puffins!

Where to Stay in St. John’s:

• For an affordable stay at a high-quality hotel, Jag Boutique Hotel is a great option.
• The Hilton Garden Inn is always a safe choice and this one even has a pool!
• For more places to stay in St. John’s, check out Expedia.ca , Booking.com , or VRBO .

Places to Visit in the Northern Territories of Canada in Summer

Recommended by Samantha of A Truthful Traveler

If you’re looking for long and warm summer days, Whitehorse is the best place in Canada to find them. Whitehorse, Yukon is located far North in Canada, above British Columbia, and to the East of Alaska. It is one of the best places to visit in the Yukon territory!

Whitehorse is the capital of the territory of Yukon, and it is located close to the Southern boundary. Its Northern location means that there are almost 24 hours of sunlight in the summer. The sun never fully sets starting from the summer solstice all the way to the Fall. This gives you extra time to sightsee, and there is no lack of things to see and do in this area of Canada.

If you love history, the SS Klondike will take you back through time to when Whitehorse was an integral part of the Gold Rush. The ship carried cargo up and down the river for many years. Today it sits just outside of the main part of the city. For nature lovers, a visit to a part of the Yukon River called Miles Canyon is a must. The steep rock walls line the beautiful teal water, and you can hike the surrounding area or canoe/kayak the river. 

The warm summer weather and the never-ending days make Yukon such an amazing place in Canada to experience between the months of June and September!

Where to Stay in Whitehorse:

• For a top-rated bed and breakfast, check out Hidden Valley Bed and Breakfast .
• Midnight Sun Inn is located in the heart of downtown and is highly rated.
• For more places to stay in Whitehorse, check out Expedia.ca , Booking.com , or VRBO .

Aren’t there so many amazing places to visit in Canada in summer? Thanks to my fellow travel bloggers, I’ve certainly added a few more places to my bucket list! I hope reading about these stunning places have inspired you to do the same.

Read more: 19 of the Absolute Best Day Hikes in Canada

What are your top places to visit in Canada during summer? Let me know in the comments!

Be sure to Pin this post for later!

You might also like:

• Breathtaking Places to Visit in Ontario This Fall
• 9 Stunning Waterfalls to Visit in Southern Ontario
• One Day in Montréal: How to Spend an Amazing Day Exploring Highlights
• A Day Trip Guide to Bruce Peninsula National Park
• The Absolute Best Day Hikes in Canada
• 19 Incredible Places to Visit in the Canadian Rockies
• Taking Maligne Lake Cruise to Spirit Island in Fall

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20 comments.

Canada is certainly a fabulous country to visit. I’m lucky enough to have been to all 13 provinces and territories and I’m still far from having seen everything, but it’s good to always have something else to see.

deventuretime

Wow, that’s so amazing! I hope to visit all provinces and territories in my lifetime. There are so many amazing places to visit!

Steve Collins

Really enjoyed the collab, brings awesome perspectives from all across the country!

It was a lot of fun putting it together!

So many good places. I’ve been to most of the west coast and Rockies places so I really need to work my way east a bit. There are lots of beautiful destinations in Canada yet to explore. I enjoyed discovering my own country last summer and looks like that’s on the table again this year. But it’s not a bad place to be stuck

Amazing!! I want to explore more of Canada as well. This collab definitely added some places to my bucket list!

oh my goodness, this is such an amazing roundup of places. All look beautiful, but would really love to explore the Squamish area and Bruce Peninsula National Park on my next Canada trip. I’ve only been to Toronto and the areas around Banff, so I have a lot more exploring to do!

Bruce Peninsula National Park is definitely one of my top 5 places to visit in Canada!

Alison and Don

This is a fantastic compilation! I’m in Vancouver, and this really inspired me to go away this summer – even if only for a few days – Whistler or one of the islands. As soon as we can that is; still Covid-restricted here 🙁 Alison

I hope things clear up enough to head out on some outdoor adventures!

Canada is such a beautiful country filled with so much natural wonder. I loved the Canadian Rockies, but I would like to see the Atlantic side near Newfoundland. Great guide! 🙂

So many beautiful places to visit! 🙂

I love Vancouver Island! Been a few times and wish I had time to see more. Now I have more Candadian destinations on my list- thanks for sharing.

So many amazing places to visit!!

Krystianna Pietrzak

Amazing post! I’m from VT and have literally never been to Canada, even though I’ve always wanted to. Will definitely save this for later!

I hope you can visit one day! Lots of places to explore.

I definitely need to get back to Canada! So much to see!!

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15 Best Places to Visit During a Summer Vacation in Canada

Canada is the ideal destination for a summer vacation given its pristine landscapes, diverse cities and range of multigenerational entertainment. Its top attractions include national parks, beaches, zoos and aquariums, museums, amusement parks — and even a world-famous rodeo.

Many people visit Canada during the winter to ski and take part in other fun winter activities. Yet, when summer arrives, Canada has even more to offer with warm temperatures, charming cities, and incredible outdoor recreation. Are you wondering about the best summer destinations in Canada ? Don't worry! Canadian Train Vacations is here to help you. Our local travel experts can help you plan the best Canada summer vacation , arranging transport, hotels and excursions.

The many waterfront cities, towns and resorts are among the best places for a summer vacation in Canada . They offer breathtaking natural landscapes and a variety of land and water activities. The long daylight hours in summer also means abundant opportunities to pull out your camera and take stunning photos . For a more urban vacation, s ummer is an ideal time to visit the country's cities, with their cultural attractions, including summer festivals.

Canada is a fantastic place to visit any time of year, but it's especially welcoming in summer. Here are some of the best places to vacation in Canada in summer .

1. Cape Breton Island

Condé Nast Traveler readers named Cape Breton the best island in North America! During a summer vacation in Canada on this beautiful island in Nova Scotia, you'll enjoy the coastal life, eat fresh seafood, and admire the scenery. The area's Cabot Trail is an excellent place to view the ocean and spend some time outdoors. Guided bicycle tours are another enjoyable way to explore this area. You can also see the area's natural wildlife on a guided boat cruise to observe the bird and whale populations. 

One of the best ways to experience Cape Breton is on a Canadian Train Vacation itinierary, as many trips start or end in Halifax, which provides easy access to this scenic island. To get to Cape Breton Island, one can take the Canso Causeway from mainland Nova Scotia, a Marine Atlantic ferry from Newfoundland, or fly into J.A. Douglas McCurdy Airport in Sydney. Maritime Bus provides service to Whycocomagh, North Sydney, Port Hawkesbury, and Baddeck from the mainland.

2. Victoria

Victoria is on magnificent Vancouver Island, British Columbia, is one of the best summer vacation places in Canada. This coastal city can only be reached by ferry or plane. The capital of British Columbia, it is ideal for foodies and those looking for exciting cultural experiences. It is known as "the Garden City" because of its many well-kept green spaces, such as the massive Beacon Hill Park and nearby Butchart Gardens, a must-see garden oasis. 

Visit the Butterfly Gardens, where kids can interact with geckos, tropical birds, flamingos, and hundreds of free-flying butterflies. Take a stroll down Johnson Street and do some window shopping. Summer festivals abound in this city, including a beer fest, a vegan festival, and a Fringe festival. With its oceanside location, Victoria is home to some amazing whale-watching tours.

This place also has historic buildings. Climb the 87 steps to the top of Craigdarroch Castle's Tower for the best view in Victoria. It also has Canada's oldest lighthouse on the West Coast.

Victoria also offers easy access to amazing beaches and scenic hiking trails, including parts of the West Coast Trail, the "hike of the lifetime." 

3. Saskatoon

While coastal havens in Canada almost always get all the recognition, Saskatoon in the prairies is also worth visiting. With its city-meets-country vibe, Saskatoon is the ultimate spot for the urban-but-outdoorsy family. Foodies love this area due to the many local farms that provide natural foods and homegrown goods, especially berries in the summer.

Visit the Western Development Museum to learn about pioneer life and enjoy a ride on the Prairie Lily riverboat to view the sights. This area is also home to Grasslands National Park, a popular destination for family holidays. You can travel to Saskatchewan by road, plane, ferry, rail, or bus. Make a point of visiting this location during the summer.

Keep reading or discover more travel inspiration in our brochure. This guide showcases our world-famous train journeys, with ideas for personalizing your Canadian vacation.

4. Niagara Falls

Summer is a great time to visit the dazzling Niagara Falls — every traveler's bucket list should include a visit to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. The combined flow rate of the three waterfalls (Bridal Veil Falls, American Falls, and Horseshoe Falls) is the highest of any North American waterfall. The SkyWheel, a 175-foot tall Ferris wheel, boat tours , the casino, and other popular attractions in Niagara Falls provide chances for romance or family fun.

Niagara Falls can be seen in various ways thanks to diverse activities. You can see the gushing waterfalls from every angle imaginable, from helicopter tours and underground mazes to boat rides. There are also many wineries in the area to visit.

Niagara Falls is a 1.5-hour drive from Toronto along the QEW highway.

5. Prince Edward Island

If you ask a Canadian what are the best places to vacation in Canada in the summer, they will probably say Prince Edward Island. Walking along the red sand beaches, with their unique old lighthouses, you'll feel like you've stepped into a postcard. The gorgeous Cavendish Beach on Prince Edward Island is yet another popular summer destination in Canada. You can go clam digging or take part in a lobster dinner.

You can also take a walking tour of Charlottetown, where guides dressed in period costumes will offer you a history lesson on this Canadian city. Another cultural activity is going to a production of "Anne of Green Gables," the long-running musical at the local arts festival.

Popular outdoor activities on this Island include kayaking, golf, standup paddle boarding, and parasailing.

There are three options for getting to Prince Edward Island. You can drive across the Confederation Bridge from New Brunswick, take a ferry from Nova Scotia, or fly into Charlottetown Airport.

6. Alaska Highway, Yukon

This summer, take a trip along the Alaska Highway through the Yukon for a faraway and wild Canadian adventure. This long stretch of road, also known as the ALCAN Highway, connects the United States to Alaska, passing via Yukon and British Columbia along the way. It's a memorable scenic drive filled with hot springs, small towns, mountain ranges, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

There are numerous breathtaking views of high mountains and massive ice fields along the way. You can go mountaineering here, explore the vast ice fields, and take a flightseeing trip to view the ice fields below.

Tofino is another popular summer destination in British Columbia, and it's a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. This West Coast destination has something for everyone, whether you're looking for sand dollars on the beach, want to hike old-growth rainforest in Pacific Rim National Park, try catching a wave on a surfboard, rest in the hot springs cove, go whale watching, or join a bear-watching boat tour.

It's also fun to kayak in the Clayoquot Sound, go deep-sea fishing, and visit the Tofino Botanical Garden in this part of Canada. Tofino is a beautiful place to visit, with charming inns and campgrounds if you want to rough it. It's one of the best summer vacation places in Canada.

Halifax, in Nova Scotia, is jam-packed with family-friendly activities. When you take a trip to Halifax in the summer, you can enjoy spectacular water views, plenty of local history stories, and delicious seafood. Take the view from Citadel Hill, where actors dressed in costumes will give you a history lesson.

Also, public gardens are nearby, which are ideal for a summer picnic. Stroll down the boardwalk for a scenic view of the water and let the kids play in the ship-themed playground. The Discovery Centre, Nova Scotia's only hands-on science centre, will also appeal to children. Trips to Peggy's Cove are widely known among visitors to experience the picturesque neighborhood along the rocky coastline with its iconic lighthouse and the fishing village culture.

If you want to enjoy some delicious lobster, crab, and fish dishes, go to Salt Shaker Deli in Lunenburg, a World Heritage Site, about an hour and a half outside Halifax. You can travel to Halifax by air, ferry, cruise, or land.

9. Whistler

Although most people associate Whistler with the famous ski resort, it is also an excellent summer destination. Whistler, located in British Columbia in the Coast Mountains two hours north of Vancouver, provides a genuine Canadian west-coast mountain encounter.

Whistler has it all for nature lovers. At the base of the Blackcomb Mountains, there is a family adventure zone. You can hike the Valley Trail, spot bears, and even raft the Cheakamus River in this Pacific Coast Mountain location. There's hiking, mountain biking, zip-lining, horseback riding, jet boating, and canoeing — plenty to keep you busy. When it's time to unwind, take a break from the adventure and head lakeside to sandy beaches with concession stands, play areas, and BBQs. Whistler Village offers a vibrant night life, with restaurants, pubs and dancing.

To reach here, fly into a primary airport such as Seattle (SEA), Vancouver International (YVR), or Bellingham (BLI), then transfer to Whistler.

#1 Travel Tip: Take in the views on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola

Ride this world record-breaking gondola in Whistler for spectacular views of towering volcanic peaks and coastal rainforest. Bring your camera as these scenic surroundings are picture perfect!

Download our Brochures and Mini Guides

10. quebec city.

Quebec City, the capital of Quebec, is one of North America's oldest cities, founded in 1608 by a French explorer. It is famous for its walled Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The downtown area maintains a charming vintage vibe thanks to majestic architecture and cobbled streets.

The castle-like Chateau de Frontenac and the charming buildings of the Old City boast a European charm. The city still proudly wears its French heritage on its sleeve today, as evidenced by impressive architecture such as Place Royale and the Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church, which houses the Saint Geneviève chapel.

City parks, such as the Plains of Abraham, are nearby and ideal for a scenic picnic. Away from the city, numerous hiking trails lead through lush pastures with stunning cliffs overlooking the Saint Lawrence River. At the Aquarium du Québec, you can interact with polar bears, seals, and walruses. You also can devote the day to The Baie de Beauport, the city's beach. Prepare to be captivated by Canada's French capital.

11. Alberta Badlands

The Alberta Canadian Badlands, which include Dinosaur Park, is a one-of-a-kind destination in Canada. There have been numerous discoveries of dinosaur bones here, helping to make it a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Badlands Trail provides excellent views of unusual rock structures, such as hoodoos and pinnacles. To learn about dinosaurs, visit the Royal Tyrrell Museum, which is filled with profound dinosaur skeleton exhibits.

The Canadian Badlands are a 35,000-square-mile area unlike anywhere else on the planet. Horseshoe Canyon, antiquity pictograph and petroglyph engravings, and sandstone boulders are also must-sees in the area.

12. Montreal

Art and culture are abundant in Montreal in Quebec, another popular summer destination in Canada. When the weather is nice, this bilingual city has plenty of festivals, culinary events, and restaurants with outdoor seating to visit. Meanwhile, music lovers can attend the International Jazz Festival and other local music events.

You can also visit famous sites such as Notre Dame, the Montreal Biodome, and Mount Royal. Visiting Montreal is an excellent way to get a taste of Europe without needing to travel there. Make a pit stop at Atwater Market for some gelato. Montréal is reachable by plane (via the Montréal-Trudeau International Airport), car, train, boat, and bus.

13. Fundy National Park

Summer days are spent at Fundy National Park, where visitors enjoy a pristine coastline and the world's highest tides.

This New Brunswick park offers a taste of Atlantic Canadian culture and numerous outdoor activities, such as kayaking at low tide and yurt camping. While in the area, you should also visit the Kouchibouguac National Park, Fort Beauséjour - Fort Cumberland National Historic Site, Carleton Martello Tower National Historic Site, and Andrew's Blockhouse National Historic Site.

Fundy National Park is situated on provincial Highway 114 near Alma, New Brunswick. There is no direct public transportation to or from the park, so you must drive here.

14. Toronto

Toronto is a famous vacation destination all year, but it's a must in the summer if you like festivals, concerts, and sporting events. Toronto combines urban and beach bum vibes, and there's even a neighborhood east of the city called 'The Beaches,' with four beaches to choose from. Summer markets in Toronto offer farm-fresh produce and one-of-a-kind souvenirs.

Throughout the summer, Toronto comes alive with various events, such as Blue Jays home games and food festivals. The Bruce Trail is one of many excellent places for hiking, and Niagara Parks is ideal for biking. The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) operates easy-to-navigate the city's subways, buses, and streetcars.

#2 Travel Trip: Visit the St. Lawrence Market

This market in Toronto includes an antique market, a food market, and a marketplace with more than 120 traders. There is also a gallery upstairs, which features free exhibits reflecting the history and culture of the city.

15. Jasper National Park

Jasper is a relaxed mountain town that serves as a great foundation for discovering the Canadian Rockies, with easy access to stunning mountains and alpine lakes. Views abound as hikers travel from Mount Edith Cavell's peaks to Maligne Canyon's caverns. Hike to Pyramid Lake, kayak Lake Edith or Lake Annette, or take a boat tour through Maligne Canyon. With over 2.7 million acres to explore, visitors can see wildlife from caribou to wolverines to moose.

The Icefields Parkway, southeast of Jasper, should be on everyone's bucket list with its dramatic views of several glaciers. It can be done as a road trip or explored on a guided small-group tour. 

The Via Rail train and Rocky Mountaineer both stop in the town of Jasper, and this destination is included in many trips by Canadian Train Vacations . Do note that Jasper does not have a public transportation system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should i go for a summer vacation in canada.

Banff in the Canadian Rockies, Cape Breton, Prince Edward Island and Toronto are some of best place to vacation in Canada in the summer.

What is the prettiest place in Canada?

Lake Louise in Alberta is often considered one of the prettiest places in Canada. Alberta offers the most distinct natural landscapes in Canada, with the Rocky Mountains and rolling grasslands, dry badlands, and vast swaths of boreal woodland. The province is also home to two of Canada's most famous national parks, Banff and Jasper, which have beautiful lakes and glaciers.

Which destination is best for a summer vacation in Canada?

Banff National Park is easily one of Canada's best vacation spots and is a haven for nature and outdoor enthusiasts. It offers a range of activities and accomodations to suit any style of traveller, from camping to luxury resorts.

About the author: Athena McKenzie is the Content Manager at Fresh Tracks Canada. An experienced lifestyle journalist, she has written about travel, design, arts and entertainment. Her work has appeared in The Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, Zoomer Magazine, Elle Canada and...   Read more

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8 Great Places Across Canada to Visit This Summer

Get lost in the outdoor regions and bustling centers of the great white north..

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From outdoor excursions to city exploration, summer in Canada’s got plenty in store for you.

Photo by Tobias Negele/Shutterstock

With Canada covering 6,204,391 square miles and encompassing three oceans—and a huge variety of landscapes and cultures between them—there is plenty to see and do in the country. That’s especially true in the summer, when the sun reveals all sorts of spots hidden during the winter.

It’s hard to whittle down such an immense and diverse country to just a handful or two of places, but here are eight of our favorite locations to spend a summer in Canada.

1. Prince Edward Island

Canada ’s smallest province, Prince Edward Island is a delicious summer cocktail of sweeping coastal views, red sandstone cliffs, and pristine beaches blended with fresh maritime cuisine and welcoming towns.

While many of the island’s beloved sand dunes suffered severe erosion as a result of Hurricane Fiona in 2022, the opening of the Canadian Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation in St. Peters Bay provides reason for hope. Explorers can also enjoy the Island Walk , a 435-mile route opened in 2021. Circumnavigating the perimeter of the island, it takes in beaches, PEI’s red dirt roads, scenic viewpoints, and ocean paths. With 32 sections, it’s easy to jump on and off for a bit of exploration and culinary indulgence in foods like lobster rolls.

Where to stay

• Book now: The Great George

Plan to stay in Charlottetown? The Great George has 54 rooms and suites spread among 17 restored heritage properties in the city’s historic district.

In the summer, thousands of beluga whales head to the Churchill River Estuary.

Courtesy of Travel Manitoba

2. Churchill, Manitoba

It’s not only polar bears that are worth seeing in the “polar bear capital of the world.” In summer, 60,000 beluga whales—the highest concentration in the world—migrate to places like the Churchill River Estuary in Hudson Bay.

To get up close to the whales, it’s possible to kayak among the congenial creatures, but imagine being able to view them from beneath the water. Beginning summer 2023, visitors will be able to thrill at the animals’ subaquatic behaviors aboard the Matonabee , Lazy Bear Expeditions’ brand new vessel featuring 12 submerged windows. On a coastal boat tour, it’s possible to see many other local animals on the shore, such as Arctic foxes and Arctic hares. Polar bears can sometimes be seen, too, sunbathing on boulders, swimming in the water, or rolling in fields of wildflowers.

• Book now: Lazy Bear Lodge

Lazy Bear Lodge is a cozy log cabin made of timber reclaimed from a boreal forest fire and recycled wavy glass windows from a 19th-century Hudson Bay Trading Post.

The North Saskatchewan River has been important for the livelihood of the Indigenous people in the area.

Photo by Rita Petcu/Shutterstock

3. Métis Crossing, Alberta

Canada’s first major Métis cultural destination, Métis Crossing, is a gathering place and interpretative center for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people alike, the perfect place to foster cultural understanding and reconciliation.

Summer visitors can learn traditional Métis crafts such as beading, ribbon skirt-making or embroidering from Knowledge-Keeper Lilyrose Meyers. Outdoor activities include a guided visit to the wildlife park, home to elk, horses, and three types of bison; stargazing and Métis storytelling; or paddling in a replica Voyageur canoe down the North Saskatchewan River, just as Indigenous fur traders once did. It was also one of AFAR’s places to go in 2022 .

• Book now: The Lodge at Métis Crossing

Overnight guests can camp in traditional trapper tents or bed down in style at the Métis-designed 40-room boutique lodge , opened in December 2021. Beginning summer 2023, amateur astronomers will be able to contemplate the stars from the comfort of their beds in the new sky watching dome accommodations .

This summer, spend time in Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia.

Photo by Russ Heinl/Shutterstock

4. Halifax, Nova Scotia

Cities may not be top of mind for travelers seeking the great outdoors. Mild-weathered Halifax , however, is an exception to that rule. With gorgeous beaches (some with surf schools), provincial parks, and islands aplenty in and around Halifax, this city of 420,000 comes to life in summer.

These days, however, the former Atlantic backwater is upping its sophistication game as its foodie, wine, and craft brewery and distillery scenes grow. Recently, $200 million of private investment in the region brought a major makeover and expansion of the waterfront district. Unveiled in November 2021, the Queen’s Marque is a premier arts, dining, and shopping destination with world-class galleries and public art installations. Dining and drinking options include Drift , a refined, contemporary take on classic Atlantic Canadian dishes; Peacock , an intimate bistro and wine bar; Bar Sofia , showcasing Argentinian and Peruvian dishes; and Daryâ , a restaurant highlighting eastern Mediterranean flavors.

• Book now: Muir Halifax

An AFAR 2023 Stay List pick , the Muir Halifax is Atlantic Canada’s first five-star boutique hotel. It even offers guests private tours of Halifax’s coastline aboard its 36-foot yacht or high-speed 24-foot motorboat.

The Fundy Trail Parkway is part of the UNESCO-recognized Fundy Biosphere Reserve.

Photo by Nick Hawkins/Tourism New Brunswick

5. The Fundy Trail Parkway, New Brunswick

You’ve likely heard of Cape Breton Island’s Cabot Trail . But what about the Fundy Trail Parkway ? Built over a 25-year span and completed in 2021, the Parkway is not only a beautiful 18-mile drive along the Bay of Fundy’s rocky coastline but also a nature park. The park encompasses five beaches, four waterfalls, 22 miles of hiking and cycling trails, and almost two dozen scenic lookouts and observation decks.

Take a First Nations–guided walk in the bay’s tides (the highest in the world) to discover the history and culture of Wolastoq and Mi’kmaq peoples and learn about their stories and traditional medicines. Over at Cape Hopewell, wander the Hopewell Rocks, 600 million years old, and—if you dare—kayak among these astounding geological formations after dark—and at high tide—with Baymount Adventures .

• Book now: Beach Street Inn

Anchor yourself in the Bay of Fundy at the new Beach Street Inn in the small fishing village of St. Martin’s. The stay features homey touches like a terrace, a garden, and in-room fireplaces.

Part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain UNESCO World Heritage site, Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park features a mountain nearly 12,000 feet tall.

Photo by Alex Gorey/Unsplash

6. Kootenay Rockies, British Columbia

With three mountain ranges, six national parks, and 47 provincial parks, there is no shortage of natural beauty in the remote Kootenay Rockies of British Columbia, the first region in Canada to implement a community-driven strategy to build a clean transportation network in a rural setting. Mountain towns bearing names like Golden, Trail, Fernie, and Revelstoke are becoming increasingly trendy among alpine ski fanatics, backcountry skiers, hikers, and nature-loving creatives and the food scene has followed suit.

There is much for outdoor enthusiasts to do here: Go mountain biking on steep trails. Splash around waterfalls. Soak in hot springs. Spot birds and mammals by kayak or canoe in the water world that is the Columbia Wetlands in summer. Visit Boo, a 20-year-old orphaned grizzly bear, at the Kicking Horse Grizzly Bear Refuge .

In Golden, thrill seekers will appreciate Golden Skybridge , a new outdoor adventure park spread around the rim of a rock canyon. Opened in 2021, the park is home to two suspension bridges, the highest in Canada, dangling above a deep abyss.

• Book now: Heather Mountain Lodge ; Purcell Mountain Lodge

Get an immersive stay within British Columbia’s natural splendor and savor gourmet cuisine at Heather Mountain Lodge or Purcell Mountain Lodge —the latter only accessible by helicopter.

Especially with Niagara-on-the-Lake’s summertime activities, its proximity to Niagara Falls is only the beginning to this destination’s offerings.

Photo by Edward Koorey/Unsplash

7. Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

Ontario’s Niagara peninsula is home to the border-crossing Niagara Falls , but there’s more to the region than the natural wonder: sun-splashed rolling vineyards and award-winning wineries, the sandy beaches of Lake Erie, soothing spas, championship golf courses, scenic hiking and cycling trails, and pretty towns and villages. The crown jewel of these is Niagara-on-the-Lake, a town of 18,000 with boutique shops, lovingly maintained Victorian buildings, cast-iron planters cascading with flowers, and, of course, the acclaimed Shaw Festival .

Founded in 1962, the Shaw is an international destination for theater lovers. The season runs until November, with this year’s lineup featuring 13 plays, including The Playboy of the Western World , The Amen Corner , Prince Caspian , and The Shadow of a Doubt . The Spiegeltent, open only in summer, will run Mother, Daughter and The Game of Love and Chance . Another outdoor performance space will put on other shows and events.

• Book now: 124 Q Hotel & Spa ; Riverbend Inn & Vineyard

In the Old Town, try the newly revamped and expanded 124 Q Hotel & Spa . Housed in a Georgian mansion, the Riverbend Inn & Vineyard is a good bet for those wanting to be surrounded by vineyards.

The sweeping landscapes of Kamouraska are in eastern Quebec.

Photo by darengd/Unsplash

8. Bas St. Laurent, Quebec

Quebec is not only about Montreal and Quebec City . On the south shore of the St. Lawrence River lies the Bas Saint-Laurent (the Lower St. Lawrence), a distinctive maritime region east of Quebec City.

No trip along Route 132 is complete without a stop in Kamouraska. Dubbed le doux pays (“the sweet land”), by locals, Kamouraska is a picturesque tableau of meadows and farmlands sweeping down to the river, colorful Victorian homes with gabled roofs and wraparound verandas, and a main street lined with attractive boutiques and restaurants.

Also worth stopping for along the way are cities and municipalities like Notre-Dame-du-Portage, Saint-Pascal, and Sainte-Flavie, the gateway to the Gaspésie. Sainte-Flavie features the Centre d’Art Marcel Gagnon , a quirky art gallery whose exterior resembles a Gaudí confection. The beachfront, meanwhile, is the site of Le Grand Rassemblement ( The Great Gathering ), an art installation made of 80 concrete sculptures fixed into the water.

Whale watching is popular here. Tours are available from Croisières AML and depart from Rivière-du-Loup.

• Book now: Auberge du Portage

The Auberge du Portage resort has an outdoor heated saltwater pool, tennis court, a walking trail, and a patio perfect for drinks at sunset.

Canada in summer: Best places to visit in Canada in summer

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If you’re looking for an amazing summer destination, look no further than Canada! With its endless outdoor activities, beautiful scenery, and friendly locals, you’re sure to have a great time. Whether you’re interested in exploring the vast wilderness or hitting up some of the country’s top tourist destinations, the best places in Canada in summer will delight you! 

Canada has some of the world’s most beautiful scenery and a ton of festivals are being held all year round thanks to its multiculturalism. 

From the stunning Rocky Mountains in the west to the vibrant cities of Toronto and Montreal in the east, Canada has something for everyone.

Canada in summer welcomes you to many outdoor activities from hiking, and biking, to literary fests by the river banks – everything to make an epic summer vacation!

Canada in summer: Months, temperatures, and more

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Summer is the perfect time to visit Canada! The weather is warm and pleasant, and there are plenty of fun things to do. In this post, we’ll tell you all about the best places to go in summer in Canada as well as some useful travel tips to get your trip ready!

Let’s begin with the basics – months, temperatures, the possibility of rains, etc. 

Summer months in Canada: June , July , and August

Now the summertime in Canada is a beautiful thing. The sun is shining, the days are long and the temperatures are perfect for enjoying all that this great country has to offer. 

Canadian summers are generally warm or hot but can vary by region.

Summer temperatures : Average high temperatures generally range from 22 to 30 °C (71.6 to 86 °F) . In some of the interior destinations, it could also exceed 40 °C (104 °F).   

In most of Canada, it reaches its hottest point during July and August when temperatures often exceed 30°C (86°F). 

While humidity is at its peak in the summer months, it’s still very comfortable in most regions. 

Summers are also a rainy period in Canada. The wettest month is actually in the middle of the summer season in July. 

Why visit Canada in the summer? Why Canada is a great place to visit in the summer

There are plenty of reasons to visit Canada in the summertime! 

The weather is warm and welcoming, there are tons of outdoor activities to enjoy, and the cities come alive with festivities and special events. 

Here are just a few of the reasons why you should visit this amazing country this season.

If you like the outdoors, there are beautiful national and provincial parks with endless hiking trails. Canada is home to different natural wonders like the Rocky Mountains, Athabasca Glacier adventure, the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick, to the midnight summer sightings! 

Canada’s national parks provide many different activities such as canoeing, kayaking as Lake Louise in Alberta , or Emerald Lake in British Columbia ; and camping during the summer months. Canada has many lakes and rivers ideal for swimming. 

There are also lots of festivals and great local culture in every city. 

Canada celebrates its National Day – Canada Day – on July 1st, every year, and it is one of the biggest celebrations in all of Canada! The festive activities include art shows, food vendors, parades, and live entertainment at several different venues across the country. 

Then there are music, food, and literary fests in various provinces and Canadian cities like the Jazz festival in Montreal, the Greek food festival in Toronto, and the literary fest in Saskatoon – lots of things to choose from! 

