Canada's Top 14 Summer Vacation Spots

2023-02-24 01:42:58 - Drany Macley Drany Macley, the senior editor of Vytravels.com, brings extensive journalism background and over eight years of experience in travel writing and editing to the site, offering practical insights and first-hand knowledge through articles on innovative hotels, backed by a BA in Journalism from Ithaca College.

While we maintain editorial independence in our research, may get a commission if you make a purchase using one of our links.

People from all over the world flock to Canada every winter to enjoy the country's world-renowned ski resorts and other winter activities. But when summer arrives, Canada's already pleasant weather, exciting cities, and epic outdoor recreation become even more accessible and welcoming.

If you're looking for some ideas for a summer vacation in Canada, here are a few of our top picks.

Greater Toronto Area Toronto-Ontario.jpg?resize=784,588 Location: Toronto, Ontario

Summertime in Toronto is magical if you're into festivals, concerts, and sporting events, but the city is always worth a visit. Lots of things to do, from Blue Jays games to food fairs, when the weather is nice in Toronto. Toronto's summertime markets are fantastic places to stock up on locally grown goods and one-of-a-kind trinkets. Toronto's Distillery District is home to a wide variety of restaurants, many of which offer patio seating. For example, Niagara Parks is a great place to ride a bike, and the Bruce Trail is a fantastic place to go hiking.

New Brunswick's Fundy National Park bigstock-Moose-Horn-Trail-Fall-71820427-1.jpg?resize=784,588 Fundy National Park's Moose Horn Trail's Waterfall

In the summer, visitors flock to Fundy National Park to take in the park's pristine coastline and witness the highest tides on the planet. This New Brunswick park is a great place to experience the outdoors and a little bit of Atlantic Canadian culture, with activities like kayaking at low tide and yurt camping. There are also many other sites nearby worth visiting too while you’re in this area, including the Carleton Martello Tower National Historic Site, Kouchibouguac National Park, Andrew’s Blockhouse National Historic Site, and Fort Beauséjour – Fort Cumberland National Historic Site

British Columbia's Capital City, Victoria bigstock-Victoria-s-beautiful-inner-har-15283784-1.jpg?resize=784,588 Greater Victoria, BC

Victoria is a wonderful destination for those interested in food and culture. The city is a capital that enjoys warm summers and hosts numerous festivals such as the Fringe Festival, the Vegan Festival, and Beer Festivals. Indulge your craving for farm-to-table cuisine at one of the area's many restaurants before burning off the calories on one of the many nearby hiking trails. Besides kayaking, exploring the local gardens, and going on a craft beer biking tour are also great outdoor activities in the Victoria area. Victoria also has many castles from the past, Canada's oldest West Coast lighthouse, and exciting historical tours to learn about the city's rich past.

Montréal, Quebec bigstock-MONTREAL-CANADA-SEP-Mont-43037842.jpg?resize=784,588 Quebec City's Historic Core, Montreal

Montreal is another popular Canadian summertime destination because of its abundance of cultural attractions. When the weather is nice, you can enjoy the many festivals, culinary events, and restaurants in this bilingual city that offer outdoor seating. While there, music lovers can attend the International Jazz Festival and other performances around town. Without leaving North America, you can get a taste of Europe by visiting Montreal.

Canadian city of Saskatoon Saskatoon-Saskatchewan.jpg?resize=784,522 Saskatoon, Saskatchewan's Delta Hotels by Bessborough

Saskatchewan's Saskatoon region is a great place to go for an agro-tourism experience, despite the fact that Canada's coastal destinations usually receive more attention. The abundance of farms in the area means plenty of opportunities for residents to sell their own homegrown goods and produce, especially berries in the summer. The Meewasin Trails provide a great opportunity for some outdoor exercise, whether you prefer to jog, walk, or ride a bike. On the other hand, the South Saskatchewan River is a fantastic spot for canoeing and kayaking. Popular with families, Grasslands National Park can be found nearby. If you're looking to spend some time in the great outdoors this summer while also learning about the region's pioneer and indigenous history, consider booking a trip here.

Province of New Brunswick Victoria-Row-in-Charlottetown-in-Prince-Edward-Island.jpg?resize=784,588 Specifically, the street called Victoria Row in Prince Edward Island's capital city of Charlottetown

The beautiful Cavendish Beach on Prince Edward Island is another top summer destination in Canada. After the middle of July, this area begins to fill up quickly, so if you're planning on staying overnight, do so as soon as possible. Recreational pursuits such as parasailing, golfing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) are quite common. If you're in Charlottetown, you should definitely check out a local production of Anne of Green Gables and take a walking tour to learn more about the area's history.

Island of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia Cape-Breton-Island.jpg?resize=784,588 Geographical Name: Cape Breton

Cape Breton Island is a fantastic summer destination for families. Here, you can experience the full coastal lifestyle, from eating delicious seafood to gazing at breathtaking scenery. Cabot Trail is a great place to spend time outdoors and take in the sights. In addition to hiking and kayaking, guided bicycle tours are a great way to see the area. The local bird populations can be seen on a guided boat tour, providing an up-close encounter with the area's natural wildlife. According to readers of Condé Nast Traveler, Cape Breton is the best island in North America. Find out this summer why it's so important.

