1. Denny Island, BC

Found in the heart of B.C.’s mystical Great Bear Rainforest, which comprises 6.4 million hectares and is home to the rare white spirit bear, Denny Island is a secluded but unforgettable wilderness destination. Book a stay at the Heiltsuk-owned Shearwater Resort, which offers lodging, eco tours and fishing expeditions. Prepare to be wowed by the area’s dark-water fjords, quiet forest trails and beautiful ocean life.

2. Prince Edward County, ON

Ontario’s burgeoning wine country (move over, Niagara-on-the-Lake!), Prince Edward County is a charming region on Lake Ontario’s northeast shore, about a two-hour drive from Toronto. Hang your hat at the design-forward Drake Devonshire inn, then head out for a day of wine tasting at places like Hinterland Wine Company (sparkling), Closson Chase Winery (Pinot Gris and Chardonnay), and Traynor Family Vineyard (pét-nat and orange wines). Cap it off with fried pickerel and chips at Sand & Pearl.

3. Churchill, MB

Northern lights, polar bears, beluga whales—who knew you could find all three of these things in Canada, let alone all in the same town? Churchill, located 1,000 kilometres north of Winnipeg on Hudson Bay, is only accessible by plane or train. There are plenty of tour options available here, from helicopter rides to northern-lights viewing parties to wilderness expeditions designed for spotting polar bears, belugas and wolves.

4. Inuvik, NWT

Located north of the Arctic Circle on the Beaufort Delta—the largest freshwater delta in Canada—Inuvik is a true Northwest Territories hidden gem that shares the cultures of the Inuvialuit, Gwich’in and Métis Peoples. In winter, explorers can snowmobile, snowshoe, ice fish and spot incredible Arctic wildlife, including caribou and Arctic foxes. In summer, the city boasts incredible landscapes for hiking and canoeing, plus the incomparable experience of round-the-clock sunlight, often referred to as the Midnight Sun.

5. Jasper, AB

After a devastating fire in July 2024, Jasper is ready to welcome visitors once again—and needs them more than ever. This picturesque town, located in Jasper National Park within Alberta’s towering Rocky Mountains, is an adventurer’s dream. From awe-inspiring hiking trails to quiet canoeing and heart-pumping rock climbing, there’s no shortage of activities for all fitness levels. Spend the day exploring the park, then settle in at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge for some well-deserved rest.

6. Big Muddy Valley, SK

Saskatchewan’s grand Big Muddy Valley is home to jaw-dropping rocky landscapes that rival anything found in Utah or Arizona. Be sure to visit Castle Butte, a 70-metre-tall sandstone and clay formation, as well as the Outlaw Caves, where outlaws hid from authorities in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Consider staying two hours outside the valley in Moose Jaw, billed as “Canada’s most notorious city,” which boasts a series of underground tunnels where Al Capone is rumoured to have hidden.

7. Baffin Island, NU

The biggest island in Canada—and the fifth largest in the world—is Nunavut’s Baffin Island, a true Arctic wonder bursting with vibrant Inuit culture. Home to Auyuittuq National Park (with the cinematic Valley of Thor) and Sirmilik National Park (known as the Yosemite of the North), Baffin Island offers adventures ranging from sea kayaking to Arctic safaris. Ever wanted to spot the elusive narwhal or float along the Northwest Passage? Now’s your chance.

8. Lake of the Woods, ON

Often referred to as the sixth Great Lake, Lake of the Woods is one of Southern Ontario’s best-kept secrets. An excellent summertime destination, it boasts amazing fishing, swimming, hiking, boating and paddling. The lake itself is 110 kilometres long and 95 kilometres wide, making it a true haven for boats of both the fishing and pleasure variety. With more than 40,200 kilometres of shoreline, there are plenty of opportunities to snag idyllic lakefront accommodations.

9. Dawson City, YT

The former home of the Klondike Gold Rush, Dawson City sits on the Yukon River with the towering Ogilvie Mountains to the north. The ancestral home of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation is known as the cultural capital of Yukon and is perhaps most famous for the Dawson City Music Festival, held every summer. Visit the Klondike Institute of Art & Culture and the Dänojà Zho Cultural Centre between outdoor adventures such as northern-lights viewing, mountain biking and river rafting.

10. Cavendish, PEI

Made famous by author Lucy Maud Montgomery, Prince Edward Island’s resort community of Cavendish inspired Anne of Green Gables. Literature lovers can visit Green Gables Heritage Place, while others will enjoy Cavendish Beach’s red cliffs and soft white sand. The Cavendish Boardwalk offers a charming array of shops and restaurants. As Anne herself said: “It’s been my experience that you can nearly always enjoy things if you make up your mind firmly that you will.”

