Canada is the world’s second largest country in terms of land mass, and is home to a diverse natural breathtaking landscapes. From the snow covered mountains in the West, expansive Canadian prairies, to the thunderous ocean tides in the East. Canada in the Summer offers inspiring locations to visit and explore which create amazing Canadian road trips opportunities.
I wear the Maple Leaf on my clothing and love the colour RED, and will tell anyone that I am proud to be Canadian which is why I thought it was important to start teaching my daughter while she is young about the great country she was born into and allow her to experience the The Best Canada Family Travel Ideas.
Discover new and exciting places within our own backyard and explore the scenic and majestic wonders that this amazing country offers. From coast to coast we have included a location from every province making sure to offer you the Best Places of Canada to visit during the summer months.
Checkout this Canada Packing Listing for All Seasons to make sure you have everything you need!
Table of Contents
Places to visit in Canada during Summer – Your Guide to Canadian Travel
Canada has limited warm weather, so Summer is the best time of year to explore the amazing outdoor adventures in Canada. Outdoor travel in Canada is a must during the Summer Season. From the West Coast to the East Coast, you are sure to find an amazing outdoor experience to enjoy the natural landscape of the beautiful country of Canada.
So plan your next adventure using our guide and get out and explore some unique and incredible places that Canada has to offer this summer.
What is the weather like in Canada in the Summer?
June to August is the best season to visit Canada as it offers the best weather for outdoor fun from kayaking, camping, treetop trekking, hiking beach days, local attractions, and much more!
Canadian love to be outside in the summer months of June to August and enjoy varying levels of humidity and temperatures. Temperatures in Canada in the summer range from 60-95°F (16°C-35°C).
When does Summer Start in Canada?
Summer officially starts on June 21st in Canada and we consider the months of June to August to be Summer in Canada. July is the hottest month of the Summer in Canada, and overall the hottest month of the year for most parts of Canada.
Who knows how to explore Canada in Summer better than locals who have experienced it?
Get Ready for the Best places to Visit in Canada Summer, as we explore the best activities and where to stay to help you to plan the ultimate trip to visit locations in Canada this summer.
North America offers lots of tourism cities perfect to visit with kids for a family vacation. Whether you are looking for a 24 hour stop, a stay cation, or inspiration for a long weekend trip then leave it to our local experts to give you great travel advice. We include travel ideas that can be long road trips, a quick weekend away or a longer vacation that requires a flight within Canada this summer.
All of our advice is written by locals who have visited the locations themselves and experienced what they are suggesting. Our locals help uncover amazing experiences, top exploration tips and give advice you won’t find in your traditional city guide books.
So why not plan a trip to one of these amazing places to visit in Canada for a summer vacation!
A Map of the Beautiful Places to Checkout this Summer in Canada
Most beautiful places to visit in Canada during the Summer
- Lake Louise. Alberta
- Banff, Alberta
- Ice Fields Parkway, Alberta
- 1000 Islands, Ontario
- Tofino, British Columbia
- Chetichamp, Nova Scotia
- Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia
- Cavendish, Prince Edward Island
- Whitehorse, Yukon
- Fort Providence, North West Territories
- Magdalen Islands, Quebec
- Quebec City, Quebec
- Montreal, Quebec
- Eastern Townships, Quebec
- Alma, New Brunswick
- Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan
Lake Louise, Alberta
Lake Louise is found in the heart of Banff National Park, Canada’s oldest National Park, and is one of the best places to visit during the summer in Canada. Tourists have been flocking to the shores of Lake Louise since the late 1800s when the first hotel was erected and visitors continue to make the journey to Lake Louise to this day.
Of the many activities you can do in Lake Louise in summer, the undoubted highlight is canoeing on Lake Louise. The iconic red canoes allow you to discover every corner of the magnificent glacier-fed lake – it really is a once-in-a-lifetime experience within the Canadian Rockies.
On top of canoeing, Lake Louise is also home to a number of magnificent hikes and walks. Hiking to the famous Lake Louise Teahouses during the summer months cannot be missed. The Teahouses themselves offer a selection of over 100 different varieties of teas as well as some of the best chocolate cake found anywhere in Alberta.
