Travel
14 Fabulous Destinations To Visit In Canada In 2022
Based on our latest survey, the State of Travel survey, Canada is on the top of travelers’ lists for 2022. It comes 2nd after Italy. We thought we’d ask the Canadian writers what they think of traveling this year. Beginning from British Columbia and going east up to New Brunswick, here are some amazing places that our writers from the area recommended.
1: Sunshine Coast, British Columbia
“Canada’s Sunshine Coast is a popular spot for locals to enjoy a relaxing vacation,” Mary Charleson from North Vancouver tells us. A scenic drive along the seaside north of Vancouver and the relaxed coast can be reached by ferry service from Horseshoe Bay to Langdale. “Dotted with cabins and beaches and cabins, it is home to a variety of third-generation remote workers and residents scattered across Gibsons, Sechelt, and Pender Harbour.”
Davis Bay
Charleson suggests visiting Desolation Sound with a chartered sailboat and visiting Davis Bay.
“Just to the north of Roberts Creek, but south of Sechelt, The tiny village is a notch above the rest with its ocean-side boardwalk, Pier, and some fantastic ocean-view dining options. Try the Wobbly Canoe or The Porch Restaurant. Bring your kayak or SUP and launch it from the public beach for a fun time with the locals as sunset approaches,” she suggests.
Pender Harbour
With fewer than 3,000 inhabitants, The tiny village of Pender Harbour is another Sunshine Coast hidden gem Charleson recommends.
“Pender Harbour is just an hour away from Langdale and is far enough from Vancouver to be charmingly undeveloped. The region, which is sometimes referred to as “Venice of North,” comprises smaller hamlets such as Madeira Park, Francis Peninsula, Garden Bay, and Irving’s. Landing and Daniel Point are all more easily connected via water than roads and are the way that the majority of residents get around because of the sloping shoreline. It’s also a popular place to stock up for boaters heading towards Desolation Sound,” according to Charleson.
2: Salt Spring Island, British Columbia
” Salt Spring Island’s amazing natural beauty includes old-growth forests, mountains, beaches, parks, and inland lakes,” states Winnipeg local Donna Janke. “Breathtaking landscapes greet you everywhere, whether you’re hiking in the woods, participating in an aquatic activity, or strolling along the beach and watching wildlife from the ocean.
“The 70-square-mile-island, located between mainland British Columbia and Vancouver Island on Canada’s west coast, is known for its organic farms, artists and artisans, healers, hippies of all ages, and a laidback atmosphere,” Janke says. “Roadside farm stands dot country roads. The island is home to wineries, cideries, a craft brewery, and a distillery with a unique style and a cheesemaker.
“A Self-guided Artist Studio Tour Map guides you to more than 20 studios on the island. Art and artisanal food are featured in the renowned Sunday Salt Spring Island Market. Salt Spring Island is both rustic and cultured. You will feel your entire body relax once you get out of the boat and onto this island.”
3: Vancouver, British Columbia
Although she lives in Arizona, Cindy Barks often visits her daughter and son-in-law in Vancouver.
“I am never able to be satisfied with the city’s amazing sea views, historical urban streets, and its amazing diverse cuisine scene. While I’ve visited several times in the last few years, I can always stumble across a new interesting thing about Vancouver that is a complete surprise to me,” remarks Barks.
“From authentic Asian food on the Dumpling Trail in neighboring Richmond to the smoked salmon and fresh-fruit offerings on the charming Granville Island to the wonderful Italian and seafood restaurants in trendy Yaletown, Vancouver boasts world-class food.
“Then obviously, it’s Vancouver’s Pacific Coast location, which can be used for a range of fantastic outdoor activities, from beach gatherings in Kitsilano Beach to hiking and cycling through the Seawall in Stanley Park. Although I’ve been to Vancouver in all seasons, September is my absolute favorite month in Vancouver due to the warm sun, bright days, and fewer crowds.
“Certainly, Vancouver is one of those cities that attract visitors repeatedly. I’m looking forward to returning in 2022.”
Are you thinking of going to British Columbia? Please take a look at her pandemic-times-of-the-world account of the experience of travel around British Columbia.
