Time to start planning your perfect summer vacation, Canadians! If you’re looking to stay local and soak up all the warm-weather for these blissful months of summer, we’ve got some staycation inspiration for you.
From visiting some of the country’s top natural wonders to big city breaks filled with festival-fuelled summer nights, there’s so much to do in Canada from coast to coast. We’ve rounded up the top 11 Canadian summer vacation destinations perfect for your fun-filled (and warm weather!) getaway this year.
Top summer vacation spots in Canada from coast to coast
- Victoria, British Columbia
- Golden, British Columbia
- Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
- Jasper National Park, Alberta
- Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
- Winnipeg, Manitoba
- Toronto, Ontario
- Niagara Falls, Ontario
- Montréal, Quebec
- Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia
- Cavendish, Prince Edward Island
1. Victoria, British Columbia
Best Canadian summer vacation spot for foodies and culture lovers
British Columbia’s beautiful capital city is known for its sunny summer weather and abundance of outdoor experiences. The weather in Victoria is actually pleasant year-round, and this city is known for being one of the warmest places in Canada. But the summer months in BC’s capital are when the luscious greenery of Vancouver Island is at its peak, making for epic island hiking experiences and sightseeing you won’t find anywhere else in Canada. Summer activities like kayaking and whale-watching make Victoria a great family vacation destination. Experience the city’s culture with its numerous festivals like the Victoria Fringe Festival and the Feast of Fields.
Victoria’s surrounding area produces some of Canada’s top sustainable food experiences. Visit farm-to-table restaurants such as 10 Acres, Fickle Fig Farm Market, Nourish Kitchen & Café, or Charlotte & The Quail. The city is part of British Columbia’s Ale Trail, where travellers can sample some of Canada’s best West Coast beers with the help of a self-guided craft brew itinerary. Or, take things to the next level and go on a biking beer tour! Some beer bike tours to try are with The Pedaler or Rolling Barrel. One of the top things to do in Victoria is to visit Butchart Gardens, so make sure to stop here to explore everything from the Rose Garden to the Mediterranean Garden, which features 110 varieties of plants.
Where to stay in Victoria
The Magnolia Hotel & Spa is a luxury boutique hotel located steps from Victoria’s Inner Harbour. With only 64 rooms, each guest experience is unique. To help with your travel planning, the hotel offers curated maps of the best trails and things to do in Victoria, as well as bike rentals.
2. Golden, British Columbia
Best summer vacation destination in Canada for adventure travellers
Located in the middle of six national parks, Golden is one of the most beautiful places to visit for a summer vacation Canada for outdoor and wildlife adventures. Summer activities here in Golden include hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, paragliding, and even heli-rafting. Be sure to visit Glacier Park, Yoho, and the Columbia Wetlands, located just south of the city. Also called the Columbia River Valley, this is North America’s longest protected wetlands, which is home to over 350 different species of birds and mammals.
If you’re interested in wildlife, stop by the Grizzly Bear Refuge at the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. Make sure to pay a visit to its famous resident bear, Boo. Then, take a walk on the wild side with wolves at the Wolf Centre.
Where to stay in Golden
The Kicking Horse Glacier Mountaineer Lodge touts a prime mountaintop location. For larger groups, be sure to book multi-bedroom suites equipped with full kitchens, fireplaces, and private balconies with spectacular views.
3. The Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Best summer vacation spot in Canada for nature and wine
A gem in southern British Columbia, the Okanagan Valley is one of the warmest regions in Canada, making it the perfect place to kick off your summer vacation. Whether you’re longing to lounge and play at the beach or want to head for the nearby rolling hills and explore the stunning Okanagan wine region, there’s something here for everyone.
If you plan to travel to the Okanagan Valley, you can touch down in either Kelowna or Penticton. You’ll be greeted with average temperatures of 25 degrees Celcius as you relax beach-side, starting off your seasonal suntan or enjoy a bottle of delicious regional wine. Okanagan Valley is the top wine county in the world, so consider splurging on a wine tour of this beautiful region with some of your favourite people this summer. Who knows, you might even come across The Ogopogo!
