16 Best Places in Canada to Visit in Summer (From my own experience, I prefer number four)

From the rocky mountains to the sandy beaches, there are a lot of the best places in Canada to visit in summer. The country comes alive in the summer with warm weather, festivals, and various outdoor activities. In this guide, we’ll look at some of Canada’s best places to visit during the summer. We’ll focus on each place’s best attractions, activities, and experiences.

Best Places in Canada To Visit in Summer

Victoria, British Columbia

Victoria is a beautiful city in British Columbia. It is on Vancouver Island, one of the best places to visit in Canada in summer, with its beautiful gardens, historic sites, and stunning natural scenery.

Butchart Gardens: This 55-acre garden is one of Victoria’s best places to go. With more than 700 types of plants and 300 different species, it is one of the best flower show gardens in the world.

Royal BC Museum: The museum, which is located between the Parliament Buildings and the Fairmont Empress Hotel, features the natural and cultural history of British Columbia.

Inner Harbour: The Inner Harbour is a great place to spend a summer evening. Here, you’ll find craft cocktails, a food scene, street performers, artists, and a wide range of restaurants and shops.

Craigdarroch Castle: In the late 1800s, the wealthy Dunsmuir family had this beautiful castle built for them. Today, people can take tours of the castle and look at its beautiful architecture and gardens.

Parliament Buildings: It comprises several buildings, such as the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, the Legislative Library, and the offices of the Premier and other government ministers.

Beacon Hill Park: You can enjoy the view of the green park. Many trees, gardens, peacocks, ducks, and even otters exist, and two kid-friendly water parks exist.

Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site is 13 kilometers west of Victoria. This historic location is ideal for a family visit, as children enjoy various engaging activities.

Victoria Butterfly Gardens: The garden is close to the Butchart Gardens and has up to 75 exotic butterflies and moths, as well as birds, fish, and reptiles.

Whale watching: Orcas, humpbacks, and gray whales are just a few of the whale species that may be found in the waters of Victoria. Many companies provide whale-watching excursions, a fantastic way to get a close-up look at these amazing creatures.

Best hotel to stay: The Fairmont Empress Hotel

Golden, British Columbia

Golden, BC, is a small community in southern British Columbia, Canada, surrounded by the beautiful Rocky Mountains. Here are some of the popular places to visit in and around Golden:

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort: This ski resort is one of the largest in Canada, offering some of the best skiing and is well-known for its vast snowfall.

Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge: This bridge is 46 meters long and is Canada’s longest freestanding timber frame bridge. It crosses the Kicking Horse River.

Kicking Horse Gonodola: At 7,700 feet, the mountain’s peak gives you a breathtaking view of the Rocky Mountains, the Columbia River Wetlands, and the town of Golden.

Golden Golf Club: This 18-hole golf course is recognized as one of Canada’s best, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

Yoho National Park has more than 400 kilometers of hiking trails with beautiful waterfalls, lakes, and mountains.

Golden Farmers’ Market: From the market, you can buy handmade products and fresh produce, bread, meat, and desserts from local vendors.

Thompson Falls: The Thompson Falls forest hike takes only three hours to complete, and it gives you an amazing view of Thompson Falls. It’s a beautiful place to hang out with family.

Golden Skybridge: To enjoy the beautiful view of the Rocky and Purcell mountains, you’ll walk 130 meters over the river.

Best hotel to stay: Best Western Mountainview Inn

Toronto, Ontario

Toronto is Canada’s largest and best place to visit in the summer. There are a lot of things to do in this weather.

Patio: The Rooftop at the Broadview Hotel, El Catrin, The Pilot, Hemingway’s, and the Amsterdam BrewHouse are all patios that people like to go to. There’s something for everyone, no matter what they want or how much money they have.

CN Tower: Standing 553 meters tall, it was once the highest freestanding structure in the world. Visitors can enjoy mindblowing views of the city and Lake Ontario from the observation deck.

Toronto Islands: The Toronto Islands are a group of small islands in Lake Ontario. From downtown Toronto, you can get there quickly by ferry.

