The majestic landscape of Tofino, B.C.
There's hardly a better way to tap into your national pride than hopping on a VIA Rail train and exploring the Canadian countryside as you make your way to your next homegrown destination. With your summer travel plans underway, and soaring exchange rates, it's the perfect time to spend your loonie vacationing here at home. And with so many must-see hotspots from the east to west coasts (and plenty of stops in between) the hardest part will be choosing where to go next. But we promise, wherever you go, your heart will swell with equal parts awe and fascination at first glimpse of the Canadian Rockies, the CN Tower and Peggy's Point Lighthouse in the distance. And it doesn't get more Canadian than that.
Canadian locale: Tofino, B.C.
For: The yogi traveller
Why you must go: For every type of soul-searching traveller, there's a yoga retreat for that in Vancouver Island's serene and lush natural setting -- from surf yoga, to early-morning sun salutations on the beach, to a gentler restorative practice that allows you to truly soak up the vastness of the nature you're surrounded by. There's also breathtaking trails to explore, seasonal local cuisine (think just-caught seafood or fresh greens) to dine on, and miles of world-renowned sandy beaches that make Tofino Canada's surf capital.
Image courtesy of Fairmont Banff Springs.
Canadian locale: Banff
For: The spa lover
Why you must go: It doesn’t get more indulgent than soaking in the outdoor hot springs while staring out at the misty peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Especially after pampering yourself with a body treatment at the Willow Stream Spa at Fairmont Banff Springs. If skiing isn’t your thing, or you need to recover from a day at the slopes, may we suggest a Glacial Reflections Facial that has total-body benefits (it begins rosehip tea and an aromatic pine foot bath). There’s plenty to enjoy in this historic town pre or post-spa day, including the cultural Banff Centre, the gorgeous, endless trails, oh, and two words: Sunday Funday.
A sweeping view of Peggy's Cove in Nova Scotia. Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
Canadian locale: Halifax
For: The seafood foodie
Why you must go: A drive through the east coast is a Canadian travel bucket list-must for the pristine views of the Atlantic ocean along the way and the delicious and freshly caught cuisine once you arrive Nova Scotia’s charming capital city. Chow down on local twists on classic favourites like lobster mac and cheese at The Foggy Goggle, to-die-for fish and chips at Fredie’s Fanstastic Fishhouse, and bacon-wrapped scallops at The Wooden Monkey in Dartmouth. Oh, and did me mention the sights you won’t find anywhere else in Canada -- or the world? From the UNESCO World Heritage site and port town Lunenburg to Halifax’s favourite resident, Peggy’s Point Lighthouse in Peggy’s Cove.
Québec City's Old Port. Image courtesy of OTQ / Guy Lessard.
Canadian locale: Québec City
For: The romantic getaway
Why you must go: There’s something uniquely romantic about the European-like capital of Québec. It could be the cobble-stone streets of the Old Port, the seemingly endless flow of local wine (carefully paired with craft cheeses) or the fact that everything sounds better in French. Whatever time of year you head to la belle province, there’s tasteful hotel options to suit your needs -- like the iconic Ice Hotel or old-world Auberge Saint-Antoine -- and a vibrant late-night jazz scene that will make you say “Je t’aime." Also: poutine.
Image courtesy of the City of Toronto.
Canadian locale: Toronto
For: The sports nut
Why you must go: If you haven’t heard about how well Canada’s only Major League Baseball team the Toronto Blue Jays played last season, then you haven’t talked to a proud Torontonian (or Torontonian band-wagon-jumper) lately. With the enthusiasm from last year still going strong, team spirit will be high for the home opener game set for April 8 at the Rogers Centre. But if basketball (or Drake) is more your thing, head to #theSix to catch a Toronto Raptors game, and likely the Toronto rapper and team’s global ambassador sitting, anxiously, courtside.
Photo courtesy of Travel Yukon.
Canadian locale: Yukon
For: The wildlife retreat
Why you must go: When you think about majestic views of unspoiled nature (for days), the highest mountain in Canada (Mount Logan, at 5,959m), and kayaking along the gentle rivers, the Yukon may not immediately spring to mind. But it should. This territory in northwestern Canada is home to expansive and -- literally -- breathtaking ice fields below the Arctic, plus the cool and cultural historic hotbeds like the capital, Whitehorse, and Dawson City.
A glimpse of Parliament Hill. Image courtesy of the Parliament of Canada.
Canadian locale: Ottawa
For: Let’s be honest here, it's for anyone who wants a glimpse of our celeb prime minister, Justin Trudeau
Why you must go: To indulge your national pride, to try a Beaver Tail -- a flaky whole-wheat pastry dusted in cinnamon and icing sugar and served piping hot -- and stroll the quaint streets of our nation’s capital. Bike ride along the Rideau Canal during the steamy summer months or wait until the Rideau Canal freezes over in the winter to skate past Parliament Hill, hot chocolate in hand. Be sure to hit up the Byward Market, one of the oldest markets in Canada, to browse through the works of local artisans and hit up The Chateau Lafayette, Ottawa’s oldest tavern. Then take a tour of the House of Commons and hope that, just maybe, you can spot our beloved PM Trudeau strolling the halls and (politely, because this is still Canada) ask him for a selfie.
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