Discover Canada: Breathtaking Adventures in Our Own Backyard
You don’t need to leave Canada to experience jaw-dropping scenery, luxurious resorts, and once-in-a-lifetime adventures. From rugged coastlines and pristine national parks to vibrant cities and remote arctic wonders, Canada offers a diverse range of vacation destinations that rival any international hotspot. Whether you’re craving relaxation, exploration, or something in between, these ten destinations will leave you in awe of our beautiful country.
Banff and Lake Louise, Alberta
Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff and Lake Louise are renowned for their stunning turquoise lakes, dramatic mountain peaks, and luxurious accommodations. This year-round destination offers everything from hiking and skiing to hot springs and fine dining.
Places to Stay:Fairmont Banff Springs, Fairmont Château Lake Louise, Rimrock Resort Hotel
Don’t Miss:
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- Lake Louise gondola with breathtaking mountain views
- Banff Upper Hot Springs for a soak with a view
- Johnston Canyon’s waterfalls and catwalk trail
- Wildlife spotting (bears, elk, and mountain goats)
- Spa day at Fairmont Banff Springs
Tofino, British Columbia
Tofino offers a rare blend of rugged wilderness and laid-back coastal charm. Known for its sprawling beaches, old-growth rainforests, and epic surf, it’s the perfect place to reconnect with nature.
Places to Stay: Wickaninnish Inn, Pacific Sands Beach Resort, Long Beach Lodge Resort
Don’t Miss:
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- Surfing and Hiking
- Whale watching tours (grey whales, orcas)
- Hot Springs Cove, accessible only by boat or floatplane
- Local Indigenous art galleries and shops
- Kayaking through Clayoquot Sound
Prince Edward Island (PEI)
Famed for its red-sand beaches, rolling countryside, and Anne of Green Gables heritage, PEI offers a charming escape with plenty of scenic drives and fresh seafood.
Places to Stay: The Great George, Dalvay by the Sea, Inn at Bay Fortune
Don’t Miss:
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- Cavendish Beach and the PEI National Park
- Green Gables Heritage Place
- Northumberland Strait lobster suppers
- Point Prim Lighthouse
- Local ceilidh (traditional music and dance)
Québec City, Québec
With its cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and unmistakable European charm, Québec City offers a romantic and culturally rich getaway.
Places to Stay: Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, Auberge Saint-Antoine, Hôtel Le Germain Québec
Don’t Miss:
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- Strolling through Old Québec (UNESCO site) & Musée de la Civilisation (local history and culture)
- Montmorency Falls, taller than Niagara Falls
- Quartier Petit Champlain for quaint shops and cafes
- Traditional sugar shack experience
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Canada’s premier wine region, the Okanagan Valley offers rolling vineyards, crystal-clear lakes, and a laid-back atmosphere perfect for wine lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Places to Stay: Sparkling Hill Resort, The Cove Lakeside Resort, Naramata Inn
Don’t Miss:
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- Wine tasting at Mission Hill, Quails’ Gate, & many more
- Okanagan Lake’s sandy beaches and water sports
- Myra Canyon Trestles (scenic biking trail)
- Hike Knox Mountain in Kelowna
- Farmers’ markets with local produce
- Sunset boat cruise on Okanagan Lake
Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland & Labrador
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gros Morne features dramatic fjords, towering cliffs, and unique geology shaped by glaciers and tectonic movement.
Places to Stay: Neddies Harbour Inn, Sugar Hill Inn, The Rooms Inn
Don’t Miss:
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- Boat tour of Western Brook Pond Fjord
- Hiking the Tablelands (ancient rock formations)
- Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse
- Bonne Bay marine station
- Moose and caribou spotting
- Local live music performances
Whistler, British Columbia
Famous for its world-class ski slopes, Whistler is also a summer playground offering hiking, biking, and luxury mountain resorts.
Places to Stay: Fairmont Chateau Whistler, Four Seasons Resort, Nita Lake Lodge
Don’t Miss:
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- Peak 2 Peak Gondola ride, ziplining and bear-watching tours
- Skiing/snowboarding or hiking/biking
- Scandinave Spa Whistler for forest-side relaxation
- Audain Art Museum (Indigenous and contemporary art)
- Whistler Village nightlife and dining
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
Known for its wineries, historic sites, and charming village atmosphere, Niagara-on-the-Lake offers a refined and romantic escape.
Places to Stay: Prince of Wales Hotel, Pillar and Post, The Charles Hotel
Don’t Miss:
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- Wine tasting at Peller Estates and Trius Winery
- Shaw Festival Theatre performances
- Historic Fort George National Historic Site
- Boutique shopping on Queen Street
- Niagara Falls day trip (30 min away)
- Horse-drawn carriage rides through the village
Churchill, Manitoba
Dubbed the “Polar Bear Capital of the World,” Churchill offers a rare opportunity to see polar bears and beluga whales in their natural habitat.
Places to Stay: Lazy Bear Lodge, Tundra Inn, Churchill Hotel
Don’t Miss:
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- Polar bear viewing tours (fall)
- Beluga whale kayaking or boat tours (summer)
- Northern Lights viewing (winter)
- Itsanitaq Museum (Indigenous artifacts)
- Dog sledding excursions, tundra buggy adventure
Victoria, British Columbia
Perched on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria blends historic elegance with a laid-back West Coast vibe. Known for its charming Inner Harbour, vibrant gardens, and rich British colonial heritage, this coastal gem offers a perfect mix of outdoor adventure, culture, and relaxation.
Places to Stay: Fairmont Empress, Oak Bay Beach Hotel, Magnolia Hotel & Spa
Don’t Miss:
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- Butchart Gardens – A world-renowned floral wonderland with themed gardens and evening light displays.
- Royal BC Museum – Fascinating exhibits on Indigenous cultures, BC history, and natural history.
- Craigdarroch Castle – A Victorian-era mansion with stunning architecture and period furnishings.
- Beacon Hill Park – Scenic walking trails, peacocks, and beautiful gardens.
- Inner Harbour – Stroll along the waterfront with views of Parliament and historic architecture.
- Fisherman’s Wharf – Colourful floating homes, seafood kiosks, and sea lions basking nearby.
- Whale Watching Tours – See orcas, humpback whales, and sea lions in their natural habitat.
- Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Empress – An iconic Victoria experience with tea and pastries.
Bonus: Arctic Adventure in Nunavut
For an unforgettable, off-the-beaten-path experience, head to Nunavut, where you can dog sled across the Arctic tundra or catch a glimpse of polar bears in the wild.
Places to Stay: Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge, Enokhok Inn & Suites
Don’t Miss:
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- Dog sledding with Inuit guides
- Polar bear viewing tours
- Whale watching in Arctic waters
- Hiking in Auyuittuq National Park
- Midnight sun in the summer months
Canada truly offers a destination for every type of traveler. Whether you’re seeking the buzz of city life, the beauty of nature, a deep cultural experience, or the ultimate in relaxation, you can find it all without ever leaving the country! Contact your Holly Jolly Travel Agents today to plan your Canadian adventure!
