Amazing Canadian vacation destinations you need to visit this summer

There's no better time to explore Canada than right now! There are so many outstanding destinations right in our own backyard, and today National Geographic Travel Contributing Editor Heather Greenwood-Davis  highlighted some of the very best. Visit any of these spots and this summer will be one to remember.

Check out these gorgeous locations and attractions below, and be sure to watch the video above for expert tips from Heather!

BRITISH COLUMBIA

RICHMOND, B.C.

The new Versante Hotel is scheduled to open in July. It’s on average less than 10 minutes from the Vancouver airport, but this is not an “airport hotel.” It is going to be Richmond’s first luxury boutique hotel and it is a beauty. Inside, you’ll find a gorgeous property with handcrafted rugs and a custom pink reception pod. The hotel’s 100 luxurious guest rooms and suites come in five bold designs, each evoking a distinct personality. Expect floor to ceiling windows, spa bathrooms with freestanding soaker tubs and Peloton bikes in the fitness center. Richmond is known for its incredible cuisine and the hotel won’t disappoint there either. BRUNO, the hotel’s Mediterranean themed restaurant and Bar will offer up Mediterranean cuisine while Alaia – the rooftop lounge – will be the spot to be at the end of the day. 

DUMPLING TRAIL

When you’re ready for your nature fix you can take your eating on the road with the Dumpling Trail. The trail is actually more of a list of popular authentic Asian dumpling spots across the area and it is your guide to the best places to nosh, whether you’re looking for grab and go snacks or sit down spots. This is your chance to feast. A lot of these spots also offer more than just dumplings so you could in theory round out your meal, although no one would fault you for gorging on an all-dumpling bonanza.

B.C. BIRD TRAIL

You can head out for a nature walk on the BC Bird Trail! Birding has become extremely popular during the lockdowns, so this collection of spots with tips on Indigenous connections to the lands you’re exploring and information on which birds you should look out for is perfect whether you’re a novice or an expert. Just hop online at bcbirdtrail.ca, pick the location that works best with your itinerary and head out with your binoculars and comfy footwear.

YUKON

In the Yukon, check out Mount Logan Lodge. It’s a great spot in the winter but they’ve recently added some new features and would be equally impressive in the summer. Located just outside of Haines Junction, Mount Logan EcoLodge boasts stunning views of Kluane National Park and Reserve. The property offers three well-appointed guest rooms, a 4-person yurt (complete with skylight for aurora viewing), and a Gold Rush-era cabin.

A “Yukon-glam” wall tent will open in July. With two-levels and interior timber beams, the tent is well-insulated and also features a woodstove. A loft space is equipped with a queen bed. The main floor space includes a sofa bed, a compost toilet, along with a simple kitchen with a fridge and two-burner stove. Bonus: there is electricity. The tent will be decorated in “Yukon-glam” style, with a big focus on comfort and coziness. The lodge’s meditation and yoga room provide a place to reflect and reconnect, while its Finnish barrel-style sauna and outdoor hot tub (open 24-hours for guests’ use) offer relaxation and rejuvenation. In addition, Yukon Guided Adventures offers summer activities such as fishing and kayaking excursions on nearby Pine Lake, guided hiking in Kluane National Park, and yoga at the lodge. Also new this year: electric fat bike tours in the majestic Alsek Valley.

ALBERTA

SAWRIDGE INN

Staying at the Sawridge Inn and Conference Centre puts you in an affordable property layered with indigenous design and breathtaking views of the Canadian Rockies. Plus, you’re close to all the beauty and adventure of the park including great perks like an on-site spa, heated pool with jacuzzi and a steam room. Pet parents will love that you can also pack your pooch! The Sawridge Inn is dog friendly.

MORRO CANYON

When you’re ready for an adventure, Morro Canyon is calling. Rocky Mountain Canyoning offers a six-hour day trip that is a great family outing and offers the kind of up-close exploration and incredible vistas that very few people usually have the opportunity to see. As long as you’re moderately fit, you’ll be able to tackle this 1.5-hour hike and you’ll want to make sure everyone in your group is keen on the eight rappels that happen – the longest is about 15 metres – but if so you’re in for an adventure.

ONTARIO

WHISPERING SPRINGS

Often, people from Ontario don’t take advantage of the things that are just outside the city. Case in point: Whispering Springs. This getaway in Northumberland County is the area’s first luxury glamping experience – which you know is the closest I tend to come to roughing it. They even have tree house tents! Their Glamping package includes: breakfast delivered to your canvas tent each morning, a gourmet picnic lunch, fresh and seasonal dinner served at their lodge-inspired pavilion, live music around the campfire, Prince Edward County wine tasting and more!

LITTLE CANADA

Whether you live in Toronto and want some activity ideas or you’re from out of town and visiting, Toronto has lots to offer like Little Canada! It’s a celebration of all things Canada – in miniature. You can tower over famous landmarks, and iconic cityscapes all in one spot across from Yonge-Dundas square.

RETRO ROLLA 

Retro Rolla is adults-only but you can head down to The Bentway, rent roller skates and protective gear, and relive your youth. 

QUEBEC

HOTEL SACACOMIE

Hôtel Sacacomie is a lakeside lodge halfway between Montreal and Quebec City. It’s an iconic property that is just one giant log cabin on the waterfront. Natural beauty meets modern luxury at this enchanting log-constructed hotel in Saint-Alexis-des-Monts. Bordering the Mastigouche wildlife reserve, Hôtel Sacacomie blends in seamlessly with the surrounding forest and offers stunning views overlooking majestic Lac Sacacomie and all-season activities. The well-appointed lodge has a gourmet restaurant specializing in local cuisine and a GEO Spa with indoor and outdoor baths.

OASIS GALLERY

In nearby Montreal you will soon be able to explore OASIS – poised to be one of Canada’s largest indoor, immersive gallery experiences. 

NOVA SCOTIA

CABOT SHORE

The Cabot Shores Wilderness Resort is sort of a make your own adventure escape in the heart of Cape Breton Island. You can stay in a lodge, in a yurt, in a Tipi in a geodesic dome… the choice is yours. They’ve got hot tubs and Japanese cedar tubs.  And if you’re ready to get together with the family you’ve been missing, you can book their Breton Cove Farm House.