British Columbia's Whistler bigstock-Hike-to-Hike-to-turquoise-wate-150301958-1.jpg?resize=784,588 A view of Whistler and Garibaldi Lake in British Columbia, Canada

While most people associate Whistler with its world-famous ski resort, it's also a fantastic destination in the summer. Located two hours north of Vancouver in the Coast Mountains, this area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts during the warmer months. At the foot of the Blackcomb Mountains, you'll find a family adventure zone complete with a playground and concessions. Whistler's gondola will give you a bird's-eye view of the landscape, and the town's many trails make for great opportunities for outdoor exploration. Whistler is a popular destination for mountain bikers due in large part to the resort's abundance of charming chalets, which are ideal for a vacation during the warm summer months.

This is Halifax, Nova Scotia. bigstock-Halifax-Nova-Scotia-Septemb-272297476.jpg?resize=784,588 Location: Nova Scotia, Halifax Harbour Walk

When you visit Halifax in the summer, you can take advantage of the city's beautiful harbor, rich history, and delicious seafood. Visit the excellent farmer's markets and museums of Halifax to learn about the city's rich maritime past. During the warmer months, you can take advantage of the public gardens by having a picnic. Walking the boardwalk and perusing the shops in Halifax is a lot of fun. Many visitors take day trips to the Peggy's Cove area to experience the picturesque fishing village and rocky shoreline community.

Alberta's Badlands, Canada Canadian-Badlands-Alberta.jpg?resize=784,522 Canadian Badlands hoodoos in Alberta's Drumheller Valley

The Canadian Badlands in Alberta, which include Dinosaur Provincial Park, are a fantastic and unusual tourist destination. Due to the abundance of dinosaur remains discovered here, the area has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is open to the public. The hoodoos and pinnacles of the Badlands can be seen in all their glory from the trail. The Royal Tyrrell Museum has some of the most impressive dinosaur skeleton displays in the world. The Canadian Badlands cover an area of about 35,000 square miles, making it a unique and extraordinary place in the world. Horseshoe Canyon, the ancient pictograph and petroglyph carvings, and the sandstone boulders are also popular tourist attractions in the region.

The Canadian side of Niagara Falls Niagara-Falls.jpg?resize=784,588 Geographical Location: Ontario, Canada / Niagara Falls

Every tourist should visit the Canadian side of Niagara Falls at least once, and summer is the best time to do so. The many popular attractions in Niagara Falls, like the SkyWheel, water cruises, casino, and more, make it a great place for couples and families to have a good time. On a summer vacation here, you and your special someone can visit one of the many local wineries. Families should think about staying at the Great Wolf Lodge because of the enormous waterpark.

Highway 93, Yukon Alaska-Highway-Yukon.jpg?resize=784,519 Canada's Yukon Territory, home to the Alaska Highway.

This summer, take a road trip along the Alaska Highway in the Yukon for a truly remote and wild Canadian experience. British Columbia, the Yukon Territory, and Alaska's Delta Junction can all be reached by this highway. There are numerous hot springs, small towns, mountain ranges, and a wide variety of wildlife to see on this trip. For instance, most of the country's highest mountains can be found in the Kluane National Park and Reserve, which is located just off the Alaska Highway. You can go on a flightseeing trip, go mountain climbing, or just look at the ice fields from above.

Location: Tofino, BC Tofino-British-Columbia-C.jpg?resize=784,588 Location: Tofino, British Columbia, Canada

Tofino is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and is a popular summertime vacation spot for British Columbians. Pacific Rim National Park is teeming with wonderful hiking opportunities, breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains, and exciting boat tours. Tofino is a beautiful destination with plenty of quaint inns and campgrounds for those who prefer a more rustic experience. On a summer vacation to Tofino, you can fill your time surfing, exploring old-growth forests, and whale-watching. Kayaking in Clayoquot Sound, going on a black bear-watching tour, visiting the Tofino Botanical Gardens, and deep-sea fishing are all enjoyable activities to partake in while visiting this region of Canada.

Municipality of Quebec, Canada bigstock-Quebec-City-Canada-Sep-240596002.jpg?resize=784,588 Paths through Historic Quebec

It's a great idea to visit Quebec City during the summer if you're looking for a fun urban getaway in Canada. You can immerse yourself in French Canadian culture, while also taking advantage of the charming architecture, charming cobblestone streets, and plethora of family-friendly activities. If you're looking for a local beach to go sunbathing, kitesurfing, or playing beach volleyball, the Baie de Beauport is your best bet. When in Quebec, you must visit the Old Quebec District, walk the Wall of Quebec, discover the Quartier Petit Champlain, and indulge in some delicious poutine, a regional specialty. There is also Montmorency Falls to see, and the wine of Ile D' Orleans to try if you have time.

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