Canadian favourites
Travel

Favourite Canadian destinations from travel writers around the world.

Canada, Always a Favourite

Canada is an incredible, culturally diverse, and beautiful country, it is hard to have one Canadian favourite. As a proud Canadian, I am excited as this year unfolds… Canada celebrates its 150th year on July 1st and there will be many celebrations from coast to coast. 

Cultural Mosaic

Known as a cultural mosaic, Canada celebrates multiculturalism and embraces the diversity and pluralism of its people. The name Canada is derived from “Kanata”, the Huron-Iroquois word meaning village or settlement, an apt name for a country that welcomes immigrants from other lands with open arms.

The red and white flag, launched in 1965 prominently displays the maple leaf, a Canadian symbol (along with the beaver) that is well known throughout the world.  

Canadiana

Canada is known for many things:  its love of hockey, Terry Fox, the invention of basketball, Blackberry, poutine, the word EH, our apparent need to apologize for things… and our very handsome and popular Prime Minister. 🙂 But, the beauty of this country stretches far and wide…I am a bit biased,  so I asked a few fellow travelers for some thoughts on their Canadian favourite.  Here are some of their favourite places they have visited. Make sure to have a look through, and discover some new places to put on your bucket list that may become your Canadian favourite! 

Canadian Favourites
Image credit: Government of Canada

East to West Canadian Favourites

Halifax, Nova Scotia

I personally adore Halifax, Nova Scotia, and that entire region. I’m a water baby and adore the coast, the small-town feel of the area, and the history surrounding it, along with the incredible scenery at Peggy’s Cove.”  Take a look at her article on her family’s visit to the Halifax area. | Desiree Miller, Travel Writer, and TV Producer, DesMiller.com

Twillingate, Newfoundland

While many large cities in Canada stand out as must-see destinations, the small town of Twillingate, in Canada’s Easternmost province of Newfoundland is worth considering. Twillingate is a foodie paradise, with some of the freshest and most delicious seafood in the country. It also hosts a unique winery, focusing entirely on non-grape vintages.
But what really makes Twillingate, Newfoundland stands out is its position in the middle of the famed Iceberg Alley.  Each year between May and July, hundreds of massive icebergs make their way along the north and east coasts of Newfoundland, many of which park themselves near Twillingate, making it one of the premiere Iceberg viewing points in the world. |  Kevin and Christina Wagar, Travel Writers,  Wandering Wagars

Montreal, Quebec

Our family frequently visits Montreal. It is less than 2 hours from where we live in Vermont. It is a city filled with history, science, art, and fabulous food. You must take a trip to one of the public markets like Jean-Talon or Atwater. And no trip to Montreal is complete without croissants from Premier Moison. | Dana Freeman, Travel Writer Dana Freeman Travels

Ottawa, Ontario

I love Ottawa because I’m always filled with so much pride at every opportunity to showcase my hometown to visitors. Whether they’re doing the classic tourist trail with stops at Parliament Hill and the National Gallery or digging a bit further afield to discover the city’s up and coming food trucks and small restaurants, I’ve never seen anyone who hasn’t been charmed by the city’s architecture, scenery, and attractions. Always a favourite!| Vanessa Chiasson, Travel Writer, Turnipseed Travel

Toronto, Ontario

As food-focused travelers, we love to visit Toronto for its cultural diversity and international food selection. Canada’s largest city is a true melting pot, with residents from every corner of the world cooking up flavors from countries like Korea, India, Italy, and China. Despite its size and role as an international city, Toronto is actually a city of neighborhoods.
We love to eat our way through the different ethnic neighborhoods, including multiple Chinatowns, as well as the city’s two major markets – Kensington Market and the St. Lawrence Market. Beyond the great casual food, Toronto has an up-and-coming fine dining scene with several cutting edge restaurants and cocktail lounges that make it a favourite city to visit. | Daryl & Mindi Hirsch, Food and Travel Writers. 2foodtrippers

Niagara Falls, Ontario

As an American, I love traveling to Canada, especially within the Province of Quebec. I can drive there and really feel like I am in another country with different food and language. Although I am a third-generation American, my ancestry is French Canadian. I also love the beauty of Niagara Falls. You can read more about my family’s visit here. | Jamie Descubins, Travel Writer, The Daily adventures of me.Niagara Falls - Canadian Favourites