So you see, there’s not a bad thing about Canada in the summer. The only downside is that you’ll want to stay for weeks and months on end! 

What to do in Canada in summer?

Canada is a wonder of nature waiting to be discovered. If you’re visiting a big city, check out what festivals are happening during your stay. 

Just about every city also has great neighborhoods for walking around in, so take advantage of the lovely patio weather and enjoy local delicacies and festivals! 

Toronto in summer

Toronto is one of the most popular destinations in Canada during the summer season. There’s always something going on, from music festivals to film screenings to street art tours. 

Here are just a few of the top things to do in Toronto during the summer:

• See the sights of Toronto’s downtown core on a Harbourfront Centre Waterfront Tour. The one-hour water tour lets you go behind the scenes of Toronto’s harbor to learn about its industrial past.
• Stop by St. Lawrence Market for some tasty treats and unique shopping. This market is home to some of Toronto’s best restaurants, so be sure to grab some tasty street food! Or hit the cool Kensington Market
• Take a stroll or bike ride through High Park. This large park has something for everyone, from playgrounds and hiking trails to ponds and gardens.
• Head to Nathan Phillips Square for some people watching and shopping. This popular square is home to a great selection of restaurants and shops, along with weekly events.
• Catch a concert or festival like the TD Toronto Jazz Festival (June), featuring multiple stages with dozens of artists from around the world!
• The popular Caribana festival (Toronto Caribbean Carnival) takes place in July and is a major Caribbean celebration featuring costumes, music, and live concerts over several days. 
• The Taste of Danforth Festival is one of the most exciting street festivals in all of Canada. This two-day celebration in August features over a million people walking the streets, enjoying multicultural food and live music.
• The Harbourfront Centre is located right on the shore of Lake Ontario and includes a variety of activities throughout the summertime (like cruises, picnics, and kayaking)

From Toronto, you can also embark on day trips to enjoy the mighty Niagara Falls or Niagara-on-the-Lake vineyards . 

At Niagara Falls, you can go ziplining, soak in views from the Skylon Tower, and enjoy a boat tour! 

For a laid-back activity, pack a picnic lunch and take a leisurely stroll along the Niagara River Recreation Trail.

The famous annual Shaw Festival takes place in Niagara-on-the-Lake, from April to December. This event brings together theatre performers from around the world, showcasing plays by or in the spirit of George Bernard Shaw. 

For epic weekend getaways from Toronto, head to Bruce Peninsula National Park and opt for camping or stay in style in a yurt. 

The Canadian Rockies in the summer: Banff National Park & beyond

The Canadian Rockies are home to some of the most spectacular natural landscapes in the world. Summers are a great time to visit for great hiking, camping, and backcountry experience. 

It is also an awesome time to enjoy an epic Canadian Rockies road trip when the weather is favorable for a drive, and you get epic views everywhere you go. 

Keep in mind, that this is also one of the peak seasons to visit the mountains, so do book your accommodation ahead of time!

Here are just a few of the top things to do when planning your trip:

• Enjoy a road trip from Banff to Jasper National Park via the Icefield Parkway with stops in Lake Louise, admire dramatic mountain peaks, and greet wildlife along the way. Banff is one of Canada’s best national parks for summer sightseeing!
• Visit Banff’s many hiking trails. There are tons of incredible trails around the area, so you’ll never run out of places to explore during your visit!
• Snap photos of Lake Louise. This pristine lake is surrounded by mountains on all sides – so you won’t be able to resist capturing photos of this picturesque destination! You can also go on a hike (Agnes Tea House).
• See the world-famous Banff Springs Hotel. This stunning hotel features jaw-dropping architecture and luxurious suites fit for royalty!
• Wander through Johnston Canyon before going on a guided tour of the Icefields Parkway. This famous drive is home to some of Alberta’s most spectacular mountain views!
• Enjoy a picnic or two by Lake Minnewanka, Two Jack Lake (Banff), or Pyramid and Patricia Lake (Jasper)
• Head to Vermilion Lakes for a leisurely canoe trip. 
• Go whitewater rafting along with the Kicking Horse River, perfect for both beginners and experienced rafters.
• Hike around Spray Valley Provincial Park. This park is home to a variety of wildlife, making it a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts during the summer months!
• Make your way to Yoho National Park in British Columbia , and enjoy canoeing on the stunning Emerald Lake.

Camping is one of the best ways to fully appreciate Canada’s wilderness areas. 

If you live near or are visiting Calgary, Alberta, then there are several campgrounds that are open year-round where you can enjoy views of some of the most majestic mountains on earth. 

Some of Canada’s Rocky Mountain campgrounds open in May and remain open until September or October depending on weather conditions.

Prince Edward Island in summer

Prince Edward Island is one of Canada’s most picturesque provinces – and one of its best-kept secrets! 

Here are just a few top things to do on this beautiful island:

• Go on a history walk of Charlottetown , and learn about its past. Visit one of the city’s many local art galleries, then relax over a cup of coffee or ice cream in the downtown area!
• Enjoy fresh oysters at the Tyne Valley Oyster Festival. This festival takes place every July-August in the Tyne Valley on Prince Edward Island.
• Take a day trip to Cavendish National Park. This coastal park features miles of beautiful beaches, making it one of Prince Edward Island’s most popular summer destinations!

Montreal in summer

Montreal is one of Canada’s most vibrant cities. It’s also home to some of the country’s best summer festivals, so you won’t want to miss out on these hot-weather festivities here!

• First off is the incredible Montreal International Jazz Fest (June/July). This world-famous festival features thousands of musical acts, ranging from well-known international stars to local up-and-comers!
• Go on a stroll in Old Montreal , and sit at the Plaza de Armas soaking in the sun!
• Climb up to Mount Royal viewpoint, and watch the sun go down over this beautiful city.
• Enjoy summer festivities and seasonal tours/events at the Old Port of Montreal
• Check out The Just for Laughs Festival (July). This world-famous comedy festival is full of fun, laughter, and big names in standup!
• Join the party at The Formula One Grand Prix race (June). Taking place over three days each summer, this event draws thousands of visitors from around the world!

Halifax in summer

Halifax is a vibrant, historic city with an incredible natural harbor. It also has a strong community spirit and lots of history–from its colonial days all the way up until now! 

So naturally, the best way to experience the beauty of Halifax in the summer is by exploring its landmarks. Plus you can also relish fresh seafood at every corner of this amazing city. 

• Head to Nova Scotia to enjoy the Halifax International Busker Festival. This top-notch festival has been wowing visitors with its incredible street performers. It runs for six days over Nova Scotia’s Natal Day long weekend at the end of July/beginning of August.
• Take a tour of the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site. This impressive fortress has been standing since 1749, making it one of Canada’s oldest attractions!
• Visit nearby Peggy’s Cove for incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean. This picturesque fishing village is one of Nova Scotia’s most popular attractions, so you’ll need to arrive early to avoid crowded roads.
• Check out Alexander Keith’s Brewery for a taste of Nova Scotia’s finest beer. This brewery is home to one of the oldest brew houses in Canada, so you’ll be able to enjoy quality brews that have been aged to perfection!

Calgary in summer

Calgary is one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities – and for good reason! With so much to see and do, it’s no surprise that Calgary is a great place to spend the summer.

• Check out the Calgary Stampede (second week of July)! This annual rodeo festival draws visitors from all over the world. Join in on daily parades, exciting midway games, and delicious food stalls galore!
• Spend a day at Calgary’s Heritage Park Historical Village. This living history museum features dozens of historical buildings straight out of western Canada’s past.
• Stroll through Prince’s Island Park, Calgary’s most beautiful riverside locale. This incredible city park is the perfect place to spend an afternoon by the river.
• Enjoy Canada Olympic Park attractions. This world-class park is home to one of North America’s most popular ski hills, and hosts a ton of events in the summer as well! 
• Visit Calgary Zoo, one of the finest in the province of Alberta
• The annual Calgary Folk Music Festival in July celebrates roots, world, and folk music with artists from around the globe performing on multiple stages across the river. This event is held at Prince’s Island Park! Here you may even find seasonal events and food trucks in and around the RiverWalk area in the summer.
• One of Canada’s largest festivals, GlobalFest in August celebrates worldwide culture with a series of fun family events. This event includes a multi-day international fireworks competition and over 100 different shows and activities!

Victoria in summer

Summer on the west coast of Canada is always a delight. Let’s start with the capital city of British Columbia. Located on Vancouver Island, Victoria is named after Queen Victoria of England, and it is one of Canada’s most beautiful and historic cities! 

Here are just a few of the amazing things to do in the summer,

• Take a walk through the ornate Parliament Buildings. You can join a free guided tour, or enjoy a nice picnic or a photoshoot on the grounds!
• Stop by the Empress hotel for a royal afternoon tea
• Head over to the Fisherman’s Wharf and eat some seafood, while enjoying the breeze
• Visit the world-famous Butchart Gardens. This jaw-dropping garden was established over 100 years ago and features an incredible variety of flowers and plants from around the world!
• Go on a whale watching tour from the harborfront of Victoria 

Beyond Victoria:  

From Victoria, you can also drive to Tofino and the Pacific Rim National Park. The drive is for 3.50+ hours, and it is known for its ancient rainforest, marine life, and varied ecosystem. Tofino is great to go surfing! 

You can go wine-tasting at the world-famous Okanagan Valley (fly or drive 8+ hours). This massive stretch of southern British Columbia is home to dozens of wineries, guaranteeing a great time for lovers of local vino!

Vancouver in summer

Whether you’re visiting Vancouver for business or pleasure, there’s always something new and exciting to do in the city!

• Wander around Vancouver’s Stanley Park. With 1,000 acres of lush greenery and beautiful landscapes, this is one of the largest parks in North America!
• Bike along the iconic Seawall of Vancouver 
• Enjoy the sun and sand at the Kitsilano Beach
• Check out Granville Island for quality shopping and delicious dining options galore.
• Visit the Sun yat Sen Gardens 
• Climb the Tree Tops or walk across the Capilano Suspension Bridge in North Vancouver
• Enjoy hikes at the Lynn Suspension Bridge
• Venture to nearby Grouse Mountain for some of the best views in all of Canada. This picturesque mountain is home to a small ski resort and countless hiking trails – and the view from the top is incredible!
• From Vancouver, Whistler is a 2-hour drive away. In the summer you won’t be able to ski but you can go mountain biking, hiking and enjoy the resort town, making it a perfect family vacation idea!

During the summer months, you can also enjoy music festivals in the city. More information here

Quebec City in summer

Canada is home to some of the world’s oldest and most historically significant buildings, and how about a city with a vibrant European flair? 

Here are just a few highlights:

• First, just get lost in the lanes of historic Old Quebec City. The European-style architecture makes this area feel like the streets of Europe, not North America!
• Stand at the impressive Citadelle de Québec in the heart of Old Québec City. A visit to this historic landmark is a must!
• Snap a photo of the iconic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac (this is the world’s most photographed hotel)
• Discover Canada’s rich history at Pointe-à-Carcy. This beautiful historic site features displays about what life was like for early settlers in Québec City, including a typical family home and a village shop.
• Every year in July, Quebec City celebrates an outdoor musical event, called Festival d’été de Québec. It is an 11-day festival that pulls in a lot of crowds and international musicians. 
• Located in Quebec City is Montmorency Falls, which is a perfect visit on a warm summer day! 

Winnipeg in summer

Winnipeg is home to some of Canada’s most incredible festivals in the summer months, but it also features plenty of scenic attractions and unique things to do!

• Spend a sunny afternoon at The Forks National Historic Site . Touring this site will give you a great understanding of how Winnipeg has changed over the years!
• Enjoy the exquisite artwork at the Winnipeg Art Gallery. This gallery is home to over 14,000 pieces of art, making it one of Canada’s biggest galleries!
• Go on a guided tour of the Manitoba Legislative Building. This beautiful building features an incredible dome ceiling and unique architecture that you won’t want to miss out on!
• Stay at The Fairmont Winnipeg hotel. This luxurious hotel is home to incredible amenities, including a spa and fitness center, plus delicious dining options!
• Take part in the celebrations – like the Winnipeg Folk Festival (July), Fringe Festival (July), Red River Exhibition, Íslendingadagurinn, or Icelandic Festival of Manitoba (which takes place in Gimli, an hour from Winnipeg) , to name a few. 

Saskatoon and nearby areas in Saskatchewan in summer

We lived in Saskatoon for 3.50+ years, and summers in the river valley were beautiful – that’s where we really enjoyed the little joys of life! 

Here is what to see and do in Saskatoon and nearby areas,

• The Saskatoon Pride Festival in June is a celebration of all aspects of diversity in the community, welcoming everyone to join in the festivities. The event includes a parade, live entertainment, and plenty of local food!
• Pack your sunscreen and head west for Saskatchewan’s Wanuskewin Heritage Park. This historical site features some of the oldest human settlements in Canada!
• Check out the Saskatoon Exhibition, Saskatchewan’s largest agricultural exhibition. Held every summer, this event features fun activities for all ages!
• Saskatchewan’s arts and literary festival called the Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan begins in early July and runs to late August every summer. This festival is set on the banks of the South Saskatchewan River. 
• Taste of Saskatchewan , an annual summer festival of food and fun!

Edmonton in summer

Edmonton is home to many family-friendly summer activities, including Canada’s largest outdoor farmer’s market! 

• The Old Strathcona Farmers Market in Edmonton features over 150 vendors selling locally grown fruits and vegetables, artisanal bread, meat products, and much more.
• The Edmonton International Fringe is a 10-day theatre festival that takes place in August/September. With hundreds of shows happening each day at multiple venues, this is the largest Fringe festival in North America!
• The Edmonton International Street Performers Festival (sometimes known as StreetFest) in July is one of Canada’s most unique festivals. This outdoor celebration features over 350 artists performing on Sir Winston Churchill Square in downtown Edmonton! Various forms of street performance art are celebrated throughout the 10-day event (including buskers/busking, dance, comedy, magic, and more)!

Cape Breton Island in summer

Cape Breton is an awesome place to visit in Canada in the summer. Visitors can enjoy hiking in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, swimming at stunning beaches, and biking on Cabot Trail.  

Plus, there are lots of events happening in Cape Breton through the summer months!

Cape Breton is located in the province of Nova Scotia. 

When in NS, you must visit the Fortress of Louisbourg, a historic site. This restored 17th-century French settlement features some of the oldest preserved buildings in Canada! It is also the first observatory in Canada (to stargaze and enjoy the dark skies in Canada in the winter).

Fundy National Park in summer

Fundy National Park, New Brunswick in the summertime is a sight to behold! 

Take in the fresh ocean air and enjoy one of New Brunswick’s many outdoor activities. There are hundreds of kilometers of trails for hiking, biking, or cross-country skiing. 

At the end of a long day, relax with a picnic by one of the park’s lovely lakes.

Ottawa in summer

Ottawa offers many different summertime festivals and events.

One of the highlights of summer in Ottawa is the Tulip Festival in May/June. This annual celebration features over a million tulips blooming at Commissioner’s Park, as well as other displays across the city!

• Many people visit Ottawa to take in the lovely scenery from Parliament Hill. Each summer, the Hill hosts a series of concerts and Canada Day celebrations. Visitors can also enjoy tulips, trees, and lovely gardens while taking in some spectacular views!
• The Rideau Canal is another highlight of Ottawa in the summertime. Thanks to the world’s longest skating rink (7.8 km or 4.8 miles), this UNESCO World Heritage Site attracts thousands of visitors each year even in the summer.
• The Ottawa Fringe Theatre Festival in June is a 10 day celebration of theatre! 
• The Ottawa Jazz Festival takes place in August. This celebration of music is held for 3 days and features dozens of artists from around the world.
• The Canada Day celebrations are Ottawa’s largest event taking place on July 1st. Locals and visitors alike take to the city for this national holiday to enjoy live entertainment, fun activities, and fireworks over the famous Parliament Hill!
• The Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival takes place in June and features teams paddling their dragon boats to the finish line. This exciting event also includes live entertainment, an international food festival, charitable activities, and more!

Yukon in summer

Many people come to Whitehorse Yukon to enjoy a number of outdoor activities including fishing, canoeing, and swimming. The weather during this time is also optimal for an epic road trip on the Alaska Highway. 

The Whitehorse Canada Day Celebration in July/August is one of the biggest events in all of Yukon! This free event features live entertainment, activities for kids, food booths, and fireworks at midnight.

The Yukon River is a wonderful place to go canoeing or for a refreshing swim in the summertime!

A must-visit is the Kluane National Park in summer. It is a true highlight of Canada’s natural beauty. Visitors are able to see wildlife, hike mountain trails and relax in the park’s serene atmosphere!

The Midnight Sun Festival held in June invites visitors to attend a wide range of events including concerts, theatrical shows, sports tournaments, and more. 

The Dawson City Music Festival takes place in July every year and showcases North American artists of varying genres.

Yellowknife in summer

Travelers visit Yellowknife year-round but there are plenty of great outdoor attractions during the summer months. 

The city features an excellent network of trails that visitors can use for hiking, biking, and walking tours. Hikers are rewarded with great views of the surrounding landscape!

While visiting Yellowknife, don’t miss a chance to travel to and explore Fort Smith! This charming village features friendly locals and lots of outdoor activities including biking, hiking, and camping on the Slave River. 

Summertime in the N.W.T. is a wonderful time to experience Canada’s north! Visitors can enjoy great outdoor activities, take part in exciting festivals and events and get a glimpse of local life up north.

What to pack for Canada in summer? Canada Travel Tips

Depending on where your summer is taking you, there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes time to pack for your trip. 

In the city, you’ll need comfortable clothes and shoes for exploring on foot. You’ll also want appropriate clothing for whatever activities you have planned, such as swimming or hiking. 

If your plans include camping, be sure to pack clothing suitable for hiking and cooking over an open fire. And don’t forget the bug spray!

If you’re spending your summer at the cottage, then you’ll need to pack for a mix of activities that include swimming, boating, and maybe hiking.

Along with your regular clothes, be sure to bring sturdy shoes or sandals for wading in the water.

Now, here is what you must pack for Canada in summer,

• Tops (shirts, blouses, etc)
• Dresses and skirts
• Bottoms (pants, shorts, etc)
• Lightweight waterproof jacket
• Light cardigan
• Walking and/or hiking shoes
• Moisture-wicking socks
• Toiletries (sunscreen, cold cream or moisturizer, etc.) 
• Electronic essentials
• Travel documents (visa, tour and hotel bookings, insurance, etc.)

All of the items are available on Amazon Prime so they can be at your door in two days or less!

Good To Know:

• Canada’s peak tourist season is in the summer. So expect crowds in popular destinations. We highly recommend booking flights, hotels, and tours ahead of time to avoid disappointment. 
• The best time for cottage rental is in July and August when the weather is at its most comfortable.  
• You can hang out/eat on the outdoor patio and balconies from June onwards throughout the summer. 
• There are farmer’s markets, farm side selling of berries, sunflowers, etc all set up in the summer months for people to enjoy. 
• You can easily spend a day exploring Canada’s major cities without once needing to use a car – multiple public transit options are available for getting around conveniently and affordably. Just make sure to keep hydrated and take advantage of washrooms whenever you’re able.
• Before heading out to camp, be sure all your gear is packed and ready to go. This includes items such as sunscreen, bug spray, a flashlight or headlamp (in case the power goes out), toiletries, water bottles, and plates.
• Canada’s major cities are home to a variety of free summer activities ! Check out what your city has to offer by searching online or asking at your local library. Concerts, outdoor cinemas, and festivals are all great ways to enjoy summer in the city.

Should you visit Canada in the summer?

Absolutely yes! There’s always something exciting going on in Canada during summertime.

Canada is home to countless incredible summer events and festivals each season. Make the most of your vacation time by attending some fantastic Canadian celebrations in the sun!

Summertime is the perfect time to visit Canada and enjoy all that this great country has to offer. From music festivals, and Canada Day celebrations to outdoor concerts and fireworks displays, there’s always something exciting happening in Canada during the summer months! 

So pack your bags and head on over for an unforgettable Canadian vacation experience!

Pin: Beautiful places to visit in Canada during summer

Mayuri Kashyap is an Indian Canadian traveler, writer and photographer based in Alberta. She moved to Toronto as a student in 2009, and has been calling Canada home ever since. She started the blog - Canada Crossroads - to share her travel and living experiences in the Great White North!

A History graduate and an MBA, Mayuri is a destinations marketing expert. She loves traveling with her husband, Salil and soaking in experiences across Canada, India and Europe.

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The Best Things to Do in Canada

How to Enjoy the Summer in Canada

August 30, 2020 By Matthew G. Bailey Leave a Comment

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Last updated: September 1, 2020

Summer in Canada might be short, but it’s also incredibly beautiful. Whether you’re looking to get outdoors or explore one of Canada’s world-class cities, the summer is the most comfortable time to visit. Summer in Canada is also the most popular time to visit, not only due to the pleasant weather but also due to the wide range of activities, including city tours, water sports, hiking, road trips and more.

However, this also means that summer in Canada is the busiest time to visit. Even though winter in Canada is remarkably beautiful, it’s also a much more difficult time to visit, due to the cold weather and the slippery roads. Most tourists visit during the summer to avoid the harsh weather and enjoy the super long days of a Canadian summer. This means that accommodation prices are often higher, tourist attractions are busier, and costs are generally more expensive all across the board.

Either way, a summer in Canada should not be missed. Whether it’s kayaking one of our millions of lakes, exploring our vibrant downtown cores, or simply enjoying a bright sunny day that doesn’t end until close to midnight, there’s a reason why both Canadians and visitors can’t wait for the warmer months to arrive.

Table of Contents

What’s the Weather like During Summer in Canada?

Officially, the summer in Canada runs from June 20th – September 22nd, but how warm it is will largely depend on where and when.

Depending where you go, it can be very hot. Canada is a land of weather extremes. Whereas the winter in Canada can be as cold as -40 Celcius, the summers can be as hot as +40 degrees Celcius. Some of the hottest regions around Canada include interior British Columbia, southern Alberta, and even major cities such as Winnipeg, Toronto, and Montreal. Coastal cities, such as Victoria and Halifax, are often milder in all seasons, which make them popular places to visit for those who don’t like high heat. Generally speaking, summers in Canada are either warm or hot.

The hottest cities would be places like Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Winnipeg, Calgary, and Vancouver. The prairies, such as southern Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba can be very hot in the peak summer months, whereas southern BC, such as Kelowna and Osoyoos, are some of the hottest regions in the country. In fact, they’re deserts! At the same time, the weather can fluctuate immensely on a day-to-day basis. Living in Calgary, I’ve seen 38 degrees Celcius one week and just 15 degrees Celcius the next week. But if you truly prefer milder climate, you’d probably prefer coastal cities such as Victoria, Halifax, and St. John’s – just to name a few.

One of the nice things about visiting Canada in the summer versus the winter is that you don’t need to prepare nearly as much. In the winter, you really need to make sure you have very warm clothing when exploring the outdoors, and when it comes to road trips, you need to be prepared to drive over snow and ice. The summers, however, are similar to everywhere else. Many days you’ll be able to get by with shorts and a t-shirt, but you’ll always want to have at least one sweater and some sort of jacket and/or rain jacket.

Canada is a massive country, so in terms of the best preparation, you’ll need to decide where you’re going first. The summer weather in the Yukon will be quite different than the summer weather in Ontario. Both will be nice but Ontario will certainly be hotter.

What are the Most Popular Summer Activities?

For those into the outdoors, summer is the best time to visit Canada. With the weather at its best, there’s a lot of outdoor activities going on, whether it’s hiking in the mountains or paddling around a lake. However, it’s also a great time to visit cities as there’s much more life in the summer with people walking around, many festivals, and more.

Home to more wilderness than practically anywhere else in the world, it’s no secret that Canada is a prime place for hiking. From coast to coast to coast, there are so many opportunities, including rugged coastal hikes, epic mountain hikes, incredible forest hikes, and so much more. You can hike in the badlands of Saskatchewan or hike to the summit of one of the Rocky Mountains . No matter what province you visit, there’s a hike worth doing.

Paddle Sports on the Water

With more water than any other country on Earth (we have 70% of the world’s freshwater and more coastline than any other country), there’s no shortage of opportunities for paddling, whether it’s canoeing, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding. Each and every province and territory has options for paddling. If it’s the ocean you’re looking for, you’ll want to go to British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, or Newfoundland. If its lakes, all provinces will have a plethora of opportunities. If you want to paddle around tall mountain peaks, head to western Alberta or the eastern side of BC where you’ll find the Canadian Rockies.

Just like paddling, there are many opportunities for getting out on a motorized boat as well, whether its in the ocean or on a massive lake. Whether you’re looking to rent your own or go on a tour, there are all sorts of possibilities across the country. Some examples include sailing in Nova Scotia, taking a cruise near Quebec City, and taking a boat tour on Okanagan Lake . These are just three of the hundreds of fun boating opportunities available.

Another popular way to enjoy Canadian water is to go white water rafting on one of the many incredible rivers across the country. We’ve done a fair share of rafting ourselves, including the Kicking Horse River in BC, the Bow River and Kananaskis River in Alberta, the Ottawa River in Ontario , and the Shubenacadie River in Nova Scotia . This is an exhilarating way to get outdoors and enjoy the natural scenery.

Whale Watching

With more coastline than any other country on Earth, there’s also a plethora of opportunities for whale watching in Canada . Whether you’re looking to see Humpback Whales, Orca Whales, Grey Whales, and many others, they can be found in many provinces from west to east. Vancouver and Vancouver Island are the best places to spot Orcas, whereas Quebec, Newfoundland, and Nova Scotia are great places to spot Humpbacks. However, most whales can be found throughout the country at various times throughout the season. You can even get up close and personal with Beluga Whales in Churchill , Manitoba. How cool is that?

Wildlife Sightings and Tours

Canada is a wild place and that means lots of wildlife as well. In fact, if you’re on a road trip, camping, canoeing, or hiking, you’ll most likely spot them on your own. For example, we always see elk when we visit Jasper, Moose when we visit Newfoundland, and Big Horn Sheep when we’re driving through the mountains. We’ve also seen bears around Nordegg , wolves near Radium Hot Springs, and deer almost everywhere we go. There’s also a plethora of wildlife tours and paid attractions. For example, we went on a grizzly bear tour from Campbell River on Vancouver Island, which took us up into the inlets of British Columbia to see Grizzly Bears eating salmon out of the river. We also spent the night with wolves near Montreal , Quebec. If you’re into seeing wildlife, Canada is the place to be!

Helicopter Tours

While helicopter tours also run during the winter months in some locations, the most popular time to go is during the summer when the weather is at its best. There are so many helicopter tours from coast to coast to coast, including helicopter flights over Niagara Falls , the Rocky Mountains, major cities such as Toronto, and so much more! It’s a really great way to see both cities and natural attractions, giving you a birds-eye view like no other.

Canada is wildly popular for fishing. After all, we have millions of lakes, hundreds of rivers, and more coastline than anywhere else on Earth. Whether you’re looking to catch a cod in Newfoundland, hook a salmon off the coast of Vancouver, or catch a variety of trout in one of the many lakes throughout the country, there’s no shortage of opportunities. Both cast fishing and fly-fishing are considered world-class.

Another popular activity is biking. This includes both road bikes and mountain bikes. For tourism, mountain bikes are often the most popular because most people want to enjoy biking on outdoor trails. You can rent bikes in most tourist destinations, as well as cities, allowing you to explore an area on your own or join a tour. One of our favourite places to rent a bike is in Vancouver, as we love to bike around Stanley Park. For the adventurous, you can also rent mountain bikes at many ski resorts, but you have to be quite skilled to mountain bike down a mountain without getting hurt. Regardless, whether you’re looking to peddle around a city or a forest, there’s something for everyone.

For those into golf, Canada has hundreds of world-class golf courses all over the country. Whether you’re looking to drive the ball while surrounded by the Rocky Mountains or putt next to the ocean, there’s a golf course for you.

Another popular activity, especially for locals, is tubing down the rivers that go through the many towns and cities. We live in Calgary and one of our favourite summer activities is tubing down both the Elbow River and the Bow River. But Calgary isn’t the only place to go tubing. It’s a very popular activity anywhere you find a relatively calm and safe river surrounded by beautiful scenery. Some of these places have now created rentals and tours for tourists, whereas others are completely local and would require you to buy a tube and go on your own. Perhaps you could join Meetup and find locals who will take you down. There are also Airbnb Experiences!

Summer Festivals

Perhaps one of the greatest things about visiting Canada during the summer is the vast amount of festivals spread out across the country. After all, Canadians only have about three months of solid summer weather and we like to enjoy it as much as possible. Whether you’re looking to witness one of the world’s biggest rodeos at the Calgary Stampede or enjoy one of North America’s premier Folk Festivals in Winnipeg, there is a festival for everyone.

Some popular festivals include:

• Montreal International Jazz Festival
• Quebec City Summer Festival (FEQ)
• Ottawa Blues Festival
• Just for Laughs Montreal
• Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival
• Calgary Stampede
• Winnipeg Folk Fest
• Canadian National Exhibition, Toronto
• Toronto International Film Festival
• Shambhala Music Festival, BC

Although city tours can be found throughout the year, they’re certainly much more popular when the sun is out and there’s no snow on the ground. Whether you’re joining a tour or doing your own self-guided tour around one of Canada’s great cities, the summer is the best time to do it. Stroll the streets of Old Montreal while munching on a bagel, walk around Old Quebec while admiring the only walled city north of Quebec, or walk along the seawall of Vancouver’s Stanley Park. No matter where you go, touring a city or a town during the summer is a wonderful thing to do.

Canada Summer Vacation Ideas

From coast to coast to coast, summer in Canada is home to a variety of unique experiences for each and every person who visits. It’s quite hard to give our favourite place, as we have so many, but here are some ideas below.

The Canadian Rockies

One of the most visited places in all of Canada is Banff National Park . Located just an hour away from Calgary, Banff and the surrounding area has been attracting people for a century. Once you see it, you’ll know why. Towering granite mountain peaks, bright turquoise lakes and rivers, and lush pine forests make for one of the most beautiful destinations on Earth. Throw in a smorgasbord of outdoor activities and one of the most famous road trips on Earth – the Icefields Parkway – and its easy to see why this place has become so popular.

Known as one of the most beautiful cities on the planet, Vancouver is a very popular place to explore. Why? Well, because it’s surrounded by both mountains and the ocean! This combination makes it such a beautiful city, unmatched in every way. It’s also one of the most densely popular cities in North America, which makes it feel alive with so many things to do, places to see, and an incredible array of restaurants and bars. Throw in the fact that you can get out on the ocean or go hiking in the mountains on the same day, and its easy to see why Vancouver is so sought after.