Summer is also the best time to visit Lake Louise if you are itching for a glimpse of their most popular residents – the Grizzly Bear. Lake Louise Ski Resort is open throughout the summer months and the sightseeing gondola ride offers you the best chance of seeing the majestic animals grazing in the meadows below the Gondola.
Lake Louise is certainly one of the best places to visit in Canada and never is this more apparent than in the summer. Checkout our Full Guide to the Best Places in Alberta to Visit with Kids.
Ice Fields Parkway, Alberta
The Icefields Parkway is the main highway that runs between the Town of Banff and the Town of Jasper, in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains. It is the perfect place to visit during summer in Canada. Here, you’ll find so many incredible places to stop along the way, including famous lakes, hikes, and amazing views.
Some of the most noteworthy places to stop are the Peyto Lake Viewpoint, Bow Lake, the Columbia Icefields, and Sunwapta Falls, although there are many others and you will be tempted to stop at them all! Learn more about all of the Best Places to Visit in Alberta!
If you’re interested in hiking, complete the Parker Ridge Hike along the way. It is a relatively short hike that will provide you with views of the surrounding mountains in one direction, and the Saskatchewan Glacier in the other. You’ll even see some wildflowers on the trail here during the summer months!
Summer is the perfect time to drive the Icefields Parkway as the snow will have melted, wildflowers will be out, and the waterfalls and lakes will be thawed, meaning if it’s too hot out you can take a glacial dip. This road is rated as one of the most beautiful drives in the world, and therefore it cannot be missed during summer in Canada!
Banff, Alberta
Summer truly is one of the best times to visit Banff National Park. The extra long days and warm temperatures offer up plenty of activities that allow visitors to get the most out of the spectacular mountain scenery.
It’s the best time to visit the stunning mountain lakes, whether it’s by hiking to a lake or getting on the water. Moraine Lake, one of the most visited places in Banff National Park, is a fun place to go for a canoe in Banff. Lake Louise also offers visitors an opportunity to canoe below towering mountains.
For travelers who enjoy water sports, there are several lakes for stand up paddle boarding in Banff National Park and the surrounding area. Johnson Lake is a small lake that’s perfect for an easy paddle and even a swim on an extra hot summer day. Nearby Two Jack Lake and Minnewanka Lake are ideal for more experienced paddlers since they are larger and the wind can get quite strong.
Canmore is a neighboring mountain town, a short 20 minute drive away, that has more options for stand up paddleboarding either at Quarry Lake or on the Canmore Reservoir. Quarry lake, like Johnson Lake in Banff, is a great place to have a picnic, let kids play on the small beach and even go for a swim.
With plenty of options for getting out on the water, the only challenge travelers will have is choosing where to go. Checkout our Full Guide of the Top Things to do with Kids in Banaff!
1000 Islands, Ontario
If you are travelling anywhere within southern Ontario, you’re only a short distance from some of the most beautiful vistas in the province. The 1000 Islands are the perfect place for outdoor summer adventures, on land or on the water.
Paddle Around the 1000 Islands on a Kayaking Adventure
One of the most iconic outdoor activities to do in the 1000 Islands with kids, is to go on a kayaking adventure. 1000 Islands Kayaking provides guided kayaking tours that are beginner-friendly. Choose from either full or half-day tours, overnight kayak/camping adventures, or self-guided kayak rentals.
1000 Islands Kayaking provide guests with all the gear necessary, including dry bags, lunch, snacks, water, and safety equipment. Spend the day paddling around the islands, admiring the million-dollar cottages, natural coves, and the beauty of the area.
Go for a Hike in Thousand Islands National Park
Thousand Islands National Park is made up of several properties including a few islands and three spaces on the mainland, where numerous trails can be found to suit all types of hikers. Landon Bay is the most popular area for hiking in Thousand Islands National Park, offering easy hiking trails with incredible views.
The Lookout Trail, at only 0.5 km from the parking lot, provides visitors with spectacular views of Landon Bay and the 1000 Islands in under half an hour. The Jones Creek Trails are also quite popular. The trails are short and relatively flat, but still have incredible views of old-growth forests, wetland habitats, and the surrounding waters.
