Why Leave? Canada’s Got It All

01 The Urban Experience—Cities with Character

Some people think Canadian cities are just colder versions of their American counterparts. Those people haven't been here. Where else can you get a mix of European charm, Indigenous history, and views free of Applebee's signage? Canadian cities have distinct identities, from the multicultural energy of Toronto to the artsy chaos of Montreal.

Toronto, Ontario

If you want culture, strollable ravines, and a skyline that puts most others to shame, the Six is the place for you. Just don’t bring up housing prices.

Seriously, though—why deal with rude New Yorkers when Toronto offers just as much diversity, with a food scene that spans the globe and an arts scene that punches well above its weight? Start your day by walking or biking from Queen’s Quay West to Trillium Park for fantastic waterfront views, then slow down with a live performance at the Toronto Music Garden.

For a deep dive into the city’s creativity, take in Massey Hall’s legendary acoustics or wander through niche museums like the Bata Shoe Museum or Gardiner Museum, where ceramics steal the spotlight. Looking for something different? Head to Evergreen Brickworks for international eats, brave an ice bath at Othership, belt out a song at Bathurst Local’s karaoke nights, or strike a pose on the Glenn Gould bench.

When the weather warms up, the city spills outdoors—picnic on the Toronto Islands, wander through sprawling street festivals, or just soak in the buzz of a city that truly feels like the world in one place.

Montreal, Quebec

There is literally no place like Montreal in the States. With its French flair, stylish pedestrians, and centuries of heritage, this is Paris without the trans-Atlantic schlep.

As Canada’s art capital, the city thrives on creativity. You’ll find world-class galleries and immersive shows at spots like Centre PHI, where digital art meets cutting-edge tech. And when it comes to food, Montreal is a city that eats well.

Sip on a Cott black cherry soda (Dr Pepper can take a hike) and indulge in Montreal-style bagels—lighter, slightly sweeter, and superior to their NYC counterparts. Then, work your way through smoked meat sandwiches, melt-in-the-mouth poutine, and Portuguese piri piri chicken, each with its own cult following.

Need to walk it off? Paddle boating along the Canal de Lachine offers a different perspective of the city, while a trek up Parc du Mont-Royal leads to Kondiaronk Belvedere, where Cirque du Soleil performers sometimes dazzle the crowd against a panoramic skyline backdrop. Stroll the historic boardwalk at Old Port, where street musicians add to the charm, or explore Quartier Inclusif, a pedestrian-only haven of cafes and boutiques. Montreal’s love for design is everywhere, from the Indigenous exhibition at McCord Stewart Museum to the remnants of the Expo 67 World Fair at Parc Jean-Drapeau. The latter includes two of the city’s most striking landmarks—the geodesic dome that inspired Disney’s Epcot Center and Habitat 67, a Brutalist architectural experiment that somehow still feels ahead of its time.

Vancouver, British Columbia

Ah, Vancouver. The metropolis that often tops lists of the most livable cities on the planet. Where everyone owns a Patagonia jacket—and no one minds, because at least the brand makes clothing with tags that say: “Vote the a**holes out.”Van City’s cinematic beauty makes it a go-to filming location for Hollywood, blending natural splendor with urban cool. We’ll take Stanley Park over Central Park any day—its seawall stretches endlessly, offering unbeatable views of the skyline, mountains, and ocean. And when it comes to footwear, Native Shoes outshine Crocs (you’re welcome).

Gastown’s Vinyl Records is a must-stop for music lovers, with stacks of new and used LPs, and Canuck icons like Justin Bieber getting prime shelf space. Vancouver’s large Chinese community means top-tier Cantonese dim sum, while Main Street’s food scene boasts multiple Michelin-starred restaurants serving everything from sustainable seafood to inventive plant-based dishes. Prefer a more hands-on experience? The maker scene at Gatley offers local crafts, or you can go deeper into the city’s Indigenous heritage with a guided walking tour led by First Nations storytellers.

Beyond the downtown core, the North Shore calls to adventure seekers. The famous Capilano Suspension Bridge sways above a lush rainforest, while Grouse Mountain offers year-round outdoor thrills, from summer hikes to winter skiing. Travelling with kids? Granville Island’s Kids Market is a lively mix of toy shops, play spaces, and hands-on activities—just steps away from a free water park that’s a hit in the summer.

Calgary, Alberta

Chilled-out Calgary is a powerhouse in its own right and arguably better than its similarly-sized counterparts south of the border. It has a Wild West ambiance, but with much better brunch spots.