Royal Ontario Museum: One of the largest museums in North America is the Royal Ontario Museum. It has art, culture, and natural history collections from all over the world.

Sports: There are multiple professional sports teams in Toronto, including the Toronto Blue Jays (baseball), Raptors (basketball), and Leafs (hockey).

Best hotel to stay: Hotel Toronto

Niagara Falls, Ontario

The falls consist of three waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.

Maid of the Mist: The Maid of the Mist is a well-known attraction that takes visitors on a boat ride to the base of Horseshoe Falls.

Niagara Parks: Along the Niagara River, Niagara Parks is a 56-kilometer-long park system. It has a lot to see and do, such as the Niagara SkyWheel, the Butterfly Conservatory, and the Niagara Glen.

Skylon Tower:  There is an observation deck, a restaurant that spins, and other things to do. 

Niagara-on-the-Lake: is a popular tourist destination famous for its wineries, theaters, and festivals.

Best hotel to stay: Sheraton Fallsview Hotel

Prince Edward Island

Canada’s one of three Maritime Provinces, Prince Edward Island (PEI), offers a unique Canadian adventure. It is a charming small island known for its stunning natural beauty and ocean lifestyle.

Anne of Green Gables: The world-famous book by Lucy Maud Montgomery takes place on Prince Edward Island, where people can see the Anne of Green Gables House, a museum dedicated to the author, and other places related to Anne.

Beaches: Prince Edward Island has 23 beaches with lifeguards in the summer. Cavendish Beach, Brackley Beach, and Greenwich Beach are some of these beaches.

Lighthouses: PEI has almost 61 lighthouses, each with its unique history and charm. In the summer, people can visit six lighthouses along the Points East Coastal Drive in the eastern part of PEI.

Food: PEI is well-known for its tasty seafood, like lobster, oysters, and mussels. All over the island, you can buy seafood.

Outdoor Activities: PEI has many outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, kayaking, and golfing. There are also a number of national and provincial parks, such as Prince Edward Island National Park, that offer a range of ways to have fun.

Charlottetown: Charlottetown, the capital of Prince Edward Island, is a charming, historic city with a vibrant arts and culture scene. Nine small bronze mouse statues are hidden; you can play a game by looking for them.

Best hotels to stay: The Great George

Montreal

If you visit Canada in the summer, you must go to Montreal. With its vibrant festivals, outdoor activities, and Botanic Gardens, Montreal attracts tourists worldwide.

Olympic park: The park is a large sports center built for the Summer Olympics in 1976. The Olympic Park has a number of other sports facilities, such as the Olympic Velodrome, which is used for cycling events, and the Olympic Pool, which has hosted many international swimming competitions.

Old Montreal: Summertime is ideal for visiting Old Montreal’s historic quarter. It symbolizes Montreal’s culture, art, food, and health.

Mount Royal: Mount Royal is a large hill in Montreal, Canada, in the province of Quebec. The mountain is 233 meters above sea level and is about 10 square kilometers in size. Both tourists and locals like to go to the top of the mountain because it has stunning city views. Visitors can hike or bike up the mountain on several trails, including the famous Kondiaronk Belvedere, which has some of the city’s best views.

Parc Jean-Drapeau: This park is perfect for couples and families that arranged many cultural and sports programs.

Botanical Garden: The Montreal Botanical Garden is a large botanical garden in the Canadian city of Montreal, in the province of Quebec. The garden covers an area of approximately 75 hectares and has many different kinds of plants worldwide. There have several themed areas, such as the Japanese Garden, the Chinese Garden, the First Nations Garden, and the Garden of Innovations.

Best hotel to stay: The Ritz-Carlton Montréal

Fundy National Park, New Brunswick

Fundy National Park is a national park in the Canadian province of New Brunswick. It is a lovely park that is a beautiful place to go camping.

Hiking: The trails provide spectacular views of the park’s forests, waterfalls, and rocky shoreline.

Coastal Views: The Bay of Fundy, where Fundy National Park is, has the highest tides in the world. People can watch the tide come and go, showing off the park’s unique rock formations and sea caves.

