Celebrating Canada: The best of travel close to home

As Canadians, we often find ourselves looking outward for our next vacation. We hop on planes to Europe, book cruises in the Caribbean, or dream of tropical escapes in the U.S. Sunbelt. But now, more than ever, there is a growing movement to look inward. A groundswell of patriotic pride is building as Canadians seek to support their own, rediscover their home turf, and avoid putting another hard-earned dollar into the American economy.

It’s no secret that political turmoil south of the border has left many Canadians disillusioned. From policy shifts to cultural clashes, it’s become increasingly difficult to separate travel from politics. The result? A rise in mindful travel. A movement. Canadians are banding together to keep their vacation dollars in Canada - and rightly so.

The good news? We live in one of the most beautiful, diverse, and welcoming countries in the world. It’s time we started exploring it with the same curiosity we bring to faraway places.

Let’s dive into the best of Canada, from coast to coast to coast.

Victoria and Vancouver Island: 

Tucked on the west coast of British Columbia, Victoria is a blend of old-world charm and laid-back island vibes. From the grandeur of the Fairmont Empress to the boutique shops of Government Street, Victoria is a walker’s dream. The Inner Harbour bustles with activity, while nearby Butchart Gardens offers a peaceful floral escape.

Just beyond Victoria, Vancouver Island is a nature lover’s paradise. Visit Tofino for surf culture, storm-watching, and remote beach hikes. Head to Cowichan Valley for wine tastings and farm-to-table feasts. In Telegraph Cove and Port McNeill, hop on a zodiac boat for some of the best whale watching in the world. One of my favourite moments? Watching a pod of orcas breach at sunset — truly unforgettable. (Watch my full video on Vancouver Island here 

Quebec and Charlevoix:

 Quebec is where culture, history, and gastronomy converge. Quebec City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts cobblestone streets, French bistros, and world-class festivals. Stay at the iconic Château Frontenac or choose a boutique inn in the heart of Old Town.

Just a few hours northeast, Charlevoix feels like a slice of the French Alps, with fjords plunging into the St. Lawrence and whales surfacing offshore. The region is dotted with charming inns and luxurious auberges, perfect for relaxing after a day exploring art galleries, cheese shops, or hiking in Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park.

Newfoundland & Labrador:

Newfoundland is a place of windswept cliffs, dramatic coastlines, and people whose warmth and wit will stay with you long after you’ve left. St. John’s, with its colourful row houses and vibrant arts scene, is a perfect base. Stay at the luxurious Ryan Mansion or the iconic Alt Hotel.

Gros Morne National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for good reason - its fjords, tablelands, and ancient rock formations are unlike anything else in Canada. Don’t miss Twillingate, where you can see icebergs float by from the shore. And if you time your trip just right, you’ll be there during the peak of whale migration season. Humpbacks, minkes, and even the elusive blue whale can be spotted off the coast.

The Maritimes and the East Coast:

Nova Scotia offers lighthouses, lobster, and legends. Halifax is lively and full of history, while Lunenburg and Mahone Bay feel like postcards come to life. In Cape Breton, the Cabot Trail is one of the most scenic drives on the planet.

Prince Edward Island invites you to slow down. Think red sand beaches, rolling farmland, and seafood straight from the dock. Stay in a seaside cottage or historic inn and follow the trails of Anne of Green Gables.

New Brunswick surprises many with its tidal wonders (hello, Hopewell Rocks!) and the charming seaside town of St. Andrews-by-the-Sea. Don’t miss Fundy National Park or whale watching from the Bay of Fundy, one of the richest marine ecosystems in the world.

Haida Gwaii and Indigenous Tourism: 

One of the most powerful ways to connect with Canada is through Indigenous-led experiences. Haida Gwaii, off the coast of British Columbia, is a place of spiritual significance and ecological wonder. Visit Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site, one of the few places in the world protected from mountaintop to sea floor.

Stay in locally owned lodges or eco-cabins, and take part in guided tours where you’ll hear Haida stories passed down through generations. Across Canada, you’ll find more opportunities to engage with Indigenous cultures - from Inuit art galleries in Nunavut to Métis cultural festivals in the Prairies to powwows and storytelling circles in Ontario and beyond.

Where to Stay Every province offers unique and welcoming accommodations. Whether it’s a luxury wilderness lodge in Yukon, a heritage inn in Nova Scotia, or a lakeside cabin in Muskoka, there’s something for every taste and travel style. Many Canadian-owned resorts, B&Bs, and ecolodges emphasize sustainability and community support. Reach out and we would be happy to find you the perfect spot!

Final Thought Travelling in Canada isn’t just about convenience — it’s about connection. It’s about pride in who we are and what we stand for. In these times, choosing to explore our own country is an act of celebration, a political decision, and a meaningful way to support fellow Canadians.

This is our land. Let’s see it, support it, and celebrate it — together.