Vancouver Island

One of our favourite places to explore is Vancouver Island. There’s just so much to do, including both the charming city of Victoria BC and the incredible natural attractions the rest of the island has to offer. When we visited in 2017 during our 150-day road trip, we went on a grizzly bear sightseeing tour from Campbell River, went scuba diving in Nanaimo, went surfing in Tofino, had one of the most spectacular whale watching trips of our lives near Port Renfrew, and hiked the incredible cathedral grove. Throw in a delightful walk around Butchard gardens in Victoria, and you’ll see why Vancouver Island is such an incredible place to visit.

Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley

One of the most popular places in BC for Canadians to visit (especially Albertans) is Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley. Home to massive Okanagan Lake, Kelowna and area is a very popular place for boating. It’s also home to some of the best wineries in the country, making it a great destination for those who love the outdoors, love being on boats, and love sampling all sorts of wine.

Montreal and Quebec City

For those looking to get a taste of Europe within Canada, you’ll want to head to Montreal and Quebec City, two cities that are only a 3-hour drive apart. Montreal is the most cosmopolitan of the two, so if you’re looking for a big city with lots of shopping, epic nightlife, and a lively atmosphere, Montreal is bound to please. But Quebec City is also a great place to visit. Not only is it a UNESCO World Heritage site thanks to its walled city, but there are so many things to do around the city, including incredible whale watching in Tadoussac .

Newfoundland and the Maritimes

Newfoundland is easily one of our favourite provinces in all of Canada. We love it so much and try to go back every year or two. The people, the landscapes, the music, the food, and even the charming little houses are just so unique to the rest of Canada. It’s home to the oldest English-founded city in North America and is such an incredible place for outdoor attractions, including hiking, whale watching, fishing, and more. But even if you don’t go all the way to “The Rock”, the Maritimes are also an awesome place to visit, whether it’s partying in Halifax , paddling around Hopewell Rocks in New Brunswick , or eating your way through Prince Edward Island .

Northern Canada

Canada’s north, which we consider to be the Yukon , the Northwest Territories , and Nunavut are certainly best to visit in the summer. That’s not to say that the winter doesn’t present its own beauty and fun activities, but the summer is just easier and more predictable, especially if you’re hoping to do a road trip. Whether you’re visiting the wild-west-looking town of Dawson, driving the incredible Dempster Highway to Inuvik, or taking a once-in-a-lifetime Inuit tour in Nunavut, Canada’s north is about as wild as it gets.

Where Will You Spend Summer in Canada?

I hope by now that you have decided to experience the summer in Canada. The hardest decision will be where to go. Whether you decide to explore the popular cities of Vancouver, Montreal, and Toronto, or explore the vast wilderness, Canada is bound to become your favourite place for experiencing the warm sunny months from June – September.

Want more summer? Check out these articles below:

• Things to Do in Saskatchewan
• Interesting Facts about Canada
• Exploring Tuktoyaktuk 
• Things to Do in Winnipeg

About Matthew G. Bailey

Matthew G. Bailey is the founder and editor-in-chief of Must Do Canada. Growing up in Alberta to a mother from Quebec and a father from Newfoundland, Matt spent his childhood playing hockey under the Northern Lights and hanging out in the forest before moving to Calgary and travelling to more than 250 cities spanning 42 countries and 6 continents. He loves travel, learning new things, playing sports, writing, making videos, photography, and scuba diving. You can also find him at LiveLimitless.net .

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7 Best Places to Visit in Canada During Summer

I’m just back from my summer trip to Canada, and oh my gawd , it was beautiful to see in the sunshine. Berrr-utiful. 

This was actually my fourth time in Canada, which seems pretty crazy, but this was the time I fell in love with the country – maybe because this time, it was summer? 

Canada is well known for its winter slopes and ski jumps , but under all that ice and snow there are loads of amazing things you can see and do in the warmer months too. The real problem is working out just where, across that vast expanse of a country, to actually go and how to fit it all in.

Let me help… 

1. Montreal in summer

Fancy a little French twist to your Canadian vacation?

Montreal is the heart of the French-speaking region of Quebec and home to the country’s best servings of poutine. When you’re not walking the cobbled streets looking to line your belly with the fries and cheese curd dish, you can also tick off famous sites like the Notre-Dame, Montreal Biodome and Mount Royal.

Visiting this Canadian city in summer also means you can lay out on the Jean-Dore Beach, ride along Lachine Canal and make sure you’ve sufficiently piled on the pounds by grabbing gelato at the Atwater Market. I did an awesome food tour when I was here, which led me to some of the best falafel I’ve ever experienced. 

I’ve written an entire guide to how to spend a weekend in Montreal , click to check it out!

2. Toronto in summer

Toronto mixes city break with beach bum vibes and even has an area east of the city aptly named ‘The Beaches’ with four to choose from. From skyscrapers to sunbathing, jump on a tram downtown and quickly find yourself on Queen Street East where you can chill by the Lake Ontario shoreline, explore the hipster shops or listen to the sweet sounds of The Beaches International Jazz Festival.

Should you find yourself back in the city centre, look up an outdoor movie screening, head to one of the many food fests or simply walk the pretty waterfront.

I went for a meal up the CN Tower, the icon of the city. It was October when I was in Toronto, and the winds were definitely gale force. Made for an interesting dinner. The CN Tower rotates, so it’s the perfect way to get multi faceted views of the city.

I recently went back to the city (in 2021) and had a great time with my boyfriend exploring a weekend in Toronto with him.

Also, Niagara Falls! There are so many cool things to do around Niagara Falls from the Canada side, in the summer.

Fancy a Toronto to Nova Scotia drive ? Click the link for all the details you need.

If you’re looking for accommodation, check out the cosy units at  Precondo  in Toronto.

3. Muskoka in summer

A few hours north of Toronto, you’ll find what’s known as cottage country and it’s every bit as quaint as it sounds, making it the ideal place to unwind for a week.

Celebs have the same idea and flock to the Muskoka district to escape, but places like Wolf Den Nature Retreat Hostel and Dream Catcher B&B manage to make it affordable for the rest of us. Tick off the Muskoka lakes and waterfalls in parks like Arrowhead Provincial, Georgian Bay Islands and Six Mile Lake and, when you want to amp things up, try one of the many water activities like paddleboarding, waterskiing or canoeing.

I’ve not been here yet, but I definitely plan to be back in Canada one day soon and sounds like it’ll be a cool place to check out. Perfect combined with a trip to Toronto, right?

4. Whistler in summer

Over on the west coast, Whistler is everything for nature lovers. Just two hours north of Vancouver, this Pacific Coast Mountain location has you hiking the Valley Trail, rafting the Cheakamus River and even spotting bears. There’s also zip lining and jet boating, horse back riding and canoeing — enough activities to keep you busy for sure.

On my recent summery Canada trip I spent two nights camping here and loved, loved, loved the views, the lakes, the mountains and that sushi restaurant we went to in the centre of Whistler. Gonna dream of that for nights to come. So good.

Whistler is one of the most famous experiences in Canada , go experience it!

READ MORE: The Best Places to Visit in Autumn in Canada

5. Alberta in summer 

Make the childhood cowboy dream come true by heading to the ‘Texas of the North’. The western region of Alberta is home to part of the Rocky Mountains and when the sun is shining you can see them lasso in hand by doing the historic cowboy trail between the mountains and the Canadian prairie. Stay on a ranch, ride horseback and even catch a rodeo for that authentic outback experience.

Removing the hat, cram in some of the region’s other stunning places like Lake Louise, Banff and Jasper before stopping in the city of Calgary for the city’s zoo and Heritage Park. Alberta is where I spent most of my time on my recent trip, and I loved it. An absolute definite on the list if you’re planning on visiting Canada in the summer. 

6. Vancouver in summer 

Get all of the summer city vibes by alternating between Vancouver’s central hub of art and culture and the beautiful beaches of Spanish Banks and Kits Beach. You can also bike the likes of Stanley Park (bigger than NYC’s Central Park by the way), explore the art district of Granville Island or see the city from the water with a SeaVancouver tour.

For a different view, head half an hour east to Grouse Mountain where you can ride the gondola to the top of the peak and see the city below, or alternatively test your balance with a walk along the Capilano Suspension Bridge. 

I’ve been to Vancouver in both winter and summer, but it was my June visit that had me googling how I could live there. Honestly, sat down by the water on Granville Island, eating my Mexican dinner from the food market, it was just some of the best vibes I’ve ever experienced in a city.

There are loads of great things to do in Vancouver , but if you’ve only got 24 hours in Vancouver , I’ve got a guide for that too! Vancouver is a great place to pick up some souvenirs from Canada too.

7. The Yukon in summer

Now this one is the new dream for me, the Yukon. Get lost in the wild landscapes of Canada’s westernmost territory.

Here, in Canada’s smallest region, bears are thought to outnumber people and although that can sound scary, it’s totally tempered by the fact that places like Whitehorse, Miles Canyon and Kluane National Park are so beautiful in the summer.

READ MORE: 29 Things to Do in Whitehorse

But it’s not all about the nature, sacred to the aboriginals and steep in the story of the gold rush, you can get that dose of history with a visit to places like the Dawson City Museum and SS Klondike before unwinding in the natural mineral pools of the Takhini Hot Springs.

I went to Dawson City in Canada in the summer, for the Dawson City Music Festival . It was wonderful being so far north in the lands of the Midnight Sun. Although it did mean there was no end to the party, which was dangerous! 

Watch my video on YouTube  to see the West Coast in June!

Canada in summer

Seeing Canada in summer was incredible. I fell in love with the ranches in Alberta, the views in Whistler, the food and city of Montreal and the vibe of Vancouver. Canada has definitely moved up a few spots on my favourite countries list, and I hope you get to visit in the summer one day soon.

Related Posts:

• Where to Go for Your Summer Holiday 2024
• 8 Best Places to Visit in Spring in Canada
• Autumn in Canada: 11 Best Places To Visit
• 23 Interesting Facts About Canada to Know Before You Go
• Here’s What 8 Nights of Camping in Canada Was Really Like…
• Canada in Winter: 7 Best Places to Visit

Hi, I'm Vicky! I wrote this. You can find me on all the social media @VickyFlipFlop. I love a bit of adventure, will try anything once, and have a strong passion for the local food and drink, whatever it may be. I'm here to help inspire you to travel to places a little out of your comfort zone, or at least to explore the usual destinations in a different way. Stay, have a look around, and if you have any questions – let me know below.

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Top Places To Visit In Canada In The Summer

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Exploring Canada in the Summertime

When the summer sun graces the vast expanse of Canada, the country comes alive with a myriad of natural wonders, cultural festivals, and outdoor adventures. From the breathtaking Rocky Mountains in Banff National Park to the iconic cascades of Niagara Falls, Canada offers a diverse range of summer destinations that will satisfy every traveler’s desire for adventure and relaxation. In this article, we’ll explore the Top Places To Visit In Canada In The Summer months, ensuring you make the most of your trip while adhering to Google SEO guidelines.

Table of Contents

Why Visit Canada in the Summer?

Before we dive into the specific destinations, it’s essential to understand why summer is the perfect time to explore Canada. With pleasant weather, longer daylight hours, and a wide array of activities and events, Canada’s summer season offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a culture seeker, or an adventure lover, the Canadian summer has got you covered.

Banff National Park: A Summer Wonderland

Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park is a summer paradise. This UNESCO World Heritage site boasts pristine alpine lakes, majestic mountain ranges, and abundant wildlife. Hiking, canoeing, and stargazing in Banff are unforgettable summer experiences.

Niagara Falls: A Summer Spectacle

Niagara Falls is a must-see for any traveler to Canada, and summer is the ideal time to witness its full splendor. Take a boat tour, explore the nearby attractions, or simply enjoy the breathtaking views and cool mist from the falls.

Vancouver: The Perfect Summer Destination

Vancouver is a gem on the west coast of Canada. In the summer, the city becomes an outdoor playground with its beautiful parks, stunning beaches, and vibrant cultural scene. From Stanley Park to Granville Island, there’s something for everyone in Vancouver.

Prince Edward Island: A Charming Summer Getaway

If you’re a fan of scenic landscapes, quaint villages, and Anne of Green Gables, then Prince Edward Island is your destination. Explore rolling hills, red sandstone cliffs, and charming towns as you immerse yourself in the island’s unique culture and history.

Quebec City: A Taste of Old Europe in the Summer

Quebec City’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is like stepping into a European fairy tale. The summer streets come alive with street performers, outdoor cafes, and festivals, providing a unique blend of history and culture.

Toronto: Urban Adventures in the Sun

Canada’s largest city, Toronto, offers a diverse range of summer experiences. Visit the CN Tower, explore diverse neighborhoods, and attend summer festivals and events that showcase the city’s multiculturalism.

Atlantic Canada: Maritime Magic in Summer

Explore the maritime provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island. Discover rugged coastlines, historic lighthouses, and the warm hospitality of the East Coast.

Ottawa: Canada’s Capital in Full Bloom

Ottawa, the nation’s capital, is a delightful summer destination. Tour Parliament Hill, visit national museums, and enjoy the many festivals that celebrate Canada’s culture and history.

Jasper National Park: A Summer Wilderness Retreat

Adjacent to Banff, Jasper National Park offers a more tranquil and pristine wilderness experience. Go hiking, wildlife watching, and stargazing in one of Canada’s darkest sky preserves.

Montreal: Summer Festivals and Flair

Montreal is renowned for its lively festivals, including the Montreal Jazz Festival and Just for Laughs. Enjoy the city’s culinary scene, explore historic Old Montreal, and embrace the summer festivities.

Planning Your Ideal Canadian Summer Adventure

Canada in the summer is a diverse and exciting destination, offering a wide range of experiences for travelers of all interests. From natural wonders to vibrant cities, this vast country has something to offer everyone during the warm summer months. Start planning your Canadian summer adventure, and remember to use Google SEO best practices to ensure your travel research is informative and easily accessible to others.

By following these headings and the provided content, you’ll have a comprehensive blog article that not only highlights the top places to visit in Canada during the summer but also adheres to Google SEO rules while using easy-to-understand language. This approach will help your article reach a broader audience and provide valuable information to potential travelers.

Click here for more visited Posts!

Canada Tourist

Veer Josan is an experienced graphic designer and digital marketer with a passion for traveling and blogging. For over 15 years, he has been sharing his adventures and offering helpful tips for fellow travelers. Combining his professional skills with his love for exploration, Veer's relatable and informative blogs have gained a loyal following of readers who enjoy learning about new destinations and experiences from his unique perspective.

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Summer in Canada: The Best Places to Visit

Canada is the world’s second largest country in terms of land mass, and is home to a diverse natural breathtaking landscapes. From the snow covered mountains in the West, expansive Canadian prairies, to the thunderous ocean tides in the East. Canada in the Summer offers inspiring locations to visit and explore which create amazing Canadian road trips opportunities.

I wear the Maple Leaf on my clothing and love the colour RED , and will tell anyone that I am proud to be Canadian which is why I thought it was important to start teaching my daughter while she is young about the great country she was born into and allow her to experience the The Best Canada Family Travel Ideas . 

Discover new and exciting places within our own backyard and explore the scenic and majestic wonders that this amazing country offers. From coast to coast we have included a location from every province making sure to offer you the Best Places of Canada to visit during the summer months.

Checkout this Canada Packing Listing for All Seasons to make sure you have everything you need!

Table of Contents

Places to visit in Canada during Summer – Your Guide to Canadian Travel

Canada has limited warm weather, so Summer is the best time of year to explore the amazing outdoor adventures in Canada. Outdoor travel in Canada is a must during the Summer Season. From the West Coast to the East Coast, you are sure to find an amazing outdoor experience to enjoy the natural landscape of the beautiful country of Canada.

So plan your next adventure using our guide and get out and explore some unique and incredible places that Canada has to offer this summer.

What is the weather like in Canada in the Summer?

June to August is the best season to visit Canada as it offers the best weather for outdoor fun from kayaking, camping, treetop trekking, hiking beach days, local attractions, and much more! Canadian love to be outside in the summer months of June to August and enjoy varying levels of humidity and temperatures. Temperatures in Canada in the summer range from 60-95 ° F (16 ° C-35 ° C).

When does Summer Start in Canada?

Summer officially starts on June 21st in Canada and we consider the months of June to August to be Summer in Canada. July is the hottest month of the Summer in Canada, and overall the hottest month of the year for most parts of Canada.

Who knows how to explore Canada in Summer better than locals who have experienced it?

Get Ready for the Best places to Visit in Canada Summer, as we explore the best activities and where to stay to help you to plan the ultimate trip to visit locations in Canada this summer.

North America offers lots of tourism cities perfect to visit with kids for a family vacation. Whether you are looking for a 24 hour stop, a stay cation, or inspiration for a long weekend trip then leave it to our local experts to give you great travel advice. We include travel ideas that can be long road trips, a quick weekend away or a longer vacation that requires a flight within Canada this summer.

All of our advice is written by locals who have visited the locations themselves and experienced what they are suggesting. Our locals help uncover amazing experiences, top exploration tips and give advice you won’t find in your traditional city guide books. So why not plan a trip to one of these amazing places to visit in Canada for a summer vacation!

A Map of the Beautiful Places to Checkout this Summer in Canada

Most beautiful places to visit in Canada during the Summer

• Lake Louise. Alberta

Banff, Alberta

Ice fields parkway, alberta, 1000 islands, ontario, tofino, british columbia.

• Chetichamp, Nova Scotia

Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia

Cavendish, prince edward island, whitehorse, yukon.

• Fort Providence, North West Territories

Magdalen Islands, Quebec

• Quebec City, Quebec

Montreal, Quebec

• Eastern Townships, Quebec

Alma, New Brunswick

Grasslands national park, saskatchewan.

Lake Louise, Alberta

Lake Louise is found in the heart of Banff National Park , Canada’s oldest National Park, and is one of the best places to visit during the summer in Canada.   Tourists have been flocking to the shores of Lake Louise since the late 1800s when the first hotel was erected and visitors continue to make the journey to Lake Louise to this day.  Of the many activities you can do in Lake Louise in summer, the undoubted highlight is canoeing on Lake Louise . The iconic red canoes allow you to discover every corner of the magnificent glacier-fed lake – it really is a once-in-a-lifetime experience within the Canadian Rockies.  On top of canoeing, Lake Louise is also home to a number of magnificent hikes and walks. Hiking to the famous Lake Louise Teahouses during the summer months cannot be missed. The Teahouses themselves offer a selection of over 100 different varieties of teas as well as some of the best chocolate cake found anywhere in Alberta.  Summer is also the best time to visit Lake Louise if you are itching for a glimpse of their most popular residents – the Grizzly Bear. Lake Louise Ski Resort is open throughout the summer months and the sightseeing gondola ride offers you the best chance of seeing the majestic animals grazing in the meadows below the Gondola.  Lake Louise is certainly one of the best places to visit in Canada and never is this more apparent than in the summer. Checkout our Full Guide to the Best Places in Alberta to Visit with Kids .

The Icefields Parkway is the main highway that runs between the Town of Banff and the Town of Jasper, in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains. It is the perfect place to visit during summer in Canada. Here, you’ll find so many incredible places to stop along the way , including famous lakes, hikes, and amazing views. 

Some of the most noteworthy places to stop are the Peyto Lake Viewpoint, Bow Lake, the Columbia Icefields, and Sunwapta Falls, although there are many others and you will be tempted to stop at them all! Learn more about all of the Best Places to Visit in Alberta!

If you’re interested in hiking, complete the Parker Ridge Hike along the way. It is a relatively short hike that will provide you with views of the surrounding mountains in one direction, and the Saskatchewan Glacier in the other. You’ll even see some wildflowers on the trail here during the summer months!

Summer is the perfect time to drive the Icefields Parkway as the snow will have melted, wildflowers will be out, and the waterfalls and lakes will be thawed, meaning if it’s too hot out you can take a glacial dip. This road is rated as one of the most beautiful drives in the world, and therefore it cannot be missed during summer in Canada!

Summer truly is one of the best times to visit Banff National Park. The extra long days and warm temperatures offer up plenty of activities that allow visitors to get the most out of the spectacular mountain scenery.

It’s the best time to visit the stunning mountain lakes, whether it’s by hiking to a lake or getting on the water. Moraine Lake, one of the most visited places in Banff National Park, is a fun place to go for a canoe in Banff. Lake Louise also offers visitors an opportunity to canoe below towering mountains.

For travelers who enjoy water sports, there are several lakes for  stand up paddle boarding in Banff National Park  and the surrounding area. Johnson Lake is a small lake that’s perfect for an easy paddle and even a swim on an extra hot summer day. Nearby Two Jack Lake and Minnewanka Lake are ideal for more experienced paddlers since they are larger and the wind can get quite strong.

Canmore is a neighboring mountain town, a short 20 minute drive away, that has more options for stand up paddleboarding either at Quarry Lake or on the Canmore Reservoir. Quarry lake, like Johnson Lake in Banff, is a great place to have a picnic, let kids play on the small beach and even go for a swim.

With plenty of options for getting out on the water, the only challenge travelers will have is choosing where to go. Checkout our Full Guide of the Top Things to do with Kids in Banaff!

If you are travelling anywhere within southern Ontario, you’re only a short distance from some of the most beautiful vistas in the province. The  1000 Islands  are the perfect place for outdoor summer adventures, on land or on the water.

Paddle Around the 1000 Islands on a Kayaking Adventure

One of the most iconic outdoor activities to do in the 1000 Islands with kids , is to go on a kayaking adventure.  1000 Islands Kayaking  provides guided kayaking tours that are beginner-friendly. Choose from either full or half-day tours, overnight kayak/camping adventures, or self-guided kayak rentals. 1000 Islands Kayaking provide guests with all the gear necessary, including dry bags, lunch, snacks, water, and safety equipment. Spend the day paddling around the islands, admiring the million-dollar cottages, natural coves, and the beauty of the area.

Go for a Hike in Thousand Islands National Park

Thousand Islands National Park is made up of several properties including a few islands and three spaces on the mainland, where numerous trails can be found to suit all types of hikers. Landon Bay is the most popular area for hiking in Thousand Islands National Park, offering easy hiking trails with incredible views. The Lookout Trail, at only 0.5 km from the parking lot, provides visitors with spectacular views of Landon Bay and the 1000 Islands in under half an hour. The Jones Creek Trails are also quite popular. The trails are short and relatively flat, but still have incredible views of old-growth forests, wetland habitats, and the surrounding waters.

In British Columbia, Tofino is a popular surfing spot and truly spectacular sunsets. The area’s natural beauty is a big draw, with rain forests, mountains, and beaches nearby. The best time to visit is during the summer when the weather is at its warmest and driest. Tofino has plenty of things to do, whether you’re looking for an adventurous outdoor experience or a more relaxing getaway. For nature lovers, there are hikes and kayaking trips to be enjoyed, while those who prefer something a bit more exciting can go surfing, whale watching, or storm watching. The Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is also located in the area and offers visitors a chance to learn more about the region’s ecology and history. In addition, there is a popular hike to the Canso Plane Crash site, but don’t wear your best shoes as the trail can get quite muddy. Tofino is also home to  some great restaurants  and bars, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a meal or a drink after a day out exploring. Wolf in the Fog is the most popular restaurant in Tofino and requires reservations months in advance, especially during spring and summer. So if you’re looking for an unforgettable Canadian adventure, be sure to add Tofino to your list!

Checkout our Full List of Weekend Getaways from Vancouver! Or if you have some extra time in the area checkout our ideas for How to Spend 48 Hours in Vancouver with Kids!

Cheticamp, Nova Scotia

Chéticamp is a traditional fishing village on the famous Cabot Trail, that’s known as a worldwide leader in preserving Acadian culture. If you’re wanting to explore Cape Breton in the summer, then Chéticamp, Nova Scotia is the perfect spot to spend a few days. There’s lots to see in the village itself, and it’s conveniently close to great hiking trails, beaches, and the Cabot Trail. Summer is the best time to visit, because from June through to the end of August the weather is the warmest it gets, and there is less chance of rain. Chéticamp is located just outside the west coast entrance into Cape Breton Highlands National Park. This makes it the perfect home base for going on day trips into the park to go hiking, explore the coast, and admire the forest, mountains, rivers and valleys of the Cape Breton Highlands. In the village of Chéticamp, you’ll find plenty of restaurants (including Seafood Stop, which has the best lobster!) as well as Les Trois Pignons , a museum where you can learn more about Acadian history and culture. Be sure to also stop by the Museum of the Hooked Rug and Home Life to learn about rug hooking, a tradition that originates in the area, and has been done since as far back as the 1930s.  

Few places in Canada compare to the beautiful Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia. Known as Atlantic Canada’s richest agricultural region, you’ll find thriving orchards, vineyards, and fields in the summertime, nearby the world-famous Bay of Fundy. From Halifax, drive west on Highway 101 through the valley—from Windsor to Digby.

The Annapolis Valley is truly an outdoor lover’s paradise. Hike Cape Split for an iconic half-day adventure on the upgraded 16-km loop. Witness spectacular views from the established lookouts over the Minas Basin and Scots Bay. Cape Split’s trailhead is about an hour from Wolfville. Don’t miss the best view of the valley at The Lookoff along the way.

Did you know you can explore the Annapolis Valley on your bike? The 110-km Harvest Moon Trail follows an old rail bed through the valley, beginning at the Grand-Pré National Historic Site. Enjoy refreshment at the Annapolis Cider Company in Wolfville or get your caffeine fix at Berwick’s North Mountain Coffee. You’ll want a mountain bike for this rugged journey. 

How about exploring the valley from the water? Grab your canoe or kayak and paddle along traditional Mi’kmaq territory on the Annapolis River. Through forest and farmland, start in Middleton and overnight at the Bridgetown Family Camping. The next day, continue on to Dunromin Campground for a pleasant stay not too far from Annapolis Royal.

The Annapolis Valley’s weather ranges from 20-25°C during the day in the summer, with the odd 30-degree high. When the temperatures rise, head to one of the many beaches for that cool sea breeze. You’re never more than 60 km away from the ocean anywhere in NS! Visit in July or August for your best chance to miss the rain.

One of the best places to visit during the summer in Canada is Prince Edward Island. From the rolling fields, wide open spaces, endless beaches, campgrounds, National parks, and seafood galore, PEI is an outdoor lover’s paradise.

Prince Edward Island is a small island in eastern Canada, the smallest province in the country. A scenic island, PEI is home to rolling hills, long beaches, red cliffs, and fresh seafood. From tip to tip, the island is approximately 225 km long. One of the best ways to experience Prince Edward Island is by road trip. You can explore the whole island or choose to road trip around only part of the island.

For a single-day road trip around central PEI, start in Charlottetown. Visit the farmer’s market, try fries from a fry truck, and grab ice cream from the famous Cow’s Creamery. From Charlottetown, head to Cavendish, where you will find the Green Gables Heritage Place and red sand beach within Prince Edward Island National Park. Once done, head to Northern Rustico for a delicious seafood dinner on the coast. Complete your day by heading back to Charlottetown. 

Despite its small size, PEI offers a variety of activities, including bicycling the Confederation Trail, exploring small towns, and seeing the iconic red cliffs in Cavendish at Prince Edward Island National Park. A must-try food in Prince Edward Island is fries made from fresh-cut PEI potatoes, especially from a fry truck; they are delicious. 

Cavendish, PEI is a great place to visit in the summer. There are plenty of things to do, and the weather is always nice. You can go to the beach, go to one of many entertainment venues, or visit some of the local attractions. The people are friendly and welcoming, and there is always something going on. I would highly recommend visiting Cavendish in the summer! People come to visit Cavendish in the Summer to enjoy beaches and breathtaking scenery, and for world class lobster dishes. Cavendish, Prince Edward Island is the summer capital of Prince Edward Island. Tourists flock to this small town on the north shore of the smallest province in Canada. Cavendish is world-famous as the setting of Anne of Green Gables and Lucy Maud Montgomery’s novels. You can visit the home that inspired Green Gables, called the Green Gables Heritage Place. You can learn all about the life of Lucy Maud Montgomery in the once small farming community. If you are a fan of the books you will love visiting this site. Golf lovers will also enjoy playing a scenic round on the Green Gables Golf Course as they enjoy the view of the sand dunes in Prince Edward Island National Park and enjoy the ocean breeze as they play this challenging course among the beautiful Canadian landscape. Cavendish has one of the best beaches on the island, and one of the best beaches in Canada. Cavendish Beach is a long, wide, sandy beach that is great for swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, and beachcombing and is often very busy during the summer months of June, July and August. The waves are usually gentle and there are lifeguards on duty in the summer. If you enjoy water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, sea-doos or para-sailing then head to the Cavendish pier to rent some water sports equipment. Plus get some fabulous island ice cream at “ Cows Creamery ” on the Cavendish Boardwalk. If you are looking for some more fun you can go to a water park, mini-golf, or a mini amusement park. Don’t forget to stop at visit Prince Edward Island’s oldest lighthouse Point Prim Lighthouse .

There are numerous incredible parks and beaches to visit during the summer in PEI. Whether you choose to laze around at Cedar Dunes Provincial Park and play on a red sand beach (right next to the haunted West Point Lighthouse !), listen to the sand sing to you at Basin Head Provincial Park, or take a 700-metre floating boardwalk through parabolic sand dunes to soft, white, sandy beaches at Greenwich Beach, there are endless options to enjoy PEI’s 1100 km of coastline. Prince Edward Island has beautiful summer weather and Cavendish is the best part of the island to spend it! Summer is the best time to visit as the weather is optimal for outdoor activities, beaches are swimmable, and PEI is at its finest. Something about the summer brings out the best that PEI has to offer. Prince Edward Island is a fun summer destination for all ages. 

Summer is prime time to visit for lobster season – so if you love seafood, you’re in luck! From restaurants in downtown Charlottetown to seaside shacks, there are endless options to have lobster any way you want it. If you’re an early riser, you can even catch the fishermen leaving the harbour at dawn with their lobster traps; it’s quite a sight to see! The best spots to watch this are at Malpeque Harbour and North Rustico Harbour.

Whether you choose to lay on the beach enjoying the sunshine and ocean breeze, finding lonely lighthouses, strolling through charming Charlottetown, or relaxing at one of the many campgrounds, there is no shortage of outdoor fun in Prince Edward Island during the summer.

