Canada is blessed with four beautiful and very different seasons but summer in Canada is truly special (and personally my favourite season!). From the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific, the variety of summer destinations in Canada allows locals and visitors alike to experience the country’s natural beauty through its national parks, sparkling lakes, majestic mountains and incredible cities.
We asked a few fellow travel bloggers to tell us about their favourite places to visit during a Canadian summer. And we added a few of our own!
Where to Visit During Summer in Canada
Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland
Having grown up in Corner Brook, just a few hours from Gros Morne National Park, and having worked there for two summers during university, it is truly one of my top recommended places to spend summer in Canada.
Gros Morne was granted UNESCO heritage status for its incredible geological formations and natural beauty. As you explore the park, you’ll find evidence of geological events that took place millions of years ago. To the south, near Trout River, are the Tablelands. These amazing orange cliffs were, at one time, part of the earth’s mantle (the hot lava in the center of the earth!)
Further north, beyond Rocky Harbour, is Western Brook Pond, a natural fresh water fjord that was created after the last ice age. From one end of the park to the next, easy and more difficult trails are available for visitors of all abilities. You can even climb to the top of Gros Morne mountain itself! To say the park is beautiful is a true understatement.
Beyond its natural beauty, Gros Morne is filled with the best of everything Newfoundland has to offer: a wonderful hands-on experience at the Bonne Bay Marine Station in Norris Point, a historic lighthouse in Lobster Cove Head and stunning sand dunes in Shallow Bay.
In each small village visitors will get a taste of outport Newfoundland. Watch the ocean from the cliffs, smell the salt sea air, talk with the local fishermen, taste the delicious traditional food in the many small restaurants … there is just so much to explore!
Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia
Written by Nick from Goats on the Road
Cape Breton island offers plenty for outdoor lovers, including the breathtaking Cabot Trail, which is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful drives in all of North America.
When you first get onto the island from the mainland, consider taking Route 19 (Ceilidh Trail) as you cross the causeway. This road offers stunning views over the rocky coastline and passes by some cool places like the Glenora Distillery, Mabou, the Celtic Music Interpretive Center, Margaree Forks and Inverness.
Aside from stunning coastal roads, the island is also blessed with the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. The park itself is home to 26 well-marked hiking trails and provides visitors with the perfect place to escape city life and get into nature.
If you do end up checking out the national park, I recommend the Skyline Trail, which is a pretty easy hike for all ages and fitness levels. You can either complete the entire 8.2 kilometre loop, or simply head to the end of the point where you see the beautiful views that give the trail its name, before doubling back the same way you came. This route only takes a couple of hours and brings the total hiking distance down to 6.5 kilometres.
If hiking and road trips aren’t your jam, Cape Breton Island is also one of the best places in Nova Scotia to join a whale watching tour (here and the Digby Neck are likely the best spots). Hop aboard a sturdy vessel with a crew and some other tourists and head out to spot humpback, fin, and minke whales.
This is one of the best places in the eastern provinces for outdoor lovers and of all the places to visit in Nova Scotia, most of our favourites were on beautiful Cape Breton Island. If you’re heading to Nova Scotia, don’t miss Cape Breton Island.
Montreal, Quebec
Written by Stephanie at History Fangirl
Montreal is a fabulous city to visit in the summer. Because the winters in Montreal are so cold, Montrealers come out in full force in the summer. It’s a great time to take advantage of the waterfront, including the Montreal Observation Wheel.
Montreal has an array of summer events. You can enjoy expanding your palette at the Mondial de la Bière Beer Festival which takes place every June or enjoy the Montreal International Fireworks Competition which takes place throughout the summer. Aspiring photographers can set up a tripod and see what they can capture during this special summertime event!
While Montreal is famous for poutine, it can be a bit heavy in the summer. Instead, why not try out some of the city’s craft beer scene at spots like La Succursale and Harricana. For food, you can enjoy sampling Montreal’s great food truck scene. Food trucks in Montreal start to appear in June since they only stick around during the warm months.