In July, the city comes alive with Calgary Stampede festivities that attract a million visitors and include a rodeo, parade, carnival, chuckwagon racing, and agricultural showcases. Cowboy-themed parties don't get more major than this. In winter, Calgary's ski resorts are the draw, but there's lots to see and do throughout the year.

For starters, we're pretty sure most cities can't compete with Calgary's 500 miles of multiuse recreation pathways. For top-notch seasonal fare, make a reservation at the celebrated River Café at Prince's Island Park or opt for Ten Foot Henry with its veggie-centric menu. The Canadian Music Hall of Fame is housed within a formidable terracotta-tiled building and features beloved compatriots like Joni Mitchell, Celine Dion, Avril Lavigne, and Bryan Adams.

Cast your gaze upon the Rocky Mountains atop Calgary Tower, snap a selfie with the Wonderland head, visit Olympic facilities like the bobsled run at Winsport park, or day-trip to the eye-popping Banff National Park, a mere hour and a half drive away.

Winnipeg, Manitoba

Winnipeg sits right in the middle of North America and is a cultural hub in the Prairies with more heart than people expect. Fun fact—the honey-loving bear Winnie the Pooh is named after this cordial city. The Peg's people are so warm that this is where you're most likely to see a dude in cargo shorts in the thick of winter.

While Manitoba's capital lacks the sheen of the country's bigger metropolises, it has a lot going for it other than its generous residents. To begin with, there's much to admire in its downtown architecture (Hallmark Christmas movies know what's up).

The Forks in Winnipeg combines shopping, eating, and entertainment and is adjacent to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Put The Leaf on your itinerary for a magical multistorey greenhouse experience and a photo of the world's largest indoor waterfall. Lick your lips at Baked Expectations, a favourite coffee shop that's been around for decades, or settle in for a meal at Modern Electric Lunch or the indigenous restaurant, Feast. At Cityplace shopping center, Winnipeg's artisans ply their impressive wares.

02 Coastal & Maritime Escapes—Where the Land Meets the Sea

If your dream vacation includes fresh seafood, dramatic coastlines, and some of the friendliest people you'll ever meet, welcome to Canada's East and West Coasts.

Victoria, British Columbia

Victoria stands sentinel on Vancouver Island. Imagine England—but with better weather, a rich Indigenous heritage, and no one raising an eyebrow over how you take your tea.

British traditions lend a distinctive charm to this Pacific Northwest gem. Locals rally for pickleball matches at Beacon Hill, sip pints in historic pubs like Garrick’s Head, and indulge in scones and perfectly crisp fish ‘n’ chips. The city’s architecture, gardens, and afternoon tea culture make it feel like a slice of Old World Europe—without the long-haul flight or Heathrow’s chaos.

Speaking of transatlantic vibes, Butchart Gardens outshines anything at the Chelsea Flower Show, and Craigdarroch Castle delivers full-on Scottish Highlands grandeur. But Victoria isn’t just about colonial echoes. Indigenous culture is deeply woven into the island’s identity, from Songhees-led canoe tours to the striking totem poles at Thunderbird Park.

No Pacific Northwest getaway is complete without whale watching, and Victoria delivers some of the best. For a newer perspective—literally—the Malahat Skywalk, which opened in 2021, offers sweeping views of fjords, forests, and mountains from its spiral tower. And of course, no visit is complete without a gooey, chocolatey Nanaimo bar—B.C.’s most legendary sweet treat.

Halifax, Nova Scotia

How about a Haligonian holiday? This walkable harbour town with buckets of charm was once a British Royal Navy outpost. Today, its promenade is well-trodden and its appeal is quite apparent to anyone who loves a seaside escape. Think fresh lobster rolls and oysters galore, pelagic public art, and main streets like Barrington and Argyle that hum with activity throughout the day.

At the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, you can find out more about the town's morbid connection to the Titanic and at venues like The Carleton, you'll get a taste of the rootsy music associated with these parts. There's also the poignant Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 which was the Canadian equivalent to Ellis Island.

If you have time, day trip to Lunenberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site or to Annapolis Valley where you can make stops at wineries and farm shops, or jot them down for your return trip.

St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador

St John's is the capital of Newfoundland, pronounced NEW-fin-land, in case you've been living in a beaver's den. This is as east as you can go in North America, and the grub is suitably exotic, ranging from Arctic hare to moose sliders.

The homes here are as colourful as the locals' personalities too; a delightful contrast to the fog and endless stretches of navy blue water and green hills. This is a real getaway, complete with lighthouse hikes and, yes, the nicest dogs ever. Save your money on that trip to Ireland and delve into the Celtic culture on your doorstep—the brogues here are thick, and the salty air carries the sound of fiddles. Even the road signs are full of shamrocks.

