This article was reviewed by Chris Singer, CFP®.
Canadians are exploring more of our own country than we have in years. Since January 2025, domestic tourism has risen by 9%, with many travellers who would typically head south choosing to stay closer to home.
For some, it’s a deliberate choice. Keeping travel dollars in Canada feels aligned with broader economic realities and a desire to support local businesses. For others, it’s about comfort and predictability in a moment when global headlines feel anything but. The motivations vary, but the shift is real.
That doesn’t mean international travel has disappeared. Europe, Japan, Mexico, and the Caribbean are still firmly on the radar. But alongside those trips, there’s growing curiosity about what’s here. Cities we’ve passed through. Regions we’ve overlooked. Experiences we’ve assumed we’d “get to someday.”
What’s changing isn’t our appetite for travel. It’s our perspective. We’re recognizing that world-class experiences aren’t only found across an ocean. Many of them are right here at home.
Canada offers an extraordinary range of travel experiences. Rugged coastlines. Prairie skies that seem to stretch forever. Northern wilderness that still feels truly wild. Add to that distinct regional cultures, accents, and traditions, and you have a country that rewards curiosity.
You can soak in mountain hot springs out west or get Screech’d in with a cod kiss in Newfoundland. Whether you’re drawn to adventure tourism, luxury escapes, long road trips, or culture-focused holidays, there’s no shortage of options.
For those leaning into a renewed sense of Canadian pride, travelling at home is also a practical way to support local businesses, restaurants, museums, and national parks. Programs like the Canada Strong Pass are making it even easier to explore without crossing a border. And there’s something refreshingly simple about being a tourist in your own country.
If you’re not sure where to start or how to plan it, we’ll get into that. Let’s talk Canadian travel.
Perks of Travelling at Home for Canadians
Canada is vast, and crossing it coast to coast is an experience in itself. Flights can add up, but travelling within Canada comes with built-in advantages. No passport lines. No currency exchange. No roaming charges. You already understand the language, the tipping norms, the road signs, yet every region still offers its own culture, cadence, and character. Many of the usual travel hassles simply fall away when you stay on home soil.
This summer, there’s even more incentive. From June 19 to September 7, 2026, the Canada Strong Pass offers free admission to national parks, reduced or complimentary museum entry, discounted VIA Rail travel, and savings on Parks Canada stays. It’s designed to make exploring the country more accessible, whether that means a weekend camping trip, a cross-country train journey, or a museum circuit that deepens your understanding of where we live.
If there was ever a season to look inward and see the country with a fresh perspective, this is it.
Where to Travel in Canada and What to See
British Columbia:
Top Destinations: Vancouver or Victoria
- Both of these cities offer vibrant city centres with endless things to do and see. With breathtaking views of the ocean and mountains all around—and plenty of outdoor adventures to be had, great food, shopping, and plenty of interesting attractions—these cities offer something for everyone
Lesser Known: Kootenays, Sunshine Coast
- Looking for something a little off the beaten path? The Kootenay region—including towns like Nelson, Fernie, and Revelstoke—is nestled in the mountains, with lots of hiking, lake sports, rock climbing and mountain biking for the adventurous traveller. Near the Alberta border, this is a great option for those also looking to travel to and around the Rockies.
- The Sunshine Coast offers small-town charm with plenty of local artisans making the towns vibrant. Surrounded by stunning natural landscape, the Sunshine Coast offers a quieter escape not far from Vancouver or Victoria for those wanting to add on a little rest and relaxation to a bustling city adventure.
Alberta
Top: Banff
- Nestled into the Rocky Mountains, Banff is a Canadian landmark that should be high on everyone’s bucket list. With breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and glacial lakes in crystal clear shades of blue, the natural beauty on display in Banff is unparalleled.
Lesser Known: Jasper or Canmore, Drumheller (dinosaur museum)
- If you are intrigued by the mountains, glacial lakes and wildlife of Banff, but want something a little less touristy, head to Jasper or Canmore. If you are an outdoor adventure enthusiast, both of these towns will have plenty to offer: from skiing, snowboarding, ice climbing, and snowshoeing in the winter, to rock climbing, hiking, and mountain biking in the summer.
