Stawamus Chief Hike in Squamish, BC, has three peaks and can be completed in a day. It can be a challenge, so take some breaks along the way to embrace the scenery filled with trees and the nearby waterfall. When you reach the top, unpack the snacks you picked up in the morning at Zephyr Cafe to munch on while you enjoy the views.
Dawson City, located on the Yukon River, is famous for the Klondike Gold Rush and First Nations History. Stay at the Downtown Hotel and try the iconic Sourtoe Cocktail. Enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants before checking out the Summer Concert Series. A trip must include a visit to the Hammerstone Gallery to learn about the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in community.
Cameron Falls and Aurora Village in Yellowknife, NWT, is one of those hidden gems that must be seen in a lifetime. Located 45 minutes from Yellowknife in Hidden Lake Territorial Park are the 17-metre Cameron Falls. It’s a great site for picnicking, hiking, or fishing. After the falls, head back to Aurora Village for a private teepee dining experience while gazing at the Aurora Borealis.
The Exchange District in Winnipeg, Manitoba, is described as North America’s largest and best-preserved collection of heritage buildings. This 20-block area contains art galleries, restaurants, bars, live music, theatres, and shopping. A must-do in the district is to visit one (or more) of the 25 patios within a 10-minute walk.
The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) is a favourite place to visit in Toronto. The AGO has an impressive collection of Canadian, Indigenous, European, and Modern art. After exploring the paintings and sculptures, pick up a souvenir from the gift shop and then grab dim sum in nearby Chinatown.
Ottawa still has some best-kept secrets in all of Canada. The Whalesbone is the spot for oyster and seafood enthusiasts. Next, get coffee at Arlington Five before visiting the famous sites. For lunch, and maybe a cocktail, stop at the Rabbit Hole. For an extra treat, visit Howard Fine Jewellers for some window shopping, or pick up something for that special someone or yourself.
Île d’Orléans, thirty minutes outside of Quebec City, is a must-visit. Located on an island in the St. Lawrence River, it’s known for home-grown fruits and vegetables, and locally produced wine and beer. A visit needs to include La Seigneurie de l’Île d’Orléans garden with 75,000 lavender plants and a stop at La Nogaterie, Quebec, to savour some nougat.
Floe Edge is a flat chunk of floating ice up to 10 km wide. It’s known as the “Line of Life” where landfast ice meets the open water of the Arctic Ocean. Take an expedition to Floe Edge, Nunavut, to experience arctic wildlife, including polar bears and beluga whales, see icebergs, and connect with over 4,000 years of Inuit history.
Nova Scotia is one of the go-to places for surfing in Canada. Lawrencetown Beach Provincial Park is a top location to embrace the Nova Scotian surf for beginners and experienced surfers. Lessons are available including surfboard and wetsuit rentals.
Fogo Island Inn, Newfoundland, globally recognized for its architecture, is the ideal destination for a quiet getaway. A visit would include a boat tour to see icebergs and whales, a cycling trip around the island, and indulging at the Inn’s rooftop sauna and hot tub. It’s also that perfect spot to finish that book you started reading or take up writing that novel you have been putting off due to a case of writer’s block.
Nigel Shane | Contributing Writer