Kayaking and Canoeing: Visitors can paddle through calm waters and enjoy the park’s peace.

Wildlife Viewing: Fundy National Park is home to black bears, bald eagles, and other animals.

Camping: Fundy National Park has many ways to camp, from tent camping to camping in an RV. 

Best hotel to stay: Amsterdam Inn & Suites Sussex

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

The Okanagan Valley is a stunningly beautiful region between the Columbia and Cascade mountain ranges. 

Wineries: The Okanagan Valley is famous for its wineries and vineyards. People can enjoy wine tastings and tours, learn how wine is made, and enjoy the beautiful scenery. 

Lake Activities: There are several lakes, like Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake, where people can swim, boat, and kayak, among other things.

Hiking: There are a lot of hiking trails in the area, from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry treks. The Myra Canyon Trestles Trail and the Kettle Valley Railway Trail are popular hiking places.

Skiing and Snowboarding: The area has several ski resorts, such as Big White Ski Resort and Silver Star Mountain Resort, which are great places to ski and snowboard in the winter.

Best hotel to stay: Eldorado Resort – Hotel Eldorado

Muskoka

Muskoka is a central Ontario, Canada, region known for its beautiful lakes and forests. It is a popular place for tourists to visit, especially in the summer when people come to enjoy the many outdoor activities in the area.

Boating and Water Sports: Muskoka has more than 1,600 lakes. Lakes Joseph, Muskoka, and Rosseau are the largest and most well-known. This makes it popular for boating, fishing, and other water sports. Visitors can rent a boat, kayak, or paddleboard to get out on the lakes and waterways and see the beautiful sights.

Outdoor activities: There are many hiking trails in the area. The most popular are Frost Centre Hiking Trails and the Algonquin Provincial Park. Also, the Seguin Trail, the Muskoka Lakes Cycle Tour, and the Ride Around Muskoka are all beautiful places to ride a bike in the area.

Georgian Bay Islands National Park: It provides a variety of leisure activities, such as swimming, boating, hiking, and camping, and tourists can enjoy the pristine beaches and a variety of wildlife.

Swimming at white falls: The falls are a unique sight, and swimming near them is a thrilling experience. It’s important to remember that some parts of the water can be pretty deep, so it’s best to be careful and swim with a friend. 

Family time: It is the perfect place for all ages. For kid-friendly Muskoka activities, visit the Muskoka Heritage Park, which features a replica pioneer hamlet and an old-fashioned train ride.

Best hotel to stay: JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa

Whistler, British Columbia

Whistler is a resort town in Canada’s British Columbia. It is in the Coast Mountains.

Outdoor activities: Summer ziplining, whitewater rafting, golf, biking, ATV tours, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, camping.

Family vacation: It’s the perfect place for a family vacation because there are so many indoor and outdoor things to do that everyone can enjoy.

Peak 2 Peak 360 Experience: Ride the unique gondola with a glass bottom to see Whistler Village, the mountains, lakes, and forests from above.

Audain Art Museum: The museum is an important part of Whistler’s culture, and it is in the village. Almost two-hundred coastal British Columbia artworks are on display.

Ziplining: Ziplining through the mountains is a thrilling activity that visitors can try. Several companies offer zipline tours that give excellent views of the area.

Best hotel to stay: Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler

Jasper National Park, Alberta

There is no better way to discover the Canadian rocky mountains than Jasper National Park.

Miette Hot Springs: Miette Hot Springs is a natural hot spring with pools that range in temperature from 37°C to 44°C.

Hiking: The Valley of the Five Lakes, Maligne Canyon, and the Sulphur Skyline Trail are popular hiking places.

Athabasca Falls: The power and force of the water as it crashes over the rocks and makes a spectacular show of mist and spray is what makes Athabasca Falls so beautiful.

Lake Annette Beach: Lake Annette is a beautiful spot for swimming, sunning, and picnicking without sand or waves. Lake Annette beach offers canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.

Scenic Drives: The Icefields Parkway connecting Jasper and Banff National Parks, is one of the picturesque routes in Jasper National Park.

Best hotel to stay: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Saskatoon is a city in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan. It is the province’s largest city.