“There are better locations to stay in your house,” was a familiar quote from Charleson’s friends and fellow Vancouverites who had to spend their holidays near home. “Many of us have rediscovered the sights that many people year-round begging to see but with a different pair of eyes,” she says.
Charleson is also a proponent of walking, running, or biking the Stanley Park’s 10-kilometer seawall loop. Charleson’s local informs us that the tour is “best scheduled around the clock from downtown to enjoy English Bay at sunset or via bicycle or on to the Westside and the North Shore for an additional exercise.”
If you’re not afraid to do exercising, Charleson suggests skipping the tram and walking through The Grind, a 2.9-kilometer hike up Grouse Mountain. According to Charleson, it’s been dubbed “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster,” numerous locals take advantage of it as a low-cost alternative for gym memberships. She suggests that the steep 800-meter climb, which is just short of 3,000 steps, is “best timed to be done at sunset over the city, or in the early morning if you’re hardcore. The Skyride ticket is available at the top of the stairs for your return.”
4: Whistler, British Columbia
Whistler is Canada’s most renowned ski resort and an international destination for winter sports. It’s also an ideal summer destination for mountain biking, hiking, golfing, and freshwater lake resort.
Charleson is located in Whistler all year long, and she offers some great experiences on the island that visitors should not overlook. “As an area resident and only a 1.5-hour drive away from Vancouver, we often think that we have access for granted.”
Callaghan Valley
“The Whistler Olympic Park is the final stop along the 30-minute drive across the stunning mountain valley accessible to the south of Whistler on The Sea to Sky Highway. It was built to host Nordic events at the 2010 Winter Olympics; the area has more than 120 km of snowshoe and ski trails, and hiking trails during the summer.
Joffre Lakes Provincial Park
“Pemberton is located 33 kilometers north of Whistler and 35-kilometers east of town. Accessible via the challenging and twisting Duffey Lake Road, you’ll find three glacier-fed lakes and Mount Currie. Joffre Lakes Provincial Park is where locals get away from the tourists of Whistler!” says the Vancouver native.
5: The Canadian Rockies World Heritage Site
Like Barks, Carol Colborn lives in Arizona but has relatives in Canada. She suggests visiting Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that comprises “Kootenay and Yoho National Parks and not only Banff but also Jasper, the states below, she outlines the best itinerary.
Kootenay National Park
“From Banff, Kootenay is right after the famous Continental Divide sign. You will then see the breathtaking Marble Canyon Paint Pots and Numa Falls. You should visit Numa Falls and the Kootenay Valley Viewpoint to get the best views. Once you reach your destination, the Sinclair Canyon, you will be able to see a stunning view of Columbia Valley.”
Yoho National Park
“At 507 square miles, Yoho is one of four. Yoho’s Visitor Center is located in the tiny city of Field, BC, inside the park. Follow the Emerald Lake Road to the Natural Bridge, an impressive natural rock formation that stretches the course from the Kicking Horse River. Near the end of the road is the beautiful Emerald Lake, the largest of Yoho’s lakes and ponds. Emerald Lake Lodge is ideal for spending a bit longer, particularly during July, when it’s snow-free, and wildflowers are abundant.”
GOLDEN HOUR LANDSCAPE REFLECTION OF THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS IN THE COLUMBIA WETLANDS NEAR INVERMERE, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA (PHOTO CREDIT: SHAWNA AND DAMIEN RICHARD / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM)
6: The Columbia Valley Of British Columbia
Colborn also suggests visiting Colborn to check out the Columbia Valley of British Columbia west of Kootenay.
“From Sinclair Canyon in Kootenay, The town of Radium located in Columbia Valley will greet you first. Stop by the Visitor Information Center, and you could spot some bighorn sheep who have made the town their home. They waited to get photographed by two brand new and enthusiastic visitors while we visited!” she recalls.
Radium Hot Springs
“There is a hot spa with two springs within the Valley: Fairmont and Radium,” says Colborn, who has visited the second since close to her hotel.