Tofino, British Columbia
In British Columbia, Tofino is a popular surfing spot and truly spectacular sunsets. The area’s natural beauty is a big draw, with rain forests, mountains, and beaches nearby. The best time to visit is during the summer when the weather is at its warmest and driest.
Tofino has plenty of things to do, whether you’re looking for an adventurous outdoor experience or a more relaxing getaway. For nature lovers, there are hikes and kayaking trips to be enjoyed, while those who prefer something a bit more exciting can go surfing, whale watching, or storm watching.
The Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is also located in the area and offers visitors a chance to learn more about the region’s ecology and history. In addition, there is a popular hike to the Canso Plane Crash site, but don’t wear your best shoes as the trail can get quite muddy.
Tofino is also home to some great restaurants and bars, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a meal or a drink after a day out exploring. Wolf in the Fog is the most popular restaurant in Tofino and requires reservations months in advance, especially during spring and summer. So if you’re looking for an unforgettable Canadian adventure, be sure to add Tofino to your list!
Checkout our Full List of Weekend Getaways from Vancouver! Or if you have some extra time in the area checkout our ideas for How to Spend 48 Hours in Vancouver with Kids!
Cheticamp, Nova Scotia
Chéticamp is a traditional fishing village on the famous Cabot Trail, that’s known as a worldwide leader in preserving Acadian culture. If you’re wanting to explore Cape Breton in the summer, then Chéticamp, Nova Scotia is the perfect spot to spend a few days. There’s lots to see in the village itself, and it’s conveniently close to great hiking trails, beaches, and the Cabot Trail. Summer is the best time to visit, because from June through to the end of August the weather is the warmest it gets, and there is less chance of rain.
Chéticamp is located just outside the west coast entrance into Cape Breton Highlands National Park. This makes it the perfect home base for going on day trips into the park to go hiking, explore the coast, and admire the forest, mountains, rivers and valleys of the Cape Breton Highlands.
In the village of Chéticamp, you’ll find plenty of restaurants (including Seafood Stop, which has the best lobster!) as well as Les Trois Pignons, a museum where you can learn more about Acadian history and culture. Be sure to also stop by the Museum of the Hooked Rug and Home Life to learn about rug hooking, a tradition that originates in the area, and has been done since as far back as the 1930s.
Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia
Few places in Canada compare to the beautiful Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia. Known as Atlantic Canada’s richest agricultural region, you’ll find thriving orchards, vineyards, and fields in the summertime, nearby the world-famous Bay of Fundy. From Halifax, drive west on Highway 101 through the valley—from Windsor to Digby.
The Annapolis Valley is truly an outdoor lover’s paradise. Hike Cape Split for an iconic half-day adventure on the upgraded 16-km loop. Witness spectacular views from the established lookouts over the Minas Basin and Scots Bay. Cape Split’s trailhead is about an hour from Wolfville. Don’t miss the best view of the valley at The Lookoff along the way.
Did you know you can explore the Annapolis Valley on your bike? The 110-km Harvest Moon Trail follows an old rail bed through the valley, beginning at the Grand-Pré National Historic Site. Enjoy refreshment at the Annapolis Cider Company in Wolfville or get your caffeine fix at Berwick’s North Mountain Coffee. You’ll want a mountain bike for this rugged journey.
How about exploring the valley from the water? Grab your canoe or kayak and paddle along traditional Mi’kmaq territory on the Annapolis River. Through forest and farmland, start in Middleton and overnight at the Bridgetown Family Camping. The next day, continue on to Dunromin Campground for a pleasant stay not too far from Annapolis Royal.
The Annapolis Valley’s weather ranges from 20-25°C during the day in the summer, with the odd 30-degree high. When the temperatures rise, head to one of the many beaches for that cool sea breeze. You’re never more than 60 km away from the ocean anywhere in NS! Visit in July or August for your best chance to miss the rain.
Cavendish, Prince Edward Island
One of the best places to visit during the summer in Canada is Prince Edward Island. From the rolling fields, wide open spaces, endless beaches, campgrounds, National parks, and seafood galore, PEI is an outdoor lover’s paradise.