Of course, if this is your first time in Montreal, you’ll want to see the most popular sites as well as the city’s summer specialties. Don’t skip Vieux Montreal, the city’s old quarter. You will want to stop at the Notre Dame Cathedral, have a drink in Place Jacques Cartier, and go shopping on Rue Saint-Paul. One of the most famous sites in Montreal is in the quarter as well. The market, called the Marche Bonsecours, is a great place to try ice wine for the first time as well as buy other locally made Montreal gifts.
If you love Instagram, there are tons of great Instagram spots in Montreal, including great street art, interesting metro stations, and cute sidewalk cafes. If you only have a weekend, you will find more than enough to do here, but if you can set aside more time you won’t be sorry!
Ottawa, Ontario
Ottawa is Canada’s national capital but it doesn’t have the crowded, busy feeling of larger cities. Whether you decide to explore the pretty downtown area or the smaller suburbs to the west, Ottawa is a great place to spend some time during summer in Canada.
Plan to walk along the picturesque Rideau Canal, discover the historic locks, explore Parliament Hill and its gardens, and visit the Byward Market for wonderful food and local treats. If you have some extra time, you can wander the National Gallery of Canada or the Royal Canadian Mint.
If you’re visiting Ottawa with kids, there are tons of things for them to enjoy. Ottawa is home to the National Museum of Nature, the National Aviation Museum, the National War Museum and the Canadian Museum of Science and Technology, one of the best science museums in Canada. For a more local experience, adventure to one of Ottawa’s suburbs for a day filled with go-karting, forest trails and wagon rides.
If you’re able to plan around certain summer dates, there are so many great events to consider. There’s no better place to spend Canada Day than on Parliament Hill. The festivities are on the Hill, Majors Hill Park and throughout the downtown core. It’s an experience you’ll never forget. If you’re visiting Ottawa a little later in the season, you have to take in Bluesfest! Headliners include international and Canadian superstars over an incredible two-week period.
No matter what kind of summer you’re planning, Ottawa will always have just what you’re looking for!
If you have a longer time in Ontario, check out these other great suggestions for other summer getaways in Ontario.
Nunavut
Written by Mikaela of Voyageur Tripper
After spending four months living in Nunavut, I am convinced this is the most underrated destination in Canada for a summer holiday. The days stretch into one another as the midnight sun rotates above head; the snow melts off the tundra, leaving a vibrant expanse of colourful moss and wildflowers in its place.
While a trip to the high reaches of the arctic can be prohibitively expensive, a visit to Iqaluit, Nunavut’s capital city, will give you a taste of the arctic summer without breaking your budget. There are so many unique things to do in Iqaluit that can’t be done in many other Canadian cities.
Right from the city and with a local outfitter, you can go hiking on the tundra and see beautiful rolling hills and views of Frobisher Bay. Then, go kayaking on the bay and navigate around small icebergs. Perhaps you combine hiking and paddling and set off the hike along the Sylvia Grinnell River and then canoe down to wear it joins the salty waters of the bay.
In addition to activities out on the land, Iqaluit itself has some fun activities to do in the summer. In June, Iqaluit hosts Alianait Arts Festival which hosts artists from across the arctic. It’s a celebration of Inuit and northern culture, and you’ll be introduced to some unbelievable talent. (This is my favourite music festival I’ve ever been to.) You can also catch a bite to eat at the Black Heart Cafe (best breakfast sandwich I’ve had) or check out NuBrew, Canada’s most northerly microbrewery. Iqaluit is also home to Nunavut’s only museum and has an excellent visitor’s centre.
Unless you are going in June specifically to see the Alianait Arts Festival, I recommend going in August, as this time will ensure the bay is ice-free (and can be kayaked) and the tundra will start changing to red and orange with the changing seasons. But whenever you choose to visit Iqaluit, you’re sure to have an amazing time unlike that of any other Canadian summer destination.
