10 stunning Canadian spots to spend your summer vacation

Quebec City, Quebec

Why it’s awesome:

Montreal’s nearby glitter and grit often outshines the old-world charm of Quebec City, but we’re putting QC back on the map. If you’re looking to get to Europe without the price tag, you’ll love the cobblestone streets, piercing cathedral spires and elegant French fare of Quebec’s capital.

What to do:

Catch a performance of Crépuscule, a free evening circus show presented by the Flip FabriQue acrobats on the banks of the St. Lawrence river — they’re back for a second summer of performances. Afterwards, head to one of the many bars on nearby Rue Saint-Jean for craft beer or cider, and an obligatory post-drinks poutine.

When to go:

The circus show runs from late July until early September, so a weekend in early August is your best bet. Plus, late summer is the perfect time to sit on a patio and eavesdrop on those passing by to brush up on your French.

Churchill, Manitoba

Why it’s awesome:

If you’re an animal lover, Churchill, perched on Hudson Bay on the northern tip of Manitoba, is the best place to get close to some of Canada’s wildlife. Wild polar bears wander the tundra, friendly beluga whales swim alongside kayaks and hundreds of birds fly through on their annual migration.

What to do:

Dog-sledding isn't just confined to the winter months; in summer, the sled is replaced with a wheeled cart, from which you can see the tundra bursting with wildflowers. Bring your binoculars and you might catch sight of native brids, wolves, moose or even a late-season polar bear.

When to visit:

Between mid-June and mid-September, over 57,000 beluga whales gather in the warmer waters off the coast of Churchill — this is the best time to snorkel or kayak alongside them.

Prince Edward County, Ontario

Why it’s awesome:

PEC is stunning and quiet, with pebbly beaches and wide open fields that’ll make you forget that you’re a mere two-hour drive from Toronto. A book by the beach is the main attraction, but there are plenty of wineries, farmer’s markets and gorgeous bike paths to keep you busy. Bonus: Slickers is a strong contender for the province’s best ice cream.

What to do:

Toronto’s Drake Hotel has a trendy outpost in the town of Wellington that’s been dubbed the “Drake by the Lake,” since it transplants its signature quirky furnishings to the breezy shores Lake Ontario for a grown-up summer camp feel. If you can't reserve a room, visit their restaurant to try dinner and a cocktail — their farm-to-table approach to food makes local produce shine. 

When to go:

High season begins in May and stretches through the summer, but even at full occupancy, PEC never feels crowded. Visit in early July — the lake breeze will keep you cool on those hot summer nights. 

Antigonish, Nova Scotia

Why it’s awesome:

A sweet little town in north-eastern Nova Scotia, Antigonish has a rich Gaelic history and totally unpretentious vibe. It’s quintessentially Nova Scotian, complete with old churches, sunny hikes and friendly Maritimers.

What to do:

Antigonish is famed for its annual celebration of Scottish culture, the Antigonish Highland Games, which started in 1863. Stay in a nearby B&B and wander over to the events, where you’ll see competitions in bagpiping, drumming, highland dancing and bike races. Every second Saturday, catch a Ceilidh — a traditional Gaelic gathering with folk music and dancing — put on by the Antigonish Ceilidh Association.

When to visit:

The 2016 Highland Games run for a week, from July 3 to 10, though the festivities will reach their peak over the weekend of July 8 to 10.

Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia

Why it’s awesome:

The Cabot Trail, the famous highway that winds through Cape Breton Highlands national park, is a well-known Canadian gem. In just under 300 kilometres, it packs dramatic cliffs, the stunning Ingonish beach and quaint seaside communities.  

What to do:

Most visitors will see the Cabot Trail from the window of their car. But the trail is so densely saturated with vistas and viewpoints that it deserves a slower pace. Pick a guided or self-guided bicycle tour, which will allow you to enjoy the fresh air, crashing waves and Nova Scotian hospitality. Plus, it'll get your appetite ready for gorging on lobster rolls and fresh oysters at the end of the day.

When to visit:

Being near the water can mean some drastic temperature swings, so July or early August is your safest bet for good weather. Bring a few extra layers just in any case.