Prince Edward Island is a small island in eastern Canada, the smallest province in the country. A scenic island, PEI is home to rolling hills, long beaches, red cliffs, and fresh seafood. From tip to tip, the island is approximately 225 km long. One of the best ways to experience Prince Edward Island is by road trip. You can explore the whole island or choose to road trip around only part of the island.
For a single-day road trip around central PEI, start in Charlottetown. Visit the farmer’s market, try fries from a fry truck, and grab ice cream from the famous Cow’s Creamery. From Charlottetown, head to Cavendish, where you will find the Green Gables Heritage Place and red sand beach within Prince Edward Island National Park. Once done, head to Northern Rustico for a delicious seafood dinner on the coast. Complete your day by heading back to Charlottetown.
Despite its small size, PEI offers a variety of activities, including bicycling the Confederation Trail, exploring small towns, and seeing the iconic red cliffs in Cavendish at Prince Edward Island National Park. A must-try food in Prince Edward Island is fries made from fresh-cut PEI potatoes, especially from a fry truck; they are delicious.
Cavendish, PEI is a great place to visit in the summer. There are plenty of things to do, and the weather is always nice. You can go to the beach, go to one of many entertainment venues, or visit some of the local attractions. The people are friendly and welcoming, and there is always something going on. I would highly recommend visiting Cavendish in the summer! People come to visit Cavendish in the Summer to enjoy beaches and breathtaking scenery, and for world class lobster dishes.
Cavendish, Prince Edward Island is the summer capital of Prince Edward Island. Tourists flock to this small town on the north shore of the smallest province in Canada. Cavendish is world-famous as the setting of Anne of Green Gables and Lucy Maud Montgomery’s novels.
You can visit the home that inspired Green Gables, called the Green Gables Heritage Place. You can learn all about the life of Lucy Maud Montgomery in the once small farming community. If you are a fan of the books you will love visiting this site. Golf lovers will also enjoy playing a scenic round on the Green Gables Golf Course as they enjoy the view of the sand dunes in Prince Edward Island National Park and enjoy the ocean breeze as they play this challenging course among the beautiful Canadian landscape.
Cavendish has one of the best beaches on the island, and one of the best beaches in Canada. Cavendish Beach is a long, wide, sandy beach that is great for swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, and beachcombing and is often very busy during the summer months of June, July and August.
The waves are usually gentle and there are lifeguards on duty in the summer. If you enjoy water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, sea-doos or para-sailing then head to the Cavendish pier to rent some water sports equipment. Plus get some fabulous island ice cream at “Cows Creamery” on the Cavendish Boardwalk.
If you are looking for some more fun you can go to a water park, mini-golf, or a mini amusement park. Don’t forget to stop at visit Prince Edward Island’s oldest lighthouse Point Prim Lighthouse.
There are numerous incredible parks and beaches to visit during the summer in PEI. Whether you choose to laze around at Cedar Dunes Provincial Park and play on a red sand beach (right next to the haunted West Point Lighthouse!), listen to the sand sing to you at Basin Head Provincial Park, or take a 700-metre floating boardwalk through parabolic sand dunes to soft, white, sandy beaches at Greenwich Beach, there are endless options to enjoy PEI’s 1100 km of coastline.
Prince Edward Island has beautiful summer weather and Cavendish is the best part of the island to spend it! Summer is the best time to visit as the weather is optimal for outdoor activities, beaches are swimmable, and PEI is at its finest. Something about the summer brings out the best that PEI has to offer. Prince Edward Island is a fun summer destination for all ages.
Summer is prime time to visit for lobster season – so if you love seafood, you’re in luck! From restaurants in downtown Charlottetown to seaside shacks, there are endless options to have lobster any way you want it. If you’re an early riser, you can even catch the fishermen leaving the harbour at dawn with their lobster traps; it’s quite a sight to see! The best spots to watch this are at Malpeque Harbour and North Rustico Harbour.
Whether you choose to lay on the beach enjoying the sunshine and ocean breeze, finding lonely lighthouses, strolling through charming Charlottetown, or relaxing at one of the many campgrounds, there is no shortage of outdoor fun in Prince Edward Island during the summer.