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Written by Lotte at Phenomenal Globe
With an overflowing event calendar, wonderful (though admittedly at times very hot) weather and friendly locals, Winnipeg is great place to visit in Canada in summer. No matter if you are spending a weekend in Winnipeg or just a day, this city amidst a sea of prairies will surely surprise you.
One of the best summer activities is the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival. This yearly festival takes place in July and/or August and lasts for 12 days. There are lots of shows and plays and artists from all over the world fly in to perform at one of the largest Fringe Festivals in the world. There are many family-friendly activities to do at the Fringe Festival as well. Kids can play games, get their face painted with beautiful masks and lots of glitter and meet some of the performers.
Besides the Winnipeg Fringe Festival, there are several other festivals and events held in Winnipeg during summer, such as the Winnipeg Folk Fest, Folklorama, and the Interstellar Rodeo.
The Canadian Museum for Human Rights is a must-visit in Winnipeg. This is the only museum in the world dedicated solely to Human Rights. There are many interesting exhibitions within the museum, such as a large section about the Canadian First Nations (specifically the people living in and near Winnipeg). Visitors will find a very sad and impressive exhibition about genocide but also a floor with inspirational stories about people standing up for human rights.
You can sample street food from all around the world at the Forks Market. On hot summer days there is no better way to cool down than with a frozen yogurt. Alternatively, try poutine, the signature Canadian dish, have a Sri Lankan egg roti or a famous Giant Apple Pancake from the The Original Pancake House. No matter your choice, it will surely be a good one!
Prince Albert National Park, Saskatchewan
Written by Dean and Laynni at Routinely Nomadic
It is a shame that many visitors to Saskatchewan don’t make it north of Saskatoon, because northern Saskatchewan is a treasure trove of beautiful lakes and pristine wilderness, especially the amazing Prince Albert National Park. Featuring dozens of lakes, over 120 km of fantastic hiking trails and plenty of isolated backcountry camping (including the scenic overnight trip to legendary Grey Owl’s Cabin), it is a terrific place to enjoy summer in Canada.
What sets it apart from the others, however, is the charming, family-friendly townsite of Waskesiu Lake, where the grandeur of the great outdoors combines with a long list of amenities and activities. Active types can ski, wakeboard and paddleboard on the lake, play tennis, enjoy pickle ball or cruise the streets in a quadracycle. All the different variations of golf are available (mini, disc and “real” golf) on two of the province’s top 5 golf courses in Waskesiu, Lobstick course and Elk Ridge (at nearby McPhee Lake). Of course, there are also a number of beautiful beaches spread out around the lake, plenty of day-use picnic areas and a fascinating Nature Centre full of family-friendly exhibits and games. There is even a library, a historic movie theatre and a great selection of shops and restaurants, including the Big Olaf ice cream shop and the bustling pizza joint, Pete’s Terrace.
Wildlife is abundant in the park with visitors regularly spotting elk, deer, moose, black bears, foxes, wolves, bald eagles, rabbits, mink and more squirrels than you can shake a stick at. Meanwhile, fishing might be the most popular activity, with a wide range of species found in lakes and rivers all over the park.
Located a 2 ½ hour drive north of Saskatoon, Prince Albert National Park provides the perfect mix of urban comforts and accessible wilderness to be added to your summer destination hot list.
Columbia Icefields, Alberta
Written by Jyoti at Story At Every Corner
Of the many amazing activities to do on Icefields Parkway, a ride up to the Columbia Icefields is definitely up at the top of the list. It makes for a wonderful stop during summer in Canada.
This massive and ancient ice field in the Canadian Rockies has 6 toes. Athabasca glacier is one of the toes and it’s open to visit and walk upon. To get up on to Athabasca glacier, one must start at the visitor center and purchase a ticket for a time slot (tickets can also be purchased online). A luxury bus from the visitor center takes groups of visitors up to the center at the base of the glacier. From there, special buses take visitors on to the glacier.
It’s an incredible experience being on top of the glacier made of ice that’s millions of years old. On top of the glacier, one can drink the purest possible water, straight from the melting ice, filtered by nature. One can also take pictures with one of the many flags lined up on the glacier.
