When the summer sun finally stretches its golden rays across Canada, millions of people head for the well-known hot spots like Banff, Niagara Falls, and Vancouver Island. But if you’re seeking an adventure away from tourist-packed trails and long restaurant lines, Canada has countless lesser-known gems that offer all the charm, adventure, and beauty, without the crowds. Whether you’re after wilderness solitude, small-town culture, or lakeside serenity, this list is your guide to a more peaceful Canadian summer getaway.
Tofino’s Quieter Cousin: Ucluelet, British Columbia
Just down the road from Tofino on Vancouver Island, Ucluelet offers rugged coastline, ocean views, and rainforest hikes—minus the swarm of tourists. The Wild Pacific Trail is a highlight, with cliffside paths and thundering surf. Kayaking, whale watching, and exploring tide pools make Ucluelet a haven for nature lovers. Stay in a cozy oceanfront cabin and enjoy the raw beauty of the Pacific Northwest in peace.
Kananaskis Country, Alberta
While Banff and Lake Louise often overflow with visitors, Kananaskis Country, just an hour’s drive from Calgary, remains a wild alpine paradise. Hike scenic routes like the Ptarmigan Cirque or relax at the Nordic Spa. With turquoise lakes, glacier-fed rivers, and mountain peaks, it offers all the drama of the Rockies without the bustle. Perfect for hikers, mountain bikers, and those seeking a quiet retreat in nature.
Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta
Often overshadowed by its more famous siblings, Waterton Lakes offers stunning landscapes with fewer people. Bordering Montana’s Glacier National Park, this UNESCO World Heritage Site features turquoise lakes, wildflower meadows, and roaming wildlife. The town of Waterton is charming and compact, making it ideal for a low-key but adventurous summer escape.
Sunshine Coast, British Columbia
Reachable only by ferry or plane, the Sunshine Coast feels like a world apart. Its calm beaches, artisan communities, and lush hiking trails create the perfect chill-out zone. Explore the trails around Skookumchuck Narrows or kayak the warm waters of Desolation Sound. Summer is a prime time for farmers’ markets and seaside festivals, with a laid-back vibe that’s hard to beat.
The French Shore, Newfoundland and Labrador
The French Shore offers windswept cliffs, tucked-away fishing villages, and deep cultural roots. Unlike Gros Morne, which draws more tourists, this area remains a quiet corner of Newfoundland. Discover historic sites like the French Shore Tapestry or kayak around icebergs off the coast. It’s a place of stunning seascapes and rich history, without the tour bus crowds.
Kejimkujik National Park, Nova Scotia
Kejimkujik (or “Keji” to locals) offers a blend of wilderness and Mi’kmaq heritage. Inland trails, lakes, and rivers invite paddlers, while dark skies reveal breathtaking stars at night. The park’s Seaside adjunct along the Atlantic Coast is a hidden gem where you can stroll among sand dunes and spot seals. Keji is where peace, paddling, and culture meet.
Invermere and the Columbia Valley, British Columbia
Situated between the Purcell and Rocky Mountains, Invermere is perfect for lake days and mountain adventures. Swim or paddle in Lake Windermere, explore the nearby Columbia Wetlands, or hike up to the Toby Creek Canyon. It’s a relaxed, outdoorsy community with hot springs, art galleries, and farm-to-table dining, without the crowds of the Bow Valley.
The Eastern Townships, Quebec
Montrealers know the charm of the Eastern Townships, but it’s still a lesser-known destination for many. Rolling hills, wine country, and historic villages like North Hatley and Sutton offer a pastoral escape. You can cycle the Route Verte, paddle in Lake Memphremagog, or sip local cider under shady maple trees.
Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, Alberta/Saskatchewan
Straddling the Alberta-Saskatchewan border, Cypress Hills rises dramatically from the prairies. Its forests, wildflower meadows, and star-studded skies make it feel like a world apart. Hike to the Head of the Mountain, rent a paddleboard at Elkwater Lake, or simply enjoy the tranquility. With low crowds and high beauty, it’s a hidden prairie treasure.
Pender Island, British Columbia
One of the Gulf Islands, Pender offers peaceful beaches, forested trails, and cozy accommodations. It’s ideal for cycling, sea kayaking, and browsing local artisan shops. Head to Mount Norman for panoramic views or catch the sunset at Mortimer Spit. With a small, welcoming community, it’s a quiet alternative to Salt Spring or Galiano.
Lake Superior Provincial Park, Ontario
Stretching along a wild coastline, Lake Superior Provincial Park is vast, beautiful, and sparsely visited. Camp beside the lake, hike the rugged Coastal Trail, or explore ancient pictographs at Agawa Rock. The beaches are pristine, and the waters icy-blue. If you want to reconnect with nature far from the noise, this is the place.
