8 Of The Most Beautiful Cities & Small Towns In Canada, According To Canucks
You'll want to add these spots to your travel bucket list.
People ride bikes in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Right: An alleyway in B.C.
Canada is known for its beauty, home to mesmerizing blue lakes, incredible beaches, towering skyscrapers in bustling cities, and charming small towns.
If you're looking for the prettiest places to visit in Canada, who better to ask than Canadians themselves?
Canucks are sharing their favourite small towns and cities across Canada for a beautiful trip, and the list includes some real hidden gems to add to your travel bucket list.
Canadians were asked for their thoughts on the most beautiful cities and towns across the country on Reddit.
In the subreddit r/AskACanadian, Canucks were asked to share their picks on the "most aesthetically pleasing" places in the country.
"Using whatever criteria matters most to you (architecture, mountains, greenery), but I mean what is the most visually comforting city to live in and travel around in day-to-day life?" asked Reddit user u/workdncsheets.
The responses include a mix of scenic cities, coastal gems and historic towns. Here are eight of the prettiest spots in Canada, according to Canadians:
St. Andrews, New Brunswick
Why You Need To Go: St. Andrews, or St. Andrews by-the-Sea, as it's also called, is a charming small town in New Brunswick that's known as the province's "premier vacation destination."
If the town makes you feel like you're visiting New England rather than Canada, there's a good reason -- houses in the historic town were barged across the bay from Castine, Maine, and rebuilt in St. Andrews in 1783, according to Tourism New Brunswick.
Things To Do:
- You can stroll through the beautiful Kingsbrae Garden, which has been named one of the Top Ten Public Gardens in Canada.
- Visit Ministers Island, where you can drive across the ocean floor.
- Whale-watching excursions can be had on the Bay of Fundy.
- Pay a visit to the Algonquin Resort, an iconic hotel that is said to be haunted by (friendly) spirits.
Victoria, BC
Why You Need To Go: If you want get a taste of England without having to leave Canada, look no further than Victoria, B.C.,
Originally Fort Victoria, a settlement named for Queen Victoria in 1843, the capital city is the most British city in all of Canada.
Here, you'll find beautiful Victorian-period architecture, landmarks and heritage as well as tons of experiences that will make you feel like royalty.
Things To Do:
- Visit the stunning Butchart Gardens, which is home to 55 acres of gardens and is open year-round.
- Take a tour of Hatley Castle, an iconic castle on an oceanfront estate with colorful gardens and peaceful forest trails.
- Be sure to make time for tea at the Fairmont Empress, a royal experience.
- Visit Canada's oldest Chinatown and Fan Tan Alley, one of the narrowest streets in the country.
Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
Why You Need To Go: Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, is a fishing village of brightly coloured houses and walkable streets.
Old Town Lunenburg has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for being the best surviving example of a planned British Colonial settlement in North America.
Here, you can see colourful buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries and go on walking tours to learn more about the town's rum-running history.
Things To Do:
- Hike the Ovens Natural Park trail, which will lead you to a series of breathtaking sea caves.
- Check out Bluenose II, the famous ship from the 10-cent coin.
- Enjoy delicious, fresh seafood at one of the many restaurants in town.
Old Montreal, Quebec
Why You Need To Go: No visit to Montreal is complete without visiting its old town.
Old Montreal is one of Montreal's postcard-pretty historic districts, home to cobblestone streets and riverside pathways.
The area is full of architectural beauty to admire, as well as plenty of quaint boutiques, cafes, and restaurants.
Things To Do:
- Visit to the iconic Notre Dame Basicilia, whose stunning ceiling, wood carvings and stained glass windows will leave you in awe.
- Scale the steps of the Old Port Tower, a replica of the Big Ben in London where you can get an incredible view of city's harbour, the city skyline and the St.-Lawrence River.
- Take a spin on the Grande Roue de Montréal, a 60-metre tall Ferris wheel that stands as Canada’s largest observation wheel and is open year-round.
Niagara on the Lake, Ontario
Why You Need To Go: Niagara-on-the-Lake is a gem just over 20 minutes from Niagara Falls.
About a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Toronto, the charming town has been called one of the most beautiful places in Canada, and it's not hard to see why
While Niagara Falls is a touristy, modern area, Niagara-on-the-Lake almost resembles an English town, with horse-drawn carriages, quaint shops and a slower pace.
Things To Do:
- Take a horse-drawn carriage ride along the quaint streets on Niagara-on-the-Lake and admire the town's history.
- Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea at the beautiful Prince of Wales Hotel.
- Check out one of the many wineries in the area for some local wine tasting.
Quebec City, Quebec
Why You Need To Go: Quebec City is frequently touted as one of the most beautiful places in Canada, and for good reason.
The city is full of charm, with historic streets, incredible outdoor adventure opportunities and a lively culture.
Things To Do:
- The Fairmont Château Frontenac is Quebec City’s most famous landmark and is worth a visit whether you’re just stopping by for a tour or staying for the night.
- With its many shops and unique old-world feel, Rue du Petit Champlain in Old Quebec should definitely be a stop while in the city, with plenty of galleries and bistros to check out.
- Visit Montmorency Falls to see a breahtaking waterfall that's 30 metres taller than Niagara Falls.
Bonavista, Newfoundland
Why You Need To Go: Bonavista is a town in Newfoundland anad Labrador located on the Bonavista Peninsula.
The town's name, literally translated from Italian, means "Oh happy sight," a fitting name for the beautiful town.
The town offers a mix of old worldliness and modern ingenuity, with working harbours steps away from coffee shops and businesses operating out of restored historical buildings.
Things To Do:
- Visit the Cape Bonavista Lighthouse Provincial Historic Site, one of the few lighthouses in the world where you can still climb up the stone tower and see the same seal oil-fueled light apparatus used in the 1800s.
- Take a trip to Dungeon Provincial Park, where you can see ocean waves crashing in and catch sight of seabirds like the Atlantic Puffin.
- Book a sea tour to see whales and icebergs up close.
Perth, Ontario
Why You Need To Go: This cute small town in Ontario is home to stone heritage buildings, a trendy culinary scene and walkable streets, making it a great place to spend a weekend or pass through on a road trip.
When you make your way into Perth, you'll be amazed by the gorgeous heritage buildings lining the streets and the passageways that once served as horse lanes.
Many of Perth's stone buildings were crafted by masons, and the town has a Scottish influence.
Things To Do:
- Stewart Park, located in the heart of downtown Perth, is known for its wide open spaces, gorgeous gardens, and picturesque bridges over the rivers.
- Code’s Mill is a "collage" of five different buildings dating from 1842, and is home to many businesses, including Fiddleheads Bar & Grill, Kelly's Flowers and Gifts, and Perth Chocolate Works.
- Go on a self-guided tour of Perth's taverns and breweries, with a handy guide courtesy of the town.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
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