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Canada is big – as in world’s-second largest-country big. Stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific and up to the Arctic, this vast country touches three oceans and offers an incredible range of landscapes, from desert canyons to high-Arctic islands.
Thinking about your next summer trip? While a classic European summer will always be tempting, many of our clients who have already explored the major destinations across Europe are starting to look somewhere new. Canada is quickly becoming a top choice – offering dramatic scenery, vibrant cities, incredible food, and outdoor adventure. Consider this your Canadian summer inspiration as we explore some of our favorite places from coast to coast.
Exploring Eastern Canada
Known for its rugged natural beauty, rich history and charming historic cities, Eastern Canada sits right above New England and is just a short flight or drive away from many US cities.
Quebec City
Start your trip off in Quebec City, a walled city that is one of the oldest European settlements in North America. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, Old Québec is the most intact fortified town north of Mexico, retaining its colonial architecture for over 400 years. It is the historic and cultural heart of Québec City, and the birthplace of French North America. The French-speaking city is home to a celebrated arts and antiques scene. Stay at the Auberge Saint-Aintoine, one of the world’s unique Museum Hotels, or the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, said to be the most photographed hotel in the world.
North Hatley, Quebec
From there, travel to another gem of the Quebec province, Manoir Hovey. Located on Lake Massawippi in North Hatley, Québec, Manoir Hovey is frequently named the best resort in Canada. This destination appeals to visitors who yearn for simpler times, when a vacation called for a charming country house on a lake with fresh air and fabulous food. Guests are able to enjoy the resort’s private beach or book a guided tour in the Eastern Townships to meet award-winning winemakers and explore hidden gems, such as a Benedictine monastery or a perfumery with handcrafted scents.
Labrador & Newfoundland
After exploring inland, we are ready to head to the quaint fishing villages of the coast. In late May and early June, a parade of 10,000-year-old icebergs cruise along Iceberg Alley, the area between the coast of Labrador and the northeast tip of Newfoundland – a rare natural beauty you can’t find anywhere else. The Fogo Island Inn is an iconic property and a perfect homebase for all that the area has to offer. Fogo Island Inn sits on an island, off an island, at one of the four corners of the Earth. Situated along Iceberg Alley, all 29 rooms feature floor-to-ceiling views of the North Atlantic Ocean. The island has seven seasons, and its still-wild world has caribou to track, hills of berries to forage, nature trails to explore, and countless birds and marine species to behold.
Nova Scotia
Last but not least, Nova Scotia is home to some of the most beautiful coastal landscapes in the world and some of the best seafood, namely Atlantic lobster and mussels. One of the world’s most beautiful drives, and a reason to travel to Nova Scotia in itself, Cabot Trail is the best way to experience the natural beauty of the Cape Breton Highlands. Fly into Halifax and start your trip at the Muir, situated on a spectacular waterfront location with ocean access, unprecedented in the region. From there, travel to Nova Scotia’s scenic Northumberland Shore and stay at the five-star Fox Harb’r Resort. Partake in a traditional lobster boil following a wine tasting in the resort’s private vineyard. Tee off the brand-new Ocean Nine designed by Doug Carrick and Tom McBroom. Afterwards, take a few laps in the junior Olympic-sized pool – or a few miles around the Lodge Wooded Trail.
Exploring Western Canada
As you head west across the country, Canada begins to feel completely different. For many of our clients who have loved destinations like New Zealand, Argentina, or Chile, Western Canada often becomes the next place on their list. The landscapes here are just as dramatic – from the rugged Pacific coastline of British Columbia to the turquoise lakes of the Canadian Rockies and the vast wilderness stretching into the Yukon. British Columbia in particular sits high on our personal travel bucket list for its incredible nature, hiking, coastal beauty, and the sense of privacy and peacefulness found in its remote wilderness lodges.
British Columbia
British Columbia is known for its rugged coastline, ancient rainforests, and some of the most spectacular wilderness lodges in North America. One of our favorite newer properties is Fawn Bluff, a fully serviced private lodge set on 340 acres of wilderness. With a main house and lake cabin overlooking Leask Lake, it’s perfect for families or groups seeking privacy in a stunning natural setting.
Another standout is Sonora Resort, accessible only by helicopter or seaplane from Vancouver. Set within a remote archipelago on Canada’s rugged west coast, the journey there is part of the experience. Our clients enjoy world-class salmon fishing, wildlife viewing, and guided adventures through ancient rainforests where whales, bears, and bald eagles are often spotted.
On Vancouver Island, we also love The Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino, where guests can watch waves crash along the Pacific while enjoying the relaxed culture of this coastal town. Nearby, Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge offers a truly unique stay with luxury safari-style tents set within 600 acres of protected wilderness, where ocean, forest, and wildlife surround you. We especially love this property for its intimate, remote feel – guests arrive by seaplane after flying into Vancouver, making the journey part of the experience.
The Canadian Rockies: Banff, Lake Louise & Jasper
The Canadian Rockies are home to some of the most iconic scenery in North America: dramatic peaks, glacier-fed lakes, and landscapes that feel almost unreal in person. Banff National Park, Canada’s oldest national park, is filled with dramatic peaks and stunning lakes, including the famous Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. The historic Fairmont Banff Springs, often called the “Castle in the Rockies,” is one of the most iconic places to stay and a beautiful base for exploring the park. Just up the road, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise sits directly on the lake and offers easy access to hiking, canoeing, and incredible mountain views. For a more intimate stay, the Post Hotel & Spa, a Relais & Châteaux property recently awarded a MICHELIN Key, is another favorite.
Farther north, Jasper National Park offers quieter wilderness and some of the best stargazing in the world. At Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, guests stay in cozy cabins surrounded by forest and lakes – the perfect place to experience Jasper’s famous dark skies.
Yukon
For travelers seeking a true wilderness experience, the Yukon offers incredible scale and solitude. Larger than California yet mostly uninhabited, the territory is known for its glaciers, mountains, and wide-open landscapes. Winter brings dogsledding, snowmobiling, and northern lights viewing, while summer’s long daylight hours are perfect for hiking and scenic exploration. Many travelers begin in Whitehorse, located beneath the aurora oval – one of the best places on Earth to see the northern lights. Some of our clients combine the Yukon with Alaska on a unique land-and-sea journey, cruising from Vancouver to Skagway before traveling inland through Whitehorse and historic Dawson City, then flying to Fairbanks to visit Denali National Park before finishing in Anchorage.
The Best of Both Coasts
Together, Eastern and Western Canada offer an incredible range of experiences: from vibrant cities, culture, and history in the east to dramatic mountains, coastal wilderness, and wide-open landscapes in the west. Whether you’re drawn to charming towns and culinary scenes or iconic national parks and wildlife encounters, Canada offers something for every kind of traveler. We’d love to help you design an itinerary that brings the best of both regions together.