Along the drive from the base to the top of the glacier look out for markers. These are year markers that indicate the extent of the glacier at that time. It’s sad to see how quickly the glaciers are receding. Not only are the glaciers receding, the pace of melting is rapidly accelerating. It’s places like these that remind us how simple acts if habit and convenience are impacting our world is such drastic ways.
If you have another hour or so, you can also visit the newest attraction, the Skywalk with view of the Columbia icefields, the deep valley and many waterfalls below. It’s definitely an experience worth living for. To visit the skywalk, buy the tickets at the Columbia icefields visitor center and take a bus to the skywalk.
Columbia icefields are absolutely stunning. They’re usually very busy in peak tourist season so, it’s best to avoid mid-day in peak season if possible.
Edmonton, Alberta
Written by Rhonda at Adventure Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta is at its best in the summer when the city comes to life with entertaining festivals, sunny weather, and long daylight hours for enjoying outdoor recreation in the city’s scenic river valley and nearby national park.
Commonly referred to as “Festival City”, Edmonton puts on over 50 festivals throughout the year, many of which take place in the summer. Popular summer events in Edmonton include the Freewill Shakespeare Festival (an outdoor theatre experience in Hawrelak Park), the Taste of Edmonton (Western Canada’s largest food festival featuring dishes from local restaurants), K-Days (a midway with amusement rides, carnival games, exhibitions, concerts, food, and nightly fireworks), the Edmonton International Street Performers Festival, the Fringe (North America’s oldest and biggest fringe festival), and the Heritage Festival (the world’s largest outdoor celebration of multiculturalism featuring the flavours, music, dance, and art of over 90 cultures).
A popular treat at Edmonton’s summer festivals is the green onion cake. Although the fried dough snack originated in China, it has gone on to become a staple in Edmonton and the city’s favourite festival snack.
Besides festival going, summer is also the perfect time for enjoying Edmonton’s extensive river valley park system, which also happens to be Canada’s largest urban park. With over 160 km of maintained trails and 20 major parks along the North Saskatchewan River, there are plenty of places to play, hike, and bike in Edmonton’s river valley.
Another great place to enjoy summer in Edmonton is Elk Island National Park, just 35 km east of the city. Here you can go hiking on over 80 km of trails, rent a kayak, and see bison roaming in the fields. If you stay up late enough, you can see a sky full of stars, as the park is located in a dark sky preserve. You may even see the northern lights which would be the highlight of your summer in Canada!
Whistler, British Columbia
Written by from Between England and Iowa
Although Whistler is a popular ski resort, it also makes for a great summer destination in Canada. There are so many awesome outdoor activities in Whistler that can be enjoyed! First, there are the mountains. Whistler village sits at the base of Whistler Blackcomb mountains. You’ll find plenty of hiking routes and the Peak to Peak gondola. For those wanting a unique experience, Mountain Skills Academy runs glacier hiking tours. You will need a fairly good level of fitness but all equipment is provided to hike up the glacier to the top of the mountain!
Another way to enjoy the mountains is on a 4×4 or ATV tour. If you’ve never been on an ATV, it’s best to choose a tour that is a beginner level. The intermediate or advanced trails have terrain which is a little tricky to navigate if you aren’t used to riding one of these vehicles. If you’re lucky you may even get to see bears! They’re often seen during summer in Canada.
Whistler has an endless supply of adrenaline activities to pick from. For those extreme thrill-seekers, bungee jumping should be on your itinerary! Whistler Bungee is a great experience, jumping from a bridge above the insanely blue Cheakamus River. You can choose to jump from the ankles or the chest. Having the chest option is nice if you are nervous about jumping upside down and headfirst towards a river!
The 2010 Winter Olympics were held in Whistler (and Vancouver). You can take a free self-guided tour of the Whistler Sliding Center which was used for the bobsled, luge, and skeleton events during the Olympics. In the summer, the center offers ‘summer bobsled’ passenger rides (the bobsleds are on wheels, rather than ice blades). The Whistler Sliding Center is said to be one of the fastest tracks in the world!