If you plan on making your way to the Yukon, the northwestern territory in Canada, you will at some point pass through Whitehorse. Whitehorse is not only the capital city of the Yukon but also the main transport hub. Although you can visit Whitehorse any time of year, summer is the best time to fully take advantage of its outdoor activities. Known as the “Wilderness City”, there is no shortage of places to explore. Adventure seekers can paddle the Yukon River or hike and bike the more than 700 kilometres of marked trails. There are camping and overlanding opportunities at sites and in the backcountry. Animal lovers and families will love exploring the Wildlife Refuge, which offers a look at many local species that have been rescued or are being rehabilitated. Downtown Whitehorse has much to offer as well. This bustling Capital City isn’t all business, there are many historic buildings, museums, boutique shops and restaurants to discover. Summer is the only time to head to Shipyards Park and experience an artisan market. Here you can pick up a jar of Fireweed Jelly, which is a local favourite made from Yukon’s flower Fireweed. Fireweed can be seen growing all over the Yukon, Whitehorse included. Kids will love touring the S.S. Klondike, a retired paddlewheeler seen next to the Yukon River as soon as you enter Whitehorse. Learn the history of these amazing ships and their importance in the Yukon before highways and roads were built. Hotels are plentiful in the downtown area, but be sure to book your summer accommodations early, as they can fill up. Few cities offer untouched wilderness and modern amenities but Whitehorse in the summer has it all. If your in the Yukon, I encourage you to checkout Dawson City with Kids .

Fort Providence, North West Territories:

The Mackenzie River is well known for its amazing freshwater fishing. The North West Territories is a vast land, with a small population.  The Northwest Territory is located several hours from Northern Alberta but it is worth the drive to enjoy the beautiful rugged Canadian landscape. Fort Providence is a small community of just over 700 people. Small in size, this community is primarily inhabited by the Dehcho First Nations. The beauty of this community is in the people, the rugged land, and the amazing fishing opportunities. Recently a 1.1-kilometer bridge was constructed that spans the Mackenzie River at the entrance of Fort Providence. The Deh Cho Bridge replaced a ferry that was used to cross over, as well as an Ice Bridge. Before the bridge was constructed, the community would be without a road out of their community for 3-4 weeks out of the year. During this time, all supplies had to be flown in.  Wild bison are a common sight on roadsides around the community. These amazing and enormous beasts are listed as a threatened species in the NWT. If you desire to see Bison from your vehicle, Fort Providence is a great place to go.  The primary reason many people visit Fort Providence is for the Jackfish and Pickeral fish. The best fishing usually happens immediately after ice breakup (usually the beginning of June), and in July.  Fort Province has several campgrounds where fishing is allowed from the shore.  Enjoy crossing the bridge, and seeing the harsh beauty of an uncorrupted land. This land is completely under frost and snow during the spring, winter, and fall months so summer is the best time to go.

Situated in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, the Magdalen Islands (Îles de la Madeleine) are somewhat of an anomaly. The windswept archipelago is part of the province of Quebec but is geographically closer to the maritime provinces of Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia. 

A summer cruise service operates from Montreal, but the most popular approach is to take the daily year-round ferry service from Souris, Prince Edward Island to Cap-aux-Meules, the administration centre and largest settlement on the islands. Enjoy live Acadian music during the five-hour crossing; the prospect of seeing whales adds to the appeal. 

The six main inhabited islands are stitched together by dunes, bridges, and causeways. Route 199 stretches 100 kilometres from Île du Havre Aubert at the southern tip to Île de Grosse Île. 

The islands are a haven for cyclists, foodies, hikers, and windsurfers. Cyclists are welcome, as evidenced by extra wide shoulders reserved for cyclists on Route 199, lockable storage sheds at overnight accommodation, bike parking racks, and shuttle services with bike carriers. Several cycle shops offer bike rentals and stock a range of cycling gear. Tourisme Îles de la Madeleine describes several cycling routes on its website and sells an official cycling map at the tourist information centre in Cap-aux-Meules.

To make the most of a  visit to the Magdalen Islands , make the tourist information centre your first stop for information on events, where to eat, and opportunities to learn about Acadian culture, history, and music. Don’t miss La Grave at Havre Aubert, site of the first Acadian settlement. Musée de la Mer des Îles de la Madeleine overlooking the settlement is superbly curated. For a top-notch dining experience, enjoy a range of culinary delights from the impressive menu of Les Pas Perdus in Cap-aux-Meules.    

Summer is the perfect time to visit Montreal! The city has more than 30 festivals to attend, everything from International Jazz fest to the Osheaga, Montreal’s take of Coachella.

If music is not your thing, then, we also have a Just for Laugh festival where you can see your favourite stand-up comedians, Comicon, several film festivals, and circus, theatre and dance festivals. The majority of the festivals are FREE and take place at the Places des Festivals (Quartier des spectacles), a downtown area designed specially to hosts events all-year-round. Montreal is also famously known for being the home of Cirque du Soleil, and often runs shows in the summer under the big tent.

If you visit Montreal in the Summer, be sure to check out the Port of Montrel known as Old Montreal that is home to many shops, and amazing bars, restaurants and outdoor patio or terraces, for visitors to enjoy! Montreal has a pretty neat history in regards to the Prohibition Era and is still home to some secret speakeasies such as The Coldroom, Clandestino or Nhau Bar. Visitors can also checkout neat attractions Downtown Montreal such as the Grande Roue de Montréal which stands as Canada’s largest observation wheel and offers an aerial view of the City. Or you can simply stroll along the river or rent a bike and checkout the local heritage buildings in Port Montreal and learn about its vibrant history in the Fur Trades.

Another great reason to visit Montreal during summertime is that Montrealers love to spend time outside whether it is doing a picnic at the park or at Mount Royal. If your adventourous and enjoy the outdoors you may be interested in checking out the Zipline, Pirate Theme Park, Ropes Course, and Labrinth Escape room that are all close to each other in Old Montreal.

The summer months are also the best time to go shopping as there are several street fairs throughout the city with great deals! The city is also the host to international events such as the F1 Montreal Grand Prix or The Loto-Québec International Fireworks Competition where you can see breathtaking fireworks! If you like theme parks, then a visit to La Ronde is a must-do!

If you have kids or are an animal lover I highly recommend checking out Ecomuseum Zoo which showcases local animals found in Quebec in their natural setting. Ecomuseum Zoo provides ” a natural and environmentally-responsible environment, and a close-up look at Québec’s many animal species”. When we visited last summer my daughters favourite animals was the river otter, as they had a very cool exhibit that allows you to view the otter above and below the water and even has a tube that kids can crawl through that runs through the tank. Ecomuseum is located about 30 minutes from Downtown Montreal. Montreal is a vibrant Canadian City offering so much for tourists of all ages to enjoy and explore!

Exploring the Eastern Townships of Quebec in Summer

Quebec’s Eastern Townships region are located only 1.5 hours from Montreal, or 3.5 hours from Ottawa. They’re the perfect getaway in the summer in Canada. That’s when the outdoor spaces are best enjoyed, no matter what you’re looking to do. 

Some of the best towns to stay in are Orford, Magog, Coaticook, Sutton and Eastman. They offer great choices of accommodations, from hotels, cabins and even campgrounds. 

Warmer weather means you can enjoy some of the best beaches in Quebec. The Eastern Townships have beautiful beaches sprinkled all around the cute towns. Magog, Orford, Lac Brome, Coaticook and so many others have lovely beaches where you can cool down from the summer heat. 

Another great thing to do in the summer in Canada’s Eastern Townships is to go hiking. This region has four different national parks to choose from, each offering something different. The best one, with the most hikes and beaches all in the same area is the Mont-Orford national park. But there are many other free hikes in the area as well, like Mount Pinnacle. 

If you’re looking to relax, you’re in luck, because the Eastern Townships are home to some of the best outdoor spas. You can enjoy Scandinavian style pools and treat yourself to a massage. 

If you prefer enjoying amazing wine and cheese, the Eastern Townships have you covered. There is a wine route that will take you to stunning vineyards where you can taste their offering. You can also grab some local artisanal cheeses along the way, for the perfect 5-à-7 treat. If you’re not too much into wine, there is also a microbrewery route where you can try the best locally crafted brews. 

Whether you’re looking for adventure, time spent in the great outdoors, a relaxing or a foodie getaway, the Eastern Townships have some of the best things to do in the summer in Canada.

Quebec City

Québec City, located on the St. Lawrence River, is the capital of the Canadian province of Québec.  Québec is mostly French-speaking and is one of Canada’s easternmost provinces.    

Summer is the perfect time to explore the open-air attractions of Old Québec, the historic center of Québec City.  Old Québec is one of the most intact fortified towns in North America, and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Aficionados of military history will want to visit La Citadelle de Québec, an impressive star-shaped citadel, and the Plains of Abraham, a colonial battle site.   Stroll through the grassy expanse of the Battlefields Park with its historic fortified towers and incredible river views. 

At the heart of Old Québec, you’ll find Place d’Armes.  This central plaza features a Gothic fountain topped by the Faith Monument, and is bordered by the spectacular Château Frontenac on its south side.   This magnificent hotel is the most famous landmark in Québec City and is said to be the most photographed hotel in the world.

Take some time to visit the oldest church in Canada, the Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral.  Its architecture is in the neoclassical style, and the interior of the cathedral features stained glass and ornate gilded décor.

If you have a car, you’ll definitely want to make the short drive to Montmorency Falls.   Take a hike and enjoy some spectacular views of the waterfalls.  The more adventurous travellers can even take a zip line ride over the waterfall!

Alma, New Brunswick is located about 1 hour away from Moncton and the Village of Alma is located on the Bay of Fundy and welcomes visitors from around the world every summer to experience the true Maritime culture. Alma is a small fishing community , where lobster and scallop fishing are an important industry in Alma’s Tidal harbor. Alma is located a few minutes from Hopewell Rocks and right at the entrance to Fundy National Park making it the perfect summer destination to explore the sea and the forests of New Brunswick all in one location. Enjoy a stroll on the Alma Wharf, kayak in the Bay of Fundy, or stop in at Tipsy Tails or for Fundy Takeout for the best Fish and Chips you will ever eat! If you are a beer drinker be sure to stop in at the local brewery, Holy Whale Brewery located in an old church offering a quaint experience and great beer flights. Located right next door is Buddha Bear Coffee Roastery if your looking for a coffee rather than beer!

Alma is the perfect outdoor destination as you can hang out on the beach and watch the tide rise throughout the day, watch the fishing boats or go explore the Bay of Fundy National Park. The Bay of Fundy National Park. Experience Atlantic Canada culture as you explore Fundy National Park and enjoy hiking the pristine forest trails, visiting boardwalk trails, or exploring waterfalls deep in Acadian forests – its a beautiful treasure in the the Atlantic Coast. If your lucky you may even catch a local music performance in the park in the summertime.

If your visiting Alma, then you need to plan to make a trip to Hopewell Rocks . The Hopewell Rocks is a collection of massive rock formations that look like tall flowerpots along the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick, Canada. Sculptured by tidal erosion, the rocks stand between 40 – 70 feet in height and are an iconic New Brunswick landmark. With the extreme tidal range in the Bay of Fundy, you can walk on the ocean floor during low tide; the only place in New Brunswick to walk on the ocean floor without scuba gear or paddle in a kayak as the waters rise up to 12 m or more through the day. In Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park, there are activities for everyone from families to adventure seekers. Activities include walking on the ocean floor, hiking trails to viewpoints, and kayaking the Bay of Fundy during high tide. Additional park amenities include a playground, gift shop, and an area with picnic tables. With park entry passes valid for two days, you have plenty of time to explore Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park. Summer is the best time to visit as it provides ideal weather to experience both high and low tide at Hopewell Rocks. The beach is open within the park, and you can walk on the ocean floor with the rocks during low tide. The ocean floor is inaccessible during the winter months, and the open season is limited in spring and fall due to weather; summer is the best time to visit the Hopewell Rocks.

On the Opposite Side of the Bay of Fundy

The Bay of Fundy is one of the best summer locations in Nova Scotia. This area of Nova Scotia has the highest tides in the world, and it is spectacular to see this! There are lots of activities to do in the summer to experience these dramatic tides. There are also lots of great places to go glamping in Nova Scotia . Tidal Bore Rafting is a great activity to cool off from the summer heat, and a really fun and unique experience in Nova Scotia.  Begin your journey by riding in a Zodiac boat down the river looking out for bald eagles, and go swimming and sliding down the mud banks.  Then when the tide starts to come in, ride down the river through the high waves.  The Tidal Bore Rafting Resort offers this adventure and has accomodations with a pool and restaurant to relax in afterwards. Walking on the ocean floor is another incredible way to experience the Bay of Fundy.  At Burntcoat Head Park , when the tide is low, walk along the red sand and up close to the islands.  The land formations are interesting shapes, and it feels like another world! When the tide starts to come in, watch the water levels rise by up to 50ft and the ocean floor disappear entirely. 

Known as the “Land of the Living Skies”, the prairie province of  Saskatchewan  is often overlooked as a must-see destination in Canada. However, Saskatchewan is extremely scenic with active sand dunes, golden wheat fields, gorgeous boreal forests, an incredible chain of lakes, with the bonus of having the most unique National Park in Canada.

Grasslands National Parks can be found in Southern Saskatchewan and runs all the way to the US border with Montana. At over 900 square kilometres, the park is huge and definitely a must-see in summer!

What makes Grasslands National Park so special? The park is not only dedicated to preserving prairie grasslands, is home to wildlife that can’t be found anywhere else in the country, but it is also the darkest Dark-Sky Preserve in Canada, making it perfect for summer stargazing. Grasslands National Park is also perfect for camping. With summer temperatures ranging from 15 C (60 F) in May, to the mid-30s C (90-95 F) in July and August (cooler in the evening), it’s actually quite a comfortable experience.

The park has two separate campsites, with options for both front and backcountry camping, as well as several oTENTiks for those who prefer glamping. With hiking and wildlife spotting opportunities available as well, there is plenty to keep busy with at Grasslands National Park.

And be sure to check out the Badlands Parkway. This scenic 11 km road travels along a historic escarpment trail, with westward views across the prairies. Along the way, there are several stops that not only have stunning viewpoints, but also have signs providing a wealth of information about the history, the land, and its peoples.

Looking for that perfect Instagrammable location to document your time at Grasslands? Be sure to search for Parks Canada’s red chairs which can be found along the Badlands Parkway!

Winnipeg, Manitoba

Canada is often known for its frozen winters. Although the country’s winter landscape is a sight to behold, the city of Winnipeg in Manitoba province is an excellent spot for a summer trip. It’s the capital of Manitoba and gets its name from Winnipeg Lake. The general summer climate of this city is warm and humid with lots of sunshine. It’s mainly because of its location in the western part of the country, also known as the Canadian Prairies. Being a metropolitan city, Winnipeg boasts some architectural wonders. The whole region is beautifully decorated with parks and recreational areas. It’s a fun place for people of all ages. Summers are the best time to explore this up-and-coming travel destination. The top priority spot on your Winnipeg bucket list must be the Forks. It’s a 6000 years old trading center that holds the glorious history of indigenous people as well as the European settlers. Today, this area also houses a few excellent museums, a beautiful footbridge, and the regular market. Visit the Assiniboine Park Zoo to see polar bears in front of your eyes. It’s a must-visit destination when traveling with kids according to local blogger The Holiday Story . Of all the museums, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights is the most important one. It’s the best place to learn about the history of Canada and its people.  There are many more impressive spots in Winnipeg apart from these few like the Trappist Monastery Ruins, Manitoba Legislative Building, St. Boniface Cathedral, etc. It’s a place with many charms. Traveling the city and checking out its beautiful nooks and corners will make your summer worthwhile.

From Coast to Coast we have found the Best Places to spend your Summer in Canada, especially if you are looking for an outdoor adventure. Canada offers lots of outdoor adventures from hiking, paddling, camping and everything in between however the summer months are the best months to visit Canada due to the warmer weather. We have highlighted one place from each province to make sure we cover the vast country of Canad a.

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30 Best Summer Travel Destinations in Canada

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Explore the Great White North

Whether you're into outdoor adventures  and wildlife, sprawling music and food festivals, historical and cultural landmarks, spectacular wineries, or a relaxing beach vacation , there's a Canadian destination sure to appeal. We spoke to Canadian travel writers to help track down the must-visit destinations, as well as what to do and where to stay when you get there. From beautifully diverse national parks to bustling cityscapes, these are the best spots to visit in Canada this summer.

Tofino, British Columbia

Summer is particularly special on Vancouver Island and Tofino  offers the ideal escape from city life. From Tofino, you can take in gorgeous mountain and ocean views from the charming Wickaninnish Inn  or nestled in the forest adjacent to a beach at Green Point Campground .

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, British Columbia

If you're looking for Pacific Ocean kayaking adventures, whale- or bear-watching boat tours, beachcombing, soaking in a hot springs cove, or hiking the rugged West Coast Trail in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve , this West Coast destination on Vancouver Island makes for the perfect getaway to connect with nature.

Alaska Highway, Yukon

For sparsely populated territory and strikingly beautiful wilderness, head north to Yukon. "We're often guilty of only thinking of the provinces as places to travel and explore within Canada, but the North has a lot to offer as well," says Caleigh Alleyne, Toronto-based travel journalist and editor of Travel and Design . "Yukon is connected through the Alaska Highway, making it a really accessible place to road trip and to enjoy the natural beauty of Northern Canada."

Kluane National Park and Reserve, Yukon

Along the Alaska Highway, nature lovers will appreciate stopping for the towering mountain ranges of Kluane National Park and Reserve  as well as glaciers and icefields. Home to 17 of Canada's 20 highest peaks, the park is renowned for its wilderness recreation, including hiking, backcountry camping, rafting past glaciers on the Alsek River, and mountaineering through some of the largest icefields outside of the polar ice caps. Not up for climbing? Book a flightseeing tour for a bird's-eye view of the ice fields.

Bowron Lake Provincial Park, British Columbia

For a truly Canadian summer experience, hop in a canoe on the world-renowned Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit , which encompasses a chain of lakes, waterways, and connecting portages near the Cariboo Mountain Range. "The best canoe trip we have ever done was on the Bowron Lakes in northern British Columbia," says Canadian travel bloggers Dalene and Pete Heck, who've chronicled their Bowron Lake canoe adventures on HeckticTravels . "The lakes form almost a perfect square route and offer up so much stunning scenery. We'd do that trip again in a heartbeat."

Vancouver, British Columbia

Get some fresh air at Vancouver's sprawling Stanley Park , a green oasis in the middle of the city and North America's third largest park. The urban park's hiking trails offer scenic views of water, mountains, and majestic trees along its famous seawall. Vancouver also has plenty of cultural attractions — from city tours and art galleries to lively outdoor markets and quirky neighborhoods like Granville Island , a former industrial area now filled with artsy shops, cafes, and bookstores. In the summer, free seasonal festivals and art walks, as well as public gardens and beaches, keep things affordable.

Whistler, British Columbia

World-class alpine skiers frequent the slopes of this well-known Canadian resort town in the winter, but Whistler  is also a destination for hikers, bikers, and thrill-seekers in the summer. Two hours north of Vancouver in the Coast Mountains, the town boasts everything from bear tours and record-breaking gondola rides to whitewater rafting and bungee jumping, plus hiking and biking trails. Visitors can also unwind lakeside along sandy beaches or in the village bistros, or visit Wanderlust Whistler , a celebration of mindful living. Bonus: chalets and chateaus are usually a steal this time of year.

Kelowna, British Columbia

In the heart of Okanagan Valley, Kelowna's many outdoor attractions and food and wine scene  draw visitors from all over. People flock to the shores of Okanagan Lake as well as the region's more than 40 wineries within a 20-minute drive of town. Book a full-day tour of the valley's vineyards or embark on a self-guided wine trail to sample a range of highly-ranked wines like Riesling, the region's specialty. Pro tip: Visit in August to pick your own ripe peaches and plums at local fruit orchards.

The Canadian Rockies

Visiting the Canadian Rockies is a no brainer for outdoor adventure seekers. Banff National Park — Canada's first national park — and Jasper National Park (in addition to their less visited neighbor Yoho National Park ) are prime mountain destinations, where visitors can spend their days hiking, biking, and camping in some of the world's most breathtaking mountain scenery.

Golden, British Columbia

After exploring the Rocky Mountain peaks, opt to stay in nearby Golden — conveniently located in the middle of six national parks — for a true mountain town experience. "For a fun group trip, you can't beat spending some time in the mountains. While the Rocky Mountains (Banff National Park and Jasper National Park) should be number one on your Canadian bucket list, heading west to Golden, Revelstoke, and Rossland, British Columbia will give you a more authentic mountain experience," travel writer Caleigh Alleyne says.

Canadian Badlands, Alberta

Dinosaur Provincial Park  is ripe for exploration. You can search for and often find (but not pocket) real dinosaur bones. More than 150 full dinosaur skeletons and more than 50 species have already been unearthed here, which is why it's been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For spectacular views, hike the Badlands Trail , which winds through hoodoos, pinnacles, and sandstone ridges. Later, make the two hour drive to the Royal Tyrrell Museum , which houses one of the world's largest displays of full dinosaur skeletons.

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

With the South Saskatchewan River flowing through Saskatoon , water is an integral part of city life. Run, walk, or bike along the riverfront Meewasin Trails  or explore the city of bridges via paddleboard, canoe, kayak, or aboard a Prairie Lily riverboat cruise. The city is also an unexpected hotspot for foodies. "This city in the Prairies has really ramped up their food scene in the last few years with the opening of Ayden Kitchen and Bar and Little Grouse on the Prairie, led by Top Chef Canada Winner Chef Dale Mackay. This has spurred a culinary movement within the city," says travel expert Caleigh Alleyne. Other notable restaurants include Odd Couple and The Hollows.

Arviat, Nunavut

Discover Canada's Inuit culture and art — from hunting and fishing to sewing and crafts like soapstone and antler carving Z — on Arviat , one of the most accessible Inuit communities in Nunavut. Travelers can chat with Inuit elders in their homes, see traditional music performances, and try customary meals like Arctic char, tuktu (caribou), and muktaaq (beluga whale). Arviat is also rich in wildlife, including pods of beluga whales, which are often spotted in the many small bays near the community.

Fundy National Park, New Brunswick

Get a taste of Atlantic Canada culture and explore miles of untouched coastline — and the world's highest tides — from Fundy National Park  or The Hopewell Rocks, where you can walk around the famous "flowerpot rocks" at low tide then watch them slowly disappear. Walk the otherworldly sea floor at low tide or paddle in a kayak as the waters rise 12 metres high. Unique camping options feature comfy yurts with a skylight dome to take in the starry nights.

Churchill, Manitoba

As the "polar bear capital of the world," Churchill, Manitoba  deserves a spot on animal lovers' bucket lists. Churchill is one of the few human settlements where polar bears can be observed in the wild, even in the summer, and more than 57,000 belugas gather in the region between mid-June to mid-September. While there aren't any paved roads leading into the tiny town, the plane or train ride may well be well worth the expense. In the summer, you can snorkel or kayak alongside belugas in the Hudson Bay and Churchill River.

Toronto, Ontario

Canada's largest city is a multi-cultural destination bursting with things to do year-round, especially in the summer. Its many diverse neighborhoods, enticing green spaces, and a thriving food scene make it an attractive city for a weekend or week-long getaway. In the summer, Toronto-based travel writer Caleigh Alleyne likes to stick around. "For hiking, I go out to the Bruce Trail, biking in Niagara Parks along the Niagara Parkway, camping in Algonquin Provincial Park, festivals — there are so many in and around Toronto," she says. "And you can't beat the Distillery District in Toronto for outdoor dining."

Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario

Just outside of Toronto, city dwellers and visitors can embark on even more unique adventures. The wilderness of Algonquin Provincial Park  offers plenty of family-friendly outdoor activities — from camping to canoeing and mountain biking. The Algonquin Logging Museum gives visitors a glimpse into the history of logging.

Niagara Falls, Ontario

Plan a family vacation to Niagara Falls  this summer to witness North America's iconic waterfall. Hop aboard a cruise boat to get up close with the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls, plummeting over the 188-foot drop at up to 68 mph. If you have some time to spare, taking a combination tour between Niagara-on-the-Lake and Niagara Falls is also a great way to see the Niagara area. Other popular attractions include the 175-foot-high Niagara Skywheel , a stroll near the water on the self-guided White Water Walk , and the Butterfly Conservatory at the Botanical Gardens.

Ottawa, Ontario

When it comes to history and culture, Canada's capital Ottawa has much to offer. The Canadian War Museum and Parliament Hill (don't miss the summer Changing of the Guard  ceremonies) will appeal to history buffs, while the National Gallery of Canada is a draw for art aficionados, and the Rideau Canal and Gatineau Park is often a hit with nature lovers. At the ByWard Market, foodies can try a truly Canadian pastry, Beavertails , from the original location.

Eastern Townships, Quebec

The Eastern Townships of Quebec (Montreal's cottage country) are a collection of small towns and villages along the U.S. border revered for their foodie culture and outdoor excursions. "One of the most Canadian things you can do is plan a summer weekend away at 'the cottage.' There are a number of areas within driving distance of major cities where Canadians will go to get away from the city and enjoy some time in nature," says Toronto-based travel expert Caleigh Alleyne. It's possible to taste your way through the region's farmers markets with local cheeses, milk bars with old-fashioned sundaes, and vineyards — Quebec's only wine route  offers a taste of renowned ice wines, rosés, and ciders.

Montreal, Quebec

Montreal  is packed with tons of arts and culture for a European-esque experience, particularly for those traveling alone. "There's always a festival or something going on in the city," says travel blogger Caleigh Alleyne. "There is also a range of accommodation options perfect for any budget and delicious restaurants to try," Check out the Notre-Dame Basilica and roam the Montreal Botanical Gardens, then head to the city's major cultural district, Quartier des Spectacles , for activities and seasonal fests.

Quebec City, Quebec

"For the ultimate romantic getaway, I'd recommend going to Quebec City, where you are transported back in time wandering along romantic cobblestone streets," says travel writer Caleigh Alleyne. For those in the U.S. and Canada, Quebec City is a budget-friendly alternative to a European vacation. Explore the French Canadian city's cobbled streets, cathedral spires, and top-notch cuisine. Notable sights in Quebec's capital include the castle-like Chateâu de Frontenac, Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica, and the historic neighborhood of Old Quebec. This summer, visitors can catch a new free circus show  outdoors from July 16 to September 1.

New Brunswick

For a budget-friendly destination, Canada travel expert Caleigh Alleyne suggests planning a trip to a province like New Brunswick . "New Brunswick is stunningly beautiful, but filled with smaller, more affordable cities," she says. "You can get the best of both worlds heading to the Bay of Fundy to explore a natural wonder while staying in quaint cities like Saint John, Moncton, or Fredericton to explore the cultural activities and markets."

Prince Edward Island

With its rolling green hills, red sandstone cliffs, and fresh seafood, Canada's smallest province, Prince Edward Island, makes for a relaxing getaway destination. Explore the house that inspired the setting of the book "Anne of Green Gables"  and the first lighthouse to receive the SOS from the Titanic, or try activities like clam digging and lobster boat tours. Hike woodlands or cycle a seashore path in Prince Edward Island National Park, which features over 25 miles of coastline with beaches, wetlands, and forests for kayaking, picnicking, and bird watching.

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Start your day at the Halifax Seaport Farmers' Market , the oldest continuously operating farmers' market in North America, then learn about the city's seafaring history — including its role in recovering artifacts from the Titanic — at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. For adventure just outside the city, visit Peggy's Cove, a fishing village with an iconic lighthouse, then embark on the Lobster Trail  for a taste of Nova Scotia's incredible seafood. Consider a guided Voyageur canoe journey  in Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site, too.

Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia

Cape Breton Island  might just be Canada's best kept secret. The scenic Atlantic spot is consistently lauded for its seafood, sprawling coastline, and dramatic cliffs. For an abundance of scenic overlooks, drive the 185-mile Cabot Trail or take a guided bicycle tour. The coastal highway winds through the island's diverse seaside communities while hugging the rocky northern shoreline and looping inland through Cape Breton Highlands National Park before passing along the salmon-filled Margaree River.

Newfoundland and Labrador

Summer is an ideal time to visit Newfoundland and Labrador . "Small fishing villages are sprinkled along the coast, offering you a glimpse into their long-standing culture in these regions," says Canadian travel journalist Caleigh Alleyne. "It's best to visit in the summer, as many of the restaurants and tourist attractions are only open seasonally. Summer is when the weather is best and the towns are in full bloom." Want to hike? The rust-colored Tablelands in Gros Morne National Park  or the island's boreal forest in Terra Nova National Park  are great options.

Auyuittuq National Park

Ever wanted to snowmobile or snowshoe around the Arctic Circle ? While you may not be able to bring your summer clothes, visit this northern corner of Canada in (relatively) warm weather to see waterways teeming with narwhal and ringed seals, and you may actually see wildflowers.

Tobermory, Ontario

Four hours north of Toronto, you'll find Tobermory  on the Bruce Peninsula. The seaside town has the turquoise waters and beaches of Bruce Peninsula National Park  and the Fathom Five National Marine Park — the freshwater scuba capital of the world — which is home to more than 20 historic sunken wrecks.

Want to get up close and personal with some wildlife that may remind you of the Old West in the U.S.? Located 35 minutes east of Edmonton, Elk Island  is a bucolic refuge for bison, elk, and more than 250 bird species. Elk Island National Park is also an escape for city-weary visitors who want to picnic by day and camp by night.

12 exciting experiences in every corner of Canada

May 7, 2024 • 8 min read

In Montréal, the summer festivals never stop © Sébastien St-Jean / AFP via Getty Images

The mind boggles at the sheer scope of Canada .

The continent-spanning country’s vast territory encompasses frigid, treeless Baffin Island and the dense forests and mountains of  Banff . Balmy Victoria , British Columbia and blustery St Johns , Newfoundland, six time zones away. Dinosaur bones at Drumheller and the ultra-modern skyscrapers of Toronto.

To come up with a dozen sights that capture the essence of this gargantuan country is like trying to nominate your 12 favorite stars in the Milky Way. Here’s our humble attempt to list all the best things to do in Canada.

1. Trek for a cup of tea above Lake Louise, Alberta

You could fill several summers hiking the countless trails in Banff National Park . But if you had to choose just two routes that combine wild mountain scenery with refreshing comforts, look no further than the Lake Louise teahouses. Originally built by the Canadian Pacific Railway in the early 20th century, these two historic backcountry cabins are only accessible by foot or on horseback, and during the balmy days of summer serve a welcome menu of hot beverages and appetizing snacks. The Lake Agnes Teahouse is nestled in a mountain cirque (valley) 3.5km (2.2 miles) above Lake Louise. The Plain of the Six Glaciers Teahouse occupies a glade 5.6km (3.5 miles) southwest of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and within sight of the Victoria glacier. Energetic types can visit both in the same (ambitious) walk.  

