These 10 Canadian cities are hidden gems for tourists. Here's why you should visit — and what you should do when you get there
Summertime in Canada brings longer days, hotter rays and a well-deserved reprieve from the cold. Now that the weather is warmer, many Canadians have caught the travel bug and want to explore our vast, vibrant country. While some Canadians will flock to popular tourist attractions, there are many travellers who prefer to wander off the beaten path. Exploring lesser-known destinations can lead to lifelong memories, and summer marks the perfect time to visit some under-appreciated but strikingly beautiful locations across our great nation.
Keep reading for a list of 10 hidden gem destinations across Canada that could be the perfect spot for your next getaway.
British Columbia: Nelson
The City of Nelson is nestled in the foothills of the Selkirk Mountains along Kootenay Lake. History buffs relish Nelson's Victorian architecture, restored heritage buildings that offer a trip back through time to the 1880s silver rush. In-town, experience a vibrant arts culture with a thriving local food scene and authentic BC charm.
Key attractions:
Explore the pristine waters of Kootenay Lake for swimming and boating
Hike the Kokanee Creek Provincial Park and pose with perfect photogenic scenery
Enjoy intimate concerts in historic venues at the music festival near the Salmo River
Experience the local craft brewery scene and cherish local farmers' markets
Alberta: Medicine Hat
Medicine Hat is a marvel destination on the Prairies and a vibrant community renowned for its abundance of natural resources and celebration of Indigenous heritage. The quaint community welcomes visitors with prairie hospitality, world-class golf resorts, and an oasis of green space along the South Saskatchewan River. Medicine Hat offers plenty of attractions throughout the year, including the Rise Up Hot Air Balloon Festival each May.
Key attractions:
Visit Saamis Teepee, a 20-story tall unique storyboard depicting native culture & history
Play golf on some of Canada's most scenic and affordable world-class courses
Explore prime Prairie wilderness on Police Point Park's diverse wildlife and walking trails
Discover the city's unique pottery, clay heritage and local rodeo
Saskatchewan: Saskatoon
Saskatoon is not as hidden as other cities on this list, but the renowned City of Bridges has many lesser-known attractions within its quaint borders along the South Saskatchewan River. It's a delightfully vibrant downtown with warm, welcoming prairie hospitality that offers beautiful riverbank parks, excellent local cuisine, and some of the most famous berry-picking regions in all of Canada. The SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival is a prime summer attraction, a ten-day celebration of magical musical genres.
Key attractions:
Cycle or walk any stretch of +105 km along the illustrious Meewasin Trail
Visit the striking Remai Modern art museum and historic Bessborough Hotel
Explore Wanuskewin Heritage Park and feel immersed in authentic Indigenous culture
Enjoy a variety of breweries and distilleries, like Black Fox Farm and Distillery
Manitoba: Gimli
Lake Winnipeg is one of Canada's largest and most cherished fresh water lakes, and the quiet town of Gimli on the lake's western border has a very distinct heritage. It was founded by Icelanders who desired to preserve their heritage as they emigrated west to Canada. To that end, Gimli provides the largest Icelandic cultural experience outside of Iceland. The lakeside pays communal tribute to Viking heritage, perfectly woven together during the annual Icelandic Festival that takes over the town during the August long weekend.
Key attractions:
Relax on Lake Winnipeg's sandy beaches and enjoy fresh Nordic prepared fish
Explore ancient Icelandic tools and customs at the New Iceland Heritage Museum
Attend the Icelandic Festival and have a first-hand experience of life as a Viking
Visit Gimli's impressive array of waterfront restaurants with delicious fresh fish platters
Ontario: Stratford
The City of Stratford appeals to more cultural explorers across Ontario, home to Canada's premier theatre destination every summer. The Stratford Festival of Canada is an annual celebration of classic theatrical art, transforming the entire downtown into a contemporary hub of Shakespearean performances. Outside the theatrical moments, you can attend one of many shows at the Stratford Summer Music festival, a six-week celebration of the most talented upcoming musical sensations.
Key attractions:
Attend a performance at North America's largest classical repertory theatre festival
Explore downtown Stratford's vibrant shops and trendy restaurants
Discover unique musical talent at one of the many local musical festivals
Learn about Stratford's unique cultural history at the Stratford Perth Museum
Quebec: Tadoussac
Tadoussac offers world-class whale watching, charming historic architecture, and stunning natural beauty. This small village provides an intimate Quebec experience, showcasing the distinct style and culture of life outside the province's larger urban centres.
Key attractions:
Experience some of the world's best whale watching with belugas and blue whales
Explore the historic Tadoussac Hotel and the community's charming village streets
Kayak the dramatic Saguenay Fjord's pristine waters for a little life on the edge
Hike the coastal trails and enjoy the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park
New Brunswick: Shediac
The Maritimes are renowned for their love of lobster, and there's no community that owns the title more than the town of Shediac. New Brunswick's Lobster Capital of the World is a prime beachside destination with sparkling warm waters, breathtaking sunsets, and a unique Atlantic Canada culture. In no way is Shediac culture better represented than in their annual Lobster Festival, which delivers an inclusive lobster-focused entertainment and tasting—all hallmarks of a warm, welcoming community.
Key attractions:
Visit The World's Largest Lobster, an 11-metre-long tribute to Shediac's fishing heritage
Participate in authentic lobster boil competitions and tastings at the Lobster Festival
Soak up the sun on the Northumberland Strait's warm shoreline beaches
Experience traditional Acadian music and step-dancing performances
Nova Scotia: Antigonish
Nova Scotia was originally founded as a Scottish colony and its roots are best represented every summer during the Antigonish Highland Games. Aspiring liberal arts students can also visit the St. Francis Xavier University campus and take in a show at the Festival Antigonish Summer Theatre.
Key attractions:
Take part in the oldest continuous Scottish Highland Games in North America
Learn all about Scottish caber tosses, hammer throws, fiddle and highland music
Take a drive up highway 245 and explore the coastal Arisaig Provincial Park
Visit Colin H. Chisholm Park and take in a local outdoor concert or dancing exhibition
Prince Edward Island: Summerside
Summerside not just a fishing and boating community, it's also one of Canada's most stunning waterfront destinations. If you like betting on the horses, the Summerside Raceway is believed to be the oldest standardbred racing track in Canada, originally founded in 1886. If you choose to visit in July, you can participate in the annual Spud Fest, now in its sixth year as a local backyard music festival with a boundless amount of heart.
Key attractions:
Walk along the historic boardwalk and enjoy PEI-style entertainment
Dine on fresh mussels, lobster, and local potatoes in local charming restaurants
Participate in the PEI Legendary Lobster Crawl by dining at Jolly Roger's Seafood
Rent a boat and have some fun, or relax in the sun on warm sandy beaches
Newfoundland and Labrador: Trinity
Newfoundland was one of the earliest discoveries of Canada by European explorers, and Trinity is home to one of the oldest settlements in the country. The community offers stunning coastal scenery, paired with preserved historic architecture that creates an authentic culture that represents the spirit of being a Newfoundlander. When not outdoors sightseeing, you can visit the Rising Tide Theatre, a professional theatre company dating back to 1978, which produces culturally rich, local performances.
Key attractions:
Explore restored 18th and 19th-century buildings and churches
Watch for whales, icebergs, and seabirds from the dramatic coastline
Enjoy traditional outdoor storytelling at the New Founde Lande Trinity Pageant
Hike breathtaking trails with spectacular ocean views along Canada's most eastern coastlines
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