- Got a dinosaur enthusiast in your family? Drumheller is the place to go; it’s the world’s dinosaur capital afterall. See dinosaur fossils up close, or take a tour with the experts at the Royal Tyrell Museum. You can even see the world’s largest replica dinosaur, affectionately called Tyra (until December 2029, that is. The exhibit will close after this date).
Saskatchewan
Top: Saskatoon
- Known as “the land of living skies” this city showcases a brand of beauty unique to the Canadian prairies. With a thriving culinary scene, local breweries, many cultural activities like museums and art galleries, and nearby walking trails for the outdoor enthusiast, Saskatoon offers plenty to do and see.
Lesser Known: Temple Gardens
- Saskatchewan is home to the largest geothermal spa in Canada. If you enjoy a spa day, you should absolutely add Temple Gardens to your list of places to visit.
Manitoba:
Top: Winnipeg
- Aside from being the Slurpee Capital of the World, Winnipeg has a lot to offer. A thriving art scene, including the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, and plenty of sports (Blue Bombers in the summer and the Jets in the winter). Be sure to visit the Forks for a unique shopping and dining experience. And if you take a stroll around Assiniboine Park, be sure to grab some ice cream from Sargeant Sundae.
Lesser Known: Spruce Woods Provincial Park (sand dunes), Churchill (for the Polar Bears)
- Did you know Canada has sand dunes? At Spruce Woods Provincial Park, the rolling sand dunes could have visitors forgetting they are in Manitoba.
- If you can brave the cold, tourists can see Polar Bears in Churchill, Manitoba. Just be sure to keep a safe distance!
Ontario
Top: Toronto
- As Canada’s biggest city, Toronto is a vibrant, multicultural city with plenty to offer tourists. Sports fans can catch a Blue Jays, Argonauts, or Maple Leafs game. For the culture buffs, there are museums, galleries, and live performances galore. Foodies won’t be disappointed by the culinary scene. And of course, there’s the CN Tower. Bonus: Niagara Falls is only an hour and a half away.
Lesser Known: Muskokas, Sleeping Giant National Park
- If you are looking for a relaxing cottage getaway, the Muskokas are the place to go. Known as “Cottage Country,” the region offers over 64o lakes, charming small towns, and the perfect little getaway.
- Outdoor enthusiasts should consider a visit to Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, where they will find great climbing and hiking trails. Nearby Thunder Bay is thought to be one of Canada’s best outdoor cities, with watersports, hiking, cross-country skiing, and rock climbing.
Quebec
Top: Montreal
- Offering old-world charm and a lively cultural scene, Montreal is the place to go for some European-style charm without having to leave the country. A culinary hot spot, foodies will have their fill of great places to eat. Architectural enthusiasts will love the old buildings, particularly in Old Montreal. And history and art aficionados will have plenty to keep them entertained.
Lesser Known: Quebec City
- While Montreal certainly offers old-world charm, if you really want to enjoy historical European flair, you need to visit 400-year-old Quebec City. Enrich yourself in French culture, dine on delicious food, explore world heritage sites, and walk along cobblestone streets while taking in the beautiful old buildings.
Nova Scotia
Top: Halifax
- With a vibrant maritime culture, a lively waterfront boardwalk, a dash of Celtic charm, and stunning coastal scenery, Halifax is definitely a great place to visit. Discover East Coast hospitality, with the friendliest people, enjoy some of the best seafood you’ll ever eat, and learn more about Canada’s maritime history.
Lesser Known: Lunenburg, Peggy’s Cove
- The sailboat on the back of the Canadian dime is called the Bluenose, and it was built in Lunenburg. You can even see the Bluenose II, built in 1963 after the original was shipwrecked. Lunenburg is a World UNESCO heritage site, and offers a lot of historical charm with its brightly coloured homes and boutique shops.
- Peggy’s Cove is an iconic Canadian landmark. The infamous lighthouse is worth the drive on its own, but the fishing town itself also offers a lot of charm and great seafood.
New Brunswick
Top: St. John
- As the oldest incorporated city on the Bay of Fundy, St. John offers an abundance of historical charm and East Coast hospitality. With ample natural wonders to take in–from the Reversing Falls to UNESCO Stonehammer Geopark–St. John has much to offer those who appreciate the natural beauty Canada has to offer. St. John is also home to Canada’s longest operating farmers’ market and has plenty of cultural activities for visitors to enjoy.