2. See traces of the Gold Rush in Dawson City, Yukon Territory

One of Western Canada’s best-preserved and most evocative national historic sites,  Dawson City pays homage to the 1896–98 Klondike Gold Rush, an event sometimes described as America’s “last grand adventure” – and one that left a lasting mark on Canadian culture and the folklore of the Yukon . A lasting legacy of this era is the tight grid of wooden buildings that have changed little since the settlement’s 20th-century heyday. In 2023, UNESCO made Tr’ondëk-Klondike a World Heritage site , to highlight the often-forgotten impact of the gold rush on the region’s Indigenous people. Lest we forget, two of the original prospectors, Skookum Jim and Tagish Charlie, were from the Tagish First Nation.   

Planning tip: Parks Canada docents dressed in period clothing lead excellent summer walking tours of the town’s important monuments. Meet them at the visitor center.

3. Admire the treasures of the reclaimed potlatch collection on Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Head north to Alert Bay on tiny Cormorant Island, just off Vancouver Island , to see one of the best manifestations of Canada’s rich Indigenous culture: the U’mista Cultural Centre , a unique museum modeled on a wooden Indigenous longhouse. On display is a vast collection of Kwakwaka’wakw artifacts – including masks, carvings and totems – reclaimed after being confiscated by Canadian authorities in the early 20th century when “potlatch” gift-giving ceremonies were (shamefully) prohibited.

4. Attend a festival in the “Franglish” city of Montréal

Few cities are as distinctly bilingual and bicultural as Montréal – and few host such a varied smorgasbord of festivals. June is when the main summer season kicks off, with Festival Mural , a graffiti and hip-hop extravaganza. Hot on its heels comes Les Francos de Montréal (Québécois music) and the Canadian Grand Prix (motor-racing), followed in July by Juste pour Rire (Just for Laughs, a giant comedy happening), with the peerless Festival International de Jazz de Montréal  as the season’s high point. Yet those are just the appetizers. Many more parades, galas, circuses and street parties enliven Montréal’s streets the other 10 months of the year.

5. Fly into roadless Nahanni National Park Reserve, Northwest Territories

You’ll need to jump on a floatplane to see the unsullied glories of  Nahanni in the Northwest Territories , a roadless national park acclaimed for wild rivers that curl around the MacKenzie Mountains through deep canyons and past a karst landscape riddled with interconnecting caves. With zero population and no services, visits here are pricey but truly rewarding, once-in-a-lifetime trips. Multi-day guided paddling excursions on the South Nahanni River are particularly spectacular.

Planning tip: Flights are best arranged out of Fort Simpson in the NWT or Whitehorse in the Yukon. Raft and canoe trips can be organized with licensed outfitters like Black Feather , which runs 14-day canoeing tours on the South Nahanni River.

6. Get close to Anglo-French colonial history in Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia

Tossed around like a tennis ball in the colonial wars of the 17th and 18th centuries, Annapolis Royal in rural Nova Scotia is today a small peaceful town that shows few signs of the sieges and skirmishes that once beset the region. Its pièce de résistance is  Fort Anne , a historic bastion first fortified by the Scottish in 1629, re-established by the French in the 1640s and finally requisitioned by the British in 1713. Aside from the military citadel, the town guards several less contentious cultural heirlooms, including some of Canada’s oldest surviving houses.

Detour: Around 14km (9 miles) northwest of Annapolis Royal, the  Port Royal National Historic Site is a replica of the one of the earliest permanent European settlements in North America, established by French colonist and explorer Samuel de Champlain in 1605.  

7. Explore Vancouver’s “back garden” in the North Shore Mountains

The roadless muddle of mountains and valleys just north of Vancouver is the city’s proverbial backyard – and, in the eyes of many, its finest attraction. Accessible via a network of well-mapped trails and easily reachable by public transport, the backcountry here is close enough to the city to be reconnoitered in a day. You might be observing bears in Hanes Valley at lunchtime, then singing “Mr Brightside” in a downtown karaoke bar by evening. Most tourists access the North Shore via the Grouse Mountain gondola – but only a 20-minute walk from the crowded summit restaurant lies a world of unadulterated subalpine forest and vertiginous ridgetops.

Planning tip: Recommended North Shore hikes include the rocky scramble to the top of Goat Mountain, the strenuous backcountry rollercoaster through the Hanes Valley and the popular, rootsy ramble to the viewpoint at St Mark’s Summit.

8. Listen to ancient Viking sagas in L’Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland

Almost half a millennium before Columbus bumped into North America , a short-lived but pioneering Viking settlement took shape on the northern tip of Newfoundland . You can investigate its foggy legacy in several reconstructed sod houses at L’Anse aux Meadows , a national historic site first excavated by two Norwegian archaeologists in the 1960s. In the evenings, contemporary guides gather 'round in traditional kitchens to relate powerful Viking sagas.   

9. Stroll the Plaines d’Abraham in Québec City

Québec City is one of the oldest European-founded settlements in Canada and the only walled city north of Mexico. It is also where the continent’s long-term fate was decided in a short, decisive battle between the British and French on the  Plaines d’Abraham (Plains of Abraham) in 1759. You can absorb the historical details at the onsite Musée des Plaines d’Abraham , which explores that conflict through regalia and maps. Afterward, enjoy river views and a picnic in the adjoining park and finish off by visiting the imposing  Citadelle de Québec , a fort built by the British atop old French defenses in the early 1800s.

Detour: Sandwiched between the Old Upper Town and the waterfront, the neighborhood of Petit-Champlain has the city’s most intriguing museums, along with plenty of outdoor cafes and restaurants lining its pedestrian-friendly streets.

10. Size up a Tyrannosaurus rex in Drumheller, Alberta

Paleontology is the overriding theme in dusty Drumheller , where the Royal Tyrrell Museum exhibits one of the planet’s pre-eminent fossil collections, many of them unearthed locally. On a slightly kitschier note, the city also exhibits the world’s largest dinosaur – a bulky fiberglass T. rex that visitors can climb up to peer through its open jaws.

Detour: Beyond the reptilian attractions, this arid pocket of eastern Alberta is famed for its classic Badlands scenery and eerie, mushroom-like rock columns called hoodoos. Several driving loops circumnavigate the striking geology.

11. Get a taste of Toronto – literally

Comprising a complex potpourri of cultures and neighborhoods , Toronto is Canada’s urban colossus. This diversity finds its most delicious expression in the city’s food scene. The metropolis’ 7000-ish restaurants represent a phenomenal range of tastes, cultures and experiences. You can explore, graze and experiment through a gamut of neighborhoods, from fine dining in the Financial and Entertainment Districts to hole-in-the-wall eats in Kensington Market and Chinatown.

Detour: Old Town’s sensational St Lawrence Market has been a neighborhood meeting place for over two centuries. The restored, high-trussed South Market houses more than 120 specialty food stalls and shops – think cheese vendors, fishmongers, butchers, bakers, pasta makers and more.

12. Savor winter and summer alpine pursuits in Whistler, British Columbia

Cool, compact and ruggedly handsome, Whistler is the slick, alpine-style village that co-hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics. Spread over two mountains and located a mere 120km (75 miles) north of Vancouver, Whistler has long been renowned for its humongous 8,171-acre  ski area (one of the world’s largest). Yet these days – thanks to savvy marketing and subtle infrastructure adjustments – summer visitors outnumber their winter counterparts. Come in any season for instant access to a vast backcountry of wild mountains and recreational lakes.

Planning tip: Access to both Whistler and Blackcomb mountains is provided by high-speed gondolas, which are open year-round. Even better, the two mountaintops are linked by the world’s second-longest free-span gondola, the Peak 2 Peak .

This article was first published Sep 22, 2021 and updated May 7, 2024.

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10 Best Places to Go in Canada (Summer Edition)

Julianne Lowell

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From laid-back surf towns to breathtaking prairielands to a thriving wine country, Canada is a place of amazing variety. Take a vacation from the ordinary this summer and head to one of these 10 spots where Canada’s extraordinary character is on full display.

[viator_tour destination=”75″]

The Best Places to Go in Canada

Image gallery.

Charlevoix, Quebec

Charlevoix's fertile farmland beckons hungry vacationers to the region for a foodie tour. The 89-mile Flavor Trail showcases Charlevoix's growers, producers, and restaurateurs with more than 40 stops along the way. Meandering through green hills, mountains, and orchards, you'll have your pick of local delicacies, gourmet foods, and super-fresh produce. A roadside picnic or al fresco meal will perfectly encapsulate Charlevoix's summertime appeal.

Montreal, Quebec

The two hottest tickets this summer are both in Canada's cultural capital, Montreal. The Festival International de Jazz de Montreal , the largest of its kind in the world, offers music lovers more than 1,000 concerts and activities over the course of 10 days in late June and early July. The renowned festival has been running for 35 years and consistently features some of the best jazz, R&B, and soul artists in the business. And the Just for Laughs Festival , Montreal's other world's largest of its kind, runs from July 9 through July 28 and invites the chuckles at more than 1,200 free outdoor comedy shows.

St. Andrews, New Brunswick

As Canada's oldest seaside resort town, St. Andrews abounds with oceanside beauty and world-class hospitality. The picturesque community on Passamaquoddy Bay offers plenty of summertime activities along with cute shops and historical charm. At the St. Andrews wharf, hop on Fundy Tide Runners ' 24-foot vessel for an unforgettable whale-watching tour on the Bay of Fundy. You might also see seals, dolphins, and bald eagles as you traverse the surrounding islands. And with the iconic Algonquin Resort 's recent grand reopening, it's the perfect time to visit.

Cavendish, Prince Edward Island

Tourists trek year-round to this beautiful community in the Maritimes to visit the sites that inspired Lucy Maude Montgomery's beloved Anne of Green Gables series. But in summer, Cavendish Beach is the draw. With miles of white sand and refreshing Atlantic waters against a backdrop of dunes and red sandstone cliffs, the beach is a popular summer vacation spot for Canadians and out-of-towners alike. Along PEI's northern Dune Shores, cottages and inns offer beachside accommodations and starting points for island exploration.

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

Often described as the most beautiful town in Ontario, Niagara-on-the-Lake is certainly pleasing to the eye, with its inviting marina, vineyards, farmlands, and historic homes. The community, which dates back to the late 1700s and has been preserved as a 19th-century village, is home to a number of historic sites as well as an Old Town filled with galleries, museums, and shops. And, of course, on a hot summer day, Niagara Falls is just a short (and scenic) drive away.

Long Beach, British Columbia

There's no better Canadian surf destination than British Columbia's Long Beach. Aptly named, it is the longest—and largest—beach in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. The force of the Pacific Ocean provides huge swells and excellent surfing conditions for the one million visitors who see the area each year. Long Beach's churning waves and broad, rugged Pacific Rim shoreline (plus a number of surfing schools and clinics) beckon both beginner and experienced rippers alike.

Okanagan Wine Country, British Columbia

With 70-plus producers across more than 100 miles, Okanagan Wine Country is Canada's answer to Napa Valley. The area's warm days, cool nights, and healthy soil are perfect for growing complex, unique grapes with concentrated flavors. In the region's lowlands, wineries cluster both sides of long, deep Okanagan Lake, a popular spot for swimming, boating, and fishing. Take a guided tour or create your own itinerary through the region's wineries, lakeshores, and rolling hills.

Lake Louise, Alberta

Set inside Banff National Park, this quiet mountain village stands in contrast to nearby hub Banff. The alpine lake that gives the village its name sparkles with emerald water from surrounding glaciers. Its 295-foot depths offer an unforgettable swimming experience, complete with dramatic views of the Canadian Rockies and potential sightings of the area's wildlife (think mountain goats, grizzly bears, and elk). Take a gondola tour up 6,850 feet for spectacular panoramic views of water, glaciers, and peaks.

Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan

For a different kind of summertime adventure, head to Saskatchewan's Grasslands National Park. With rolling hills, vibrant wildflowers, and more than 70 species of grass, this prairieland is a feast for the eyes (and the camera). Make sure you get a photo of one of the 370-plus plains bison that were reintroduced to the park in 2005. Hunt for ancient teepee rings, remnants of the First Nations people who called this area home. At night, set up camp in one of the park's many RV and tent sites, a few of which have kitchens and bathroom facilities.

Muskoka Lakes, Ontario

For Torontonians weary of summertime crowds, two hours is the difference between busy city streets and idyllic cottage country. And with the recent addition of a number of lakeside properties, including The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa and the Sherwood Inn , this cluster of three lakes (Muskoka, Joseph, and Rosseau) is accessible to all travelers—not just those with summer homes. During the day, the crystal-clear lakes hum with vacationers swimming, boating, tubing, and fishing. At night, the peaceful water provides the perfect setting for a summer sunset.

More From Smartertravel:

• 10 Summer Trips That Will Change Your Life
• 10 Amazing North American Road Trips
• How to Pack the Perfect Beach Bag

More from SmarterTravel:

• Canada Travel Guide: What to Do in Canada
• Where to Stay in Canada: Lodging Tips
• Getting Around Canada: Transportation Tips

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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The 30 BEST Things to Do in Canada – Ultimate Bucket List

• Last Updated: February 5, 2024

If you’re seeking the ultimate Canadian bucket list experiences, you’ve come to the right place – Don’t miss this epic guide to the 30 best things to do in Canada!

This isn’t your typical ‘things to do in Canada’ post, filled with the obvious activities such as skiing in Whistler Blackcomb or riding a bicycle around Stanley Park.

In this article we dive deep into the most incredible, extreme, unique and life-changing experiences you can find in the Great White North.

Canada is a land rich in natural beauty, wildlife diversity and cultural heritage, the abundance of which few countries on the planet can compare.

Having spent three years living in this captivating nation, and more time since then travelling to its far flung reaches in search of adventure and epic landscapes, we can confidently say that even after exploring close to 100 countries, there truly is no other place on earth quite like Canada.

Polar bears and caribou roam the tundra in the far reaches of the Arctic while grizzly bears and orca ply the rugged coastline of British Columbia.

Picturesque villages lie amongst the jagged peaks of the Rockies, and cosmopolitan Canadian cities bustle with festivals and events that put them firmly on the world stage.

While most people who travel to Canada do so in search of the world’s best ski resorts or a desire to road trip through the Rockies, there is so much more to do in this stunning, incredibly unique destination.

Table of Contents

Travelling on Rocky Mountaineer

See the polar bears in churchill, kayak with beluga whales, seeing the northern lights, drive an rv across the yukon, flying over niagara falls, heli-skiing in revelstoke, stay in a heli-accessed wilderness lodge, cruise the inside passage on a small ship adventure, stay in a lakeside log cabin in manitoba, exploring the canadian arctic, spend the night in an ice hotel in quebec, take a scenic flight over kluane national park, yukon, stay in the fairmont in lake louise, concert-hopping at the montreal jazz festival, hang with grizzlies in a luxury wilderness lodge, become a dog musher in the yukon, whale watching in nova scotia, road trip the icefields parkway, venture to the floe edge in nunavut, take a spa retreat and eco-getaway at sonora resort, seek adventure at torngat mountains base camp, kayak with orcas in bc, paddle a canoe down the yukon river, stay at fogo island inn, witness the annual caribou migration in nunavut, travel north to the arctic watch wilderness lodge, sail the great bear rainforest with bluewater adventures, aurora viewing in a teepee, learn about canada’s first nations people in haida gwaii, our guide to the top things to do in canada.

You could spend a lifetime working your way through the ultimate Canadian bucket list, and if you haven’t already planned yours out, this guide on what to do in Canada will give you plenty more ideas to add.

From the well-known tourist attractions like Niagara Falls, Banff National Park, and the Rocky Mountains, to the more remote natural wonders, pristine lakes, eco lodges, and more, here are the best things to do in Canada!

The romance of luxury train travel leans on a forgotten era, where travel was all about the journey, not the destination.

In Canada though one company continues to keep the notion of slow travel alive with one of the world’s most spectacular rail experiences.

Rocky Mountaineer has been navigating the tracks through the Canadian Rockies since 1990, bringing guests on an all-inclusive voyage into the heart of the country’s awe-inspiring glaciers, valleys and jagged peaks.

The most popular route travels between Vancouver and Banff National Park on a 2-day trip, with a night spent in the picturesque town of Kamloops.

During the day guests relax in pure luxury, sipping on fine wines, tasting award-winning cuisine and staring majestically at the panoramic views found beyond the Glass Dome Ceilings of Rocky Mountaineer’s GoldLeaf Service.

In recent years the company have added a number of other routes, including to Banff National Park and Jasper National Park and even into the United States, but it’s near-impossible to beat the iconic First Passage to the West itinerary.

Travelling on Rocky Mountaineer is truly one of the greatest things to do in Canada, and by booking well in advance you can also add other adventures such as sailing the Inside Passage onto your trip.

You can read all about our own experience of travelling onboard Rocky Mountaineer here .

Located in the northern extremities of Manitoba, on the edge of the enormous Hudson Bay, is the remote village of Churchill, which holds the esteemed reputation as the ‘Polar Bear Capital of the World’.

There are only 25,000 polar bears left on the planet, with 15,000 of those found in Canada’s remote Arctic regions.

Polar bears are the earth’s largest apex predator, and despite their position at the top of the food chain, they are under the severe threat of extinction due to climate change.

With dwindling numbers, seeing a polar bear in the wild often requires long expedition cruises or irregular and expensive charter flights to the far flung corners of the planet.

But Churchill, Manitoba defies the norm, being the most accessible place to get up close to these incredible alpha hunters.

READ MORE: Don’t miss our incredible guide to the best wildlife experiences in Canada !

While no roads make their way this far north, a trip to Churchill can be done via plane or train, and once you’ve arrived at this small town of less than 1000 people you are now in the true heart of polar bear country.

The most popular way to see these majestic animals is onboard an iconic tundra vehicle – the elevated off-road trucks that take guests around the outskirts of Churchill and the Hudson Bay, giving you up close and personal interactions while remaining safely out of reach.

For a truly mesmerising bucket list experience however, we recommend organising your trip to the Polar Bear Capital with Churchill Wild .

With three award-winning and National Geographic-recognised luxury ecolodges located on the remote shores of Hudson Bay, Churchill Wild provides one of the most unique wildlife and accommodation experiences found anywhere in the world.

Their Polar Bear Safaris offer a variety of itineraries and all-encompassing adventures, with guests taking part in guided hikes to see polar bears in their natural habitat, Aurora Borealis viewing, zodiac tours and of course nights spent in their phenomenal ecolodges, sampling the best cuisine in Manitoba.

A journey this far north is something you will never forget when you visit Canada.

It’s not just polar bears you can spend time with up in Churchill. If you are passionate about wildlife experiences then set aside a day or two to take part in one of the most unique Canada activities – kayaking with beluga whales!

The mystical white whales of Canada’s Arctic live in the waters of Hudson Bay, coming close to shore to feed on trout and char.

While you can spot them breaching from the land or see them on a zodiac tour, the closest experience you can have is to sea kayak alongside them, under the watchful eye of your licensed guide of course.

Operators such as Lazy Bear Lodge and Sea North Tours organise exclusive 2-hour kayaking tours with the beluga whales, which is the perfect add-on to your Churchill adventure for anyone that loves marine life.

Churchill is one of the best places to visit in Canada for wildlife lovers!

Your first sight of the Aurora Borealis, with green and pink ribbons dancing impossibly across the night sky, is a scene you’ll never forget.

This geomagnetic phenomenon is only visible close to the polar extremities of the earth, and usually in the depths of winter, making it a rarity for people who don’t travel specifically to see it.

However, in Canada the chances of seeing Lady Aurora are higher than almost anywhere else on the planet.

Dedicated Northern Lights tours and accommodation can be found in the far reaches of Canada’s north, but just because you’re heading remote doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice luxury.

Northern Lights Resort and Spa just outside of Whitehorse is the top place to stay in Yukon to capture the stunning Aurora Borealis, and the lodge boasts heated log cabins as well as new glass chalets, so you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your bed to witness the displays.

Churchill is another incredible place to catch the Northern Lights, as is Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Newfoundland.

If travelling in winter doesn’t sound like your ideal holiday though that’s not a problem, because the Aurora can make an appearance at any time of year in Canada.

We have personally seen the Northern Lights in Yukon in September, and even as far south as Banff has been known to catch displays in the middle of summer.

Our best advice if you’re planning on seeing the Aurora as one of your top things to do in Canada is to travel to one of the northern parts of the country.

Not only will you have a higher chance of witnessing Lady Aurora work her magic, you will also have the fantastic delight of travelling to a region that very few tourists ever venture.

Few landscapes will leave you as humbled and inspired as the vast expanses of Canada’s Yukon.

The ancient peaks and glaciated valleys are as wild as you can get, yet accessing them is surprisingly easy with a fantastic highway system navigating between the main towns.

The best way to explore the territory is by renting an RV and taking your time on a road trip, using the capital of Whitehorse as the launch point.

Once you’ve collected your motorhome it’s time to hit the road, with most travellers taking the Golden Circle Route to dive into some of Yukon’s most spectacular destinations.

This road trip itinerary takes you to Haines Junction and Kluane National Park, the location of the planet’s largest non-polar icefield.

Spend the night at Mount Logan Lodge then continue on your way to Haines in Alaska, where you can see grizzlies feasting on salmon in the Chilkoot River.

Afterwards take the ferry to Skagway then drive north to Carcross before finishing off back in Whitehorse.

Travelling the route in an RV allows you to park up at the edge of stunning emerald lakes and venture off-the-beaten-path for a few nights sleeping under the stars, all while having the comforts of home with you at all times.

Alternatively, you can take you your motorhome as far north as Dawson City and to the fabled Tombstone National Park, with its ethereal rock formations.

Give yourself at least 10 days to truly enjoy all that these road trip itineraries have to offer.

Canada’s most populous city has an astonishing array of attractions and activities to enjoy , but none can quite compare to the sheer wonder that lies just 120km to the south at Niagara Falls.

Straddling the border of the United States and Canada, and connecting Lake Ontario with Lake Erie, is the turbulent Niagara River and Niagara Falls.

This intense river tumbles over a number of rapids before eventually sending 168,000 cubic metres every single minute off the 50m-high cliffs of Niagara Falls, known as one of the world’s most powerful waterfalls.

A trip to Niagara Falls is a must-do on any Canada bucket list, and while simply standing on the boardwalks that wrap around the falls can be an exhilarating feeling, nothing compares to seeing Niagara Falls from the air.

Book yourself in for an incredible scenic flight by plane or helicopter for a birds-eye view of Niagara Falls.

With tours running for 15-30 minutes it’s the perfect experience for people who want to tick off one of the great things in Canada while being short on time.

On a clear day you’ll be able to see all the way back to Toronto and south into the United States, but chances are you won’t be able to take your eyes off the mist from Niagara Falls as it churns below.

We recommend booking ahead of time if you are visiting Niagara Falls in the summer months. Two fantastic companies to check out are Niagara Air Tours and Niagara Helicopters .

Niagara Falls is definitely one of the best places to visit in Canada!

READ MORE: Check out our latest guide on what to do in Niagara Falls !

The picturesque town of Revelstoke found halfway between Vancouver and Calgary has always been a Mecca for snow sports, going way back to the end of the 19th century when the first ski club in town was created.

Revelstoke’s location where the Monashee and Selkirk mountain ranges meet brings an abundance of snowfall to this winter wonderland, and with the local ski resort boasting the highest vertical drop in North America, it’s little wonder that Revy (as it’s known to locals) is now one of the world’s premier winter destinations

While Revelstoke Mountain Resort is undoubtedly world-class, for a truly unrivalled experience you will need to book your adventure holiday to include a couple of days of heli-skiing to make the most of Canada’s most epic mountain terrain.

A number of companies operate fantastic heli-skiing and boarding trips, taking off just 5 minutes from downtown.

CMH is the largest operator in town and can do everything from one-day to week-long trips into the peaks, catering for all ability levels and styles.

Another excellent company is Eagle Pass Heliski , who are a bit more boutique in their offerings, and are the go-to provider for the hordes of professional athletes who frequent Revy.

Besides being Canada’s heli capital, Revelstoke is also one of the coolest towns to visit on any trip to the Great White North.

During our 3 years living in Canada, driving our campervan from Vancouver to Newfoundland and back, we spent 18 months living in this quaint mountain village.

To say our heart lies in Revy is an understatement, and we urge all travellers to add this place to their Canadian bucket list.

There’s no shortage of unique, luxury accommodation experiences you can find in Canada (many of which you’ll find right here in this article), from ice hotels to fairytale castles and everything in between.

However if you prefer to have your accommodation a bit more exclusive and boutique, then why not charter a helicopter to be whisked away deep into the mountains for a few nights in a wilderness lodge?

Some of the most famous ones are found outside of Banff and Revelstoke, but our personal favourites are the award-winning selection owned by Bella Coola Heli Sports .

The high-end operator runs 5 remote lodges in the Bella Coola Valley and close to Anahim Lake, both of which are only a 70-minute flight from Vancouver.

Once you arrive at HQ you’ll jump in a private helicopter to fly off to your lodge of choice. From the moment you land you’ll be treated to an exquisite experience that is often only reserved for the rich and famous.

Settle in by the fire and sip on local wines while your guides brief you on any number of outdoor activities you can enjoy from your new base camp, including hiking, downhill and cross country skiing and wildlife watching.

You’ll be one of just a handful of guests at any of these lodges (or you can even rent an entire place just for your friends and family), and your backyard will be millions of acres of wilderness terrain all around.

While you can’t go wrong with a few nights at any of their accommodations, if you had to choose one go for the Tweedsmuir Park Lodge , which was named one of the Magnificent 7 Luxury Wilderness Lodges of Canada .

If you prefer to experience Canada’s incredible landscapes by ship rather than helicopter, head to the rugged coast of British Columbia to sail the Inside Passage.

This stunning coastal route stretches from the northern tip of Washington State all the way to Alaska, speckled with over 1000 islands and surrounded by towering peaks and dense, remote pine forests.

Many travellers catch a glimpse of the archipelago’s beauty by taking the ferry from the mainland to Vancouver Island, but to truly experience all that the Inside Passage has to offer jump on a cruise ship or yacht and head north.

There are a number of luxury cruise operators that ply these waters of British Columbia, yet only a handful depart from Vancouver.

We recommend joining Aurora Expeditions onboard one of their cruises in Canada or Alaska.

Being a company with smaller ships and tour groups, guests have the chance to go Zodiac-cruising or kayaking, enjoy wildlife encounters with orcas, grizzlies and sea lions, and get up close to phenomenal landscapes that few other cruise companies can access.

There’s a lot more to do in Manitoba than hanging out with polar bears and and beluga whales in Churchill.

This central province is home to the cosmopolitan capital of Winnipeg , complete with its riverside cafe precinct and world-recognised Human Rights Museum, and the incredibly diverse Riding Mountain National Park where bison roam the plains and hiking trails twist their way through ancient forests.

You can easily spend a few weeks visiting all the amazing places in Manitoba , but our personal favourite destination is Falcon Lakes.

This picturesque, bucolic destination, located almost in the exact geographic centre of the country in Whiteshell Provincial Park, offers a perfect getaway for travellers looking for an authentic Canadian experience.

Rent a car and hit the road towards the family-owned Falcon Trails Resort , where locals Barb and Craig Christie have built a number of luxury log cabins right on the edge of the lake in what we described during our visit back in 2019 as the ‘ most Canadian place in Canada ‘.

The log cabins are exquisitely built, and from the moment you step inside you’ll instantly be greeted by the warm scent of a fire burning and aged cedar wood.

As tempting as it is to simply sit by the fire with a good book and glass of red watching the world pass by, step outside and jump in a canoe to paddle around the lakes or go for a hike to the ‘Top of the World’ lookout for unrivalled views all the way into the United States.

Spending a few nights at Falcon Lakes is a perfect way to break up a cross-Canada road trip , or for those who wish to experience a unique and off-the-beaten-path part of the country.

The Canadian Arctic is a sprawling, diverse and magnificent region, where the sun doesn’t set in the summer months (or rise in the winter), abundant wildlife roam the sea and ice, and Indigenous people live in traditional ways in one of the harshest environments imaginable.

A journey into the Arctic is something most intrepid travellers dream of but few realise, however with Canada’s bustling tourism industry offering a number of unique opportunities to explore this remote region, it has never been easier than ever to venture towards the North Pole.

Most people choose to travel to the Canadian Arctic onboard an expedition ship, with routes such as the Northwest Passage and Baffin Island allowing guests to take part in a number of adventures safely and comfortably.

It’s in the Arctic that you may be fortunate enough to spot polar bears, Arctic foxes, bowhead whales, narwhals and walruses, while also learning all about the fascinating cultures of the Inuit communities.

Operators such as Quark Expeditions provide opportunities for hiking, Zodiac cruising, kayaking and sightseeing alongside majestic icebergs, glaciers and fjords.

Most trips to the Arctic require charter flights from Edmonton, Ottawa (Canada’s capital city) or other Canadian cities, and your tour operator will take care of all the logistics for you.

There’s a good chance that when you were thinking of all the incredible things to do in Canada, sleeping inside a luxury hotel made entirely of ice wasn’t on your original list.

But proving the Great White North has almost every experience you can imagine, you can do just that just 45 minutes outside of Quebec City!

Every winter the marvellous Hôtel de Glace is built from scratch using huge blocks of ice then carved out using specialised techniques and tools from the nation’s best ice artists.

The entire structure is made out of ice, from the walls and ceilings right through to the beds, furniture, and each room and hallway is adorned with intricate ice sculptures.

Walking around Hôtel de Glace as a day visitor is fascinating enough, but for ultimate bragging rights book in for a night in one of the exclusive hotel rooms.

Despite sleeping inside a building made entirely out of ice you don’t have to worry about freezing. Guests are given thermal mattresses and thick, 4-season sleeping bags to keep warm at night.

Make sure you grab a pre-dinner cocktail in the ice bar beforehand, where drinks are served in glasses made of, you guessed it, ice, and guests mingle beneath the enormous ice chandelier.

After visiting this hotel, enjoy all the highlights of Quebec City. Read our article of the other best things to do in Quebec City to see how else you can fill your time here without missing the other must-see Canada attractions.

Kluane National Park in Canada’s Yukon is home to the world’s largest non-polar ice field, and protects an incredibly vast and diverse range of wildlife.