11. Québec City, QC

Québec’s capital has plenty of French Canadian charm, from must-visit restaurants to major cultural institutions. With old brick buildings and cobblestone streets, Québec City feels almost European. Visit the Musée National des Beaux-Arts du Québec, grab coffee at Nektar, pastries at Boulangerie Bouchard, cocktails at Maelstrøm, dinner at La Planque, and browse local foods at Le Grand Marché de Québec.

12. Gros Morne National Park, NL

Newfoundland and Labrador’s Gros Morne National Park offers incredible hiking trails and breathtaking vistas. Waterways weave between the Long Range Mountains with sweeping valleys and dazzling colours. Stay in rustic Tiny Cabins for a simple retreat or upgrade to the Gros Morne Inn with outdoor soaker tubs and a cedar sauna. Food lovers can explore the region with seasonal tours from Taste of Gros Morne.

13. Cape Breton Island, NS

Home to the Mi’kmaw People, Cape Breton Island is Nova Scotia’s crown jewel. Walk, hike or bike the scenic Celtic Shores Coastal Trail, or drive the famed Cabot Trail—a 298-kilometre journey through fishing villages and Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Stop for Maritime treats at the Dancing Goat Cafe & Bakery or elevated pub fare at The Clove Hitch Bar & Bistro.

14. Nelson, BC

This small Selkirk Mountain city punches far above its weight when it comes to food and drink. With a population just over 11,000, Nelson offers excellent dining and craft beverages. Try Broken Hill for whisky and smoked BBQ, The Black Cauldron for inventive cocktails, Backroads Brewing for craft beer, and Marzano for contemporary Italian fare. Nearby highlights include Ainsworth Hot Springs and Kootenay Lake.

15. Percé, QC

The Gaspé Peninsula town of Percé sits on the Gulf of St. Lawrence and is known for the iconic Percé Rock. Explore Pavilion Tektonik in the UNESCO Global Geopark or visit Bonaventure Island, home to 110,000 gannets. For dining, try La Maison du Pêcheur for seafood or Boulangerie le Fournand for coffee and pastries.

16. Elora, ON

Group of Seven painter A.J. Casson once called Elora “Ontario’s most beautiful village,” and the reputation holds. Located northeast of Guelph, the town features the dramatic Elora Gorge and charming historic streets. Enjoy food at Elora Bread Trading Co., beer at Elora Brewing Company, and relaxation at the Elora Mill Hotel and Spa.

17. Drumheller, AB

Known as the dinosaur capital of the world, Drumheller is home to the Royal Tyrrell Museum, one of the world’s largest dinosaur fossil collections. Explore the Atlas Coal Mine or wander the surrounding Badlands filled with surreal hoodoos and rock formations.

18. Athabasca Sand Dunes Provincial Park, SK

Stretching about 100 kilometres along Lake Athabasca, these dunes rise up to 30 metres high and form the largest active sand surface in Canada. Visitors can stay in nearby Uranium City or venture into the remote backcountry for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

19. Saint John, NB

Founded in 1785, Saint John is Canada’s first incorporated city and sits on the Bay of Fundy—home to the world’s highest tides. Explore Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park, Fundy National Park and the city’s vibrant shops and restaurants, including Port City Royal.

20. Emerald Lake, BC

Located in Yoho National Park, Emerald Lake is famous for its striking green water. Popular activities include hiking, birdwatching and paddling. Stay at the beautiful Emerald Lake Lodge to fully experience the surrounding wilderness.

21. Kananaskis Country, AB

Just an hour from Calgary, Kananaskis Country is a year-round outdoor playground. Winter activities include dog sledding, skiing and snowshoeing, while summer brings hiking, fishing and mountain biking. Relax afterward at the Kananaskis Mountain Lodge and its Nordic Spa.

22. Fogo Island, NL

This remote Newfoundland island became world-famous thanks to the Fogo Island Inn, often ranked among the best hotels in the world. Visitors can also enjoy dramatic sea cliffs, colourful fishing homes and authentic Maritime culture.

23. Winnipeg, MB

Manitoba’s capital is emerging as one of Canada’s most exciting cultural hubs. Visit The Forks Market, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, the Manitoba Museum and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. For relaxation, unwind at Thermëa Nordic Spa.

24. Almonte, ON

This picturesque town on the Mississippi River is a popular filming location for holiday movies and the birthplace of basketball inventor James Naismith. Historic buildings, a charming farmer’s market and excellent restaurants make it a delightful getaway.

25. Clinton, BC

Located about five hours from Vancouver, Clinton traces its roots to the Cariboo Gold Rush. Today the village is known for antique shops, live music and a relaxed western atmosphere. For a unique stay, visit the Indigenous-owned Big Bar Guest Ranch at the base of the Marble Mountains and explore the region on horseback.