Cape Breton, Nova Scotia

Cape Breton is a regular fixture on lists of the world’s most scenic road trips, and for good reason. The Cabot Trail winds through dramatic coastal cliffs and rolling highlands, offering a front-row seat to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in North America.

But it’s not just about the views—this island has long been a retreat for artists, musicians, and writers seeking inspiration far from the bustle of big-city life.

Here, the soundtrack is pure nature: waves crashing, seabirds calling, and the occasional fiddle tune drifting from a ceilidh. Puffins nest along the rugged shorelines, while autumn sets the forests ablaze in shades of crimson and gold.

For a dose of history, the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site offers a glimpse into the inventor’s later years in Baddeck, where he tinkered away on hydrofoils and aviation projects. Meanwhile, the Cape Breton Miners’ Museum in Glace Bay brings the region’s coal mining heritage to life with underground tours led by retired miners—storytelling at its best.

Sydney, the island’s largest city, is a welcoming hub with a lively waterfront and strong Gaelic influences. It’s home to The Big Fiddle, a nod to Cape Breton’s rich Celtic music traditions.

From here, you can hop on a ferry to Newfoundland or explore historic sites like the Jost House Museum and the Cossit House, some of the oldest buildings in the province. The city is also a gateway to the Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere, a stunning inland sea perfect for kayaking, sailing, and spotting bald eagles.

Prince Edward Island

The country's smallest province has no shortage of seafood meals, peaceful beaches for swimming and kayaking, and red cliffs. There are also enough Anne of Green Gables references to last a lifetime, so if you've been enchanted by the stories or the Netflix series, pencil PEI into your travel plans.

Bake bannock with the Mi'kmaq community on Lennox Island, clap along at a ceilidh in Charlottetown, or simply walk and walk some more, and the island will unspool itself for you. Happy sigh. Fall gets the worst storms, so consider yourself warned.

03 The Spaces In-Between—Scenic Retreats and Roadside Wonders

Some people fly over Canada like it's just a big stretch of nothing. Those people are missing out on lakes bluer than a hockey ref's bruises, prairies that go on forever, and roadside attractions that make for the perfect detour.

Drumheller, Alberta

Sure, the dinosaurs are the draw for many. But the landscapes in Drumheller are unreal. This nook of the Canadian Badlands is known for its abundance of fossils but also for its multicoloured canyons and surreal hoodoos forged by the winds over millennia. If you love hiking or mountain biking, you won't soon forget these otherworldly trails.

Be sure to check out the World's Largest Dinosaur, a 25-metre-tall T-Rex landmark with a gaping maw, and the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology, which is one of the best of its kind—pure heaven for dinosaur geeks.

The Atlas Coal Mine is well-frequented and the town is home to the largest outdoor stage in the country, known for putting on a major Passion Play. Drumheller also hosts a heavy metal festival and motocross events, if either of those interests falls within your wheelhouse.

Niagara Falls, Ontario

When it comes to Niagara Falls, there's no contest. Canada wins, hands down. The Horseshoe Falls is one of the most impressive sights in nature, and the Canadian side of the falls has vastly superior views.

The Canadian boats that skim the base of the falls are called Hornblowers and the American boats are called Maids in the Mist. One clearly sounds more fun than the other. The tourist infrastructure is better on our side too, even if it's a bit kitschy. Honeymoon or family vacay—there's plenty to see and do whatever mode you're in, including exploring the surrounding parklands, which are meticulously maintained by Ontario's Niagara Parks Commission.

Giant Goose in Wawa, Ontario

No Ontario road trip is complete without a photo next to an absurdly large bird. For over five decades in Wawa, a 28-foot-tall goose statue has prompted passersby to make a stop. Wawa is an Ojibwe word meaning 'snow goose,' and this town, which was once an 18th-century fur trading post, was named for the countless migrating geese that touched down here.

When the old goose began to look a bit worse for wear, a new one was erected and there's some debate about which one is better. Pose next to both and weigh in on the matter—this is the kind of low-stakes decision-making holidays should involve.

Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan

Think the prairies are boring? We bet you've never driven through Saskatchewan at sunset. Plus, the prairies are the reason you get to eat a decent loaf of bread. Think golden fields, endless skies, and indie movie vibes.

At Grasslands National Park, the wide-open spaces are so vast, they make you feel like the last person on Earth—in the best way possible. Here, it's possible to encounter a soul-stirring quietness that you'd be hard-pressed to find elsewhere.