Small sections of the park are accessible for hiking trails, but at over 22,000km² in size the only way to truly appreciate just how immense and beautiful its interior is is to take scenic flight over this spectacular landscape.

Head to the small Haines Junction Airport and jump in a propellor plane with one of the highly experienced pilots at Kluane Glacier Air Tours for a flight you’ll never forget.

The flightseeing adventure soars above the St Elias Mountains, with Canada’s highest peak Mt Logan rising at 5959m tall, and offers unrivalled views of where the north and south arms of the Kaskawulsh Glacier crash together.

Flying over Kluane National Park, with its endangered grizzly population and melting glaciers, will leave you in awe at just how wild the Canadian mountains can be.

You can read more about this once-in-a-lifetime tour, complete with booking details and images, in our blog post .

The famous Fairmont Hotels brand runs some of Canada’s most iconic 5-star accommodations, from Vancouver Island to Quebec City, and each one is worthy of their own write-up.

However if we need to narrow it down to just one for this article on the best things to do in Canada, then staying at their Lake Louise location has to make it to the top of the list.

Set in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Banff National Park, right at the edge of the legendary glacial-fed lake, the extravagant Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise has been a bucket list item for accommodation aficionados ever since it opened in 1911.

The tastefully-designed luxury hotel offers jaw-dropping views over Lake Louise and the Victoria Glacier, and houses a number of award-winning restaurants and bars.

The historic Victoria Ballroom has floor to ceiling windows that overlook the lake, perfect for weddings and special events, and you’ll also find a heated indoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and high-end spa.

The real star of the show though is without a doubt the lake itself, and guests can spend their summer days wandering around the manicured hiking paths or canoeing on the lake, and in winter try their hands at ice skating or skiing.

Read more about all the other incredible things to do in Banff National Park during your visit here.

Montreal, the bustling and vibrant city found in the French-speaking province of Quebec, feels distinctly more European than it does Canadian.

From the cobblestoned streets of Old Montreal to the Portuguese vibe in La Plateau-Mont-Royal, it’s easy to get swept away in the unique culture that has weaved its way into this cosmopolitan city.

White visitors truly are spoilt for choice when wondering what to do in Montreal , it’s the annual Festival International de Jazz de Montreal that sits firmly at the top of the list for not-to-be-missed experiences.

First organised in 1980 to astounding acclaim, today the festival is one of the most prestigious events in Quebec.

Every year hundreds of local and international musicians, artists and performers descend on the city for two weeks of joyous entertainment, with massive crowds relishing in the party atmosphere.

A number of different venues are used all over the city, including clubs, town squares and even in the streets, with many of the concerts being held for free.

It’s not just jazz musicians you’ll find playing gigs here though. Some of the artists that have performed in the past include Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Ben Harper, Chuck Berry, John Butler and B.B. King, just to name a few.

Seeing Montreal come alive every year for the Jazz Festival is a tremendous experience, and it’s well worth timing your trip around the annual event.

Canada’s unique list of wildlife experiences is almost never-ending, and while travellers here often have a list of animals they’d love to see, some are more difficult, or dangerous, to spot than others.

The grizzly bear is one such species, and despite having a healthy population throughout the west coast, spotting a grizzly in the wild isn’t something most people are fortunate enough to do.

Luckily a number of responsible ecotourism operators offer fantastic opportunities to get as close as possible to these animals without putting yourself, or the bears, at risk.

British Columbia’s west coast is untamed and remote place, with the only access being via boat or seaplane.

The untouched wilderness has allowed native species to thrive, creating a diversity and abundance of animals not seen anywhere else in Canada.

Only a select few accommodation operators have been granted licenses to open in this region, with two of highest-regarded being Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge and Nimmo Bay.

Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge offers guests a range of signature experiences, including canyoning, heli-hiking , fly fishing and wildlife viewing.

The cuisine is personally foraged daily by the chefs and served alongside premium wines and liquors, all included in your stay of course.

At night you can rest your head inside one of their luxury safari tents, or relax with a spa treatment.

Nimmo Bay has a similar offering, but with guests staying in custom-built cabins and taking part in some other adventurous activities such as kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding.

Nimmo Bay is also located inside the Great Bear Rainforest, home to the mystical Kermode Bear (or Spirit Bear), which is one of the rarest animals in the entire world.

Both Nimmo Bay and Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge are all-inclusive resorts, and hold a large respect for the First Nations people that traditionally call this area their home.

When winter arrives in Canada an entire new playground emerges, with previously impassable terrain suddenly becoming epic thanks to blankets of fresh snow and solid ice.

This is when hordes of people descend on the ski resorts to carve up the runs, but if you’re looking for a different type of winter experience why not try something a little more traditional?

Dog mushing has been used as a means of transport by Canada’s remote northern communities for centuries, and while no longer as popular as it once was thanks to inventions like snowmobiles, tourism and recreation has kept the dog sledding industry alive.

Whistler, Banff and Mont Tremblant are some of the more common destinations to try dog sledding on short tours, but if you want to really learn about this historic activity head to the Yukon and take part in a multi-day mushing expedition.

Just an hour from Whitehorse the family-owned Sky High Wilderness Ranch offers highly engaging dog sledding tours that can help take a complete novice to a confident musher in no time.

Their 4-day Taste of Mushing adventure is designed for people who like their holidays a little bit more hands-on.

After a safety and operations briefing on the first day you are assigned 5 huskies as part of your team, and these pups will become your best friends over the next few days.

You are trained up on how to rig up the sled, how to provide care for your dogs and skills on sledding, and then you hit the trails for hours of heart-racing fun.

Dog sledding is not only a great way to explore the outdoors, it’s also an engaging activity, requiring both physical effort (running and controlling your sled) and mental engagement (keeping tabs on all of your dogs and responding to their needs).

For many, dog sledding is the best way to experience the winter landscape. The speed at which you travel over fresh snow, or through forests with snow laden boughs creates a truly immersive way to see Canada’s North.

While out mushing for the day, you and your tour guides will be stopping to take in the scenery, enjoy delicious lunches and taking breaks for some husky selfies.

In the evenings after you have fed and put away the pups you head back to your private log cabin to freshen up, and then can enjoy a nutritious and hearty meal with the staff and other guests.

This is an incredible Canadian experience for anybody who loves dogs and physical activity, and there’s no better place to do it than up in the Yukon.

While most international tourists to Canada tend to focus on the mountains of BC and Alberta, or the suave cities in Ontario and Quebec, the Maritime provinces remain largely untouched, despite their abundance of gorgeous landscapes and incredible attractions.

Nova Scotia is the crown jewel of the Maritimes, with picturesque beaches, funky fishing villages and the visually spectacular Cape Breton Island beckoning off-beat travellers from around the world.

Besides the natural beauty, Nova Scotia is also one of the best whale watching destinations on the planet!

Every summer humpbacks migrate south from the Arctic to breed and raise their young off the coast of Nova Scotia.

While it’s possible to see these magnificent creatures all along the Atlantic coast, Nova Scotia has emerged as one of the best locations in the world to see them up close.

The calving and breeding season runs from June through September, which means if you want to go whale watching in Nova Scotia, this is when you’ll need to plan your trip.

Besides humpbacks, you can also spot minke, fin and right whales! Make sure you book in for a tour with a licensed operator to see these wonderful species in the wild.

The Icefields Parkway stretching from the mountain village of Banff right through the Canadian Rockies to Jasper National Park is regarded as one of the world’s best road trips, and no trip to Canada would be complete without making the drive at least once (we’ve done it at least a dozen times and it never gets old).

The sheer variety of terrain you’ll see on the Icefields Parkway road trip is so diverse it’s hard to believe it’s even real. Craggy mountain peaks, glaciers, pristine lakes, waterfalls… The list goes on.

There are a number of unique attractions to do along the way, including taking a tour on the Athabasca Glacier, hiking for views of Peyto Lake and checking out the awe-inspiring Sunwapta Falls.

Jasper National Park itself is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and there are lots of amazing things to do in Jasper .

If you’re planning a road trip and want to see some of the best scenery in Canada, the Icefields Parkway is, without a doubt, your number one highway.

READ NEXT: Be sure to check out our post on the most comprehensive guide to driving the Icefields Parkway !

Some parts of Canada are so isolated that even a pin on a map barely allows you to truly comprehend where in the world it is.

The northern tip of Baffin Island in Nunavut is one such place.

Less than 5000 tourists visit the Nunavut territory every single year, making it one of the least-visited places in the country.

Those that do make it out here though are usually searching for one thing – wildlife. And a little-known destination called the ‘floe edge’ offers some of the best wildlife experiences money can buy.

The floe edge is also known as the ‘line of life’, and is a long line of floating sea ice that separates the ice pack from open water.

Located in Pond Inlet at the top of Baffin Island and requiring 2 days of travel to get here, the nutrient-rich waters along the floe edge brings in all kinds of species, including polar bears, walrus, bowhead and beluga whales, bearded and ringed seals, narwhals and over 200,000 migratory bids.

The best way to spend time by the floe edge is to book a wildlife safari with Arctic Kingdom , the experts in floe edge adventures.

After arriving in Pond Inlet jump in a sled to travel to their camp located right on the ice, and just a few kilometres from the edge of the Arctic sea.

Inuit guides will then take you to the edge of the floe break where you may be fortunate enough to see one of nature’s greatest spectacles – a polar bear catching a seal!

The Inuit guides are experts in wildlife and have learned from Inuit forefathers how to survive in this harsh environment.

Your accommodation will be in specially-designed tents, with enough creature comforts to keep you warm and safe throughout your stay.

Due to the logistics and remoteness of these guided tours, Arctic Kingdom only runs a couple of trips every summer, so make sure you book well ahead of time to secure your position.

Sometimes you just want to pamper yourself in luxury, surrounded by the sounds of nature and let the worries of the world fade away as the sun sets behind a forested peak.

If that sounds like your kind of getaway, then you need to book a few nights in Sonora Resort .

This wilderness 5-star resort located in the depths of British Columbia’s west coast is set amongst the country’s most alluring natural environments.

Only accessible by plane or boat, Sonora Resort is a private sanctuary hidden away in the archipelago between the mainland and Vancouver Island and set beneath towering mountains and boreal forests.

Guests are spoilt for choice on things to do here, and whether you love wildlife, adventure or wellness, you’ll have no problem filling your days with an array of exciting popular activities.

The marine-rich waters are a haven for humpback whales, orcas and porpoises, while the river inlets are often filled with grizzly bears gorging themselves on salmon.

Back at the sanctuary the award-winning spa has a number of treatments designed to rejuvenate the mind, body and soul.

All of this is matched with all-inclusive fine dining and unparalleled service.

Sonora Resort is truly where eco-adventure meets luxury, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more idyllic location for your ultimate Canadian bucket list.

Located in another one of Canada’s far-flung destinations is the Torngat Mountains Base Camp and Research Station , found at the edge of Lake Melville in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Simply getting here is an adventure in itself, with travellers needing to take a number of chartered flights then a boat trip to finally reach the base camp, situated 200km north of Labrador’s northernmost community.

The effort is entirely worth it though, because you have now arrived in the heart of polar bear country, casting your eyes on the fabled Torngat Mountains, a range that few humans will ever get to see.

The camp is owned and operated by Parks Canada and the local Inuit people, who conduct wildlife and meteorological research, while also welcoming a small number of intrepid travellers every summer.

From the moment you arrive you will realise just how wild this place is – armed guards escort you everywhere outside of the gated camp, as the polar bear population in the region is immense and deadly.

You’ll be under excellent protection though, and during the day the Inuit guides happily take you on mesmerising hikes deep into the Torngats, to the waters edge for a chance to spot wildlife, or even into the labs to observe scientists busy at work in the active research station.

At night guests cosy up by the fire or inside their heated dome accommodation, but you’ll want to stick your head outside as this is also one of the best places in Newfoundland and Labrador to capture the Northern Lights.

A trip to the Torngats is sure to be one of the most memorable things to do in Canada you can ever experience, and the words that often comes to those who have made the journey out here is ‘life changing’.

The waters off of Vancouver Island are frequented by an abundance of different marine species, including humpback whales, porpoises and even orcas.

While it’s possible to spot these beautiful creatures from the deck of your ferry or off in the distance from the beaches of somewhere like Alert Bay, by far the closest experience you can have is to be right there in the water with them.

Kingfisher Wilderness Adventures offers just such an experience, giving kayakers a chance to paddle alongside resident orcas as they fish in the waters off of British Columbia.

Kingfisher is located in Port McNeill, an incredibly picturesque little village on the northern end of Vancouver Island. 

The company offers a variety of different kayak experiences which take you out on the waters of Johnstone Strait and Blackfish Sound, with orca encounters being the ultimate dream.

September is the best time to kayak with the orcas, and you can even organise multi-day expeditions that allow you to camp out on the remote beaches of Vancouver Island.

The Yukon Territory makes one final appearance in our things to do in Canada article with an adventure that mixes history, culture, wildlife and nature all into one.

The Yukon River stretches for 3190km from Atlin Lake all the way to the Bering Sea in Alaska, and while paddling the entire stretch is not something for the fainthearted, a popular journey is to jump in a canoe and float 730km from Whitehorse to Dawson City.

This 2-week adventure is suitable for people of all canoeing skill levels (even beginners), and once you pack your raft with all the food and camping gear you’ll need for the 14 days, it’s time to push out into the wilderness.

Your days will be filled with the relaxing sounds of your paddle breaking the calm water surface as you gently drift towards your destination.

In the evenings you simply pull up at a clearing and pitch your tent, falling asleep with the stars lighting up the night sky.

There are very few rapids for this stretch of the Yukon River, so you really have little to worry about other than where you want to have lunch.

If you don’t have your own canoe then get in touch with the team at Ruby Range who can organise canoe rental and one-way transport, or better yet, join them for a guided tour .

Highly acclaimed and regularly awarded as one of the world’s top hotels, Fogo Island Inn is located at ‘one of the 4 corners of the Earth’, on the eastern shore of an island off of an island in Newfoundland.

The island itself is accessible only via chartered flight or by boat, and once you arrive the only thing standing between you and the European continent is the turbulent and humbling Atlantic Ocean.

The isolated location doesn’t mean your amenities will be lacking though. The Fogo Inn Hotel, designed by leading local architect Todd Saunders, has some of the nicest accommodation and dining options on the entire east coast.

The rooms offer high windows with uninterrupted views over the sea, and it’s not uncommon to see icebergs silently float past on their way south from the Arctic.

The Fogo Island Inn is all about community and sustainability, and the owners are committed to the preservation of the local culture and traditions while operating as close to carbon net zero as possible.

The point of your stay is more about relaxation than adventure, and the days are yours to do as you please.

Choose from a variety of activities such as whale watching tours, pottery classes, cultural exhibitions with the local Indigenous people, hiking, fishing or even a spa treatment.

Fogo Island Inn is open year round, and each of the 7 (yes, 7) seasons offer a different experience.

Every September, high up in the Arctic at the edge of a distant lake in Nunavut, 350,000 caribou migrate across the open tundra in one of the world’s greatest wildlife events.

Witnessing the annual migration as the caribou wander between their calving grounds is a sight to behold, but the remote location requires expert logistics and planning to capture.

The best way to see this incredible event is to book an expedition with a company like Weber Arctic , who can take care of the charter flights, permits and accommodation to get you into the heart of the action.

Departing from Yellowknife onboard a small plane, you’ll touch down at the edge of Ennadai Lake to take part in 6 days of dramatic wildlife immersion.

It’s not just the migrating caribou that you’ll be walking amongst. Wolves, wolverines and even bears frequent the tundra, gorging on plants to prepare for the upcoming winter.

The experienced wildlife guides will lead guests into the heart of the herd, using planes, boats and your own feet to get you as close to the action as safely possible.

In the evenings you’ll relax in absolute comfort inside their purpose-built 5-star Arctic Haven Wilderness Lodge, with delicious meals featuring locally-sourced ingredients included in your stay.

The best time to see the caribou is in the springtime (April and May) and fall (late August to early October).

Canada’s Northwest Passage is an infamous stretch of sea that navigates through the remote reaches of the Arctic, and while most people who travel here do so onboard an expedition ship, you can now stay on the ground in the northernmost fly-in lodge on the planet.

Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge is located 800km north of the Arctic Circle and provides 16 private cabins for guests to use as a base for exploring this unique part of Canada.

This is a destination for true adventure-seekers, with Arctic Watch offering the opportunity to go kayaking, paddle boarding, rafting, hiking, fishing and mountain biking beneath the Midnight Sun.

It’s not just the activities that will take your breath away though – the wildlife encounters are as incredible as you’ll find almost anywhere else in the world.

This far north you’re in the heart of polar bear country, and if you’re lucky you won’t just catch a glimpse of these huge predators, but may also spot Arctic foxes, muskox and even beluga whales.

The Great Bear Rainforest is widely acclaimed for being one of the last pristine pieces of wilderness on earth, home to a dazzling array of wildlife.

Set on the coast of British Columbia and accessed through the Inside Passage, most people that venture here do so in one of the eco-lodges (as we’ve highlighted above), or as part of a large cruise that navigates its way north to Alaska.

For those that want a more intimate and slow experience, however, sailing the edge of the rainforest on a luxury yacht is the perfect way to do so.

Bluewater Adventures has a number of stunning vessels that allow a small number of guests unrivalled access to the inlets and bays of the Great Bear Rainforest, while searching for grizzly bears, black bears, and the mystical Kermode bear, better known as the Spirit Bear.

The purpose of their trips is not just photography and wildlife experiences – it’s all about education, and you’ll be joined by expert local guides who impart their wisdom of the nature and culture found around this area.

Bluewater Adventures put a large emphasis on the First Nations people of the region, putting part of their profits directly into local communities while helping guests learn all about their history.

While the obvious highlight would be to spot the elusive Spirit Bear, guests also have the opportunity to see humpbacks bubble netting, orcas hunting and eagles soaring above, all from the yacht’s deck.

If you’ve made the trip to Yellowknife in Northwest Territories there’s a good chance you’re seeking one of two things – wildlife or the Northern Lights.

If it’s the latter, you’re in luck, as Yellowknife provides one of the best opportunities to see the Aurora Borealis anywhere in the world.

While you can spot Lady Aurora from just about anywhere in town, it’s worth taking a trip 25 minutes out of the city to the Aurora Village , where you can observe light displays from just outside a traditional teepee.

Aurora Village is 100% Aboriginal-owned, and the managers have set up a truly unique compound right on the edge of their own private lake that is almost as photogenic as the Northern Lights themselves.

While Yellowknife is quite cold at any time of year, let alone in the heart of winter, guests don’t have to freeze while watching the Aurora thanks to the custom-built heated seats that swivel 360 degrees.

And when the Aurora Borealis isn’t on display you can relax in the heated teepees or feast on the best food in Northwest Territories.

No list of the best things to do in Canada would be complete without acknowledging and respecting the First Nations Aboriginal people that have called this land home for thousands of years.

One of the best places to learn about these fascinating Indigenous people is Haida Gwaii , the spectacular archipelago found off the northwest coast of British Columbia.

The Haida people have long lived harmoniously on the islands as fishermen and traders, and today are still the native custodians of this beautiful and ancient land.

While there is no shortage of natural wonders to keep visitors busy here, from secluded beaches to old-growth forests, it’s diving into the First Nations culture that will leave the most lasting impression on travellers.

Haida Gwaii is speckled with totem poles, hand-carved by the Haida people to represent their family ancestry, and you can even visit a number of galleries to see new ones being made in person.

You can easily spend a week in Haida Gwaii, exploring all the hiking trails, foraging for berries or fishing, but your visit should always begin at the Haida Heritage Centre to kickstart your cultural adventure.

The nearby Gwaii Haanas National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well.

DISCLAIMER: This article was made in partnership with Destination Canada. All thoughts, opinions and hours spent planning our next trip to this incredible country are, as always, our own.

Alesha and Jarryd

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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Thanks for sharing the information, it’s a useful travel guide article. Good luck for the future

very an amazing post. thank you:)

Wow what a helpful site, would share this to friends

Canada is always in my bucket list and Planning Canada trip from last 3 years. I really love to read your post and hope I’ll also visit all these monument on my trip. Thank You

Fantastic post, thanks a lot for sharing this as it comes with a lot of details and has been very helpful

You are welcome. So happy it was helpful. 🙂

Very in details post. Thanks.

Glad you liked the article. Thanks for reading. 🙂

Banff is definitely on my bucket list. That and whale watching at Prince Edward Island or thereabouts.

Banff is a magical place, Priya, and you will fall in love with it when you get a chance to visit. Prince Edward Island is an amazing destination too. Can’t beat whale watching in the Maritimes.

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12 Best Places to Visit in Canada

By Becky Griswold · Last updated on March 3, 2024

This Commonwealth country is actually the world’s second largest. Most of that land area, however, is complete wilderness. That is certainly one of the draws of Canada: the utterly vast expanses of nature to really and truly get lost in. Its national parks are truly massive, offering picture-perfect vistas.

Mountaineering, hiking, boating, swimming, cycling – there’s a lot of rewards here if you’re a fan of the great outdoors. Spot grizzly bears in Banff National Park, hit the powdered slopes of Whistler, or taste your way through some of Vancouver’s freshest wild salmon. There’s something in Canada for everyone.

Away from the stunning nature of Canada – also including the Great Lakes Region – you can explore its culture and history. Get stuck into the Francophone region of Quebec, the sparkling skyscrapers and East Asian culture pockets in Vancouver, Toronto’s elegant Victorian architecture, and Canada’s ‘château style’ grand railway hotels and neo-gothic public buildings in Ottawa. Plan your trip to this wonderful travel destination in North America with our list of the best places to visit in Canada.:

12. Calgary [SEE MAP]

The largest city in Alberta, Calgary is situated between the Canadian Prairies and the foothills of the Canadian Rockies . After oil was discovered nearby in the early 1900s, Calgary boomed into what is now one of Canada’s largest metropolitan areas, attracting thousands every year to its world-famous rodeo event, the Calgary Stampede.

While Calgary is comprised of several neighborhoods, the downtown core is where the commercial, entertainment and shopping districts are located. Stephen Avenue Walk and Barclay Mall are two popular pedestrian zones.

Calgary is home to a large number of skyscrapers with observation decks offering incredible views of the city and Rocky Mountains. The most notable of these are The Bow and Calgary Tower . There are also many family attractions including a world-class zoo, amusement parks, botanical gardens, a hands-on science center.

While the city plays host to several annual festivals of music, film and dance, the most famous is the Calgary Stampede , an Old West celebration held over ten days in July with rodeos, chuckwagon races, parades and competitions.

11. Churchill [SEE MAP]

It may only be a small town of 1,000 residents, but Churchill draws huge crowds every year to see its most famous inhabitants, the polar bears . Nicknamed the “Polar Bear Capital of the World,” Churchill is located in the Manitoba province on the Hudson Bay shore. In addition to polar bears, Churchill is also the place to go for viewing beluga whales, birds and the aurora borealis.

The best time to see polar bears in Churchill is October and November when the bears migrate to the shores, hunting for marine food. The tourism industry here provides tours and vehicles called tundra buggies for the safety of both tourists and the bears.

In the summer months, tour operations take people out on the water to see the beluga whales , which migrate here by the thousands. Some tourists even don swimsuits and swim with the whales. With more than 270 species of birds, Churchill is also a birdwatcher’s paradise . Thousands of birders visit the area every summer to glimpse species like snowy owls, gyrfalcons, stilt sandpipers and tundra swans.

Churchill also presents an excellent spot to see the aurora borealis, or northern lights. Normally, the peak time to see this natural marvel is between January and March. The primary ways of reaching Churchill are by airplane and train. Train connections are from Winnipeg and Thompson.

10. Cape Breton Island [SEE MAP]

While it’s located in north-eastern Nova Scotia, Cape Breton Island was once its own independent colony until it was forced to merge in 1820. As it welcomed thousands of Scottish expats in the early 19th-century, it remains the only place in North America where you’ll hear Gaelic spoken, with a host of traditional Scottish music concerts on offer.

In addition to the Scots, Cape Breton also has a healthy French population , with the 18th-century Fortress of Louisbourg a major highlight. A fascinating Mi’kmaq community adds to the pleasant mixture of cultural influences.

Whale watching here is unforgettable. Sightings are just about guaranteed at the northern tip (the top of the island), which you can reach with a boat or kayak tour – the scenery alone makes it worth the trip.

Among its spectacular landscapes, the highlight is undoubtedly Cape Breton Highlands National Park with its phenomenal Cabot Trail and gorgeous lookout points. Don’t forget the scenic fishing villages such as Bay St. Lawrence, where you’ll find some excellent seafood.

9. Ottawa [SEE MAP]

Located at the meeting point of three rivers, Ottawa is Canada’s capital city, home to the sixth-largest population in the country – and growing. Unusually, the city is bilingual. Don’t be surprised to hear people speaking a mix of English and French ; both are first languages here.

Previously known as Bytown, Ottawa was once a lumber town, with many mills built along the Ottawa River in the middle of the 19th century. Today, it’s a beautiful green city filled with blissful parks and waterways. Biking is popular in the summer months, and these trails are converted to ski trails come winter. Running right through the heart of the city, the Rideau Canal is a must visit. In winter the canal becomes the world’s largest ice skating ring.

One of the main things to do is visit the Byward Market. But if you’re interested in history, you’re in for a treat. While it may not be Canada’s official cultural capital, Ottawa is home to some spectacular historic buildings, such as the National Library and Archives – the fourth largest library in the world.

As the nation’s capital, Ottawa is home to many federal establishments including Parliament Hill , the government seat where the ceremonial Changing of the Guard takes place daily during the summer.

8. Whistler [SEE MAP]

Thanks to a couple of spectacular mountains called Whistler and Blackcomb, the Whistler resort is the largest and most famous alpine ski destination in North America. Located in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia in western Canada, Whistler is a two-hour trip from Vancouver along Canada’s most scenic drive, the Sea-to-Sky Highway.

At the base of the two mountains are three quaint villages, Whistler Village , Creekside and Upper Village. The Peak 2 Peak gondola transports visitors from the villages to the mountains.

Whistler had humble beginnings as a logging town. After the 1960 Olympics in Squaw Valley, a ski resort was built on London Mountain as a potential destination for the 1968 Winter Olympics. However, this wasn’t achieved until the 2010 Winter Olympics . In an attempt to steer away from its misleading name, London Mountain was renamed Whistler Mountain because of the whistle-like sound made by the native hoary marmots living in the mountains here.

Today, Whistler has many world-class ski resorts and offers extraordinary views from its mountain slopes that bring adventurers back year after year. Aside from snow sports, the mountains also make for great hiking and rock climbing opportunities.

7. Vancouver Island [SEE MAP]

Vancouver Island, named after the British explorer George Vancouver, is the largest island off the West Coast of the North American continent. Surrounded by the waters of the Pacific, it’s a truly photogenic island filled with glistening lakes, impressive waterfalls, magical fjords, and glacial mountains that are popularly explored by hikers. Outdoorsy travelers are attracted by the weather; it has the mildest climate in Canada.

The island is best known for the gorgeous Butchart Gardens , the surf town of Tofino and the wilderness in the north, where one can catch a ferry to Prince Rupert, and another to Alaska from there. Vancouver Island is also a wildlife hotspot.

Not only does it offer some of the best whale watching in the world – you can even kayak with orca – but it’s also a great spot for bird watching and grizzly bear sightings. As the island is sparsely populated, with most of the population living in Victoria – the capital of BC – you can really soak up the magic of the outdoors.

One of the best places for a walk in nature is in Strathcona Provincial Park , where you’ll find most of the spectacular scenery on the island. Visit Cathedral Grove with its ancient forest, or tee off on one of the many fantastic golf courses.

6. Quebec City [SEE MAP]

Quebec City may be the capital of the Quebec province in eastern Canada , but its French heritage, architecture and language make it appear more like a charming European village.

Perched on a hill overlooking the St. Lawrence River is Vieux Quebec , the city’s historic district, which is the only North American city still retaining its original walls. A walk along the cobblestone streets of the Old City offers encounters with old buildings like the Citadel and historic sites like the Place-Royale, the area where explorer, Samuel de Camplain, established the first North American-French settlement. Cafes, shops and bars are peppered throughout the Old City.

The city’s icon, the stunning Chateau Frontenac , is regarded as the most photographed hotel in North America and offers tours even without an overnight stay. Another impressive hotel is the Ice Hotel. Open from January to April, this unique hotel features rooms with beautiful ice sculptures.

Outside the city center are several beautiful and historic parks like Montgomery Falls and Plains of Abraham, which offer breathtaking waterfalls, outdoor recreation and history of the area.

5. Toronto [SEE MAP]

The sprawling city of Toronto is the most densely populated city in Canada, with nearly three million residents. Located on the shores of Lake Ontario , Toronto forms part of the Golden Horseshoe region, which encompasses the area from the lake to Niagara Falls.

As the provincial capital of the Ontario province, Toronto is also one of the most multicultural cities in the world, with just shy of 100 ethnic communities calling it home. It’s one of the only places in Canada where more than half of the residents were not born in the country. But it’s this melting pot that makes Toronto what it is. Some of the street signs are written in different languages, and diverse neighborhoods have their own distinctive cuisine.

There’s so much culture to be found in the inner city proper amongst its towering skyscrapers and thousands of multi-cultural restaurants.

One of the most popular attractions on the tourist trail is the CN Tower , the tallest free-standing structure in the world (until it was trumped by the Burj Khalifa in Dubai). It offers an extraordinary uninterrupted view of the city from its observation deck, skypod, and the 360 Restaurant. But it’s worth it for a ride up in the glass-enclosed elevator alone!

4. Montreal [SEE MAP]

Montreal is the second-largest city in the Quebec province, located where the St Lawrence and Ottawa Rivers meet. Montreal is Canada’s capital of culture. It’s also one of the most diverse, energetic, welcoming, and forward-thinking cities in North America, with modern street art, an energetic breed of musicians, and a great party scene in its newer parts.

While English is spoken, it’s not the most common language; it’s actually the second-largest city in the world to speak French as a first language outside of France. So it’s easy to see why it’s earned its nickname as the ‘ Paris of North America .’

Montreal’s cityscape is a pleasure to visit all year round. It’s especially beautiful in autumn when the trees turn burnt orange around the iconic cityscape. Old Montreal is the highlight with its cobbled streets, quaint museums, and historical buildings, some of which date back to the 17th-century. Don’t miss the chance to climb up the clock tower in the Quai de l’Horloge for some exceptional views over the St. Laurence River and the city in the distance.

Exciting shopping districts include the downtown underground complex, the Carrefour Laval mall and the colorful Bonsecours Market.