Norfolk Ontario – Beaches, Food, and Wine

Norfolk Ontario sits in Ontario’s Southwest region and to me is filled with hidden secrets. The most fascinating is how this farm region has developed both a food and wine trail. As farmers switch from tobacco farming to their new passions, the region has adopted these changes and now showcases this throughout the region.
Casual Fine Dining Scene: Located in one of Ontario’s biggest growing regions, it is no surprise that local chefs came home to open their dream restaurants which feature locally sourced ingredients. From The Combine’s fresh Perch Tacos to Schofield’s Bistro’s French-inspired delights there is no shortage of fine-dining favourites in the region. My personal favourite was a 4-course fine dining meal at the Burning Kiln winery during my glamping adventure at Long Point Eco Adventure Park.
Ontario’s Newest Wine Country: In addition to fresh ingredients the region has embraced winemaking and have a few awards under their belt to prove it. Must-visit wineries include Frisky Beaver and Gamble, Villa Nova Estate Winery, Blueberry Hill, Bonnie Heath, and my favourite Burning Kiln Winery.
The Ultimate Norfolk Ontario Experience: Must see in Norfolk Ontario the famous palm trees at Port Dover beach. Enjoy the day on the shores of Lake Erie’s beach under the four palm trees planted there each summer. The region is filled with farmer’s markets and even has a special hop on hop off bus which will transport you from place to place. In a few days, you can enjoy the best of the regions, beach life, food, and wine. | Sharon Mendelaoui, Travel Writer, Dream Travel Magazine

Winnipeg, Manitoba

Of the Canadian cities I’ve been to, I’d have to say Winnipeg is my favourite.  It reminds me so much of my hometown, Chicago (it’s even known as “Chicago of the North”!). More so, I love the cultural diversity of the city, its outstanding dining options, and an up-and-coming craft spirits scene. It’s an exciting time for Winnipeg!
I’ve been obsessed with Canada since early childhood, and it all has to do with my love of ice hockey. I fell in love with hockey at age 4 and so began my love affair with Canada. Haven’t seen nearly enough of the country as I’d like, but I was in Winnipeg earlier this year. Loved it! My husband and I had the best time. | Francesca Mazurkiewicz. Travel Writer, The Working Mom’s travels.

Jasper, Alberta

Picking one city in Canada as our favourite is tough – there are so many great cities to visit. But, having visited the town of Jasper in both summer and winter, we’ve come to the conclusion that Jasper takes the title as the most “Canadian” town in Canada, especially when it’s covered under a blanket of snow.
There’s no wrong time to visit Jasper, there’s lots to do in every season. But we do suggest that if you plan to visit in the peak seasons (winter and summer), you should book your accommodations in advance. Jasper is a small town, but we promise that it will leave a lasting impression. | Nicole Wears, Travel Writers,  Traveling Canucks

The Okanagan Valley,  BC

The Okanagan Wine Valley has been named one of the world’s best wine valleys by USA Today. With its lush vineyards overlooking Okanagan Lake and the various microclimates from the north to the south, the valley produces quality wines ranging from Pinot Noir to Chardonnay and Champagne-style bubbly.
Aside from wine, the Okanagan food scene has experienced a serious boom within the last decade with craft breweries, restaurants, and food trucks being added year-round. Arrive during the summertime to participate in an alfresco dinner with the culinary darlings of the Okanagan, Joy Road Catering. However, the best time to arrive is during the fall as the vineyards and forests are colours of emeralds, rubies, and gems set against the blue Okanagan Lake. | Murissa Shalapata, Travel Writer The Wanderfull Traveler GRATEFUL -Canadian Favourites

Vancouver, BC

I was born in Vancouver, and ever since I can remember, I’ve felt like the city was in my blood. For years, I didn’t even know why, just that I yearned for a place I barely even remembered. And last summer, when my family and I went back to visit, I finally realized why: Vancouver, bright, beautiful, and just a little bit (artistically) messy, feels like home and a favourite place.
The Vancouver area has something for everyone: breathtaking mountains for skiing and hiking, beautiful beaches for swimming and exploring, and a huge city center with a rich cultural history. For my mom, it’s the ocean and the mountains that pull her in, but for me, Vancouver is the only place where I truly feel at peace. Its laid back vibe can calm my restless heart, and with a mountain to ski on and enough nature to explore, I’m set for life. |  Alex Wyatt, Writer, Novel Ramblings 