Lesser Known: Bay of Fundy
- See the world’s highest tides at the Bay of Fundy. It’s also an incredible destination for whale watching, and geology buffs will have plenty to enjoy with Joggins Fossil Cliffs and the Hopewell Rocks.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Top: St. John’s
- North America’s oldest city is not a place to be missed. Newfoundland is often overlooked, but with such a unique culture, friendly people, and natural beauty, it should absolutely be on everyone’s travel radar. Fully immerse yourself in the local customs and get Screech’d in. Enjoy some delicious seafood, and enjoy whale watching, see some dolphins, and even visit the Puffins. St. John’s is where to go to take in the wildness of the East Coast.
Lesser Known: Fogo Island, Gros Morne National Park
- Wilderness lovers should visit Fogo Island to experience rugged coastlines and the “end of the earth” feeling one gets from standing at the shores of this small island. Experience the charm of this small fishing community and be sure to stay at the world-renowned Fogo Island Inn.
- Gros Morne National Park is a Canadian marvel and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Offering breathtaking fjords, coastal mountains, and unique Tablelands, visitors will experience nature unlike any other.
PEI
Top: Charlottetown
- With its colourful downtown, beautiful coastline and vibrant waterfront, thriving art scene, and delectable seafood, Charlottetown may be a small town, but it has a lot to offer tourists.
Lesser Known: Cavendish
- If you loved Anne of Green Gables as a child, Cavendish should be on your list of places to visit. As the home of this Canadian classic, you can visit L.M. Montgomery’s hometown and the Green Gables Heritage Place to fully immerse yourself in this infamous story of our collective Canadian childhood.
Yukon
Top: Whitehorse
- Whitehorse is where frontier spirit meets northern charm. Surrounded by mountains and threaded with the Yukon River, it’s a base for hiking, wildlife spotting, and Northern Lights viewing. Visitors will love the mix of history, culture, and access to vast wilderness.
Lesser Known: Kluane National Park and Reserve
- Home to Canada’s tallest peak and glaciers that look like frozen oceans, Kluane is a masterpiece of scale and silence. The King’s Throne hike rewards visitors with views so dramatic they feel staged. For Canadians wanting to experience the true magnitude of their own backyard, this UNESCO treasure delivers bragging rights and soul-resetting beauty.
Northwest Territories
Top: Yellowknife
- Yellowknife is one of the best places on Earth to witness the Northern Lights. Add in lake life, Indigenous culture, and a tight-knit northern community, and you’ve got an experience that feels both grounded and otherworldly. If you’re looking for something unforgettable, you will find it here.
Lesser Known: Nahanni National Park Reserve
- A UNESCO World Heritage site of staggering canyons and raw wilderness, Nahanni is adventure in its purest form. Virginia Falls plunges nearly twice the height of Niagara Falls, and the South Nahanni River cuts through landscapes that feel untouched by time. For those craving awe-inspiring views and experiences that border on being mythical, this is the place.
Nunavut
Top: Iqaluit (Baffin Island)
- Perched on Baffin Island, Iqaluit offers a gateway into Inuit culture, Arctic wildlife, and vast tundra horizons. It’s not just a destination, it’s an education in the richness and resilience of Canada’s North. For travellers wanting perspective along with scenery, Iqaluit delivers something rare and meaningful.
Lesser Known: Auyuittuq National Park
- Meaning “the land that never melts,” Auyuittuq is a cathedral of granite peaks and glaciers. The 100 km Akshayuk Pass route slices through towering mountains and stark Arctic beauty that feels almost lunar. For Canadians who want to test their grit and witness landscapes few ever see, this park is pure, untamed grandeur.
Getting Around Our Big Beautiful Country
Canada is a big country, but travelling around is probably easier than you think. There are three primary modes of transportation: flying, taking the train, or driving. Though if you want to try a less conventional option like Greyhound bus tours, cycling, or heck, even walking across the country, we support the initiative.