Canmore, Alberta

Why it’s awesome:

Canmore is a bustling little town that sits between soaring mountains and glacier-fed rivers. While its downtown is cute, this is a destination best suited for wilderness geeks. Whether you want to be in a canoe, on a mountain bike, on horseback or dog sled, what better place to do it than against the dramatic backdrop of the Rockies?

What to do:

Pack a tent and spend a weekend camping on the Bow River Campground, where you can fish for trout and whitefish and hike along trails that’ll take you past the azure-blue waters of Grassi Lakes. Take a tour of the Rat’s Nest Cave, a 4-kilometre natural cave created by glacial meltwaters.

When to visit:

Avoid the area in spring and fall; though rates will be cheaper, the lakes may be frozen and the weather can be unpredictable. Choose late June to make the best of the long days, but be sure to book ahead.  

Kelowna, British Columbia

Why it’s awesome:


Kelowna lies at the heart of Okanagan Valley and on the shores of Okanagan Lake. The region is home to a vast range of wines that are consistently ranked among the best in Canada. Sipping Pinot Gris and catching glimpses of the lake between the long rows of a vineyard sounds like the ideal summer day.



What to do:


You could debate endlessly about which winery to visit, but unless you’re a bona fide sommelier, you'll likely enjoy any one of the vineyards that are dotted around the valley and spend a lovely afternoon tasting wines. It would be wise to pay special attention to Riesling, the region’s specialty. When you’re done with drinking, stop by a farmer’s market.



When to visit:


You can visit wineries from late spring through fall, but wait to stop by in August if you want to visit an orchard and pick your own ripe peaches and plums.

Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Ontario

Why it’s awesome:

If you’re from Toronto, there’s nothing like staying in town for a real staycation deal. And if you’re not from Toronto, there’s way more to the city (and its outskirts) than the CN Tower and Kensington Market. Including the GTA, Toronto is huge and infinitely diverse, and most city-dwellers have never peeked into its far-flung corners.

What to do:

Pick a neighborhood you rarely frequent, and ask a friend from the area to give you a personalized tour. Head west to the Junction for their Saturday flea market, east to Scarborough for the best five for $1 samosas, or southeast to the Beaches for Afrofest. If you can’t pick a neighborhood or can’t find a local to guide you, Jane’s Walks, annual citizen-led walking tours of Toronto communities, are a great place to start. 

When to go:

Afrofest — a celebration of African music, heritage and culture — happens on July 9 and 10 this year. Summerlicious is when some of Toronto's best restaurants offer special prix-fixe menus, running from July 4 to 24.

Arviat, Nunavut

Why it’s awesome:

The southernmost hamlet on the Nunavut mainland, Arviat’s austere, treeless expanses have recently started to attract visitors originally bound for the nearby tourist hub of Churchill, Manitoba. Arviat a great place to learn about Canada’s Inuit culture and art, including activities like hunting, fishing and sewing, and crafts like soapstone and antler carving.

What to do:

Tours will allow you to visit and chat with Inuit elders in their homes, and sample traditional meals like tuktu (caribou), muktaaq (beluga whale) and Arctic char. Don’t miss a performance by Qaggiqtiit, a group of drum dancers and throat singers.

When to go:

In late August through September, the tundra changes colour much the way fall leaves do; turning into a vast and spectacular yellow, red and orange expanse. You’ll also catch the caribou migration, but it’ll still be warm enough to see community members out on the tundra hunting and harvesting.

Hamilton, Ontario

Why it’s awesome:

Ten years ago you might have wrinkled your nose at Hamilton, but after a recent influx of Toronto artists and musicians drawn by the cheap rent, the city has earned a reputation as both trendy and down-to-earth. Hamilton has beautiful architecture, quiet boulevards and lush parks — along with a great music scene and tons of festivals.

What to do:

Hamilton’s constant buzz of musicians and artists crescendos at the James Street Supercrawl, a free three-day art and indie music festival held downtown, that draws some of Canada’s most well-known artists as headliners. It’s also a great way to support local artists and businesses, and you can be sure that the whole town will be in attendance.

If you're hoping to avoid the mosh pit, Hamilton and surrounding areas are also dotted with over 100 natural waterfalls, which you can access by hiking trails.

When to visit:

Spring is the best time to see the waterfalls before they dry up, so aim for the first couple weeks of June. If you miss them, you can still catch the Supercrawl festival from September 9 to 11 this year. 

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