Haida Gwaii, British Columbia
Written by James at Travel Collecting
Haida Gwaii (formerly called the Queen Charlotte Islands) is a remote archipelago off the northern coast of British Colombia. It is best visited in summer, when the weather is nicest and the islands spring to life. The northern islands have several small villages, while the southern islands are dedicated to Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve.
There are several fun events throughout the summer (some may be cancelled in 2020 due to COVID 19). Highlights include the giant salmon BBQ at the Skidegate Days festival; the unique Totem to Totem Marathon; and the music, arts crafts and local foods at the Edge of the World Music Festival.
Over half of the people living on these islands are Haida First Nations. Essential stops include the Haida Gwaii Museum and the Haida Heritage Centre, which is designed to resemble the ancient Haida village that used to be on the site. They both provide fascinating insights into the living Haida culture.
However, the main reason to travel to these islands is to visit the Gwaii Haanas National Park. The southern islands are covered in pristine forest which are full of black bears, Sitka deer, bald eagles and other bird life. The oceans surrounding them have fearless sea lions, orcas and humpback whales. The best way to experience this incredible place is to take a multi-day sea kayaking trip around Haida Gwaii, camping on beaches or in the forest at night.
The culmination of any trip is to visit the awe-inspiring SG̱ang Gwaay Llanagaay (Ninstints), on Anthony Island at the southern end of the archipelago.
It is an abandoned Haida village that is being left to slowly return to nature. In addition to the remains of log cabins, there are dozens of totem poles in situ – the best preserved in the world in their natural environment. Trips can only be taken in spring and summer and seeing these islands is an experience shared by only a few intrepid people. The islands are remote, but well worth adding to your Canadian summer itinerary.
Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Written by Campbell and Alya at Stingy Nomads
Vancouver Island is the largest island on the Pacific Coast of North America and is an amazing destination to visit for outdoor and nature lovers during summer in Canada.
Covered in beautiful forests and mountains and surrounded by miles of rugged shoreline and sandy beaches, the island offers a huge variety of adventure activities and the summer sun is the best time to explore Vancouver Island. The biodiversity of this untamed island is part of its attraction with dense old growth forest and a variety of animals such as black bears and deer and marine mammals such as orcas, whales and dolphins to see on the island. Many different whale species can be seen on Vancouver’s west coast including humpback whales, grey whales, minke whales and orcas. Each of these whales swim past the Vancouver coast at different times of the year but the best time to go on a whale watching expedition and see most of these whales is in summer from March to October.
The enormous diversity of fauna and flora and spectacular scenery results in a network of fantastic hiking trails scattered over the island. The West Coast trail and Juan de Fuca Marine trail are the two most famous backpacking hiking trails on Vancouver island, but there are also fantastic one day hikes to explore along the Juan de Fuca trail and Galloping Goose trail near Sooke.
Mid-July to mid-August, when there is little rain on the island, there are some fantastic campsites to visit along the coast, Sombrio Beach is a nice campsite with great facilities, nice waves for surfing and a beautiful hidden waterfall. Summer is beach time and Long Beach, near Tofino, is a beautiful 10 km long sandy beach for playing, running, swimming and beach fun! Tofino is also the surfing capital of Canada and a great place to learn. Rent a board, book an instructor in town and learn to surf at Long Beach or the popular Chesterman Beach.
Note from Joanne: We visited Vancouver Island many years ago and it’s gorgeous. If you can, try and stay for one or two weeks on Vancouver Island. It’s well worth the time!
28 Comments
Neecee B · August 9, 2020 at 2:14 pm
Love the pictures. Your site is really beautiful. Love the content.
Joanne · August 9, 2020 at 4:03 pm
Thanks so much Neecee! Glad you enjoyed it.
Angel Ro · August 3, 2020 at 9:44 pm
Beautiful pictures and a nice article to go through.
Seems bit lengthy too.