3. Niagara Falls [SEE MAP]

Niagara Falls is a series of three awe-inspiring waterfalls situated on the border of Canada’s Ontario and the United States’ New York. The Ontario side of the Falls is called Horseshoe Falls and offers the best views and most attractions. The immediate area surrounding the Falls is a premier tourist spot teeming in observation towers, restaurants, souvenir shops, casinos and high-rise hotels.

Its sister city in New York is known as the ‘honeymoon capital of the world,’ and one of the only places where you can get a marriage license without a waiting period. Those looking for both romance and adventure will find it here, with a long list of exciting things to see and do.

One of the best places to view the Niagara Falls on the Ontario side is from Queen Victoria Park where the Falls are illuminated and fireworks are displayed nightly during the summer. See them from above or below – it’s your choice – with helicopter tours, jet boat tours, an observation deck next to Skylon Tower , and elevators that take you down behind the falls.

2. Vancouver [SEE MAP]

The massive city of Vancouver is one of the largest in Canada. Located in south-western British Columbia , it’s a famous foodie hotspot – especially for seafood, like its celebrated freshly caught prawns and wild salmon. Because of its melting pot of cultures, you’ll find no shortage of mixed cuisine here, making dining out one of the city’s simple, but by no means underrated, pleasures.

Vancouver’s star attraction is Stanley Park . Covering 1,000 acres of woodlands, gardens and green spaces, this park features an aquarium, water park and the picturesque Seawall. Some of Vancouver’s other top sites include Granville Island’s remarkable food market and Canada Place’s waterfront complex housing the Vancouver Convention Center. One of Vancouver’s most popular neighborhood is Chinatown with it’s vibrant array of shops, restaurants and stunning gardens.

Nicknamed the ‘Hollywood of the North’ because of its huge TV and film industry, Vancouver is also home to the fourth-largest cruise ship terminal in the world. As many as 900,000 passengers pass through the terminal every year, with many cruises making their way onwards to Alaska .

With both beaches and ski slopes within easy reach, Vancouver has been rated as one of the world’s best cities to live in. Home to happy and active people who spend their days rollerblading, jogging, and dog walking along in the Seawall or playing a game of volleyball on Kitsilano Beach, Vancouver is a big destination for outdoorsy activities. Don’t leave without the chance to take a dip in Canada’s longest pool – it’s almost three times the size of a normal Olympic swimming pool!

1. Banff National Park [SEE MAP]

Tucked away in the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park is the oldest national park in Canada , and also one of its largest. Because of its sheer size and remote location, many people are drawn to this untouched piece of the globe for the isolation alone – outside of Banff and Lake Louise – the park’s two points of civilization – that is.

There are two popular routes through the park, but it doesn’t matter too much which you choose. Both are filled with jaw-dropping scenery, from glistening multi-colored lakes and dramatic canyons to beautiful viewpoints and majestic waterfalls. Whether you have your own car is not important, as shuttles service most of the key attractions in the park .

Active travelers will be in their element here with the chance to snowshoe or paddle the lake, while wildlife watchers will have an adventure all of their own. Banff National Park is filled with animals – the most eagerly anticipated sighting being, of course, the grizzly bear.

The town of Banff is the park’s primary settlement, offering the most variety of lodging, shopping and dining. Accessed by the Icefields Parkway , Lake Louise offers luxurious accommodation in a gorgeous setting of turquoise lakes and majestic mountains. Lake Minnewanka and Sunshine Meadows are other smaller villages.

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Reader interactions.

April 11, 2018 at 5:30 am

actually i prefer calgary. to me its one of the best places in canada. and also one of the biggest and beautiful

June 28, 2017 at 11:19 pm

I have visit Vancouver twice, really a very beautiful country. People there are nice, places are clean, scenery is awesome.

April 21, 2017 at 8:24 am

Canada is soo beautiful place. i would like to visit atleast once.

February 21, 2017 at 3:15 pm

I think your list should include the great outdoor. Canada has some lovely cities but almost anywhere can take you outdoors. The maritimes for short trips and the Rocky Mountains for the longer trips. But Ontario is beautiful as well.

November 24, 2016 at 7:51 am

I will visit canada soon,its one of my bucketlist in north america.

May 9, 2016 at 9:19 pm

Victoria Island was amazing! It’s not on the list, but it is still a great place to check out! Parts of it reminded me of Europe

March 22, 2016 at 5:06 pm

Calgary is a boring place. Just fly into it and head to Banff. Nothing worth seeing in Calgary unless you are there during the Stampede which is a 10 day period in early July. The Rockies and Vancouver are better places to go to visit.

January 9, 2016 at 6:51 am

My son resides and works in Toronto. He has posted lovely pictures of places he had visited in Canada, thus awakening a desire in me to visit that country. Also, the story of Anne of Green Gables in Prince Edward Island aroused an interest in me to see that part of the world.

December 26, 2015 at 4:15 pm

I would love to live and work in Ottawa Canada.i just love it

August 25, 2015 at 7:33 am

Oh, all these spots are amazing to be seen, but I give it to Toronto!!! Diverse ethnic presence, you can’t be fed up of fun can you? Different people to learn their ways of live and all that.

May 8, 2015 at 5:19 am

I would like to visit Canada!

December 8, 2014 at 8:25 am

It’s incredibly beautiful. I would like to visit these places of Canada once in my life.

February 14, 2014 at 11:21 pm

I’d also recommend PEI if you want something less urbanized and more cozy, country. Whitehorse/Yellowknife between Sept-Mar for the northern lights!!

October 31, 2013 at 8:21 am

These Places Are Beautiful

October 12, 2013 at 12:50 am

Banff is one place in Canada that captured my heart. It is so beautiful, peaceful and something like there’s a magical feeling when you’re there. Canada is really a must visit country. Thanks

August 13, 2013 at 2:04 am

You should check out Nova Scotia next time you head to Canada! Halifax is great, of course, but we have some amazing rural areas. Hiking the highlands and having a run-in with a moose, shopping in Lunenburg (a UNESCO world heritage site) and then stopping into The Ovens, winery and craft beer tours, rafting, tubing, wakeboarding, and more!

This is a great list. I love the polar bear pic, too! Thanks for sharing!

August 7, 2013 at 12:15 am

The Banff National Park looks simply amazing, at least on this picture. Makes me willing to visit Canada even more. One day, one day…

July 31, 2013 at 10:30 am

I have wanted to visit Calgary ever since the hosted the Olympics. And although it’s kinda embarrassing to admit it, I got a first had look at Whistler on a couple of episodes of Real Housewives of Orange County. It looked exquisite. Canada is one of my bucket list places to visit.

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The Great Canadian Summer: 10 Things To Do On A Summer Vacation To Canada

Experience the best summer activities in Canada by trying some or all of these amazing adventures when visiting.

Summer is many Canadians’ favorite season - after a long hard winter and a virtually non-existent spring, it’s a season of soaking in the sunshine, socializing in backyards, and enjoying the great outdoors. Of course, it's also many tourists' preferred season, too. But what is there to do in Canada in summer?

When visiting Canada during summer (late June to mid-September), these are some of the top things to experience on a vacation to this beautiful and adventurous country in North America.

10 Go Hiking In The Canadian Rockies

The Canadian Rockies straddle Canada’s two westernmost provinces, Alberta and British Columbia. This region is one of the best places in Canada to visit in summer; it offers some of the most picturesque landscapes in the country and is where travelers will find incredible national parks, including Banff National Park (home to a town center and park) , Jasper National Park (which also offers superb places to stay) , and the famous Yoho National Park .

• Top Hiking Trails In The Canadian Rockies To Try : Big Beehive, Larch Valley Trail, Wilcox Pass, Joffre Lakes Trail

9 Stay At A Cottage In Muskoka, Ontario

In Ontario, a popular summer pastime is heading to the cottage in the Muskoka region, just a couple of hours north of Toronto. Muskoka cottage country can be expensive, so be sure to book a rental on Airbnb or Booking.com well before a summer visit. Once at the cottage, time is spent swimming in the lake, canoeing, boating, fishing, hiking, and barbecuing.

8 Go Stand Up Paddle Boarding In Lake Ontario

Travelers spending time in the city of Toronto on a summer visit to Canada can cool down by getting out on Lake Ontario. Although not the best lake for swimming, it’s a vast body of water that is perfect for activities like stand-up paddle boarding (or SUP for short). There are plenty of beaches in the city where renting these boards and taking lessons is possible.

• The Best Beaches In Toronto: Woodbine Beach, Hanlan’s Point Beach, Sunnyside Beach

7 Go On A Carriage Ride Through Old Montreal

A carriage ride through town is one of the best ways to discover Old Montreal ; it's ideal for seeing the city or enjoying a romantic summer evening with one's significant other. Visitors should reserve a carriage online in advance and book the length of the tour suitable for the group. Carriages can hold up to 4 guests at a time and prices vary for durations of 60-minute rides up to 180-minute rides.

• Old Montreal Carriage Ride Cost (for groups of up to 4 people): From $259 plus tax

6 Hit The Beach At The Toronto Islands

The Toronto Islands are a group of 15 small islands in Lake Ontario. Travelers can reach the islands by ferry from downtown Toronto’s harborfront at the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal . The main islands to visit are Ward’s Island, Hanlan’s Point, and Centre Island. For families with kids, Centre Island offers the most fun with a child-friendly amusement park and activities. Ward’s Island has a charming view of the Toronto city skyline and great beaches, as does Hanlan’s Point.

Related: The Ultimate Travel Guide To Toronto: When To Go, Budgeting, Foodie Tips & More

5 Go Camping In Algonquin Park, Ontario

Travelers spending time in Ontario during the summer won’t want to miss out on a camping trip to Algonquin Park, which offers plenty to do and see . Visiting this provincial park is one of the best things to do in summer in Canada; it's huge, spanning 7,635 square kilometers, and is home to dense forests, bogs, freshwater lakes, hiking trails, and many campsites.

• The Best Campgrounds In Algonquin To Book: Canisbay, Two Rivers, Pog Lake, Kearney Lake, Racoon Lake, Tea Lake, and Mew Lake

4 Rent A Canoe At Lake Louise, Alberta

Another reason to visit Banff National Park during the summer is for the chance to get out on the unbelievably turquoise glacial waters of Lake Louise. This lake is always busy on the shore, in any season, with tourists taking photos. However, by renting a canoe and paddling out into the middle of the water, there is a chance to experience a new perspective and feel like you’re alone in this gorgeous place.

Related: Summer Is Coming: Time To See Canada's Banff & Yoho National Parks

3 Attend A Music Festival In A Park

Music festivals are a big part of summer in many of Canada’s major cities, from Toronto to Montreal to Vancouver. Plan a trip with some friends to spend a few days in one of these cities enjoying great food, music, and good vibes while lounging on the grass at the park venues.

• Some Of The Best Music Festivals In Canada This Summer: Vancouver Folk Music Festival (Jericho Beach Park), Veld Music Festival (Downsview Park), and Osheaga Music and Arts Festival (Parc Jean-Drapeau).

2 Cruise The Cabot Trail

Travelers who find themselves on the east coast of the country this summer should add cruising the Cabot Trail to their Great Canadian Summer bucket list. The Cabot Trail is a scenic highway on Cape Breton Island that offers scenic views and lots of exciting stops along the route. All in all, road-tripping this trail is one of the best things to do in Canada in summer for those with a sense of adventure.

Related: Vacationing In Canada This Summer? 10 Places To Consider

1 Tour A Winery In Canada

Whether in Niagara, Ontario, or the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, a winery tour and tasting is the perfect summer activity in Canada. Many of the wineries in Niagara specifically are dog-friendly, allowing travelers who have their furry friends with them to enjoy a day of fun that includes everyone. Schedule tours and tastings at popular wineries in advance to ensure you get the experience and time slot you desire during peak season.

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Whether it’s the winter, spring, or summer that you’re visiting, there’s no denying the beauty of Canada’s offerings. Comprising a total of 10 provinces and three (3) territories, there’s no shortage of Canadian cities to visit and things to do. 

While we’re known largely for our winters, our summers are just as good, if not better… If you’re lucky enough to have the autonomy to choose when to visit, the summer months are the superior choice! 

With that said, in this article, we’ll share with you the best Canadian cities to visit this summer or any summer for that matter. It goes without saying that each city discussed in this article is a beautiful destination no matter when you visit. However, who doesn’t want to explore when the sun is shining, and the temperatures are hot?! 

Below are the top five (5) Canadian cities to visit in the summer! 

Montreal, QC

Toronto, ON

Calgary, ab, victoria, bc, charlottetown, pei.

Located about 250km east of Quebec’s capital city sits the more popular city of the two… Montreal! If it’s culture, cuisine, and bilingual conversation that you’re after, Montreal is the city for you.

While it’s just as beautiful during the winter months, Montreal is an incredible city for exploratory walking, allowing you to truly ingest all that it has to offer its guests. From summer festivals and outdoor patio pints to historic hikes and culinary heroics at some of the best restaurants in Canada, Montreal won’t disappoint. 

It’s a European masterpiece of a city that just so happens to be found in the country of Canada; no need to worry about that costly overseas plane ticket! If that’s not unique, I don’t know what is! 

Some must do Montreal Experiences

Often described as the New York of Canada, Toronto is as popular a destination as any for those looking to travel to Canada, especially during the summer months due to its action-packed, event-intensive schedule. 

First, it’s arguably the biggest sports city in the country. With three 3 major sports teams in the Toronto Blue Jays (MLB), Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL), and the Toronto Raptors (NBA), there’s no shortage of sporting events to go to.

Second, when there are no games scheduled, the sports stadiums themselves are typically sold out by major music concerts by the likes of the largest musical talent the world has to offer. 

Lastly, when in Toronto, you can’t forget about the party scene. From beach festivals to rooftop cabana parties, you’ll have no trouble making the most of those summer evenings. Oh, and be sure to snap a picture or two of the CN Tower at night; it’s awe-inspiring, to say the least…

Popular Toronto Tours

There’s nothing quite like summer in Alberta, whether in Edmonton, Calgary, or elsewhere… As the sunniest city in Canada, it makes sense to put Calgary atop your list of Canadian destinations to visit during the summer! 

Withstanding its evident weather, Calgary also boasts the largest trail network in all of North America; for those who enjoy walking and hiking, I think I’ve just made your decision on which city to visit. 

Finally, we can’t forget the Calgary Stampede… Self-proclaimed as the greatest outdoor event in the world, the Calgary Stampede is a 10-day all-encompassing event that includes musical concerts, food and beverage vendors, a rodeo, and much more. Set around the beginning to the middle of July annually, be sure to schedule your trip around these dates, for you won’t want to miss it! 

While it might come as somewhat of a surprise to see Victoria on the list rather than Vancouver, Victoria is undeniably beautiful, especially in the summer months. Not only is it just an hour’s ferry ride from the big city, which has its own benefits, but it boasts more natural landscapes than any other city in British Columbia (don’t ask a BC native, you might start an argument!). 

From summer festivals and sandy beach strolls to forest hikes and ocean kayaking excursions, the options of what to do here in Victoria during the summer months are endless.

Last but certainly not least is Prince Edward Island, the smallest of the provinces discussed in this article. As such, you’ll likely have time to explore the entirety of this beautiful province should your trip be long enough. With that said, its capital city is Charlottetown, so let’s discuss…

If you know anything about PEI, you’ve likely heard of Cavendish… if not, while it’s a resort town in PEI, it’s much, much more! From its beaches and historic cultural sites to its famed music festival called Cavendish Beach Music Festival, it’s likely where you’ll want to spend most of your time…

Apart from that, PEI is unique in that it’s primarily farmland, boasting incredible open landscapes and beaches. Go kayaking, hiking, or driving through the long-stretched roads off the beaten path.

Whatever you choose to do, even if it’s absolutely nothing, you’ll surely enjoy every second of it! 

Your Canadian Summer Vacay Awaits!

Whether you’re already in the midst of planning your Canadian excursion or if you’re still in the consideration stages of planning, you’re likely still pondering what time of year is best to explore this amazing country… If so, you might want to consider the summer months which typically span from June to September!

While it’s the peak season for most provinces, and though the prices may be somewhat inflated. As a result, the cost of a Canadian summer is more than worth it in the end. Sure, Canada is a winter wonderland that is beautiful in its own right… But, who are we kidding?! Summer is the best season of them all, no matter which country you’re visiting! 

While the above cities are certainly some of the best for summer travel, there’s certainly more where that came from! 

More Canada Travel Guides and Trip Ideas from DiscoverCanada.Blog

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• A Detailed Guide to Exploring Vancouver Island in Summer and beyond
• Top 5 Summer Camping Locations in Quebec
• Things to do in Calgary in Summer
• Top 10 Canadian Cities to explore in 2022

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Around the World

Best Places to Visit in Canada During Summer

• Author david
• Date March 23rd, 2024

Canada, with its vast and diverse landscapes, offers a plethora of stunning destinations to explore during the summer months. From vibrant cities to breathtaking natural wonders, there is something for everyone. 

Canada has it all if you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or cultural experiences. Here are some of the best places to visit in Canada during the summer:

Key Takeaways

• Vancouver, British Columbia
• Banff National Park, Alberta
• Quebec City, Quebec
• Prince Edward Island
• Niagara Falls, Ontario
• Tofino, British Columbia
• Jasper National Park, Alberta
• Toronto, Ontario
• Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia
• Whistler, British Columbia

1. Vancouver, British Columbia

Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the coastal mountains, Vancouver is a vibrant city known for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor activities. 

During the summer, you can explore Stanley Park, one of the largest urban parks in North America , which offers a variety of attractions including beaches, hiking trails, and the famous seawall. 

You can also take a stroll through the colorful neighborhoods of Gastown and Granville Island, known for their shops, galleries, and restaurants. 

Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the nearby Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and Grouse Mountain for panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains.

2. Banff National Park, Alberta

Banff National Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. In the summer, the park offers a wide range of activities, including hiking, biking, and wildlife watching. 

Visit the stunning Lake Louise and Moraine Lake for their turquoise waters and breathtaking mountain backdrops. Take a scenic drive along the Icefields Parkway to explore the park’s glaciers, waterfalls, and rugged peaks. You can also relax in the town of Banff, known for its hot springs, shops, and restaurants.

Also If you love national park, Explore the breathtaking beauty and natural wonders of Yosemite National Park – a must-see destination for every nature lover.

3. Quebec City, Quebec

Steeped in history and charm, Quebec City is a must-visit destination for culture lovers. Explore the cobblestone streets of Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and visit iconic landmarks such as the Chateau Frontenac and Place Royale. 

During the summer, the city comes alive with festivals, outdoor concerts, and street performances. Don’t miss the chance to sample the city’s delicious French cuisine and pastries. You can also take a cruise along the St. Lawrence River to enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline.

4. Prince Edward Island

Known for its stunning beaches, rolling hills, and charming villages, Prince Edward Island is a perfect summer getaway. 

Explore the island’s picturesque lighthouses, visit the Anne of Green Gables Heritage Place, or simply relax on the sandy shores of Cavendish Beach. 

The island is also known for its delicious seafood, so be sure to indulge in fresh lobster and oysters during your visit. You can also explore the island’s scenic coastal drives and cycling trails to experience the island’s natural beauty up close.

5. Niagara Falls, Ontario

One of Canada’s most iconic natural attractions, Niagara Falls is a must-visit destination during the summer months. 

Take a boat tour to experience the power and majesty of the falls up close, or explore the surrounding area, which offers a variety of attractions, including vineyards, golf courses, and hiking trails. 

Don’t forget to catch the nightly fireworks display over the falls for a truly magical experience. You can also visit the nearby town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, known for its historic buildings, shops, and wineries.

6. Tofino, British Columbia

Located on the west coast of Vancouver Island, Tofino is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The town is famous for its stunning beaches, rugged coastline, and pristine rainforests. 

During the summer, you can surf the waves at Long Beach, hike through the old-growth forests of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, or take a boat tour to spot whales, sea otters, and other wildlife. 

You can also explore the town’s art galleries, shops, and restaurants, which showcase the region’s unique culture and heritage.

7. Jasper National Park, Alberta

Jasper National Park, the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. 

In the summer, the park offers a wide range of activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and wildlife watching. 

Visit the stunning Maligne Lake, explore the Columbia Icefield, or take a scenic drive along the Icefields Parkway to enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. 

You can also relax in the town of Jasper, known for its shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.

8. Toronto, Ontario

Canada’s largest city, Toronto, offers a vibrant mix of cultural attractions, shopping districts, and culinary delights. 

During the summer, you can explore the city’s diverse neighborhoods, visit world-class museums and galleries, or take a stroll along the waterfront. 

Take advantage of the opportunity to visit the iconic CN Tower for panoramic views of the city skyline. You can also explore the city’s vibrant food scene, which offers a variety of cuisines from around the world.

9. Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia

Known for its stunning coastal scenery and rich Celtic heritage, Cape Breton Island is a hidden gem in Nova Scotia. 

Explore the scenic Cabot Trail, a 298-kilometer highway that winds through the island’s highlands, offering breathtaking views of the coast and mountains. 

Visit the historic Fortress of Louisbourg, a National Historic Site that recreates life in an 18th-century French garrison town. You can also hike through the rugged Highlands National Park, which offers a variety of trails for all skill levels.

10. Whistler, British Columbia

Renowned for its world-class skiing and snowboarding in the winter, Whistler transforms into a summer playground during the warmer months. 

Explore the mountain bike trails, which offer a variety of terrain for all skill levels, or take a scenic gondola ride to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. 

The village also offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions to explore. You can also relax in one of the village’s many spas, which offer a variety of treatments and therapies to help you unwind after a day of adventure.

Discover hidden winter gems with our guide to 5 underrated holiday destinations, perfect for your next snowy getaway.

Conclusion 

Canada is a diverse and captivating destination with an abundance of attractions to explore during the summer months. Whether you’re drawn to the stunning natural beauty of its national parks, the vibrant cultural scenes of its cities, or the rich history of its towns, Canada offers something for every traveler. 

From the majestic mountains of the Rockies to the charming coastal villages of the Maritimes, Canada’s summer destinations promise unforgettable experiences and memories to last a lifetime. So pack your bags, hit the road, and discover the best places to visit in Canada during the summer.

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• DESTINATION GUIDE

The essential guide to visiting Canada

Here’s what you need to know about the world’s second largest country—when to go, where to stay, what to do, and how to get around.

Why you should visit Canada

The majesty of Niagara Falls and Banff National Park . Champagne powder at British Columbia ski resorts. Dense forests, teal waters. Polar bears and spirit bears and loons. Poutine in Montreal , lobster rolls in Halifax. The most lakes of any country in the world.

Best time to visit Canada

Spring: Whale-watch at Clayoquot Sound (pronounced clack-what) as some 20,000 gray whales migrate past the coast, a UNESCO Biosphere Region. A million tulips bloom in Ottawa as part of a spring festival .

Summer:   This is prime season for canoeing Ontario’s many lakes, driving the glorious Sea-to-Sky Highway   from Vancouver to Whistler, rock-climbing at Squamish, and golfing at a world-renowned seaside course, like Nova Scotia’s Cabot Cliffs or Cabot Links . End of summer sees the stars come out at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

Autumn:   Polar bears gather in large numbers in Churchill , Manitoba , waiting for ice to form on Hudson Bay so they can hunt seal. For fall colors, take a boat trip up the Saguenay River, in Quebec.

Winter:   Dogsled, ice-fish, and snowshoe at the Carnaval de Québec winter festival. Ski or snowboard at any of a score of high, steep, powdery ski resorts that populate the west, including Whistler Blackcomb , Kicking Horse , and Revelstoke , the last being one of the snowiest places on Earth. At Whistler, ride the bobsleigh track featured at the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Lay of the land

Cities:   Mountains and ocean sandwich outdoorsy Vancouver.   Lakefront Toronto’s dramatic skyline is interspersed with museums and vibrant ethnic neighborhoods. Sophisticated cobblestoned Montreal is where Canadians go to let their hair down. Colorful houses cling to the rock of St. John’s while icebergs drift offshore. “Any boat ride that has you entering St. John’s Harbour at dusk is a divine experience,” says legendary Newfoundland folk-rock musician Alan Doyle .  

West:   In British Columbia, get lost among the islands of Haida Gwaii,   home to some of the densest, most concentrated coastal temperate rainforest left on Earth. In Desolation Sound,   cultural interpreter and bear guide Klemkwateki (Randy) Louie teaches visitors how to weave with cedar bark and to carve miniature canoe paddles. He also takes guests by boat up the Toba Inlet (Yekwamen), among whales, orcas, seals, and sea lions, to the Klite River to watch grizzly bears in their natural habitat. “I’ve been involved in my Coast Salish teachings for 30 years, singing, drumming, dancing, giving visitors some Klahoose history. We’ve handed this down to the younger generation and to our guests to help with building a connection in working together.”

The 47-mile backcountry West Coast Trail (WCT) crosses beaches studded with flowerpot rock formations, and passes through groves of old-growth trees. Down the Vancouver Island coast is the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail , a shorter but more hilly option. “Both trails zigzag through thick coastal rainforest with lots of muddy sections and ladders to help you up and down the steep slopes,” says Taryn Eyton, founder of HappiestOutdoors.ca .

North:   In the Northwest Territories (NWT), paddle the Nahanni River through Canada’s deepest river canyons, along rapids, and past Virginia Falls, nearly twice the height of Niagara. NWT is also where you can canoe and swim in enormous Great Slave Lake and spot the northern lights , visible here 240 nights per year.  

Prairie provinces:   Elk Island National Park , in Alberta , is home to bison, elk, and more than 250 bird species. Nearby on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River, Métis Crossing features a cultural center, historic exhibits, and dome accommodations with transparent ceilings for night-sky viewing. In early fall, Jasper National Park holds a Dark Sky festival with family-friendly events like night hikes.

Fly in by floatplane to lodges in Saskatchewan or Manitoba for trophy catches of northern pike, walleye, and lake trout. “Since there’s very little fishing pressure, the fish are typically giants, and more than willing to hit just about any lure you show them,” says Patrick Walsh, editor of Outdoor Canada   magazine.  

Ontario:   Charter a boat and cruise the 120 miles from the capital Ottawa down the 19 th- century Rideau Canal (the oldest continuously operated canal system in North America), through a series of lakes, locks, and rivers. Drive west alongside Lake Ontario to Prince Edward County , one of the hottest vacation spots in Canada, known for its wineries, food, hip hotels, and historic small towns like Wellington and Picton. Climb the immense sand dunes of Sandbanks Provincial Park, the largest freshwater barrier beach and dune system in the world. Continuing west along the lake, a new Canadian Canoe Museum opened in Peterborough in May 2024.

Quebec:   Montreal comes alive in summer with a series of events, such as the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal . In compact, French-speaking Quebec City, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in a charming town in northern France. Off the beaten path, drive the Gaspé peninsula, encompassing four national parks and iconic offshore limestone formation Percé. Stop in at the International Garden Festival at Grand-Métis, Quebec.

Atlantic Canada:   A magical place of mountains and verdant coastline, Gros Morne National Park,   in Newfoundland , is one of the few places where you can stroll atop the Earth’s mantle , exposed when two continental plates collided. Visitors can hike to the top of Western Brook Pond fjord for an iconic view , or board a boat . The oldest known European settlement in North America—beating Columbus by centuries—is at L'Anse aux Meadows . Windswept homes of timber, peat, and sod, the Viking site lay undiscovered until 1960.

At the Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Geopark in Nova Scotia   marvel at the world’s highest tides in action.  

Cape Breton Island is home to one of the world’s great drives, the 185-mile Cabot Trail. A few hardy types bike the steep winding hills. Offshore, visitors whale-watch or fish enormous bluefin tuna.

Getting around Canada

By plane:   Leading carrier Air Canada has more than 900 flights daily. Floatplanes operated by small companies connect remote locations. U.S.-bound passengers can pre-clear U.S. customs and immigration at nine Canadian airports.  

B y train:   Rail is the time-honored way to see Canada, and operators run specialized services for tourists, like Rocky Mountaineer’s deluxe routes from Vancouver through the Canadian Rockies to Banff or Jasper. Regular train service by Via runs a limited number of routes.

By bus:   Intercity bus service has declined across Canada.

By car:   A car is essential for moving about within regions of Canada, but some top tourist spots—like Churchill for polar bears—are accessible only by plane or train.

By boat:   Bounded by three oceans and with an abundance of lakes and rivers, a cruise or boat trip is a great way to see the country.

Know before you go

Cultural heritage:   Native rights and the debts owed by settlers have become front and center in the public discourse, with land acknowledgements , which originated in Canada, now standard practice. Canada’s newest (1999) territory, Nunavut , is governed by the Inuit , and Torngat Mountains National Park , on the northern tip of Labrador, is owned and managed by the Inuit, the first of its kind.

The transcontinental railway helped establish Canada as a nation, but at the same time pushed aside Indigenous peoples and their rights. Blasting through the Canadian Rockies, untold numbers of imported Chinese workers died and were buried by their fellow countrymen, often in unmarked graves.

Canada became a self-governing dominion in 1867, but when Great Britain declared war in 1914 Canada automatically joined too as it did not yet control its own foreign affairs. Canada gained legislative independence from Britain in 1931, an official flag of its own only in 1965, and constitutional independence from the U.K. as recently as 1982.

Hours: Bars in Canadian cities typically stay open until 2 a.m. Drinking age is 18 or 19, depending on province or territory, while some remote northern communities place restrictions on alcohol use. Marijuana is legal for both recreational and medicinal uses.

LGBTQ+:   Canada is consistently ranked the world’s best country for LGBTQ+ rights and safety of travelers. The country legalized same-sex marriage in 2005—at the time only the fourth country in the world to do so. Pride Toronto (June) is one of the largest organized gay pride festivals in the world.

How to visit Canada sustainably

Greenpeace was founded in Canada and today the country ranks a respectable 14 th out of 76 countries on the Green Future Index . Keep your distance from wildlife. Bring your own reusable water bottles, coffee cups, and toiletries. Put all garbage and recyclables into designated bins. Support Indigenous peoples by taking guided walks and visiting Indigenous art galleries.

What to read and watch

Anne of Green Gables , by Lucy Maud Montgomery. This globally loved 1908 children’s book set on Prince Edward Island was adapted most recently into a Netflix series. November 30, 2024, will mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of Montgomery.

Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands , by Kate Beaton. This autobiographical comic from Cape Breton’s Kate Beaton recounts her experience as one of the few women working in the rough-and-tumble oil patch of northern Alberta. Beaton’s story also captures the never-ending tale of Canadians from the Atlantic provinces migrating westward for work.

