8 secret small towns in Canada that you've probably never heard of but need to visit
Canada is home to plenty of trip-worthy destinations, but beyond the famous hotspots are charming small towns that feel like they've been plucked straight from a storybook.
These hidden gem spots are lesser-known destinations brimming with natural beauty, cozy charm and outdoor adventures that make them well worth a visit.
From seaside escapes to mountain hideaways, here are eight secret small towns in Canada you’ve probably never heard of, but will definitely want to add to your travel bucket list.
Osoyoos
Location: B.C.
Why You Need To Go: Osoyoos is a town in B.C. located in the Okanagan Valley and known as Canada's desert.
The town is home to the warmest freshwater lake in the country, called Osoyoos Lake, where water temperatures reach about 24 °C in the summer.
The lake's warm temperatures make it perfect for swimming, water sports and more, and there are several public beaches lining the lake.
While Osoyoos is widely known as one of the best places to spend summer vacation in British Columbia, the South Okanagan is also a spectacular spot to visit in the fall.
You can go horseback riding through the desert landscape, or visit one of the many vineyards in the surrounding area for local wines. Osoyoos is surrounded by over 50 wineries within a 20-minute drive in the South Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys.
Perth
Location: Ontario
Why You Need To Go: If you're not from Ontario, you may not have heard of this charming small town near Ottawa that feels like a trip to Scotland.
Located in Lanark County, Perth is a small town with historic stone buildings, charming boutiques, picturesque bridges and scenic parks.
Named after Perth, Scotland, the town was settled by Scottish, Irish, and other European immigrants. Walking through the town's streets, its stone bridges and 19th-century heritage buildings give it an old-world feel and reflect its Scottish heritage today.
Stewart Park, a lush, tree-lined park with gorgeous gardens and a lovely bridge overlooking the scenic Tay River, which runs right through town, is a must-visit while in town.
The town also offers one-of-a-kind landmarks like the Mammoth Cheese, a replication of a 22,000-pound block of cheese the town created in 1893 and sent to the Chicago World Fair, and the "Last Duel Pistols," a pair of pistols used in Perth that marked the last place in Canada where a fatal duel occurred.
Wakefield
Location: Quebec
Why You Need To Go: Wakefield is a quaint village in Quebec's Outaouais region known for its culture and rich history. Located less than 30 minutes from Ottawa, the village makes for a relaxing getaway spot.
The village's famous covered bridge is a must-see during any visit. Covered bridges are known as "kissing bridges," so it's the perfect spot to visit with a loved one.
The village also offers an array of cafes, boutiques, art galleries, bakeries and restaurants. If you have a sweet tooth, you'll love the Wakefield Confectionery, where you can purchase fudge, chocolates, candies and more.
On the outskirts of the village, you'll also find the Wakefield Mill Hotel & Spa, a paradise of pampering which offers luxury spa treatments and fine dining, and is located close to Gatineau Park.
Drumheller
Location: Alberta
Why You Need To Go: Beyond Banff and Jasper, Drumheller is a must-visit town in the Canadian Badlands in Alberta.
Known as the Dinosaur Capital of the World, the area features otherworldly landscapes and 70-million-year-old fossil beds where dinosaurs once roamed.
Here, you can see the iconic Hoodoos, unique sandstone pillars formed over millions of years, and explore over 20 kilometres of walking trails.
You can also visit an internationally renowned paleontology museum, step inside the world's largest dinosaur and join experts on a guided dig.
The town itself will transport you to the days of the Wild West. As Drumheller is a former coal mining town, be sure to also check out the Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site during your visit.
Port Perry
Location: Ontario
Why You Need To Go: Located on the southern tip of Lake Scugog, the charming town of Port Perry offers a vibrant and historic downtown and scenic countryside that make it well worth a visit.
Part of the town's unique charm comes from the pristine Victorian architecture found here. You'll find the town's main street lined with gorgeous heritage buildings and charming storefronts housing restaurants, boutiques, attractions and more.
The lakefront setting creates a cottage country feeling, complete with a lakefront promenade where you can take an afternoon stroll.
There are plenty of shops and eateries to check out in town, including Books Galore and Nexus Coffee. If you're feeling hungry, pop in to Pickles & Olives Bistro, Foundry Kitchen & Bar or The Piano Inn and Cafe for a bite.
Be sure to also visit Hank's Pastries, where you can find the "Big-As-Your-Face" Apple Fritter.
Port Perry is also home to an award-winning craft brewery housed inside a restored carriage works building, where you can enjoy craft beer.
Until Thanksgiving, you can also enjoy a lakeside farmer's market in town that runs every Saturday.
Moose Jaw
Location: Saskatchewan
Why You Need To Go: Technically a small city rather than a small town, Moose Jaw is known for its quirky mix of history and charm.
Moose Jaw is known as Canada's Most Notorious City due to its colourful (and sometimes dark) past, especially during the Prohibition era in the 1920s and 30s, with stories of rum-running, secret tunnels, and legendary figures like Al Capone.
The city is home to the underground Tunnels of Moose Jaw, a year-round attraction where you can venture beneath the city and step into stories of prohibition and bootlegging.
Above ground, you can wander the downtown area and admire over 50 murals, in paint, glass and bas-relief, that give insight into the development of the city.
Here, you can also visit Canada's largest therapeutic geothermal spa at the Temple Gardens Hotel and Spa, which offers water similar to that of the famous mineral pools in Bath, England.
Golden
Location: B.C.
Why You Need To Go: Golden is a mountain town in southern B.C. offering pristine backcountry experiences and incredible scenery.
Located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Golden is surrounded by six of Canada's most stunning national parks, including Yoho, Glacier, Banff, Jasper, Kootenay, and Mount Revelstoke, and makes for a great base from which to explore the hiking trails, waterfalls, lakes and heritage sites of the parks.
The town offers tons of outdoor adventures that can be experienced in all four seasons. Be sure to visit the Golden Skybridge, where you'll find Canada's highest suspension bridges and be able to walk 426 feet above a canyon engulfed by the Columbia Valley, with epic views of the Rocky and Purcell mountain ranges.
Until late September, you can also enjoy Golden's weekly farmer's market, which runs every Wednesday.
Quidi Vidi
Location: Newfoundland
Why You Need To Go: In Newfoundland, Quidi Vidi is a charming fishing village located on the east end of St. John's.
Quidi Vidi feels like stepping back in time with its colourful saltbox houses, historic fishing stages and sweeping ocean views. Here, you can wander the coastal trails and watch the boats drift into the harbour.
Embark on a fishing tour to catch sight of whales, eagles and maybe even an iceberg, and learn about the history of St. John’s dating back to 1497.
Be sure to make a stop at the Quidi Vidi Brewery, a former fish plant turned brewery, where you can enjoy the views and sip on some delicious local craft beer.
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.
