Places to Visit in Canada 🇨🇦 This Summer.

Planning a summer trip around Canada? These are some of my favourite places we’ve visited as a family — plus a few that are still on our list. Whether you’re into charming towns, outdoor adventures, or just a great patio brunch, here’s what I’d recommend…

Muskoka, Ontario

We stayed at the JW Marriott in Rosseau, and it was amazing! The resort has so much for everyone — indoor/outdoor pools, a nice beach, clean rooms, and amazing food. The kids had a blast with the activities (and honestly, so did we). There’s nothing like waking up to a lake view with coffee in hand.

Muskoka is perfect if you love being near the water. It’s known for its 1,600+ lakes — think Lake Joseph, Lake Muskoka, and Lake Rosseau — and it's ideal for hiking, swimming, paddleboarding, and just soaking up that classic cottage-country vibe.

Where to Stay:

• JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka – Lakeside luxury with spa, pools, and fine dining.
• Touchstone Resort – Upscale suites with private beaches on Lake Muskoka.

Foodie Picks:

• Tall Trees Muskoka – Fine dining in a charming cottage-style space.
• That Little Place by the Lights - Relaxed, family-owned restaurant serving pizza & homemade pasta, plus gelato & espresso.

 

Prince Edward Island (PEI)

We visited PEI a few summers ago, and it was so beautiful. The beaches are soft and red, and there’s this one beach with “singing sand” that actually squeaks when you walk on it — the kids loved that!

We stopped for COWS ice cream, which was worth the hype, and spent a full day exploring Green Gables and the museum. If you’re a farmers’ market lover like I am, you’ll love the local food scene. And Charlottetown has this cozy, small-town feel but with lots of live music and fun energy.

(Fun fact: my husband’s family is somehow related to Sir Charles Tupper, one of Canada’s Fathers of Confederation. We haven’t figured out the exact connection, but it adds a fun twist to exploring Canada’s history!)

Where to Stay:

• Mysa Nordic Spa & Resort – St. Peters Bay
  A serene retreat offering a blend of luxury accommodations and a full Nordic spa experience. Guests can enjoy sea views and rejuvenating spa treatments.
• Sydney Boutique Inn & Suites
  Located in downtown Charlottetown, this inn combines historic charm with modern luxury, offering spacious suites and top-tier amenities.

Foodie Picks:

• Blue Mussel Café – Local seafood on the wharf in North Rustico.
• Slaymaker & Nichols Gastro House – Charlottetown - This upscale gastropub offers inventive dishes that blend traditional flavors with modern twists, such as lobster rolls with chilies and radishes, and Atlantic salmon topped with spicy aji verde dressing.

 

 

Nova Scotia

We stayed in Halifax and Lunenburg, and both places were incredible. Lunenburg especially stole our hearts — it’s this beautiful seaside town with colourful buildings, historic boats, and great restaurants. We visited a local distillery there and had one of the best lunches of our trip.

We didn’t get to drive the Cabot Trail yet, but it’s high on our list. Everyone says it’s one of the most scenic road trips in the world.

Also, the Bay of Fundy is unforgettable — the tides there can rise over 50 feet, which is the highest in the world! You can actually walk on the ocean floor and then watch it fill up with water just hours later.

Where to Stay:

• The Sutton Place Hotel Halifax – A modern hotel located in the heart of downtown Halifax, providing upscale accommodations and easy access to city attractions.
• Muir, Autograph Collection – A luxury hotel offering sophisticated design and amenities, including the acclaimed Mystic restaurant.

Foodie Picks:

• The Beach Pea Kitchen & Bar – A bright and airy restaurant in Lunenburg, known for its fresh seafood dishes like grilled octopus and a welcoming atmosphere.
• L’Abri Café – Located in Cape Breton, L’Abri is renowned for its elevated menu and charming ambiance, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts.

Québec City, Québec

Québec City has such a magical, European feel to it. We’ve visited in both summer and winter, and honestly, every season has its own charm. The stone streets, the old city walls, and Château Frontenac make you feel like you’re in a fairy tale.

We had brunch on a patio right outside the château, then wandered through shops and little bakeries — all walking distance. This is one of those places I’d happily return to again and again (and I’ve already picked out a few Lemonberry dresses I need to wear there this summer).

Where to Stay:

• Fairmont Le Château Frontenac – Iconic castle hotel.

• Auberge Saint-Antoine – Relais & Châteaux charm in Old Port.

• Hotel Le Germain Quebec – Modern, upscale boutique stay.

Foodie Picks:

• Chez Muffy – Farm-to-table with French flair.
• Cochon Dingue -  Your Québécois bistro! Since 1979. Here, we make a big deal out of it and butter it up thick. A totally delicious experience

 

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

We’ve been here many times — it’s one of our go-to weekend spots. The wineries are beautiful (wine tours are such a fun way to spend an afternoon), and Queen Street is full of little shops and restaurants. You can grab an iced coffee, stroll through the gardens, and just enjoy the small-town charm.