Wanuskewin Heritage Park: Several archeological sites may be found in the area, including a historic bison jump that Native American hunters used to capture and kill bison. Visitors to the park can explore the archeological sites and learn about Indigenous peoples’ history and culture.

Black Fox Farm: Visitors are welcome to choose their flowers from the fields of the farm, which are filled with a variety of colorful blooms.

Wyant Group Raceway: Visitors to Wyant Group Raceway can go to different events during the summer. It’s a fun and unique way to see exciting motorsports action.

Primal restaurant: When you eat at Primal, you get a unique and delicious meal that shows off the tastes of Saskatchewan and helps the local food community.

Best hotel to stay: Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Saskatoon Airport

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Halifax is the best place to visit in Canada in the summer. There are huge fun things to do here, both indoors and out.

Maritime Museum: It has Titanic and Halifax Explosion exhibitions, fisheries and shipbuilding exhibits, and antique ship models.

Pier 21: It is now the National Museum of Immigration, with exhibits and artifacts that show the lives and stories of these people, such as how they got to Canada, the problems they faced, and what they brought to Canadian society.

Halifax Citadel: The Citadel is a Canadian National Historic Site. Visitors can see the fortress’s walls, barracks, gunpowder magazines, and exhibits.

Swimming and kayaking: Swimming in Halifax is best in the summer, and kayaking is a great way to see the city’s beautiful waterways. Water lovers have a lot of options in this beautiful Canadian city.

Best hotel to stay: The Sutton Place Hotel Halifax

Vancouver in summer

Vancouver is a beautiful city on the coast that is a great place to visit in the summer.

Stanley Park: The park has walking and biking paths, beaches, swimming pools, tennis courts, and a pitch-and-putt golf course. It also has a number of attractions, such as the Vancouver Aquarium, the Stanley Park Miniature Train, and the Brockton Oval, where cricket matches are held during the summer.

Capilano Suspension bridge: In the summer, it is a popular place for tourists. It is surrounded by old-growth forests and has beautiful views of the nearby river canyon and the mountains.

Rock climbing: One popular destination for rock climbers in Vancouver is Squamish, located approximately one hour north of the city. Squamish has climbing routes for beginners to experience multi-pitch climbs. 

Granville Island: The Island public market sells local vegetables, crafts, and specialty delicacies. The island has many restaurants, cafes, art galleries, theaters, and music venues.

Outdoor Activities: In the summer, Vancouver has many outdoor activities, like hiking, biking, and kayaking. People can hike up Grouse Mountain, ride their bikes through Stanley Park, or kayak in English Bay.

Best hotel to stay: Rosewood Hotel Georgia

Wells Gray Provincial Park

The park has 41 beautiful waterfalls and clear lakes fed by glaciers, mountains, and other natural wonders. 

Waterfalls: Dawson Falls, Moul Falls, and Rainbow Falls are more waterfalls in the park that provide a breathtaking natural view that draws tourists worldwide.

Hiking: Visitors at Wells Gray can enjoy many hiking trails and take a short hike to view some of the waterfalls or take a longer hike to explore the backcountry.

Wildlife Viewing: Wells Gray is home to moose, deer, bears, and wolves, among other animals. There are more than 200 kinds of birds in the park.

Best hotels to stay: Wells Gray Inn

Canadian Badlands, Alberta

The Canadian Badlands is an area that covers more than 35,000 square kilometers in the southeast of Alberta. 

Dinosaur Provincial Park: Dinosaur Provincial Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with one of the world’s best fossil collections. People can go on guided park tours, walk through the badlands, and dig for fossils.

Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology is a world-renowned museum dedicated to studying dinosaurs and other prehistoric life.

Hoodoos: Hoodoos are unique rock formations in the badlands.

Badlands Amphitheatre: The Badlands Amphitheatre is an outdoor theater where plays, concerts, and other events happen annually.

Best hotel to stay: Newcastle Country Inn

shajiaferdous

Hey, lovely folks out there! This is Shajia Ferdous, a traveller. Last few years I have been travelling with my partner or friends.
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