Victoria and Vancouver Island. BC

The city of Vancouver regularly tops polls as one of the most liveable places on the planet, but fewer travellers are in on the reputation of its stunning island namesake.
Vancouver Island is the largest Pacific Island west of New Zealand, but while British Naval officer George Vancouver gave his name to both discoveries, that’s where the similarity ends.
‘The Island’ as it’s simply known is an entirely distinct destination in its own right, and there’s something undeniably special and dare I say, even secret about this place.
A nature lover’s playground, large enough to offer everything a traveller could want in the way of wilderness exploration – from zip-lining and forest hikes, to surfing and storm watching – it still remains small enough to have a community vibe wherever you go.
From the beaches of Tofino to the natural wonders of Hot Springs Cove via the farms and vineyards of The Cowichan Valley, this is a Canadian version of Napa, without the pretension.
Cultured city breaks are also on offer, in the British Columbian capital of Victoria, a walkable city named after the British monarch and endlessly popular with ex-pats, while all travellers will enjoy the island-wide emphasis on home-grown and organic food and a taste of the simple life on offer when living the island life. | Jaillan Yehia, Travel Writer, Savoir There

Canadian Favourites
Image credit: Alex Wyatt

Whitehorse, Yukon

For my 30th birthday, we travelled to Whitehorse, the capital of the Yukon. Summer was far behind us, and the first snowflakes had fallen when we arrived.

Apart from the stunning scenery, the Yukon is also known for its excellent location to spot the Northern Lights. The Klondike Gold Rush history is still very much alive here, and you’re able to see remnants of its past around Whitehorse. By day, we drove the empty roads, met the animals at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, and warmed up in the Takhini Hot Springs. By night we hunted the Northern Lights wrapped in layers of winter clothes and hot chocolate in hand.
Even though we never encountered the Aurora Borealis, we still fell in love with this part of the world. | Lies Veldeman, Travel Writer, Non Stop Destination Travel Inspiration.

Tell us yours!

These are just some of the amazing spots across Canada.  Have you visited any, what are some of your other favourite spots?  Would love to hear, let us know in the comments!

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  1. Reading this blog post on my way back from a weekend in Montreal. This was my first trip to Montreal and poutine from La Banquise was superb!

    1. SO glad to hear that…hope there will be many more trips back!

  2. So many amazing regions to see in Canada. Would love to see Pacific north west and even the Atlantic coast. So much picturesque countryside

    1. Yes, we certainly have a picturesque landscape! 🙂

  3. I still have to make it out to niagara falls and i just read another post on jasper. looks beautiful there too

    1. You should, both are spectacular places to visit! And I may be a bit biased…. but I think our side of the Falls is better. 😉

  4. Haven’t been to Canada since I was ten years old. I’d love to go back as an adult and really explore! I have a friend from Newfoundland and am constantly learning things.

    1. You should visit!! So much to explore…will be fun to see how much you remember. 🙂

    1. Thanks so much Rekha. 🙂 You will love Toronto. When are you planning on going?

  5. Great choices! I want to explore much more of Canada. Definitely want to have croissants in Montreal and visit Quebec City, Toronto, and maybe Banff. Loved Parliament Hill in Ottawa and EVERYTHING about Victoria and Vancouver.

    1. You should definitely try to make it up sometime this year as there are so many special celebrations happening.

    1. Thank you on both counts, I am pretty partial to this lovely country. 🙂

    1. Yes… so many more I wanted to add… only so much room! We have such an incredible country. Thanks so much for dropping by.

  6. Lovely post, Rossana. Canada is such a vast and diverse country. I love every inch of it, although I have not yet been to Nunavut of the NWT. Happy Canada Day!

    1. Thanks Doreen, I had a lot of great submissions! Yes, Canada is a beautiful country… so much more for me to explore too! 🙂

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