For whatever reason, my husband always hunts down these licorice root sticks here — no idea why, but it’s become his tradition. 😂

And it’s just a short drive to Niagara Falls, which is also worth staying a night or two!

Where to Stay:

• Pillar and Post Inn & Spa – Country-chic with outdoor hot springs.
• 124 on Queen Hotel & Spa – Boutique luxury with a full-service spa.

Foodie Picks:

• NOTL Bar & Restauant - Chic lounge-style restaurant and bar in beautiful Niagara-on-the-Lake.
• Treadwell Cuisine – Locally sourced fine dining.

 

Kingston, Ontario

Another favourite! We’ve been to Kingston a few times and always end up strolling Princess Street, checking out local shops and restaurants. There’s a really fun mix of students, tourists, and locals that gives the city a great energy.

We haven’t explored the Thousand Islands yet — but it’s definitely on our list. That part of the St. Lawrence River is supposed to be stunning, especially in summer with all the boat tours and little island getaways.

Where to Stay:

• The Ivy Lea Club – Elegant, waterside dining and accommodations.
• The Smith Hotel -  It’s a beautiful contemporary conversion of a historic building into a stylish urban lodging.

Foodie Picks: 

• Dianne's - Upbeat restaurant featuring Mexican-inspired seafood & BBQ fare, plus a full bar with margaritas.
• Juniper Cafe - Nestled within the Tett Centre, Juniper Cafe on King St boasts stunning views of Lake Ontario and is a charming spot for a relaxed yet delectable brunch or lunch date. 

 

Banff National Park, Alberta

We haven’t been here yet, but it’s high on our travel list — especially in the summer when the lakes turn that iconic turquoise colour.

Between Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and the Icefields Parkway, it just looks like the ultimate summer adventure. If you’re into hiking, canoeing, or just soaking in spa views from a fancy hotel, Banff seems like the place to be.

Where to Stay:

• Fairmont Banff Springs – “The Castle in the Rockies” with a world-class spa.

• Rimrock Resort Hotel – Elegant mountain views and fine dining.

Foodie Picks:

• Three Ravens Restaurant & Wine Bar – Locally inspired fine dining with mountain views.
• Block Kitchen + Bar – Trendy and creative small plates.

 

Lake Superior, Ontario

This is another one that’s still on our radar. The Lake Superior Circle Tour looks amazing — a mix of scenic highways, cliffs, and clear water. It’s perfect for a longer road trip and has that rugged, wild feeling that’s so different from southern Ontario.

Dome Glamping:

• Sunnd Eco Resort – Near Thunder Bay, Ontario - Sunnd Eco Resort provides Scandinavian-inspired geodesic domes nestled in the woods with private lake access. Each dome features a wood-fired hot tub, eco-friendly design, and a cozy interior, offering a tranquil retreat in the heart of the Canadian Shield.
• Yurt It Up North – Rossport, Ontario - Situated in Rossport, Yurt It Up North offers deluxe private yurts overlooking Lake Superior. Guests can enjoy amenities like a private sauna and breathtaking lakeside views, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and nature appreciation.

 

Tofino, British Columbia

We haven’t made it to B.C. yet, but Tofino is definitely on the bucket list. I’ve heard it’s great for surfing (as if we are going to do that), beach bonfires (we'll do that!), and cozy cabins by the sea (and definitely that).

If you’ve been, tell me what you loved — I’m already dreaming of yoga by the ocean and maybe even whale watching one day.

Where to Stay:

• Wickaninnish Inn – Luxury eco-resort on Chesterman Beach.

• Pacific Sands Beach Resort – Oceanfront suites and surf-friendly vibes.

• Tofino Resort + Marina – Modern, waterfront, adventure-ready.

Foodie Picks:

• Wolf in the Fog – Award-winning West Coast cuisine.

• Tacofino – Iconic fish tacos from a surf-town food truck.

 

What to Pack for Your Canadian Adventure

Not sure what to wear while exploring Banff, lounging lakeside in Muskoka, or strolling the charming streets of Quebec City? We’ve got you covered.
Check out our curated Travel Collection – full of effortless styles perfect for summer escapes, road trips, and everything in between.

 

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Let me know where you're headed!

Have you been to any of these places? Are they on your summer travel list too? I’d love to hear what your favourite Canadian destinations are — or if you’ve got any family traditions or go-to stops (especially if they involve licorice root sticks ).

We’re planning a couple of little trips this year — maybe Québec City again, and hopefully Kingston and the Thousand Islands. I’ll pack a few Lemonberry dresses either way!