Whitehorse, Yukon
If you plan on making your way to the Yukon, the northwestern territory in Canada, you will at some point pass through Whitehorse. Whitehorse is not only the capital city of the Yukon but also the main transport hub. Although you can visit Whitehorse any time of year, summer is the best time to fully take advantage of its outdoor activities. Known as the “Wilderness City”, there is no shortage of places to explore.
Adventure seekers can paddle the Yukon River or hike and bike the more than 700 kilometres of marked trails. There are camping and overlanding opportunities at sites and in the backcountry. Animal lovers and families will love exploring the Wildlife Refuge, which offers a look at many local species that have been rescued or are being rehabilitated.
Downtown Whitehorse has much to offer as well. This bustling Capital City isn’t all business, there are many historic buildings, museums, boutique shops and restaurants to discover. Summer is the only time to head to Shipyards Park and experience an artisan market. Here you can pick up a jar of Fireweed Jelly, which is a local favourite made from Yukon’s flower Fireweed. Fireweed can be seen growing all over the Yukon, Whitehorse included.
Kids will love touring the S.S. Klondike, a retired paddlewheeler seen next to the Yukon River as soon as you enter Whitehorse. Learn the history of these amazing ships and their importance in the Yukon before highways and roads were built. Hotels are plentiful in the downtown area, but be sure to book your summer accommodations early, as they can fill up. Few cities offer untouched wilderness and modern amenities but Whitehorse in the summer has it all.
If your in the Yukon, I encourage you to checkout Dawson City with Kids.
Fort Providence, North West Territories:
The Mackenzie River is well known for its amazing freshwater fishing. The North West Territories is a vast land, with a small population. The Northwest Territory is located several hours from Northern Alberta but it is worth the drive to enjoy the beautiful rugged Canadian landscape.
Fort Providence is a small community of just over 700 people. Small in size, this community is primarily inhabited by the Dehcho First Nations. The beauty of this community is in the people, the rugged land, and the amazing fishing opportunities.
Recently a 1.1-kilometer bridge was constructed that spans the Mackenzie River at the entrance of Fort Providence. The Deh Cho Bridge replaced a ferry that was used to cross over, as well as an Ice Bridge. Before the bridge was constructed, the community would be without a road out of their community for 3-4 weeks out of the year. During this time, all supplies had to be flown in.
Wild bison are a common sight on roadsides around the community. These amazing and enormous beasts are listed as a threatened species in the NWT. If you desire to see Bison from your vehicle, Fort Providence is a great place to go.
The primary reason many people visit Fort Providence is for the Jackfish and Pickeral fish. The best fishing usually happens immediately after ice breakup (usually the beginning of June), and in July. Fort Province has several campgrounds where fishing is allowed from the shore.
Enjoy crossing the bridge, and seeing the harsh beauty of an uncorrupted land. This land is completely under frost and snow during the spring, winter, and fall months so summer is the best time to go.
Magdalen Islands, Quebec
Situated in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, the Magdalen Islands (Îles de la Madeleine) are somewhat of an anomaly. The windswept archipelago is part of the province of Quebec but is geographically closer to the maritime provinces of Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia.
A summer cruise service operates from Montreal, but the most popular approach is to take the daily year-round ferry service from Souris, Prince Edward Island to Cap-aux-Meules, the administration centre and largest settlement on the islands. Enjoy live Acadian music during the five-hour crossing; the prospect of seeing whales adds to the appeal.
The six main inhabited islands are stitched together by dunes, bridges, and causeways. Route 199 stretches 100 kilometres from Île du Havre Aubert at the southern tip to Île de Grosse Île.
The islands are a haven for cyclists, foodies, hikers, and windsurfers. Cyclists are welcome, as evidenced by extra wide shoulders reserved for cyclists on Route 199, lockable storage sheds at overnight accommodation, bike parking racks, and shuttle services with bike carriers. Several cycle shops offer bike rentals and stock a range of cycling gear. Tourisme Îles de la Madeleine describes several cycling routes on its website and sells an official cycling map at the tourist information centre in Cap-aux-Meules.
