Toronto, Ontario
Toronto is a popular vacation destination throughout the year, but it’s a particularly special place in the summer if you enjoy festivals, concerts, and sporting events. This is when Toronto really comes alive with lots of events, including Blue Jays home games and food festivals. There are also some great summer markets in Toronto for farm-fresh produce and unique souvenirs. There are many restaurants with outdoor dining in the Distillery District to check out in Toronto. Bruce Trail is one of the many great spots for hiking, and Niagara Parks is a good spot for biking.
Fundy National Park, New Brunswick
Travelers enjoy spending summer days at Fundy National Park to experience a pristine coastline and the highest tides in the world. This park in New Brunswick will give you a bit of Atlantic Canadian culture and many outdoor opportunities, including kayaking at low tide and camping in a yurt. There are also many other sites nearby worth visiting too while you’re in this area, including the Carleton Martello Tower National Historic Site, Kouchibouguac National Park, Andrew’s Blockhouse National Historic Site, and Fort Beauséjour – Fort Cumberland National Historic Site.
Victoria, British Columbia
Foodies and anyone looking for fun cultural experiences will enjoy a trip to Victoria. This is a capital city with sunny summertime weather and lots of festivals, including the Fringe Festival, a vegan festival, and beer festivals. You can find lots of farm-to-table restaurants here to satisfy your inner foodie and then work the extra calories off on the many hiking trails nearby. Other fun outdoor things to do around Victoria include taking a craft beer biking tour, checking out the local gardens, and going kayaking. Victoria also offers historic castles, the oldest West Coast lighthouse in Canada, and plenty of history lessons through fun sightseeing excursions.
Montreal, Quebec
Art and culture are easy to find in Montreal, which is another top summertime getaway in Canada. This bilingual city has lots of festivals, culinary events, and restaurants with outdoor seating to check out when the weather is warm. Meanwhile, music fans will enjoy going to the International Jazz Festival and other local concerts. Visiting Montreal is a great way to have a European-like experience without having to travel overseas.
Jasper National Park, Alberta
Jasper National Park happens to be the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, taking over 11,000 square km. One look at pictures of this mountain region and you can understand why this is one of Canada’s most beloved places to visit for a summer vacation, or even any time of the year.
Jasper National Park is your gateway to fun summer mountain activities and peaceful tranquility. Even though it’s close to well tread Banff National Park, Jasper tends to be a little quieter – yet there’s tons to do. You’re truly spoiled for choices. We recommend checking out Athabasca Falls, Maligne Lake, and the Columbia Icefields. The recently built skywalk is an incredible (and somewhat hair-raising) experience that allows you to walk across a glass-floored lookout for views of waterfalls, wildlife, and giant glaciers.
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
If you’re looking for a Canadian summer vacation with even more food, outdoor activities, and unique experiences, then head to the prairie city of Saskatoon. Enjoy a run, walk or bike ride along the 80 kilometres of riverfront Meewasin Trails. The South Saskatchewan River is a water lover’s playground. Explore the city of bridges via paddleboard, canoe, kayak, or aboard a Prairie Lily riverboat cruise.
In city centre, drop by the Remai Modern to explore a fantastic collection of modern and contemporary art in The Prairies. Meanwhile outside the city, you can visit the Wanuskewin Heritage Park, a 6000-year-old Aboriginal meeting ground. It is currently under consideration for UNESCO World Heritage status.
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Winnipeg is a summer vacation destination with plenty of family-friendly activities or laid back energy for a weekend away with friends. And with plenty of cheap hotel options, Winnipeg is also much more affordable than other places in Canada.
Spend a day or two at the world-class Winnipeg Folk Festival or the world’s largest and longest-running multicultural festival, Folklorama. Or, get close to polar bears, seals, and other Arctic species at the Assiniboine Park Zoo’s Journey to Churchill exhibit. Make an educational stop at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Or visit the Manitoba Legislative Building for the Hermetic Code Tour. Then follow it up with a pint of local craft beer and delicious eats at The Forks.
For total relaxation, head to the Thermëa by Nordik Spa-Nature. Choose between an array of Scandinavian-style treatments that mix hot and cold saunas and pools.
Niagara Falls, Ontario
11 amazing places to visit in Canada for a summer vacation
If you’re looking for a weekend trips from Toronto, Niagara Falls is one of the most beautiful places in Canada. But the majesty of the natural wonder and its surrounding attractions make the city a summer vacation destination not to be missed!
Here are some of Niagara Falls’ most popular attractions:
- Hornblower Niagara Cruises
- White Water Walk
- Ripley’sBelieve It or Not!
- Niagara SkyWheel
- Fallsview Casino Resort
Travel tip: Save some time to explore the charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Arrange a tasting at one of the nearby wineries or catch a play at the Shaw Festival Theatre.
Montréal, Quebec
Montréal keeps things interesting year-round, but summer is when this bilingual city shines brightest. The festivals, culture, and culinary richness of Montréal makes it one of the most unique places to visit in Canada. Also, the city’s incredible culinary offerings will make you want to dine out and dine often. Check out our Montréal food and drink recommendations for some of the best eats in the city.
A summer vacation in Montréal will make you fall in love with this diverse, multicultural city. Head to the Quartier des Spectacles for endless activities, events and festivals. Music lovers can get their fill at the Montréal International Jazz Festival, Francofolies, Osheaga, and more.
Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia
Enjoy the ultimate summer vacation by experiencing the lovely East Coast life on Cape Breton Island. Dive headfirst into the freshest seafood, visit breweries and distilleries, and say “yes” to impromptu kitchen party invitations. Explore the winding and world-renowned Cabot Trail, one of the most beautiful places in Canada. Take 3-5 days to travel the trail and enjoy its abundance of scenic overlooks, beaches, cultural heritage sites, and diverse outdoor activities.
Nova Scotia is home to a ton of wildlife. Cruise with Bird Island Boat Tours to spot puffins. Whale and seal cruises with Captain Mark are another fun way to explore Canada in summer. For more water fun, enjoy the unspoiled coastline of St. Ann’s Bay with a guided North River Kayak tour.
Cavendish, Prince Edward Island
Canadian writer Lucy Maud Montgomery put Prince Edward Island on the map with her Anne of Green Gables novels. There’s a store dedicated to the beloved character in Charlottetown, but keeners can also make the trip to Cavendish to visit the green-trimmed Anne of Green Gables Heritage Place.
Cavendish Beach is undeniably one of the most beautiful places in Canada, which is why it becomes the busiest place on the island in July and August. Stroll down the Cavendish Boardwalk with a cone from Cows Ice Cream, a local favourite. Or head to The Pier to rent kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, sea-doos and try para-sailing. Golf lovers may like a scenic round on the Green Gables Golf Course.