Flying
Flight costs in Canada can be expensive, but there are deals to be found. There are also smaller airlines like Flair or Porter that often offer more cost-effective options than the Big Two (Air Canada and WestJet). For single destination vacations, this can be the easiest, most direct option. Some airlines, including Air Canada, offer multi-flight passes that make it easy to hop from one city to the next.
Train
Railroad travel can be a great way to see the country! While the pace is more akin to driving, you can actually enjoy all the sights instead of having to focus on the road ahead. With VIA Rail, you can travel from Coast to Coast, stopping at cities or towns along the way. They also offer “scenic routes” that take you on routes from Prince Rupert to Jasper, or Winnipeg to Churchill, among others. If you want to travel along the West Coast, the Rocky Mountaineer offers high-end railroad travel with their glass dome ceilings that allow guests to fully enjoy the views.
Road Trip
If you’ve got the time and value freedom, flexibility, and seeing as much of Canada as possible, driving is the way to go. There are many travel articles online—including ours about RV Travel— that can help you plan your route, offering suggestions on where to stop and things to see. Whether you camp or book hotels along the way, driving is great for those spontaneous stops and the kind of travel where you can savour the experience.
For the Adventurous
If you are the adventurous sort, Canada has plenty to offer. Outdoorsy? We have rock climbing, mountain biking, ice climbing, kayaking, and hiking like you wouldn’t believe. Want off the beaten path? We have vast expanses of backcountry land and seldom-explored regions to choose from. Want to see wildlife? We have whales, puffins, eagles, seals, and sea lions along our coasts, and bears, cougars, moose, big horned sheep, and elk inland. Looking for an experience unlike any other? Head North, or to some of our more remote islands like Fogo Island to the East or Pender Island to the West.
If you are adventurous at heart, Canada is the place to be.
Looking for some ideas to get you started with your trip planning? We suggest looking into:
- Scenic Drives like the Icefield Parkway or the Cabot Trail
- Walking trails like the Trans Canada Trail, the West Coast Trail, or the Rideau Trail
- Camping in any of our National Parks. There are ample choices to choose from, no matter which province or territory you want to go to.
In Conclusion
Many Canadians are feeling the pull to travel domestically, and if you’re one of them, there are many incredible travel destinations to choose from. Travelling within our own country doesn’t just boost the economy; it makes travel simpler. And frankly, we are pretty lucky to have a country as beautiful and vast as ours, which offers such a diverse landscape and variety of cultures within our borders.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why Are More Canadians Choosing to Travel Within Canada?
Domestic tourism is up 9% since January 2025, with many Canadians opting to explore their own country instead of travelling to the United States. For some, this decision is rooted in national pride and a desire to boost the Canadian economy during the trade war. Others feel uncomfortable with the ongoing internal conflict in the U.S. Regardless of the reason, many Canadians are rediscovering the diversity and beauty found within our own borders.
2. What Are the Benefits of Vacationing in Canada Instead of Travelling Abroad?
Travelling within Canada eliminates many common travel hassles. There’s no need for a passport or visa, no currency exchange, and no roaming fees. Canadians are already familiar with the language, tipping culture, and driving rules. At the same time, there are still unique regional cultures, accents, and landscapes to explore across the country.
3. What Is the Canada Strong Pass and How Does It Work?
The Canada Strong Pass will run from June 19 to September 7, 2026. Pass holders will receive perks such as free admission to National Parks, free or reduced museum fees, discounted travel with VIA Rail, and discounts on overnight stays with Parks Canada. The program is designed to make domestic travel more cost-effective and accessible.
4. What Are the Main Ways to Travel Across Canada?
There are three primary transportation options: flying, taking the train, or driving. Flying is often the quickest option, with airlines like Flair and Porter sometimes offering more affordable fares. Train travel with VIA Rail allows travellers to enjoy scenic routes across the country, while driving offers flexibility and the ability to make spontaneous stops along the way.
5. What Kind of Travel Experiences Does Canada Offer?
Canada offers a wide range of travel experiences, from luxury getaways and cultural holidays to road trips and adventure tourism. Travellers can explore rugged coastlines, prairie skies, northern wilderness, and mountain hot springs. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities like hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, and wildlife viewing, while culture seekers can visit museums, historic sites, and vibrant city centres across the country.