To make the most of a visit to the Magdalen Islands, make the tourist information centre your first stop for information on events, where to eat, and opportunities to learn about Acadian culture, history, and music. Don’t miss La Grave at Havre Aubert, site of the first Acadian settlement. Musée de la Mer des Îles de la Madeleine overlooking the settlement is superbly curated. For a top-notch dining experience, enjoy a range of culinary delights from the impressive menu of Les Pas Perdus in Cap-aux-Meules.
Montreal, Quebec
Summer is the perfect time to visit Montreal! The city has more than 30 festivals to attend, everything from International Jazz fest to the Osheaga, Montreal’s take of Coachella.
If music is not your thing, then, we also have a Just for Laugh festival where you can see your favourite stand-up comedians, Comicon, several film festivals, and circus, theatre and dance festivals. The majority of the festivals are FREE and take place at the Places des Festivals (Quartier des spectacles), a downtown area designed specially to hosts events all-year-round. Montreal is also famously known for being the home of Cirque du Soleil, and often runs shows in the summer under the big tent.
If you visit Montreal in the Summer, be sure to check out the Port of Montrel known as Old Montreal that is home to many shops, and amazing bars, restaurants and outdoor patio or terraces, for visitors to enjoy! Montreal has a pretty neat history in regards to the Prohibition Era and is still home to some secret speakeasies such as The Coldroom, Clandestino or Nhau Bar.
Visitors can also checkout neat attractions Downtown Montreal such as the Grande Roue de Montréal which stands as Canada’s largest observation wheel and offers an aerial view of the City. Or you can simply stroll along the river or rent a bike and checkout the local heritage buildings in Port Montreal and learn about its vibrant history in the Fur Trades.
Another great reason to visit Montreal during summertime is that Montrealers love to spend time outside whether it is doing a picnic at the park or at Mount Royal. If your adventourous and enjoy the outdoors you may be interested in checking out the Zipline, Pirate Theme Park, Ropes Course, and Labrinth Escape room that are all close to each other in Old Montreal.
The summer months are also the best time to go shopping as there are several street fairs throughout the city with great deals! The city is also the host to international events such as the F1 Montreal Grand Prix or The Loto-Québec International Fireworks Competition where you can see breathtaking fireworks! If you like theme parks, then a visit to La Ronde is a must-do!
If you have kids or are an animal lover I highly recommend checking out Ecomuseum Zoo which showcases local animals found in Quebec in their natural setting. Ecomuseum Zoo provides ” a natural and environmentally-responsible environment, and a close-up look at Québec’s many animal species”. When we visited last summer my daughters favourite animals was the river otter, as they had a very cool exhibit that allows you to view the otter above and below the water and even has a tube that kids can crawl through that runs through the tank. Ecomuseum is located about 30 minutes from Downtown Montreal.
Montreal is a vibrant Canadian City offering so much for tourists of all ages to enjoy and explore!
Exploring the Eastern Townships of Quebec in Summer
Quebec’s Eastern Townships region are located only 1.5 hours from Montreal, or 3.5 hours from Ottawa. They’re the perfect getaway in the summer in Canada. That’s when the outdoor spaces are best enjoyed, no matter what you’re looking to do.
Some of the best towns to stay in are Orford, Magog, Coaticook, Sutton and Eastman. They offer great choices of accommodations, from hotels, cabins and even campgrounds.
Warmer weather means you can enjoy some of the best beaches in Quebec. The Eastern Townships have beautiful beaches sprinkled all around the cute towns. Magog, Orford, Lac Brome, Coaticook and so many others have lovely beaches where you can cool down from the summer heat.
Another great thing to do in the summer in Canada’s Eastern Townships is to go hiking. This region has four different national parks to choose from, each offering something different. The best one, with the most hikes and beaches all in the same area is the Mont-Orford national park. But there are many other free hikes in the area as well, like Mount Pinnacle.
If you’re looking to relax, you’re in luck, because the Eastern Townships are home to some of the best outdoor spas. You can enjoy Scandinavian style pools and treat yourself to a massage.
If you prefer enjoying amazing wine and cheese, the Eastern Townships have you covered. There is a wine route that will take you to stunning vineyards where you can taste their offering. You can also grab some local artisanal cheeses along the way, for the perfect 5-à-7 treat. If you’re not too much into wine, there is also a microbrewery route where you can try the best locally crafted brews.
