Holidaying at Home: Some of the Best Places in Canada to Visit

I’ve had the opportunity this year to visit some places in my own backyard: right here in Canada.

Many of us love to travel and while some people may be planning a holiday abroad somewhere, either this year or next, others will be more than happy to explore what’s within our country. With its vast size, Canada is full of interesting and breathtaking places to visit; whether you choose to stay closer to home or venture further afar.

If you’re looking for a city break, some snow-capped experiences or the chance to explore the mesmerizing outdoor scenes, there are plenty of options available within Canada. Here are some of my favourites that I’ve been too, and some, I’ve got on the ‘to do’ list.

Vancouver

Big on sports and culture, Vancouver has a huge number of attractions, no matter what you’re looking for. From museums and markets to taking a stroll through Stanley Park with it’s massive trees, you could easily while away your days here. Of course, the beach is also a popular place to enjoy when the weather is warm, or you could use Vancouver as a pit-stop before heading into the mountains for a skiing break this season.

Victoria & Vancouver Island

It may only be 90 minutes from Vancouver but it will feel like you’re in a completely different world here. Quaint, traditional and heaped with colonial heritage, Victoria has a healthy mix of culture, architecture and picturesque views, while a ferry to Vancouver Island will place you in the middle of wine country, perfect for a day’s wine tasting experience – particularly in Cowichan Valley.

Toronto

Naturally, my favourite of any spot, this city is dripping with culture, entertainment and energy. If there’s a country your keen to explore or try food from, you can most likely find it in one of the many neighbourhoods around North America’s 4th largest city. In the summertime, there are festivals and events nearly every weekend so a dull moment is hard to find. And although the patios close in the winter, there are plenty of things to keep you busy inside from museums, to concerts to cozy cafes.

Whistler

Perfect for a winter getaway, Whistler, a resort on Blackcomb Mountain, is probably the most famous ski destination in North America and a spot I’ve been itching to get to for so long. With year round activities and excellent conditions for skiing and boarding (plus some fabulous villages to explore and après ski to delight in), this ski resort is as much for Canadians as it is for people coming from afar.

Churchill

The Polar Bear Capital of the World has to be included in this sort of list, purely for the opportunity to see these fabulous creatures in the wild. A friend recently took the train their and I’ve been eager to do the same. Whether you’re visiting solely to spot these gracious creatures, or you’re on a mission to spot the beluga whale and the Northern Lights as well, it’s a perfect retreat for a nature-inspired vacation.

Newfoundland

Yes, it’s a bit of mission to get to but there is so much to see and do in Newfoundland. For those who like nature, it’s the place to be. As you go around the province, the scenery changes so much and you can choose between adventurous hiking or simply relaxing by the lake enjoying the fresh air and sunshine. You can check out day one of my Newfoundland road trip which I did recently. It was beyond jaw dropping and I fell in love with the island.

The long and short of it is, you don’t have to head overseas for a worthwhile holiday – take a look at what’s on your doorstep in Canada for your next 2013/14 stint.

Where have you travelled in Canada? Or where would you like to go?