The park is home to a Dark Sky Preserve for camping under star-studded skies and numerous Indigenous heritage sites from as far back as 10,000 years ago, including tipi rings, medicine wheels, and bison drive lanes. In addition to bison, black-tailed prairie dogs, a type of ground squirrel, abound in these parts. Just watch out for rattlesnakes.

04 Northern Adventures—The Great Wide Open

Go where few have gone. Go where the wild things are. The northern regions of the Great White North are something special. They'll make you feel like an intrepid explorer, your problems reduced to specks of snow.

Whitehorse, Yukon Territory

Dog sledding, hair-freezing, chainsaw chucking, and flour packing. Welcome to the Yukon Territory.

Here, minus 37 is considered good weather for having fun outdoors. Whitehorse, the capital, is where you'll find a lot of the action, especially at festivals like the Yukon Rendezvous, with its nods to the Klondike gold rush.

Scope out the salmon at the Whitehorse Fishway or steam away stress at a hot spring before rolling in the snow to cool off. This place is what icy dreams are made of, with a mix of adventure and history thrown in for good measure.

Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

Seeing aurora borealis is on practically everyone's bucket list. Lucky for you, the Northern Lights capital of North America is right here in Canada.

You may get snowed in—but hey, what a view. Accompany an aurora hunting guide, and you'll get to spend upwards of an hour watching nature's greatest light show dance above your head in ribbons of brat green and magenta.

The fun doesn't stop when winter's over though, because summer has its own novelty, the midnight sun. With 20 hours of daylight, there's so much you can pack into a short trip, from polar bear excursions with Indigenous guides to boating, fishing, and hiking.

05 That's Not Even the Half of It

We're not a copy-paste country. In Canada, you don't get the same chain restaurants everywhere, although every gas station that respects itself does sell ketchup chips. So, the idea that we could become the 51st U.S. state with the snap of Fiberace's fingers is laughable, to say the least. Here are more standouts from our endless highlight reel.

Alberta’s Big, Bold, and Just Getting Started

It's time for a #fact, Alberta doesn’t do things small.

Calgary might have the Stampede, but there’s a reason they call Alberta the Texas of the North—and it’s not just the oil. Texans are known for their pride, hospitality, and relentless work ethic. If you’ve ever met someone from somewhere between Lake Louise and Grand Prairie, you know Albertans give them a run for their money

The capital is home to the Edmonton Oilers, North America’s largest mall (yes, it still holds up), and a festival scene that keeps the city buzzing year-round. Red Deer sits right between Calgary and Edmonton, making it the perfect pit stop for road-trippers. Meanwhile, Lethbridge has a killer craft beer scene, Medicine Hat gets more sunshine than anywhere else in Canada, and Fort McMurray is the gateway to some of the country’s wildest northern landscapes.

The Picture Province Is Calling

There was a time when New Brunswick was en vogue, and that's what we're manifesting for this "forgotten" province full of Acadian culture. Whale watching isn't reserved for the PNW, after all. And at Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park, the Bay of Fundy's tides rise to 16 metres, the highest in the world.

The water has left its mark on the flower pot rock formations. These sea stacks can be circled on foot at low tide, and their tops can be circled by kayak at high tide. How amazing? In addition, Saint John, the continent's oldest city, has charming port architecture and a happening river valley.

More of the Rockies

The Canadian Rockies are like a postcard come to life, minus the need for an Instagram filter. We’ve already mentioned Banff, one of Canada’s many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, where the turquoise lakes dazzle. But you’ll also want to make your way to Kootenay National Park, where the Rockies take on a wilder, more rugged character.

Start your visit by driving through Sinclair Canyon, where towering rock walls rise dramatically on either side of the road. Then, take a dip in Radium Hot Springs—no reservations, no frills, just steaming mineral water set against cliffs where bighorn sheep often perch like sentries. If you’re up for a hike, the Rockwall Trail is a stunner, serving up glaciers, waterfalls, and some of the most jaw-dropping alpine scenery in Canada. For something truly unique, visit the ochre-stained Paint Pots, a sacred site once used by Indigenous peoples to harvest pigment for ceremonial purposes.

06 Canada Beats Everywhere Else

This year, we're letting go of Canadian modesty. Maple Leaf Flag sales are soaring, and with good reason. So, if you're still thinking about that U.S. road trip, skip it. Canada's got more variety, more beauty, better snacks, and no need to explain the metric system to confused Americans.

You could spend your money at another U.S. shopping mall, or you could stand on a coastline that hasn't been ruined by billboards sipping a Canadiano from Timmie's. Your call. With city lights, seaside delights, or breathtaking wilderness—your next great adventure is waiting—right here at home.