Planning a staycation this summer? Canada is packed with so many adorable small towns that definitely make the case for exploring home rather than going abroad.
But while everyone's flocking to the usual tourist hotspots, there are plenty of small town hidden gems across the country just waiting to be explored. Think quiet beaches, cute main streets, local eats, and vibes that are perfect for a relaxing summer escape.
These spots offer fewer crowds while still delivering tons of charm. Whether you're craving cozy coastal vibes, quaint streets lined with cafes, or peaceful lakeside retreats, these eight underrated small towns in Canada are your ticket to a dreamy summer getaway — no international flight required.
Dawson City, YT
Why You Need To Go: Dawson City is a small town tucked away in the wilds of the Yukon Territory. Situated on the banks of the Yukon River, the town is home to colourful buildings and storefronts that look right out of the Old West.
The vibrant northern community is known as the heart of the Klondike Gold Rush, and the gold-rush spirit is still alive today. Dawson City still has an active Gold Mining industry, and you can even pan for gold yourself, with plenty of opportunities for gold panning in and around town.
The town boasts a mix of arts, culture, history and wilderness, with museums and historic sites, a variety of restaurants, markets, and shops, and lots of opportunities for outdoor adventures, including river tours, horseback riding and more.
Don't miss the Sourdough Saloon, home to the world-famous Yukon special Sourtoe Cocktail, the recipe for which consists of 1 ounce of alcohol and exactly one dehydrated human toe (don't worry — they're acquired by donation).
Canmore, AB
Why You Need To Go: When you think of Alberta's wilderness, Banff tends to get all the love, but there are other small towns in the province equally worth visiting.
Canmore, a charming small town west of Calgary, offers a quieter, more budget-friendly experience of the Canadian Rockies, without sacrificing natural beauty.
From iconic mountain peaks to a bustling downtown area, the town has plenty to do and see off the beaten path. For those looking for outdoor adventure, Canmore offers cave tours, hiking, and opportunities to see incredible wildlife, including bears and elk.
In the downtown core, you'll find many artisan shops and unique boutiques, cafes, restaurants, pubs, and food and wine markets to peruse.
A popular activity in the area is the Grassi Lakes Trail, a short but picturesque trail that's one of Canmore's most popular hikes and leads to a stunning turquoise lake.
St. Andrews, NB
Why You Need To Go: Tucked away on the southern tip of New Brunswick, St. Andrews (or St. Andrews by-the-Sea, as it's also known), is a dreamy coastal town that feels like it was plucked straight from the pages of a fairytale.
St. Andrews offers colourful heritage buildings, salty ocean breezes, and a break from the hustle and bustle of city life.
As the gateway to the Bay of Fundy, the town is home to some incredibly scenic views, some of the highest tides in the world and many stunning beaches to explore.
Its proximity to the sea also means incredible wildlife viewing opportunities — consider embarking on a whale watching tour to see humpbacks breaching just offshore.
For a unique experience in the area, you can walk along the ocean floor to Ministers Island. Accessible only at low tide, the island has walking trails and breathtaking coastal views, and regularly hosts concerts and festivals.
Lunenburg, NS
Why You Need To Go: Lunenburg is a port town on Nova Scotia's South Shore that makes for the perfect summertime spot.
Home to an array of colourful buildings, the town bears some resemblance to fishing villages you may find in Norway or Iceland, and is the perfect place for coastal adventures.
Old Town Lunenburg, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site, is where you can see colourful colonial buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries, and discover restaurants, distilleries, breweries, artisans and unique shops, and more.
You can also visit the famous Bluenose II, a schooner ship you may recognize from the Canadian dime, when it's in port.
Local tours of the area are available, including along Nova Scotia's rugged coastline, complete with local stories and folklore. Be sure to try some of the fresh seafood while you're in town — you can't go wrong with a classic lobster roll.
Almonte, ON
Why You Need To Go: Almonte is a small town in Lanark County, Ontario, about 40 minutes from Ottawa.
The former mill town is known for being the filming site of many Hallmark Channel movies — films set in Vermont, Alaska, and even Milwaukee have been filmed here, and you can find a complete list of movies filmed in Almonte on the town's website.
With its beautiful 19th-century historic buildings, stone structures and picturesque river setting, the town is full of charm.
Here, you'll find plenty of unique shopping on the historic Mill Street, which is home to boutiques, antique stores, markets and more.
There are also lots of dining options if you find yourself getting hungry, including cafes, markets and restaurants. The town also hosts fairs in the summer and fall, and even has its own sandy beach.
Fort Langley, BC
Why You Need To Go: Part of the larger city of Langley, Fort Langley is known as the birthplace of British Columbia.
The village community is full of history, home to the Fort Langley National Historic Site, the former Hudson Bay Company’s fur trading post, which stands over 150 years later as a reminder of Langley’s heritage.
You can visit the national historic site and stand in the spot where B.C. was proclaimed a British colony.
The village also offers unique boutiques and locally-owned eateries offering organic and vegan goods, healthy food alternatives, gorgeous home decor, and beautiful clothing.
For food, you'll also find bakeries, pubs, cafes and bistros, as well as multiple wineries where you can sample local wines.
Bayfield, ON
Why You Need To Go: Bayfield is a charming village located on the shores of Lake Huron that offers a quaint, historic downtown.
Here, you'll find one-of-a-kind boutique shopping, unique restaurants, wineries, breweries, hiking, and more.
Grab a bite at one of the bistros, pubs, grills, or diners in the area, or shop for gifts, handmade goods, vintage clothing, home decor and more at one of the village's unique stores.
Bayfield is also home to gorgeous sandy beaches with crystal-clear turquoise waters, including the lovely Pioneer Park, a privately owned park located on a bluff overlooking the lake.
The park has a wooden staircase that leads down to a beach on the blue waters, and is known for its breathtaking sunsets.
Baie-Saint-Paul, QC
Why You Need To Go: Located in the picturesque Charlevoix region of Quebec, Baie-Saint-Paul is a town of art and heritage located about an hour from Quebec City.
The town boasts a relaxing, postcard-like setting along the St. Lawrence River, offering a mix of nature and culture.
Here, you'll find museums, art galleries, shows, lively bars, bistros and gourmet restaurants that make Baie-Saint-Paul the cultural capital of the region.
Visit the bustling Saint-Jean-Baptiste Street to find charming boutiques, art galleries, artisanal shops and restaurants. The town also has a number of vineyards, wineries and microbreweries where you can enjoy local tastings.
Throughout the summer, Baie-Saint-Paul also hosts a range of events, including Le Festif, a spectacular musical event showcasing both well-known and lesser-known artists and the Baie-Saint-Paul Public Market, which brings together local farmers and artisans.
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.
