Canada Hidden Gems: 20+ Unique Destinations and Experiences

When was the last time you put a Canadian destination on your travel bucket list? It's been a while, eh?

We often dream of jetting off to exotic locations, but recent events have made everyone think about travelling a little closer to home. So, we're here to provide you with all the inspo you need to plan an unforgettable local trip.

Canada is a vast and diverse country, filled with breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife and hidden gems just waiting to be discovered, and each province — from British Columbia on the West Coast to Newfoundland and Labrador on the East Coast — has something to offer. 

• Gaze up at the night sky
• Encounter incredible wildlife
• Ride the very scenic rails
• Soak in rejuvenating hot springs
• Immerse yourself in Indigenous cultures
• Discover remote wildernesses and natural wonders
• Go back in history… differently

A lot of people assume they have to travel to a destination far, far away in order to witness an awe-inspiring celestial event, but that’s simply not the case. In fact, stargazing in Canada is out-of-this-world good.

Here are a couple of our favourite places to look at (and contemplate!) the universe:

• Yellowknife, Northwest Territories: Situated just 400km south of the Arctic Circle, Yellowknife is one of the best places to see the northern lights dance across the sky.
• Jasper, Alberta: The stars and galaxies look truly amazing from here — after all, Jasper National Park is the second-largest Dark Sky Preserve in the world.

From beavers, moose and bears to puffins and whales, Canada is home to some truly amazing animals. In other words: no matter where you’re travelling, there will be some fascinating wildlife viewing experiences to partake in.

Here are some top spots to get up close to our native species:

• Vancouver Island, British Columbia: There isn’t just one great spot to go whale watching around Vancouver Island — there are several, including Tofino and the Johnstone Strait.
• Churchill, Manitoba: Located on the west shore of Hudson Bay, Churchill is a top choice for nature lovers. Go here to view polar bears and beluga whales.
• Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park (Tadoussac, Québec): The biodiversity of this marine-protected area is unmatched. There are 13 (!!!) whale species that frequent the surrounding waters.

Think train travel is only a thing in Europe and Asia? Think again! Canada is home to some incredible railways, giving you an opportunity to embrace the slow travel movement and take in some beautiful scenery.

Here are a few of our go-to trains and rail routes:

• Rocky Mountaineer (British Columbia and Alberta): Discover the natural wonders, stunning views and hidden gems that lie between North Vancouver and Banff, including Emerald Lake, Black Canyon, Pyramid Falls and more.
• Polar Bear Express (Ontario): Sure, this train provides an essential transportation service between Cochrane and Moosonee — but it also gives travellers access to some of Northern Ontario’s best fishing, hunting and camping grounds.
• The Ocean (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Québec): Travelling from Halifax to Montréal or vice versa? Ride this overnight train through the Maritimes; the route boasts sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, picturesque villages and local legends.

Western Canada is overflowing with hot and steamy mineral pools. Whether you trek through the forest to find a secluded spot or opt for a spa holiday at one of the region’s top wellness resorts, you’re guaranteed to feel refreshed.

Here are a few of our favourite hot pools:

• Liard River Hot Springs Park (British Columbia): Nestled within a boreal spruce forest, Liard River Hot Springs Park is beyond tranquil.
• Miette Hot Springs (Alberta): Let your worries float away as you relax in the hottest mineral waters in the Canadian Rockies.
• Temple Gardens Hotel & Spa (Saskatchewan): Did you know that there’s a mineral spa conveniently located in the middle of Moose Jaw? Book a stay at the hotel or visit during public hours.

Gain a deeper understanding of our country by looking for travel experiences and local attractions that delve into the rich histories, traditions and stories of our Indigenous peoples.

Here are some areas where you can connect with Canada’s Indigenous communities:

• Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump World Heritage Site (Fort MacLeod, Alberta): Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site to learn about the Blackfoot people and the significance of the buffalo jump.
• Wanuskewin Heritage Park (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan): Wander through the visitor centre’s exhibits and galleries on your own or join a guided tour to discover more than 6,400 years of Northern Plains Indigenous history.
• Manitoulin Island, Ontario: Culinary tours, canoe excursions, festivals — no matter when you visit this freshwater island in Lake Huron, you’ll find a unique experience, activity or event that teaches you about the Anishinaabe people.

Toronto and Vancouver are great, but you shouldn’t limit your trip to these main hubs. Many of Canada’s best hidden gems lie beyond the big-city borders. Trust us… you do not want to miss out on the country’s rugged islands, coastal parks or hiking routes.

Here are some of the best places to immerse yourself in the great outdoors:

• Haida Gwaii, British Columbia: Nicknamed the “Galápagos of the North,”  Haida Gwaii is the place to go if you want to be surrounded by pristine, unspoiled nature.
• East Coast Trail (Cape Broyle, Newfoundland and Labrador): Boasting 336km of hiking trails, you can choose your own outdoor adventure here. Depending on which route you take, you may come across waterfalls, fjords, geysers, cliffs and more.
• Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park (Hopewell Cape, New Brunswick): Walk around the whimsical sea stacks that have been formed by the world’s highest tides.
• Baden-Powell Trail (British Columbia): Challenge yourself by hiking from Deep Cove through Lynn Canyon to Grouse Mountain (approx. 22km) or do a short walk and explore just one section of the path.

Don’t feel like wandering around parliament buildings, forts or other “classic” historical sites? No problem! There are plenty of other (and super fun!) ways to learn about Canada’s storied past.

Here are a few historical hidden gems that you may not know about:

• Dawson City, Yukon: Get a sense of what life was like during the Klondike Gold Rush with a visit to the Goldbottom Mine and a cruise on the Klondike Spirit paddle-wheeler.
• Diefenbunker (Ottawa, Ontario): Constructed during the height of the Cold War, this bunker now serves as a museum… and an escape room!
• House of Literature (Québec City, Québec): This public library, housed in the former Wesley Temple, showcases Québec’s cultural and literary heritage. Plus, the architecture offers up plenty of Instagram-worthy shots.

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