One of the most welcoming townships within Canada, Radium is “named for the radioactive component known as radon, which was previously believed to have curative properties,” details Colborn. Colborn says that even though there are tiny traces of radon in the springs, there would be no dangers for a half-hour of exposure if you decide to swim in the well-known Radium Hot Springs pools. Colborn suggests that you “soak into the hot pool first, then take a dip in the cold pool, and then the Plunge Pool that is closer to the source in just about 30 mins.”
Invermere
The stunning Windermere Lake, pretty Invermere, is the heart of the valley, according to Colborn. “Even the road that runs through it is charming, with fascinating views of mountain goats, white-lined red churches, and fields filled with dandelions,” Colborn writes.
7: Golden, British Columbia
“Golden is only 105 kilometers to the north of Radium which is also the Western entrance towards Yoho National Park,” Colborn says of her next suggestion. “Its heritage is tied to the historic Canadian Pacific Railway and the development of the timber industry. The city was developed around the stunning intersection of the Columbia and the Kicking Horse Rivers. Two other mountain ranges apart from the Canadian Rockies encircle the town. The natural beauty has contributed to tourism growth in this city.”
Above is Golden’s gorgeous artificial landmark. It is located in the middle of town. The breathtaking pedestrian bridge known as the Kicking Horse is the longest timber frame freestanding bridge in Canada.
8: Waterton, Alberta
“Sitting within Waterton Lakes National Park, Waterton, Alberta is a hamlet with around 100 people,” Colborn says of her final suggestion for a Canadian area. “Summer is the perfect season to go. However, the downtown area gets crowded, and parking can be difficult to locate. There are plenty of excellent local restaurants, including amazing chocolate shops and the well-known Beaver Tails dessert.
“At the end of town, there is a well-equipped playground for children, with the magnificent Canadian Rockies as the backdrop. A few blocks away from the park, you’ll see the superb Cameron Falls. It naturally turns pink following an intense rainfall, when the dark red sediment — called argillite is released from the bedrock billions of years old.
“But it’s the four-square-mile Waterton Lake that is the town’s main beach area. The part portion of Upper Waterton Lake lies in the U.S., part of the Glacier National Park. An International Cruise to Waterton is a trip to both parks, and the relationship is honored in an event called the International Peace Park located in the town’s center.”
9: Drumheller And The Alberta Badlands
Jill Browne lives in Calgary, Alberta, not far from Banff National Park. She advises visiting Drumheller and the Alberta Badlands to see Dinosaurs and Unearthly Landscapes.
” The Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology, located in Drumheller, Alberta, about an hour and a half drive to the north-east of Calgary, demonstrates the research of old-fashioned life wonderfully and thrillingly. Children love the gigantic dinosaur skeletons. “Who wouldn’t?” she says. “My favorite attraction is underwater life in Burgess Shale. The creatures from fifty million years ago have been recreated at 12 times the size of a human with full color.
“The terrain surrounding Drumheller is known as”The Badlands. Erosion has created eerie shapes called hoodoos. These gorgeous sandstone pillars with hues of buff, red, black, and brown appear stunning in the light of the sun’s setting. Bleriot Ferry Bleriot Ferry provides a no-cost and very brief ride along the Red Deer River in the summertime. In Horseshoe Canyon, you get the best view of the river as you wander across the hoodoos.
“Beware. Be careful – it can be very slippery when it’s wet. It’s open throughout the year but is closed on Mondays.” Browne warns. Browne.
10: St. Claude, Manitoba
According to Browne, the town has around 600 people; St. Claude is “a tiny part of France located in Manitoba,” according to Browne. The city is situated 40 km (25 miles) south of Portage La Prairie; St. Claude can be an intriguing stop along an inter-Canada drive.
“Why do you have a huge statue of pipe tobacco within the parks?” asks Browne. “Because most 1890s settlers were to the Jura region in France known for its pipe-making. With the letters ‘Canada’ and France, an image of French commander Marshal Foch tops the 1921 cenotaph. It is guarded by a statue depicting a Canadian and the remains of a French First World War soldier.”
“A small shrine is located in an oak forest close. I’ve heard about how St. Claude celebrates Bastille Day with a genuine commitment. In the mid-1960s, the renowned architect Etienne Gaboury was the architect of his Roman Catholic church, one of the first to react to the fundamental doctrines of Vatican II. It’s worth looking at. I was at The Gaol Museum but didn’t make it to the main attraction, the Dairy Museum — another time,” she says.