The Inconvenient Indian: A Curious Account of Native People in North America , by Thomas King. This history of Indigenous peoples in North America has been turned into a 2020 documentary .

The Sleeping Car Porter ,   by Suzette Mayr. The award-winning 2022 novel focuses on a 1920s Black closeted gay Canadian working as a railway porter to save money to attend dental school.

The Hockey Sweater , by Roch Carrier. This 1979 short story about a Quebec boy who receives a hated Toronto Maple Leafs jersey in error has been an enduring favorite of Canadians, managing to capture the importance of both hockey and winter to Canadian children, and also serving as an explainer of relations between English and French Canada.

Schitt’s Creek.   The pandemic’s surprise hit series was written by and stars Canadians, and more than anything has a gentle, Canadian-defining vibe to it. If these characters are your people, you’ll feel at home in Canada.

Kim’s Convenience.   Written by Ins Choi, this sitcom about a Korean-Canadian family who own a corner store in downtown Toronto captures the intimate feel of the city’s many ethnic neighborhoods, as well as the common multi-generational immigrant experience in one of the world’s most international metropolises.

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Vancouver, Canada   Travel Guide

Courtesy of danbreckwoldt | Getty Images

Best Times To Visit Vancouver, Canada

The best times to visit Vancouver are from March to May and from September to November when the weather is mild and hotel rooms can be found at bargain rates. Summer is the most popular time thanks to the promise of warmer weather; however, if you're planning a trip then, make sure to reserve your hotel room at least two or three weeks in advance. If you're a winter sports fanatic, then don't let the biting temperatures deter you: This city makes a great home base for skiers and snowboarders looking to challenge the powder at  Grouse Mountain  or nearby  Whistler . Regardless of when you visit, packing layers is a must to keep you comfortable.

Weather in Vancouver, Canada

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

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15 Underrated Places to Travel This Summer, From Kosovo to Quebec

By Jamie Spain

Planning the perfect summer trip can take weeks of research, preparation, and organization to ensure it goes off without a hitch. But before you get to the planning and booking phase, you'll need to decide where to go. There's a seemingly endless amount of great options out there, and while there's nothing wrong with heading to the same familiar spot over and over again, sometimes you want to get a little off the beaten path and go somewhere you haven't been before. Whether you're in the mood for a nature escape with jaw-dropping vistas, hiking paths, and secluded lodges, or are looking for a big city excursion surrounded by trendy restaurants, unique neighborhoods, and great shopping, we've got ideas for you.

From islands to national parks , here are 15 underrated summer travel ideas, perfect for avoiding the crowds while you explore someplace new.

Domestic destinations:

Finger Lakes, New York | Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota | Isle Royale National Park, Michigan | Catalina Island, California | San Juan Islands, Washington | Crystal River, Florida

International destinations:

Kosovo | Budapest, Hungary | Copenhagen, Denmark | Buenos Aires, Argentina | Sardinia, Italy | Mauritius | Kyoto, Japan | Bora Bora | Quebec, Canada

Domestic destinations

Finger Lakes, New York

A fan-favorite of New York City residents, the New York Finger Lakes are unquestionably idyllic. The perfect destination for a summer weekend , or a weeklong trip with the family, this region is home to some of the most beautiful waterfronts. Dotted with adorable small towns , the 11 long, slender lakes that make up this area are exactly what East Coast summer dreams are made of. Spend your trip navigating nearby state parks; hiking, biking, and exploring; and enjoying everything that lake life has to offer, from jet-skiing to swimming.

Where to stay: Check out the Gould Hotel , a modern boutique property in Seneca Falls; book a night at The Lake House on Canandaigua for an airy, design-forward stay; or head east to the Inns of Aurora .

Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

Completely immerse yourself in nature at Minnesota's Voyageurs National Park. This gorgeous destination is ideal for getting in some of the best stargazing you could ever imagine. Just like dozens of other national parks , this one has an International Dark Sky Park certificate, designating it as a location that is particularly good for viewing the night sky and stars. Unlike the others, however, Voyageurs is one of the least-visited national parks in the country, meaning you'll be able to truly connect with nature and enjoy seclusion. It's ideal for boat rides and swimming, as it's primarily made up of waterfronts and islands—almost 40 percent of the park is water.

Where to stay: Nearby Cantilever Hotel is great for those interested in exploring the park, but not wanting to stay too far away from civilization. Those who are a little more daring will enjoy the Kettle Falls Hotel , a property that is only accessible by boat or seaplane. If you're really looking to be one with nature, you can rent a canoe and camp at a tent site.

Isle Royale National Park, Michigan

If you're looking for a summer vacation where you can explore an area relatively untouched by civilization, look no further than Isle Royale National Park . A favorite of my family, this park is uniquely difficult to get to (the main island is best reached by ferry), so the only other travelers you'll find here are extreme adventurers and in-the-know locals. It's best to visit during the summer months since Lake Superior is quite cold and foggy throughout the rest of the year. My family heads to this park in the summer months in hopes of spending a few days backpacking , canoeing, and hiking through the near-untouched environment—admiring the nature and wildlife along the way.

Where to stay: While the actual park is best experienced through camping, those who aren't interested in totally roughing it can stay at the Rock Harbor Lodge , centrally located on the main island. Or, book this nearby rustic Airbnb cabin with panoramic views of Lake Superior for the days leading up to your national park visit.

Catalina Island, California

Just a hop, skip, and a jump from Los Angeles , Santa Catalina Island is quite literally heaven on Earth. Hopeful travelers can either take the one-hour Catalina Express ferry over to the island (it departs daily from San Pedro, Long Beach, and Dana Point) or charter a private yacht to get them there in style. Whether you're looking to hike the Trans Catalina Trail or simply indulge in some tasty seafood while wandering through the quaint town of Avalon, Catalina Island is a great break from the hustle and bustle of LA. Head a bit farther inland to explore El Rancho Escondido , the acclaimed Arabian horse ranch that's also home to Rusack Vineyards.

Where to stay: For day-trippers or those who plan to extend their vacation to include a stay in Los Angeles, there are a variety of hotels and Airbnbs to choose from, including The Beverly Hills Hotel, Dorchester Collection , The Malibu Beach Inn , and the luxe Chateau Marmont Estate on Airbnb. If you're hoping to stay on-island, the plush Bellanca Hotel is the way to go.

San Juan Islands, Washington

A 2019 Readers' Choice Award winner, named one of the best islands for beautiful scenery, this collection of more than 400 islands off the coast of Washington is ideal for a Pacific Northwest weekend getaway. The three most popular (and largest) islands to explore are Orcas , San Juan, and Lopez—all easily accessible by ferry. Travelers can enjoy a laidback vacation with comfortable temperatures and a relaxed atmosphere: hop on a bike and explore the area; spend time sailing, hiking, and fishing; or take a walk to admire all of the islands' natural beauty, from the mountains to the lakes.

Where to stay: Glampers, campers, and regular hotel-goers will all adore the Lakedale which has accommodations for every type of traveler.

Crystal River, Florida

Home to one of the best beaches in Florida , Crystal River is unlike most other cities you'll find in the Sunshine State for one major reason: It's one of the only places in the world where people can swim alongside manatees . If you've ever wanted to truly get up close to these gentle giants, this is the city to visit. Head to the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge to see your fill of the endangered animal, and spend some time taking in the natural beauty of the nearby springs and parks.

Where to stay: The Plantation Resort on Crystal River is home to a variety of different activities including a 27-hole championship golf course and a family-friendly resort with 196 accommodations.

International destinations

There's a reason Kosovo is on our list of the Best Places to Go in 2024, and it has everything to do with the jaw-dropping scenery that can be found in every corner of this country. Outdoorsy folks who want to spend their time hiking and biking through untainted valleys, mountains, and countryside will appreciate the chance to explore the newest European country. Travelers who who are looking for a taste of the young nation's history can head to the national museum; afterward, explore the streets of Prizren taking in the architecture as well as the historic mosques and churches.

Where to stay: Book a night at the Hotel Gracanica in the quiet suburb of Prishtina, or pamper yourself at the luxe Ujevara e Drinit Resort near Peja. For something a little more traditional, enjoy tasty Kosovo dishes as well as classic comforts at the rural Ariu Guesthouse . (Check out our guide on where to eat, play, and stay in Kosovo for even more recommendations.)

Budapest, Hungary

Skip Western Europe and instead head to the beautiful capital of Hungary . Luxuriate in the mineral-rich thermal baths you'll find around the city , or spend your days exploring the historic Castle District, walking along the Danube, and meandering through the city streets. You can even take a faux hot air balloon trip to enjoy the best view in the city. If you plan your trip for August, it may coincide with the Sziget Festival , one of the largest music and cultural festivals in all of Europe.

Where to stay: Book a night at 2024 Gold List winner, The Four Seasons Gresham Palace Budapest , or spend a few nights at the adults-only Hotel Clark Budapest . (Check out our guide on where to eat, play, and stay in Budapest for more recommendations.)

Copenhagen, Denmark

There's no better time to visit Copenhagen than during the summer months when the weather is warm, the days are exceptionally long, and the waterfront views are breathtaking. Aside from being ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world , sustainably-minded travelers will appreciate how eco-focused the place is, and enjoy a trip to CopenHill, the multi-use waste-to-energy plant with a ski slope, climbing wall, and cafe. It's also worth checking out the Tivoli Gardens, Rosenborg Castle, and the picturesque Nyhavn harbor .

Where to stay: Check out our favorite hotels in Copenhagen , including the grand and historic Hotel d'Angleterre , the Nimb Hotel which was originally built as a castle in 1909, and the modern Villa Copenhagen .

Buenos Aires, Argentina

From awe-inspiring museums to culture-packed tours to dance halls perfect for learning to tango , there's no shortage of amazing things to do and see in Buenos Aires . Whether you're spending the day simply walking the streets and taking in the sights; exploring the colorful La Boca; watching a soccer match; learning to tango; or going to the Colón Theatre to see the opera, this will be a trip to remember.

Where to stay: Some of our favorite hotels in Buenos Aires include the luxe Palacio Duhau ; the Jardín Escondido , once home to Francis Ford Coppola; and the Faena Hotel Buenos Aires located right by the water in Puerto Madero.

Sardinia, Italy

There's so much more to Sardinia than just a beautiful coastline and wonderful beaches. While the long, warm days are perfect to spend by the crystal blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea, travelers who want a little more substance to their vacation can head inland to experience the island's charming towns, rustic cuisine, and ancient ruins.

Where to stay: Rest your head at the Cascioni Eco Retreat , set on a 90-acre nature reserve with gorgeous views of the surrounding land. The colorful Su Gologone Experience Hotel is another great option, as is the luxurious, high-end Hotel Cali de Volpe .

Another location on our list of the Best Places to Go in 2024, Mauritius is about 1,200 miles east of Madagascar . From its gorgeous coastlines with pristine beaches to the luxury accommodations and unparalleled nature, this island destination is nothing short of paradise. Head here during the Northern Hemisphere's summer months to avoid wet season. Your main activities on Mauritius will be water-based, from diving and snorkeling to sitting on the beach and admiring the coastline. If you need a break from relaxing, take a trip to the Bel Ombre Nature Reserve, the Botanic Gardens, or the capital city of Port Louis.

Where to stay: Check out our favorite hotels in Mauritius , including the four-time Readers' Choice Award winner and two-time Gold List winner, One&Only Le Saint Géran . You can also book a stay at the legendary resort, Lux Belle Mare , or the kite-surfers' paradise of Riu Palace Mauritius .

Kyoto, Japan

Instead of heading to the mega-popular Tokyo or the bright and lively Osaka, consider touching down in Kyoto , one of the best cities to experience traditional Japanese culture. Spend the day exploring the temples and shrines that are dotted throughout the city; take a walk through Gion, the “Geisha District;” or while away a few hours in the Kyoto National Museum. The best times to visit Japan are at the very end or beginning of summer when the season overlaps with spring and fall, and while it'll certainly be a bit warmer during the peaks of summer, it's no less beautiful.

Where to stay: From the Ace Hotel to the Shinmonzen , there is no shortage of great hotels in Central Kyoto. If you're interested in something a little different, tour guide Sara Aiko from Traveler 's Ask a Local series recommends taking a trip to Moksa , a gorgeous property in the north of Kyoto surrounded by temples and nature.

Nothing says romance like staying in an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora. The winter in French Polynesia corresponds with the summer in the Northern Hemisphere, meaning June, July, and August experience less humid and more comfortable temperatures. This time period also falls during Tahiti 's dry season, so you don't have to worry about being rained out. You could easily spend your days simply lounging in your bungalow and slipping into the crystal waters whenever you feel, but Bora Bora is also ideal for snorkeling, scuba diving, and taking a boat or a 4x4 island tour.

Where to stay: Bora Bora is particularly known for its luxury overwater bungalows. Conrad Bora Bora Nui is a more private option with exceptional snorkeling and coral, The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort is perfect for honeymooners and families alike, and the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora is home to over 100 bungalows, fine dining, and an exceptional spa.

Quebec, Canada

When you think of summer travel, your first thought is probably an island getaway or a far-flung destination that you've only read about in books. But, don't overlook all of the beauty that our northern neighbor has to offer. Quebec City is home to all the same type of charm you'll find in Europe but without the exceptionally long flight to get there. Spend some time in Old Quebec City —home to some of the oldest streets in North America—taking in the history and culture that make this city worthy of its title as a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Or, head to Montreal , where you can enjoy a variety of museums, the open-air market, and great culinary options. Don't forget to explore the nature and French architecture found in the greater province.

Where to stay: For a wonderful stay in Quebec City, Hotel 71 is a six-time Readers' Choice Award winner while Auberge Saint Antoine Quebec City and Le Germain Hotel Quebec are both five-time winners. For a wellness-focused retreat , head to Monastère des Augustines . In Montreal , check out the Auberge du Vieux-Port on the St. Lawrence River, or Hotel William Gray in Old Montreal.

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46 music festivals you won't want to miss this summer

From coast to coast to coast, we've got you covered with the best festivals happening across canada.

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There are so many music festivals taking place across Canada this summer — hundreds, in fact — that it can be difficult to narrow down your options. Whether you like a quick day fest or a weekend-long camping situation, folky country or hard-hitting electronic music, we've compiled a list of must-attend festivals that appeals to all persuasions.

Check out the selections below, broken down by province, to find out where you can catch Feist, André 3000, Kaytranada, Carly Rae Jepsen, Aysanabee, Noah Kahan, Chromeo, SZA, Sum41 and many more acts. 

Sled Island Music and Arts Festival Where: Calgary. When: June 19 to 23. What to expect: For the past 17 years, Sled Island's weird magic has swept across Calgary with an eclectic array of musical performances, comedy, film and art installations at multiple venues. Notable acts: Cherry Glazerr, Haleluya Hailu, Mick Jenkins, Myst Milano, Planet Giza, Show Me the Body. 

Badlands Music Festival Where: Calgary. When: July 4 to 14. What to expect:  For 11 nights some of the biggest names in dance music, from Canada and abroad, will perform under a big-top tent in downtown Calgary. Notable acts: Chase and Status, Chris Lake, Loud Luxury, Kaytranada, Swedish House Mafia, Rezz. 

Big Valley Jamboree Where: Camrose. When: Aug. 1 to 4. What to expect:  Camrose will be graced by country stars, old and new, as they take the stage for a laidback celebration. Lean into the Canadiana with a lumberjack show and bull riding.  Notable acts: Josh Ross, Keith Urban, Lainey Wilson, the Reklaws, Terri Clark.

Edmonton Folk Fest Where: Edmonton. When: Aug. 8 to 11. What to expect: A folk festival that has reflected the expansiveness of the genre since its launch in 1980. It also has a sustainability initiative to help maintain the grounds of Gallagher Park, where the festival takes place.  Notable acts: Alison Krauss, Elisapie, Black Pumas, Boy Golden, Leith Ross, Robert Plant, Wyatt C. Louis.

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British Columbia

Westward Music Festival Where: Vancouver. When : June 22 and 23. What to expect: Fans of left-field pop, alternative hip-hop and bold garage rock will all find something to love at this festival in the quaint neighbourhood of Mount Pleasant. Notable acts: Cartel Madras, Cherry Glazer, Debby Friday, Haley Blais, Mick Jenkins.

Vancouver Folk Music Festival Where: Vancouver. When: July 19 to 21. What to expect: Right by the water at Jericho Beach Park, this festival lets you enjoy folk stylings by artists from 15 different countries including Côte d'Ivoire, New Zealand, Mexico and, of course, Canada.  Notable acts: James Vincent McMorrow, Jeremy Dutcher, Katie Tupper, Leif Vollebekk, Piqsiq.

Shambhala Music Festival Where: Salmo. When: July 26 to 29. What to expect: The 25th anniversary of this free-spirited festival is sure to be a celebration of its countercultural roots. Bring your wildest outfits and be ready to dance.  Notable acts: Anderson .Paak, Chromeo, Dillon Francis, Disclosure, James Blake, Lion Babe, Nia Archives.

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Rifflandia Where: Victoria. When: Sept. 13 to 15. What to expect: Rifflandia is a general interest fest with something for everyone, from old-school hip-hop to bass-heavy EDM. Notable acts: Aysanabee, Broken Social Scene, k-os, Maestro Fresh Wes, Michie Mee, the Beaches, Rezz, Tokyo Police Club. 

Winnipeg Folk Festival Where: Winnipeg. When: July 11 to 14. What to expect:  Known for its intimate atmosphere (despite the 20,000-person capacity), this festival takes place in the wilderness of Birds Hill Provincial Park is. Heads up: they don't sell single-use water bottles so be sure to bring a reusable one.  Notable acts: Band of Horses, Elisapie, Leith Ross, Kaia Kater, Noah Cyrus, Orville Peck.

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Rockin' the Fields of Minnedosa Where: Minnedosa. When: Aug. 2 to 4. What to expect:  This festival is for the classic rock lovers who love their tried-and-true acts, while still curious about new, emerging artists.  Notable acts: Amanda Marshall, JJ Wilde, Kim Mitchell, the Trews, Theory of a Deadman. 

New Brunswick

Area 506 Where: Saint John. When: Aug. 2 to 4. What to expect:  Area 506 is a cozy festival on the water, with lots of picks for fans of rock in all its forms.  Notable acts: Alvvays, Aysanabee, Devon Cole, Our Lady Peace, Pup, Sum 41, Tokyo Police Club. 

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Future Forest Where: Fredericton. When: Aug. 8 to 12. What to expect:  For those who like to go off the grid, Future Forest is an art and electronic music festival in a forest hideaway, with sets and stages made from salvaged material.  Notable acts: Bensley, Kyle Watson, Me Time, Myst Milano.

Harvest Music Festival Where: Fredericton. When: Sept. 10 to 15. What to expect:  Harvest is an annual send-off to summer that takes over six city blocks with 27 stages. Say your goodbyes to the season with some beloved Canadian acts.  Notable acts: Broken Social Scene, Feist, Jim Cuddy Band, Julian Taylor, July Talk, Spoon, Wolf Castle.

Newfoundland and Labrador

Lawnya Vanya Where: St. John's.  When: June 5 to 8.  What to expect: Lawnya Vawnya is a non-profit organization that focuses on new and independent music, so their namesake festival is known for its diverse and exploratory lineups.  Notable acts: Ash Park, Aquakulture, Debby Friday, Myst Milano, Stacey Sexton, Willie Thrasher and Linda Saddleback. 

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Newfoundland & Labrador Folk Festival Where: St. John's. When: July 12 to 14. What to expect:  Over three nights, folk greats meet new-age voices for an intimate festival at Bannerman Park.  Notable acts: Emmylou Harris, Steve Earle, the Ennis Sisters, William Prince.

Northwest Territories

Great Northern Arts Festival Where: Inuvik. When: July 10 to 15. What to expect: Over the years, performers including Tanya Tagaq and Leela Gilday got their start at the Great Northern Arts Festival, and organizers continue to highlight Inuit and First Nations artists from the North.  Notable acts: Louie Goose, Willie Thrasher. 

Folk on the Rocks Where: Yellowknife. When: July 19 to 21. What to expect: Six stages jam packed with artists from the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and across Canada. From rootsy reggae to pop ballads, there's a nice mix of genres represented.  Notable acts: Ammoye, Aurora Fiddle Society, Beatrice Deer, Begonia, Wyatt C. Louis. 

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Nova Scotia

IngoBeach Pride Where: Cape Breton. When: June 28 to 30. What to expect: In its second year, IngoBeach Pride continues to bring a 2SLGBTQ+ celebration to the idyllic shores of Ingonish Beach. Notable acts: Mo Kenney, Ralph, Rêve, Ria Mae, Pillow Fite.  

Halifax Jazz Festival Where: Halifax. When: July 9 to 14. What to expect: Attracting up to 65,000 attendees per year, this festival is one of the biggest in Atlantic Canada and includes neo-soul, indie pop, jazz and conscious rap artists.  Notable acts: Charlotte Day Wilson, Emmylou Harris, Fitz and the Tantrums, Jill Barber, Killer Mike, Tachichi and Lxvndr.

The Jubilee Where: New Glasgow. When: Aug. 2 to 4. What to expect: Catch legendary rock and buzzy country acts at the outdoor amphitheatre on the New Glasgow waterfront.  Notable acts: Sum 41, Tenille Arts, the Trews, Trooper.

Congrès mondial acadien Where:  Southwestern Nova Scotia. When: Aug. 10 to 18. What to expect: The 20th anniversary of Le Congrès mondial acadien will bring together the Acadian diaspora from around the world. In the middle of the conference, on National Acadian Day, there will be a free concert at the Yarmouth airport to celebrate Acadian music.  Notable acts: Édith Butler, Lisa LeBlanc, Morgan Toney, P'tit Belliveau, Salebarbes, Zachary Richard. 

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Rock the Harbour Where: Dartmouth. When: Aug. 16 to 18. What to expect: Rock the Harbour joins the ranks of festivals across the country that prove that classic rock is still kicking — and for those partial to an early night, all headliners are scheduled to start their sets by 9 p.m. Notable acts: Aldo Nova, Chilliwack, Glass Tiger, the Stampeders. 

Alianait Arts Festival   Where: Iqaluit. When: July 6 to 9. What to expect: The sun never sets on Alianait, since Iqaluit experiences almost 24-hour sunshine during the summer months.The festival has a primary focus on Inuit and other circumpolar and Indigenous artists but also brings in musicians, dancers, storytellers, filmmakers and visual artists from around the world.  Notable acts: Lineup to be announced. 

Jammin' on the Bay Tribute Fest Where: Rankin Inlet. When: Aug. 2 to 4. What to expect: The first Jammin' on the Bay took place in 2001, now 23 years later they're bringing round two. The family-oriented event will have lots of interactive activities in addition to the performances.  Notable acts: Northern Haze, Sam Tutanuak, throat singers, Led Zeppelin, Bon Jovi and ACDC tribute bands. 

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Luminato Festival Where: Toronto. When: June 5 to 16. What to expect: If you like your art with a side of music, Luminato is the festival for you. Since 2007 it has paired visual art, dance and more with stellar performances from international and local musical artists.  Notable acts: Big Freedia, Classic Roots, Jeremy Dutcher, Measha Brueggergosman-Lee, Me Time, Mother Tongues, Natasha Noorani.

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Springtide Music Festival Where: Uxbridge. When: June 6 to 8. What to expect: Six venues across Uxbridge will have a mix of local performers (including a youth stage) and folk, pop, roots and rock acts from across the country. They have partnered with non-profit Music Declares Emergency to run initiatives throughout the weekend dedicated to addressing climate concern.  Notable acts : Begonia, Good Lovelies, Julian Taylor. 

Sound of Music Festival Where: Burlington. When: June 13 to 16. What to expect: This festival kicks off with a grand parade of marching bands from all over the world, and then a range of performers will take to the stages during the four-day festival.  Notable acts: Jim Cuddy Band, Kathleen Edwards, Rêve, Priyanka, Trooper, Tyler Shaw.

Ottawa Bluesfest Where: Ottawa. When: July 4 to 14. What to expect: Attendees of the 30th Ottawa Bluesfest are spoiled for choice, as some of the biggest names in pop, rock and hip-hop will be performing over the course of 11 days. Notable acts: Bahamas, Britanny Kennell, Carly Rae Jepsen, Corb Lund, Nas, Neil Young, Motley Crue, Nickelback, Priyanka, Mother Mother. 

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Mariposa Folk Festival  Where: Orillia. When: July 5 to 7. What to expect: Camp out and enjoy a weekend by water at one of the most established folk festivals in the country.   Notable acts: Amanda Rheaume, Bahamas, Billianne, Cat Clyde, Maestro Fresh Wes, Mattmac, Shad, Shawnee Kish. 

Sojourn Festival Where: Toronto. When: July 26 to 28. What to expect:  Sojourn is a new electronic music festival started by three Toronto collectives, bringing in international producers and DJs while championing local talent.  Notable acts: Chippy Nonstop, Hudson Mohawke, Jayemkayem, Karim Olen Ash, Kuruza. 

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Riverfest Elora Where: Elora. When: Aug. 16 to 18. What to expect: Although it's expanded in size over the past 15 years, Riverfest still feels like the backyard gathering started by its late founder, Marilyn Koop.  Notable acts: Josh Ross, Fleet Foxes, Sudan Archives, Violent Femmes, Wild Rivers. 

Aurorapalooza Where: Aurora. When: Aug. 17. What to expect: In its fifth year, Aurorapalooza continues to bring high-energy acts for a day-long festival on the scenic grounds of Town Park. Notable acts: Boy Wonder, Katie Tupper, the Free Label.

All Your Friends Fest Where: Oro-Medonte. When: Aug. 23 to 24. What to expect: Calling all pop punk aficionados: the nostalgia hit of your dreams has arrived. All Your Friends Fest brings the peak of mid-aughts band culture back to life for two days only.  Notable acts: Billy Talent, Fall Out Boy, Fefe Dobson, Jimmy Eat World, Lights. 

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Wake the Giant Music Festival Where: Thunder Bay. When: Sept. 14. What to expect: This festival is an offshoot of the Wake the Giant cultural awareness project that began in 2019 in Thunder Bay to make it a more welcoming, inclusive city for Indigenous peoples.  Notable acts: Arkells, Chester Knight, Coleman Hell, Drives the Common Man, DJ Shub, Walk Off the Earth. 

Prince Edward Island

Cavendish Beach Music Festival Where: Cavendish. When: July 5 to 7. What to expect:  Cavendish is a country and folk-centred festival on the beach, with acts from across Canada and the U.S.  Notable acts: Brothers Osborne, Corb Lund, Mackenzie Porter, Owen Riegling, Shantaia, Zac Brown Band. 

Sommo Festival Where: Cavendish. When: Sept. 13 and 14. What to expect:  Attendees of this festival can expect a multi-genre goodbye to summer at Cavendish Beach, with a fun culinary element.  Notable acts: Greta Van Fleet, Half Moon Run, Noah Kahan, the Beaches, Talk, Terra Lightfoot, Tobi. 

Saskatchewan

Long Day's Night Music Festival Where: Swift Current. When: June 20 to 22. What to expect: This festival occurs around the summer solstice — some of the longest days of the year — which can feel especially magical when paired with great tunes.  Notable acts: Terra Lightfoot, the Commoners, the Dirty Catfish Band. 

Saskatchewan Jazz Festival Where: Saskatoon. When: July 10 to 13. What to expect: Jazz greats from around the world will come together in Saskatoon for four evenings of inspired performances. Notable acts: Alex Cuba, Arturo Sandoval, Johnny Reid, Melissa Etheridge, Saskatoon Jazz Orchestra, Shakey Graves. 

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Mural Festival Where: Montreal. When: June 6 to 16. What to expect: Montreal gets colourful as murals and art exhibitions pop up throughout the 11 days of this festival. At night, musical acts keep the energy going with lively performances.  Notable acts: Aluna, Amaal Nuux, Channel Tres, Moonshine, Ouri, Pierre Kwenders, Sadboi, Rick Ross. 

Festival de Jazz International de Montréal Where: Montreal. When: June 27 to July 6. What to expect: This festival shuts down the downtown core of Montreal for 10 days, as the city is transformed into a playground for music lovers.  Notable acts: André 3000, Charlotte Day Wilson, Dominique Fils-Aimé, Elisapie, Jeremy Dutcher, Killer Mike, Norah Jones, Orville Peck.

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Festival d'été de Québec Where: Quebec City. When: July 4 to 14. What to expect: With perhaps the most extensive and varied lineup of all the Canadian summer festivals, Festival d'été truly has something for everyone. Over 11 days, big names from around the world, and beloved local acts converge.  Notable acts: Arkells, Cam Kahin, Calamine, Carly Rae Jepsen, Elisapie, Fleet Foxes, Les Hay Babies, Loud Luxury, Nickelback, Ouri, Tobi, Valley, 50 Cent.

Osheaga Festival Musique et Arts Where: Montreal. When: Aug. 2 to 4. What to expect: One of Canada's most popular festivals, Osheaga is a giant wonderland for people of all tastes, from the big headliners to the niche acts.  Notable acts: Alvvays, Billianne, Cri, Hozier, Green Day, Noah Kahan, Nonso Amadi, SZA.

Aqpik Jam Music Festival Where: Nunavik. When: Aug. 13 to 16. What to expect: This festival coincides with the harvest of a wild berry grown in Nunavik called aqpik. Musicians and singers from across the North show off their skills at night, while in the day there are berry-picking competitions and canoe races. Notable acts: Lineup to be announced. 

Mutek Festival Where: Montreal When: Aug. 20 to 25. What to expect: Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Mutek continues to be at the forefront of championing electronic music's underground.  Notable acts: Bored Lord, Ciel, Korea Town Acid, Marie Davidson, Nosaj Thing and Jacques Greene.

Dawson City Music Festival Where: Dawson When: July 19 to 21. What to expect: This is a grassroots festival with a non-fussy vibe that is perfect for discovering new artists.  Notable acts: Boy Golden, Ombiigizi, Status/Non-Status, Super Duty Tough Work, U.S. Girls. 

Paradise Music Festival Where: Kettley's Canyon (near Whitehorse) When: Aug. 9 to 11. What to expect: Paradise Music Festival is referred to by its organizers as "the littlest biggest festival north of 60." It's the only electronic music festival held that far north: people got to let loose in the boreal forest. Notable acts: Balkan Bump, Dirtwire, Shawna.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kelsey Adams is an arts and culture journalist from Toronto. Her writing explores the intersection of music, art and film, with a focus on the work of marginalized cultural producers. She is an associate producer for CBC Music.

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