Canadians are big fans of staycations. And why wouldn’t they be? The country is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes and seascapes. From charming seaside towns to relaxing islands, stunning national parks to awe-inspiring natural wonders, Canada has a lot to offer holidaymakers. Want to go where the locals do? Then read on…
Where do Canadians go on holiday in Canada?
1. Victoria, British Columbia
When Canadians want to feel a bit of heat on their skin, they head to Victoria with its positively balmy weather. It has the mildest and driest climate in all of Canada due to it being located in a temperate, sub-​Mediterranean climate zone. It gets around 2,200 hours of sunshine a year and is frost-free for around eight months of the year.
2. Thousand Islands
Straddling the US-Canada border, Thousand Islands, in the Saint Lawrence River, comprises 1,864 islands. The beautiful landscape and waterscape are home to majestic lighthouses, handsome castles and secluded beaches and it’s a popular yacht charter destination with lively waterfront stopovers, for instance, Brockville and Gananoque.
3. Tofino, British Colombia
Nestled between Clayoquot Sound – a UNESCO biosphere reserve – and the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Tofino is famous for its incredible biodiversity and as a result is popular with nature lovers and those who want to embrace the great outdoors. Go wildlife-spotting for humpback whales and bald eagles before strolling the 21-mile stretch of sandy beaches or tackling the hiking trails or the rolling waves on a surfboard. The town is also rather quaint with lots of quiet backstreets and a three-day Oyster Festival in November.
4. Banff National Park, Alberta
In the heart of the Rockies, you’ll find Banff and the stunning Lake Louise. With its turquoise waters framed by the towering snowy peaks, this is postcard-perfect Canada. Banff is famous for many things, for instance, its alpine valleys, endless lakes and streams, colourful meadows and dense woods and it is where Canadians come to embrace the great outdoors and enjoy a spot of camping.
5. Niagara Falls, Ontario
Niagara Falls is hailed as one of the unofficial Seven Wonders of the World. It is easily one of the most recognisable waterfalls worldwide. The Falls and its surrounds are a big staycation destination for Canadians, for instance, the mighty Horseshoe Falls that churn out some 6 million cubic feet of water per minute. It’s an incredible sight and sound.
6. Cavendish, Prince Edward Island
Located on the north shore of Prince Edward Island in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, this tiny seaside town is very popular in the height of summer. Locals, and those from further afield, flock to Cavendish Beach to enjoy walks along its red cliffs and paddle in the warm waters. The town was made famous by the book Anne of Green Gables, which is set on the island. Fans visit the town to discover the place that inspired Lucy Maud Montgomery’s stories and characters.
7. St. John’s, Newfoundland
St. John’s, a city on Newfoundland island off Canada’s Atlantic coast, is as charming as it gets. Built into the cliff on the easternmost point of North America, St John’s is also one of the oldest cities in North America – its harbour was settled by the British in the 1600s. The city is famous for many things, for instance, its colourful jellybean row houses wedged together clinging onto the sides of steep hills.
