Canada’s Hidden Gems
Visitors to Canada flock to the major tourist destinations like Banff, Toronto, Vancouver and Montréal (and rightly so, they’re fantastic). But Canada’s vast geography means there are many hidden gem destinations tucked away in every province and territory just waiting to be explored. There’s whale watching, thermal baths, historic main streets, and much more.
From coast to coast, here’s Travelzoo’s lineup of hidden gems (and where to stay when you get there).
Marvel at wildlife on Quadra Island, BC 
There are more than 200 islands off the coast of British Columbia, and Quadra Island is one of the largest. Part of the Discovery Islands Archipelago, it has all the activities of Vancouver Island with fewer crowds. A short ferry across Campbell River leads to hiking trails and beautiful rocky beaches. This island is for nature lovers with all kinds of seasonal outdoor activities like kayaking, sportfishing and wildlife viewing. There’s also a great local arts and crafts scene and the Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre, not to mention a winery or two. At night, Quadra Island’s dark skies offer up stargazing opportunities.
Experience the lakes of Northern Saskatchewan in Elk Ridge
Anyone who has driven across the prairie provinces knows the flat golden fields can get monotonous; some could consider the region to be quite humdrum. But those in the know head to Northern Saskatchewan to experience the pristine lakes and valleys of the northern boreal forest. The lakes in and around Prince Albert National Park, a two-hour drive north of Saskatoon, provide ample opportunity for outdoor adventure. Waskesiu Lake in particular is beloved by locals and visitors alike. There’s great fishing, bird watching and many spots for a beach picnic—canoeing and kayaking options abound.
Where to stay: Elk Ridge Resort near Waskesiu Lake and its sister property, Elk Ridge on the Lake, offer up the best of lake life, in addition to a golf course, just 10 minutes from Prince Albert National Park.
Enjoy the beaches of Bayfield, ON
When it comes to enjoying the best of the Great Lakes, the southwestern parts of Ontario are often overshadowed by Port Stanley on Lake Erie or Pebble Beach on Lake Ontario in Prince Edward County. But Lake Huron’s beaches—from Sauble Beach to Grand Bend—offer fantastic beach vibes, and so do the small towns that surround them. Bayfield, situated on the shores of Lake Huron, is a little town that has a big personality. Historical charm abounds here (the main street is lined with historic buildings) and the town’s laid-back vibe pairs well with shopping at Bayfield’s independent shops and slurping local ice cream. Plus, Bayfield Beach and Pioneer Park offer amazing views of Lake Huron and great lakeside lounging.
Where to stay: The Little Inn of Bayfield, sitting right on Main Street amongst the historic buildings, has been open since the mid-1800s and is one of the oldest operating inns in Ontario.
Stay near Niagara Falls without the hustle and bustle
Arguably the most touristic place in the country, the main roads of Niagara Falls, Queen Street and Clifton Hill, are lined with chain hotels, casinos and amusements. But the historic town (the town’s history dates back to the mid-1850s) actually has some great accommodations and restaurants that fly under the radar. There are dozens of privately owned boutique hotels and bed and breakfasts in Niagara Falls, and they offer the best of both worlds: proximity to the Falls and all the entertainment, but with personalized service and hospitality. Many are within historic homes.
Where to stay: The Old Stone Inn Boutique Hotel is housed in a quaint 1900s stone building that once was a local flour mill. It’s within a 15-minute walk of the mighty Falls but offers a quiet and unique stay.
Discover the lakes of Lanaudière, QB
The Lanaudière region between the St. Lawrence River and the Laurentians in Quebec has more than 10,000 lakes. Sitting northeast of Montreal, the area often gets overlooked, with tourists heading to the Eastern Townships or further afield to Québec City and its surrounding towns and villages. Lanaudière’s diverse landscape from the mountains to the riverside plains is filled with charming towns and beautiful countryside, not to mention tons of lake-themed outdoor activities and entertainment.
Where to stay: Auberge du Lac Taureau in Saint-Michel-des-Saints epitomizes the best of the Lanaudière region from the great outdoor activities (more than 30 on offer) to the resort’s soothing thermal baths.
Soak up the Island charm in Summerside, PE
Those red clay cliffs beckon tourists from all over the world. Most visitors on Prince Edward Island flock to Charlottetown and the beaches in and around Cavendish on the north shore. But Summerside on the southwestern shore offers gorgeous ocean vistas, all within half an hour’s drive of the major sites on the Island, like Green Gables Heritage Place. Nearby there’s the historic Indian Head Lighthouse that's been guiding seafarers home safely since the 1880s, and the beautiful beaches of Linkletter Provincial Park.
Where to stay: The Loyalist Country Inn and Conference Centre sits in the centre of Summerside, right across the street from the ocean and the colourful boardwalk filled with shops and restaurants.
Spot icebergs in Bauline East, NL
For icebergs and wildlife, many visitors travelling to Newfoundland and Labrador will head to the Twillingate area or simply take a boat tour out of St. John’s harbour. But taking a road trip around the Irish Loop during shoulder season can pretty much guarantee that you’ll see some of those white giants flowing down from Greenland during peak iceberg-spotting season in May and June. Bauline East, a small community between the capital city and the frequented Ferryland, sits just outside Lamanche Provincial Park. There’s hiking and camping of course, but the draw here is the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve where thousands of birds flock across four islands (Gull Island, Green Island, Great Island and Pee Pee Island) every year. There are whales, particularly humpbacks and minkes, nearby, too.
Where to stay: Cliffs Edge Retreat, a resort located 45 minutes from St. John’s, sits oceanside overlooking the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve. Meaning, you can spot icebergs and wildlife from your private balcony (or sauna).