La Mauricie National Park, Quebec
Located halfway between Montreal and Quebec City, La Mauricie is a natural paradise of rolling hills and endless lakes. Canoeing and hiking are top activities, and the park’s network of trails offers serenity at every turn. Look out for moose in the early morning mist, or paddle out for a sunrise on still water. It’s a tranquil Quebecois retreat.
Fundy Isles, New Brunswick
Campobello, Grand Manan, and Deer Island offer maritime charm and epic views of the Bay of Fundy, without the masses. Grand Manan is known for puffins and rugged cliffs; Campobello is home to Roosevelt’s summer cottage. These islands are accessible by ferry and feel wonderfully off-grid, perfect for slow summer days filled with lobster rolls and beachcombing.
Nipissing and the Mattawa River, Ontario
North of Muskoka’s bustling lakes lies the more peaceful waters of Lake Nipissing and the historic Mattawa River. Paddle routes retrace ancient Indigenous and fur trader paths, while the towns of North Bay and Mattawa offer cozy lodging and cultural attractions. Whether fishing, canoeing, or relaxing lakeside, it’s Ontario cottage country at its calmest.
Val Marie and Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan
For sweeping views and total silence, head to Grasslands National Park near Val Marie. This prairie preserve is home to rare wildlife like bison and black-footed ferrets, and skies so clear you’ll feel part of the galaxy. It’s one of the darkest Dark Sky Preserves in Canada and a paradise for campers and photographers alike.
St. Martins and the Fundy Trail Parkway, New Brunswick
Just outside Saint John, the seaside village of St. Martins offers historic charm and access to the Fundy Trail Parkway. Explore sea caves at low tide or hike clifftop paths with dramatic coastal views. It’s a quieter alternative to Hopewell Rocks, with all the natural drama and less of the crowds.
Cape Breton Highlands’ Less Traveled Trails, Nova Scotia
While parts of the Cabot Trail are well-known, many of Cape Breton Highlands’ trails remain blissfully quiet. Try the Aspy Trail or Fishing Cove for solitude. The surrounding communities like Chéticamp and Pleasant Bay offer authentic Acadian hospitality. Between the ocean cliffs and highland plateaus, you’ll find both beauty and peace.
Atlin, British Columbia
Often called the “Switzerland of the North,” Atlin sits beside a massive glacial lake near the Yukon border. It’s remote, stunning, and far from any tourist route. Artists, adventurers, and those seeking solitude are drawn here. Paddle on Atlin Lake, explore historic mining ruins, or just soak in the awe-inspiring mountain vistas.
The Magdalen Islands, Quebec
Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine offer a windswept Atlantic charm that’s hard to beat. Dunes, cliffs, and red-sand beaches await, with a French-accented culture and seafood that’s second to none. These remote islands take some effort to reach, but the reward is a tranquil maritime escape with a distinct personality.
Fort St. James and Stuart Lake, British Columbia
In Northern BC, Fort St. James offers a dose of history and access to Stuart Lake—a huge, under-the-radar gem. Fish, paddle, or camp along quiet beaches, and explore the Fort St. James National Historic Site. With its boreal backdrop and friendly locals, it’s an unexpected highlight for northern adventurers.
The Pas and Clearwater Lake, Manitoba
In western Manitoba, The Pas is a gateway to some of the province’s clearest waters. Clearwater Lake lives up to its name and is ideal for kayaking, fishing, and swimming. It’s a peaceful wilderness area with ancient caves, limestone cliffs, and forest trails. The experience here is wild, clean, and crowd-free.
Lac La Ronge Provincial Park, Saskatchewan
A northern lake dotted with islands, Lac La Ronge is a canoeing and fishing paradise. This vast wilderness area includes ancient Indigenous rock art, waterfalls, and boreal forests. It’s a place for true adventurers who want to experience the solitude and silence of northern Saskatchewan.
Eagle Lake, Ontario
Just southwest of Dryden, Eagle Lake is a tranquil wilderness escape. With hundreds of islands, excellent fishing, and cozy lodges, it’s a quiet alternative to Ontario’s busier lake destinations. Bring a kayak, cast a line, or simply sit back and listen to the loons. It’s classic Canadian summer—without the noise.
22 Times Canadian Ingenuity Left the U.S. in the Dust
When people think of innovation, they often picture Silicon Valley. However, Canada has a history of innovation, too. Whether it’s redefining sports, revolutionizing medicine, or just showing America up at its own game, Canadian inventors, thinkers, and dreamers have had their fair share of mic-drop moments. Here are 22 times Canadian ingenuity left the U.S. in the dust.
22 Times Canadian Ingenuity Left the U.S. in the Dust