Whether you’re looking for adventure, time spent in the great outdoors, a relaxing or a foodie getaway, the Eastern Townships have some of the best things to do in the summer in Canada.
Quebec City
Québec City, located on the St. Lawrence River, is the capital of the Canadian province of Québec. Québec is mostly French-speaking and is one of Canada’s easternmost provinces.
Summer is the perfect time to explore the open-air attractions of Old Québec, the historic center of Québec City. Old Québec is one of the most intact fortified towns in North America, and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Aficionados of military history will want to visit La Citadelle de Québec, an impressive star-shaped citadel, and the Plains of Abraham, a colonial battle site. Stroll through the grassy expanse of the Battlefields Park with its historic fortified towers and incredible river views.
At the heart of Old Québec, you’ll find Place d’Armes. This central plaza features a Gothic fountain topped by the Faith Monument, and is bordered by the spectacular Château Frontenac on its south side. This magnificent hotel is the most famous landmark in Québec City and is said to be the most photographed hotel in the world.
Take some time to visit the oldest church in Canada, the Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral. Its architecture is in the neoclassical style, and the interior of the cathedral features stained glass and ornate gilded décor.
If you have a car, you’ll definitely want to make the short drive to Montmorency Falls. Take a hike and enjoy some spectacular views of the waterfalls. The more adventurous travellers can even take a zip line ride over the waterfall!
Alma, New Brunswick
Alma, New Brunswick is located about 1 hour away from Moncton and the Village of Alma is located on the Bay of Fundy and welcomes visitors from around the world every summer to experience the true Maritime culture. Alma is a small fishing community , where lobster and scallop fishing are an important industry in Alma’s Tidal harbor.
Alma is located a few minutes from Hopewell Rocks and right at the entrance to Fundy National Park making it the perfect summer destination to explore the sea and the forests of New Brunswick all in one location. Enjoy a stroll on the Alma Wharf, kayak in the Bay of Fundy, or stop in at Tipsy Tails or for Fundy Takeout for the best Fish and Chips you will ever eat! If you are a beer drinker be sure to stop in at the local brewery, Holy Whale Brewery located in an old church offering a quaint experience and great beer flights. Located right next door is Buddha Bear Coffee Roastery if your looking for a coffee rather than beer!
Alma is the perfect outdoor destination as you can hang out on the beach and watch the tide rise throughout the day, watch the fishing boats or go explore the Bay of Fundy National Park. The Bay of Fundy National Park. Experience Atlantic Canada culture as you explore Fundy National Park and enjoy hiking the pristine forest trails, visiting boardwalk trails, or exploring waterfalls deep in Acadian forests – its a beautiful treasure in the the Atlantic Coast. If your lucky you may even catch a local music performance in the park in the summertime.
If your visiting Alma, then you need to plan to make a trip to Hopewell Rocks. The Hopewell Rocks is a collection of massive rock formations that look like tall flowerpots along the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick, Canada. Sculptured by tidal erosion, the rocks stand between 40 – 70 feet in height and are an iconic New Brunswick landmark. With the extreme tidal range in the Bay of Fundy, you can walk on the ocean floor during low tide; the only place in New Brunswick to walk on the ocean floor without scuba gear or paddle in a kayak as the waters rise up to 12 m or more through the day.
In Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park, there are activities for everyone from families to adventure seekers. Activities include walking on the ocean floor, hiking trails to viewpoints, and kayaking the Bay of Fundy during high tide. Additional park amenities include a playground, gift shop, and an area with picnic tables. With park entry passes valid for two days, you have plenty of time to explore Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park.
Summer is the best time to visit as it provides ideal weather to experience both high and low tide at Hopewell Rocks. The beach is open within the park, and you can walk on the ocean floor with the rocks during low tide. The ocean floor is inaccessible during the winter months, and the open season is limited in spring and fall due to weather; summer is the best time to visit the Hopewell Rocks.