4. Jasper National Park, Alberta
Best park in Canada for an outdoor family summer vacation
Jasper National Park happens to be the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, taking over 11,000 square km. One look at pictures of this mountain region and you can understand why this is one of Canada’s best summer vacation spots.
Jasper National Park is your gateway to fun summer mountain activities and peaceful tranquility. Even though it’s close to well tread Banff National Park, Jasper tends to be a little quieter – yet there’s tons to do. You’re truly spoiled for choices. We recommend checking out Athabasca Falls, Maligne Lake, and the Columbia Icefields. Open between May and the beginning of October, the Columbia Icefield Skywalk is an incredible (and somewhat hair-raising) experience that allows you to walk across a glass-floored lookout of the Sunwapta Valley for views of waterfalls, wildlife, and giant glaciers.
Whether you have a trailer or a tent, Jasper is also the perfect place in the Rockies to make camping memories and sleep under the Canadian night sky. Just make sure you book ahead and reserve your spot!
Where to stay near Jasper National Park
Centrally located, Jasper Inn & Suites by Sunrise is great value for money. If you’re planning a weekend getaway to Banff National Park, consider booking the Moose Hotel & Suites.
5. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Best summer vacation spot in Canada for urban agro-tourism
If you’re looking for a Canadian summer vacation with even more food, outdoor activities, and unique experiences, then head to the prairie city of Saskatoon. Enjoy a run, walk, or bike ride along the 80 kilometres of the riverfront Meewasin Trails. Saskatoon is also known as the “City of Bridges”, which is home to a total of seven bridges that cross over the South Saskatchewan River. In the summertime, adventure lovers can explore them via paddleboard, canoe, kayak, or aboard a Prairie Lily riverboat cruise.
In city centre, drop by the Remai Modern to explore a fantastic collection of modern and contemporary art. Admission to the museum is now by donation, so it’s a great budget-friendly thing to do in Saskatoon. Meanwhile outside the city, you can visit the Wanuskewin Heritage Park, a 6000-year-old Aboriginal meeting ground. It is currently under consideration for UNESCO World Heritage status.
Dine downtown at hot spots like Little Grouse on the Prairie, Poached Breakfast Bistro, and Sticks and Stones. Saskatoon also has vibrant agro-tourism offerings along Valley Road. Pick strawberries and other Saskatoon berries at the Strawberry Ranch, or sample gin at Black Fox Farm & Distillery.
Travel tip: Outdoor lovers will want to plan a weekend getaway to Grasslands National Park. It’s one of the most beautiful places in Canada, thanks to its rolling green landscape. Additionally, there are dinosaur bones to be found – making it a fun family vacation destination, too.
Where to stay in Saskatoon
The ALT Hotel Saskatoon is set along the South Saskatchewan River steps away from the Remai Modern. Known for contemporary, comfortable, and affordable suites, this property is perfect for the modern traveller.
6. Winnipeg, Manitoba
Best place to visit in Canada during summer for history buffs
Winnipeg is a Canadian summer vacation destination with plenty of family-friendly activities or laid back energy for a fun weekend away with friends. And with plenty of cheap hotel options, Winnipeg is a more affordable city to visit in Canada.
For a perfect summer getaway in Winnipeg, spend a day or two at the Winnipeg Folk Festival. Or, plan your visit for the be second week of August and check out Folklorama, the city’s beloved multicultural festival filled with art, engaging workshops, events, and of course, lots of amazing food.
The kids (and adults, let’s face it) will love getting close to polar bears, seals, and other Canadian Arctic species at the Assiniboine Park Zoo Journey to Churchill exhibit. And whatever is on your travel itinerary, make sure to add the Canadian Museum for Human Rights to your Winnipeg bucket list. With timely exhibitions and events throughout the year, this museum was built to insight and inspire. Pair your visit here with a pint of local craft beer and delicious eats at The Forks.
For total relaxation, head to the Thermëa by Nordik Spa-Nature. Choose between an array of Scandinavian-style treatments that mix hot and cold saunas and pools.
Where to stay in Winnipeg
Located in downtown Winnipeg, the Inn at the Forks is a luxury boutique hotel with 117 rooms and suites. Guests can also take advantage of the on-site Riverstone Spa and SMITH restaurant.