11: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Donna Janke recommends visiting her hometown of Winnipeg, Manitoba.
“My house is in a multi-cultural city with historic neighborhoods and an active culture and arts scene, intriguing architecture, and a welcoming, friendly spirit. The world’s top museums are the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and the Manitoba Museum. Qaumajuq is home to the world’s largest collections of Inuit art.
“A central historic district boasts galleries, restaurants, boutique shopping, entertainment, and North America’s largest and best-preserved collection of turn-of-the-twentieth-century buildings,” Janke says. “The District is also the central point for the many Winnipeg summer events. St. Boniface, Winnipeg’s French Quarter, is home to the French Canadian culture and is the biggest winter festival in Western Canada. Public art and murals can be located throughout the city. An underwater polar bear viewing station in the zoo is well-loved by locals and tourists. The city is home to several craft breweries and a wide variety of excellent eateries. The city is situated near the central region of Canada. The urban city is cosmopolitan yet has a rural feeling.”
12: Georgian Bay In Ontario
“Try the southern part of Georgian Bay for the fall Fresh-picked apples and colors,” Browne recommends. “About half an hour half to the north of Toronto. The shoreline is Georgian Bay has the perfect conditions for the growth of apples. You can reach it via interstate with two lanes and stay clear of Highway 400 (and anything else beginning with 4) for a relaxing tour. Your goal is the stretch of the ON-26 highway between Owen Sound and Collingwood.
“Aim to have a date that is around the time of October. The stands for fruit will be selling freshly picked apples, and nothing is better tasting than fresh apples. Explore the heart of the orchard countryside around Meaford, Thornbury, and Clarksburg. Fruit stands abound.
“The views from the top of “the mountain’ – also known as the Niagara Escarpment – are spectacular. Take in the autumn colors, then make your apple pie.
“You can make this one-day trip or an entire weekend. The towns are easily accessible, with many restaurants and lodging alternatives. Make sure to bring a warm jacket even though you won’t need this,” she suggests.
13: The Taj Mahal (Also Known As Foster Memorial Ontario)
“I nearly ran off the road when I looked at that,” Browne tells us. “It truly is a tiny Taj Mahal that is not constructed of white marble with gleaming luster and not located in India; however, it is remarkable. In a world of traditional old red brick Victorian churches with steeples and Gothic elements, A dome with mini-minarets stands out. The way it was intended to. The 1930s were when the then Toronto mayor Toronto, Thomas Foster (1852-1945), was looking for a memorial for his daughter and wife. A frequent traveler, he wished for something that resembled the Taj Mahal, and the Taj Mahal appeared.
“Now, The Foster Memorial is used as a concert venue. The interior is decorated with stained glass mosaics, and the overall look is simply stunning. The memorial is located north of Toronto in the area between Uxbridge and Leaskdale at Concession Road 7. Nearby is also the former residence of the famed author of Anne of Green Gables, Lucy Maud Montgomery. For more information about both, visit the website Discover Uxbridge,” she suggests.
14: Fredericton, New Brunswick
Fredericton, New Brunswick, is the top pick of Ottowa-based writer Vanessa Chiasson’s Canadian travel list. “I had a few days in the summer of 2021 and fell in love with him. I had already planned my return before the conclusion on my very first date! The capital city of the province is a city with a university, and the whole town benefits from the energy of the youth. The city has ten microbreweries located in the town — about one for every 5,400that’s why it has earned Fredericton the name of Atlantic Canadian’s Brewing Capital. Hip coffee shops that wouldn’t be unusual in Melbourne. There are numerous shops downtown. There are also many restaurants and galleries, museums, and even fun shops.
“It’s an ideal location for walkers. I was amazed by the sheer number of people walking, jogging, and cycling over the old railway bridge converted into a walkway for pedestrians. I am awestruck by the variety of lodging options (my preference is at the Crown Plaza on the waterfront) and that the city is easily accessible — Bangor, Maine, and Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island is, within three hours of each other.”