On the Opposite Side of the Bay of Fundy
The Bay of Fundy is one of the best summer locations in Nova Scotia. This area of Nova Scotia has the highest tides in the world, and it is spectacular to see this! There are lots of activities to do in the summer to experience these dramatic tides. There are also lots of great places to go glamping in Nova Scotia.
Tidal Bore Rafting is a great activity to cool off from the summer heat, and a really fun and unique experience in Nova Scotia. Begin your journey by riding in a Zodiac boat down the river looking out for bald eagles, and go swimming and sliding down the mud banks. Then when the tide starts to come in, ride down the river through the high waves.
The Tidal Bore Rafting Resort offers this adventure and has accomodations with a pool and restaurant to relax in afterwards.
Walking on the ocean floor is another incredible way to experience the Bay of Fundy. At Burntcoat Head Park, when the tide is low, walk along the red sand and up close to the islands. The land formations are interesting shapes, and it feels like another world! When the tide starts to come in, watch the water levels rise by up to 50ft and the ocean floor disappear entirely.
Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan
Known as the “Land of the Living Skies”, the prairie province of Saskatchewan is often overlooked as a must-see destination in Canada. However, Saskatchewan is extremely scenic with active sand dunes, golden wheat fields, gorgeous boreal forests, an incredible chain of lakes, with the bonus of having the most unique National Park in Canada.
Grasslands National Parks can be found in Southern Saskatchewan and runs all the way to the US border with Montana. At over 900 square kilometres, the park is huge and definitely a must-see in summer!
What makes Grasslands National Park so special? The park is not only dedicated to preserving prairie grasslands, is home to wildlife that can’t be found anywhere else in the country, but it is also the darkest Dark-Sky Preserve in Canada, making it perfect for summer stargazing. Grasslands National Park is also perfect for camping. With summer temperatures ranging from 15 C (60 F) in May, to the mid-30s C (90-95 F) in July and August (cooler in the evening), it’s actually quite a comfortable experience.
The park has two separate campsites, with options for both front and backcountry camping, as well as several oTENTiks for those who prefer glamping. With hiking and wildlife spotting opportunities available as well, there is plenty to keep busy with at Grasslands National Park.
And be sure to check out the Badlands Parkway. This scenic 11 km road travels along a historic escarpment trail, with westward views across the prairies. Along the way, there are several stops that not only have stunning viewpoints, but also have signs providing a wealth of information about the history, the land, and its peoples.
Looking for that perfect Instagrammable location to document your time at Grasslands? Be sure to search for Parks Canada’s red chairs which can be found along the Badlands Parkway!
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Canada is often known for its frozen winters. Although the country’s winter landscape is a sight to behold, the city of Winnipeg in Manitoba province is an excellent spot for a summer trip. It’s the capital of Manitoba and gets its name from Winnipeg Lake. The general summer climate of this city is warm and humid with lots of sunshine. It’s mainly because of its location in the western part of the country, also known as the Canadian Prairies.
Being a metropolitan city, Winnipeg boasts some architectural wonders. The whole region is beautifully decorated with parks and recreational areas. It’s a fun place for people of all ages. Summers are the best time to explore this up-and-coming travel destination.
The top priority spot on your Winnipeg bucket list must be the Forks. It’s a 6000 years old trading center that holds the glorious history of indigenous people as well as the European settlers. Today, this area also houses a few excellent museums, a beautiful footbridge, and the regular market. Visit the Assiniboine Park Zoo to see polar bears in front of your eyes. It’s a must-visit destination when traveling with kids according to local blogger The Holiday Story. Of all the museums, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights is the most important one. It’s the best place to learn about the history of Canada and its people.
There are many more impressive spots in Winnipeg apart from these few like the Trappist Monastery Ruins, Manitoba Legislative Building, St. Boniface Cathedral, etc. It’s a place with many charms. Traveling the city and checking out its beautiful nooks and corners will make your summer worthwhile.
From Coast to Coast we have found the Best Places to spend your Summer in Canada, especially if you are looking for an outdoor adventure. Canada offers lots of outdoor adventures from hiking, paddling, camping and everything in between however the summer months are the best months to visit Canada due to the warmer weather. We have highlighted one place from each province to make sure we cover the vast country of Canada.