Joanne · August 9, 2020 at 4:04 pm
Thanks Angel. Canada is a big country so there’s a lot to cover 🙂
Deborah · August 3, 2020 at 2:10 pm
Such a great post about places to visit in Canada. I’ve only been to Canada once, when I was a girl. We traveled around Lake Superior from Duluth and up and around to Sault Ste Marie. Would love to return to the Winnipeg Folk Festival sometime.
Joanne · August 9, 2020 at 4:05 pm
Hi Deborah! I hope you can make it to Winnipeg one day.
Ana Smith · August 3, 2020 at 1:59 pm
Oh wao, didn’t know Canada has so many beautiful places to see.
These are awesome sceneries indeed.
Joanne · August 9, 2020 at 4:05 pm
Hi Ana! Canada really is a beautiful country
Beth · August 3, 2020 at 12:53 pm
Lovely photos of so many gorgeous places. I spent a week in the Vancouver area once, but now I can see where else I’d like to go – most of it!
Joanne · August 9, 2020 at 4:06 pm
Hi Beth. Vancouver is lovely especially in summer but you’d love the variety across the country I’m sure.
Leah · July 10, 2020 at 2:04 am
This was a nice virtual look around Canada – I was supposed to be there right now – Alberta to be precise – so I’ve added the ice fields to our itinerary for WHEN we make it over there!
Joanne · July 15, 2020 at 10:05 am
Hi Leah. I’m sorry you missed your trip. You’ll love it once you can travel again.
Sandy N Vyjay · July 9, 2020 at 10:35 am
Canada is a country with so many gems, it is so blessed by nature. Each of the places has something unique to offer. But some of them had my attention riveted. Being really passionate about the outdoors and nature, I would love to visit the Prince Albert National Park and Whistler. Both of them seem amazing.
Joanne · July 15, 2020 at 10:06 am
Hi Sandy. Whistler is truly incredible! We haven’t visited Prince Albert yet so I’m really looking forward to that visit too.
Tania · July 9, 2020 at 8:23 am
Oh my, what a fabulous collection of summer destinations. Canada is on my list and am certainly keen to visit some of these places. In particular, Colombia Icefields and Whistler. I love mountains in the Summertime.
Joanne · July 15, 2020 at 10:07 am
Hi Tania. Me too! And there are so many here to choose from!
Alison · July 8, 2020 at 2:25 am
What a great collection. I’ve been to quite a few of these places, but Nunavut and Cape Breton island are definitely on my list!
Joanne · July 15, 2020 at 10:08 am
Hi Alison. We’ve driven through Cape Breton a few times when we lived in Halifax (en route home to Newfoundland). It is gorgeous. Now that we live in Ontario I really wish we took more time then to explore.
Delphine · July 7, 2020 at 7:20 pm
The beautiful natural scenery of Canada is something I would love to see. I’m especially interested in Newfoundland, remote and rugged, but very beautiful! Thank you for a great list!
Joanne · July 15, 2020 at 10:08 am
Hi Delphine. You would love Newfoundland! I have a special part in my heart for the island because we grew up there but it really is absolutely gorgeous and unique.
Tamara · July 6, 2020 at 8:13 pm
Great list! Love that you made it across Canada. There are so many fabulous places straight across the country. I must check out Nunavut as that is the only one I am missing on this list!
Joanne · July 15, 2020 at 10:09 am
Hi Tamara. It’s a collab post with other bloggers so I still haven’t been to a lot of these amazing places. They’re on my list though!
Susan Pazera · July 6, 2020 at 12:38 pm
Lovely post – we can’t wait to get back to Canada someday and visit these places. Thank you!
Joanne · July 15, 2020 at 10:10 am
You’re welcome Susan. I hope you get to visit again one day!
Emma Kelly · July 5, 2020 at 8:27 pm
Just wow! My husband and I were in the beginning stages of planning a trip to Canada to see our son who was living there at the time but then…well you know. I am still super keen to visit and do an epic roadtrip visiting the amazing national parks and some cities. One day!
Joanne · July 15, 2020 at 10:10 am
Hi Emma. You’ll have to put it in your plans for a future visit!
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