7. Toronto, Ontario
Best summer vacation spot in Canada for sports fans
Visiting Toronto in the summer means there are plenty of festivals to experience throughout Canada’s biggest city. There are dozens of different summer events happening during the months of July and August alone. Toronto is also home to more professional sports teams than any other Canadian city. Catch a home game of the Blue Jays, the Toronto FC, or even the Wolfpack Rugby team.
Calling all foodies! A summer trip to this multicultural city is not complete without experiencing the food scene. From European to Asian to Caribbean influences, there’s something that will attract your taste buds. Some food and drink hot spots include The Distillery District, Chinatown, Little Italy, Junction, Parkdale, and The Annex.
Be sure to visit Toronto’s markets in the summer months, including:
- Kensington Market’s Pedestrian Sundays: last Sunday of the month from May-October
- Gerrard India Bazaar
- St. Lawrence Market Saturdays
- Leslieville Farmers Market
- Evergreen Brick Works
Not to mention, Toronto is the perfect springboard for plenty of fun weekend getaways.
Where to stay in Toronto
The Kimpton Saint George is located in The Annex, across the street from the Royal Ontario Museum. With contemporary design features in its 188 guest rooms, this property feels more like a chic Toronto condo than a typical hotel.
8. Niagara Falls, Ontario
Best Canadian summer vacation spot for a romantic weekend getaway
If you’re looking to take a summer weekend trip from Toronto, Niagara Falls is one of the most beautiful places to visit. But the majesty of the natural wonder and its surrounding attractions make Niagara a summer vacation destination not to be missed!
Here are some of Niagara Falls’ most popular attractions:
- Hornblower Niagara Cruises
- White Water Walk
- Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
- Niagara SkyWheel
- Fallsview Casino Resort
Travel tip: Save some time on your summer getaway to explore the trending Ontario wine county town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Arrange a tasting at one of the nearby wineries or catch a play at the Shaw Festival Theatre.
Where to stay in Niagara Falls
Holiday Inn Hotel by Niagara Falls is situated close to the Casino, Skylon Tower, and the Canadian Horseshoe Falls allowing you to walk to the main strip. On-site restaurants like Coco Terrace Steakhouse and Coco’s Pizza Bar and Lounge are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and offer views of the falls. Consider these hotels in Niagara Falls as well.
9. Montréal, Quebec
Best place to visit in Canada during summer for your art and culture fix
Montréal keeps things interesting year-round, but summer is when this bilingual city shines brightest. The festivals, culture, and culinary richness of Montréal makes it one of the most unique places to visit in Canada. Not to mention that the city’s incredible culinary offerings will make you want to dine out and dine often. Check out our Montréal food and drink recommendations for some of the best eats in and around town.
A summer vacation in Montréal will make you fall in love with this diverse, multicultural city. Head to the Quartier des Spectacles between Ste. Catherine and De Maisonneuve Boulevard for endless activities, events, and festivals. Music lovers can get their fill at the Montréal International Jazz Festival, Francofolies, and Osheaga, just to name a few. The summer months are also the best time to get acquainted with Montreal’s many beautiful neighbourhoods, all perfect for wandering on a warm afternoon.
Where to stay in Montréal
Experience a part of history at the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth during your next trip to Montréal. This hotel is where John Lennon and Yoko Ono famously staged their 1969 Bed-In for Peace. Guests can stay in the John Lennon & Yoko Ono Suite or explore one of the many guest rooms.
10. Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia
Best place to visit in summer in Canada for multi-generational family vacations
Enjoy the ultimate summer vacation this year by experiencing the lovely East Coast life on Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton Island. Dive headfirst into the fresh food, visit breweries and distilleries, and say “yes” to impromptu kitchen party invitations. Explore the winding and world-renowned Cabot Trail, one of the most beautiful places to hike in Canada. Take 3-5 days to travel the trail and enjoy its abundance of scenic overlooks, beaches, cultural heritage sites, and diverse outdoor activities.
Nova Scotia is also home to a ton of wildlife. Cruise with Bird Island Boat Tours to spot puffins. Whale and seal cruises with Captain Mark are another fun way to explore Canada in summer. For more water fun, enjoy the unspoiled coastline of St. Ann’s Bay with a guided North River Kayak tour.
Where to stay in Cape Breton
Along The Cabot Trail, the Cabot Shores Wilderness Resort & Retreat Centre is a full-service property offering outdoor and cultural adventures to guests. If you’re flying into Halifax first, spend your first evening at the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel to explore the pier before starting your road trip. Or, consider these Halifax airport hotels.
11. Cavendish, Prince Edward Island
Best Canadian summer getaway spot for beachside charm & more
Canadian writer Lucy Maud Montgomery put Prince Edward Island on the map with her Anne of Green Gables novels. There’s a store dedicated to the beloved character in Charlottetown, but keeners can also make the trip to Cavendish to visit the green-trimmed Anne of Green Gables Heritage Place.
Cavendish Beach is undeniably one of the most beautiful places in Canada, which is why it becomes the busiest place on the island in July and August. Stroll down the Cavendish Boardwalk with a cone from Cows Ice Cream, a local favourite. Or head to The Pier to rent kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, sea-doos and try para-sailing. Golf lovers may like a scenic round on the Green Gables Golf Course.
Travel tip: A visit to Prince Edward Island isn’t complete without a trip to Point Prim Lighthouse. Not only is it the oldest lighthouse on the island, but its seaside vistas also offer one of the most beautiful views in Atlantic Canada.
Where to stay in Cavendish
Quiet, clean, and budget-friendly, the Pines Motel is the perfect pick if you’re looking to spend a few days in Cavendish. Enjoy the outdoor pool and an evening bbq in the picnic area, available for guests to use.
Best summer camping places in Canada to visit
Looking to connect with nature or plan a cheap family vacation? Canada has over 450 000 km² of National Park grounds and even more provincial and municipal parkland. You can reserve accommodations online in 40 national parks and historic sites across Canada, ranging from campsites to backcountry experiences. For a unique family summer vacation with Parks Canada, book an oTENTik. These cabin-like tents allow you to experience the joys of camping without having to lug equipment with you.
To help you plan your trip, here are the best National Parks and places to go in Canada for camping:
- Yukon – Kluane National Park and Reserve
- Northwest Territories – Wood Buffalo National Park
- British Columbia – Kootenay National Park
- Alberta – Elk Island National Park
- Saskatchewan – Grasslands National Park
- Manitoba – Riding Mountain National Park
- Ontario – Pukaskwa National Park
- Quebec – La Mauricie National Park
- New Brunswick – Fundy National Park
- Prince Edward Island – Prince Edward Island National Park
- Nova Scotia – Cape Breton Highlands National Park
- Newfoundland & Labrador – Terra Nova National Park
Celebrate the first day of summer at the Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival
Celebrate the first day of summer in the nation’s capital at the Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival. This annual festival brings together Indigenous chefs at Long Table Feasts, and a fun-filled weekend of traditional dance, activities, workshops, and more. Overlapping with Indigenous Peoples Day, the festival is a great excuse to explore Ottawa in the summer months, and a good candidate for a weekend trip from Toronto.
Check out this underrated Canadian summer destination
Looking to explore somewhere new for your summer vacation, Canadians? Penticton is your gateway to the south Okanagan wine region in Oliver and Osoyoos, British Columbia. The region is one of the best places to experience summer in Canada thanks to its vineyards and desert-like landscape.
Summer in Canada: FAQs
Summer in Canada officially starts on June 20 and goes until September 22.
Any of the places we’ve listed in this article would make amazing summer vacation spots in Canada. Whether it’s ocean (Atlantic, Pacific, or Arctic – take your pick!), mountains, or welcoming small towns, all of these Canadian destinations have so much to offer.
Kelowna, British Columbia ranks as the hottest place in Canada during the summer. A close second is its neighbour, Penticton. Summer in Kamloops extends from April to November with weather that’s perfect for hiking and biking along amazing trails or paddling through sparkling lakes and rivers.
Want to read more?
- Make the most of your vacation days this year with these smart travel planning tips
- Want to plan a local and adventurous getaway? Don’t miss out on these great outdoor activities across Canada.
- Here are Canada’s most accessible cities, according to travel and accessibility experts.
