Kiwi Curated
15 Places You Must Visit in Canada
by Joy PecknoldAs far as we’re concerned, Canada is always a must-see destination (it’s the place Kiwi Collection calls home, so we’re a bit biased), but every July when national celebrations take place we’re reminded just how beautiful the True North is from east to west. In honor, we recount a few of our favorite Canadian places and the compelling reasons to go there.
15 Places You Must Visit in Canada
This quiet island wasn’t on most traveler’s radar until Zita Cobb opened the Fogo Island Inn in 2013. The architectural marvel has drawn dignitaries and celebrities, including Gwyneth Paltrow, and it’s easy to see why. The Todd Saunders-designed structure is perched right on the rocks overlooking the frothing Atlantic Ocean—every room has a view of it.
VIEW HOTEL15 Places You Must Visit in Canada
Don’t tell the other cities, but Montreal might be the most fun city in Canada, thanks to incredible food and loads of nightlife, art and culture—all with French flair. It’s also the birthplace of the great Leonard Cohen. Stay in Old Montreal at Hôtel William Gray. Occupying two restored 18th century houses, it offers that ideal mix of old and new.
VIEW HOTEL15 Places You Must Visit in Canada
Nova Scotia is synonymous with all the east coast things, including lobster, but it’s also an epic place to tee off. The Fox Harb’r Golf Resort & Spa features a Graham Cooke-designed championship course, a 9-hole executive course and a golf academy. Don’t miss a visit to Prince Edward Island (of Anne of Green Gables fame) right across the water.
VIEW HOTEL15 Places You Must Visit in Canada
The surf town swells with tourists in the summer, and for good reason, because there are nearly enough delicious restaurants as there are picturesque beaches. Perched seaside on the rocks, Wickaninnish Inn is an icon of the area. Located right beside the surf break of North Chesterman beach, it also boasts its own spectacular restaurant with ocean views.
VIEW HOTEL15 Places You Must Visit in Canada
The City of Glass, as local artist and author Douglas Coupland has dubbed it, especially sparkles in the summer. Bask in the sun on one of Vancouver’s many beaches or hike the North Shore Mountains for a bird’s-eye view. Well-situated downtown, the Rosewood Hotel Georgia makes it a breeze to stroll the Seawall and shop Luxury Row in the same day—the hotel also has one of Coupland’s colorful works hanging near one of its entrances.
VIEW HOTEL15 Places You Must Visit in Canada
A visit to The Six is a must for any Drake fan, but that’s not the only reason to go. Summer’s all about Blue Jays baseball games and outdoor festivals. Come September, the city is star-studded for the Toronto International Film Festival. With its own 250-seat movie theater, proximity to BMO Field and views of both the CN Tower and Lake Ontario, Hotel X Toronto sets visitors up very well.
VIEW HOTEL15 Places You Must Visit in Canada
One of Canada’s oldest cities—founded in 1608—Quebec City is also one of its most charming, with its original cobblestone streets and city walls garnering it UNESCO World Heritage Site status. For a deep dive into its history, stay at the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac. Atop Old Quebec, the hotel has presided since 1893.
VIEW HOTEL15 Places You Must Visit in Canada
One’s best chance of seeing poster boy Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the flesh is in Canada’s capital. Walking distance from Parliament Hill, Andaz Ottawa Byward Market makes for a mod home base. While winter isn’t the popular time to go, consider it: there’s fewer things more Canadian than playing hockey on the frozen Rideau Canal.
VIEW HOTEL15 Places You Must Visit in Canada
Like a mini Ottawa by the ocean, Victoria is another city high on the how-charming scale. The British Commonwealth vibes are strong here, with Afternoon Tea being a popular afternoon activity. The Fairmont Empress is the best place for that—especially since its stunning $60 million dollar transformation.
VIEW HOTEL15 Places You Must Visit in Canada
Whistler Blackcomb is consistently rated the No. 1 ski resort in North America. While winter is obviously peak season, the town and surrounding wilderness is fun year-round, with mountain bikers getting their turn on the slopes come late spring. A short walk from one of the gondolas, Nita Lake Lodge has one of the sweetest set-ups, fronting the lake and cradled by mountains.
VIEW HOTEL15 Places You Must Visit in Canada
Turquoise waters backed by towering peaks—chances are you’ve come across a picture of Banff in your Instagram feed. It’s even more beautiful in real life. Making it all the more photogenic is the Fairmont Banff Springs, modeled after a Scottish Baronial Castle and nestled amongst the majesty of the National Park.
VIEW HOTEL15 Places You Must Visit in Canada
A slice of wilderness roughly the size of Ireland, the Great Bear Rainforest is a truly magical place. Abundant with wildlife, its most special resident is the rare white Kermode bear or spirit bear—anyone who has seen one counts themselves extremely lucky. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, Nimmo Bay is one of the few accommodations tucked into this remote coastal region and they have crafted a menu of experiences to meaningfully connect with it.
VIEW HOTEL15 Places You Must Visit in Canada
Would you like a side of world-class theater with your wine country. There are more wineries in Niagara-on-the-lake worth exploring, alongside the Shaw Festival which runs April through October. Surrounded by ponds and English gardens, The Oban Inn & Spa is as quaint as they come. Naturally, also not to be missed is Niagara Falls just a 30-minute drive away.
VIEW HOTEL15 Places You Must Visit in Canada
Remote, rugged and wild, Haida Gwaii is known for its rich First Nations culture and abundant fishing—this is a prime spot to catch a big salmon. The Queen Charlotte Lodge sets guests up with everything they need to make their Tyee dreams come true, be it guided or self-guided excursions.
VIEW HOTEL15 Places You Must Visit in Canada
If you love country music, cowboys and rodeos, Calgary has you covered. Every July, the Stampede delivers 10 days of it drawing nearly a million visitors. The most stylish way to do it is at Hôtel Le Germain Calgary. Right on the parade route, they have their own private grandstand for guests.
VIEW HOTELThis quiet island wasn’t on most traveler’s radar until Zita Cobb opened the Fogo Island Inn in 2013. The architectural marvel has drawn dignitaries and celebrities, including Gwyneth Paltrow, and it’s easy to see why. The Todd Saunders-designed structure is perched right on the rocks overlooking the frothing Atlantic Ocean—every room has a view of it.
VIEW HOTELDon’t tell the other cities, but Montreal might be the most fun city in Canada, thanks to incredible food and loads of nightlife, art and culture—all with French flair. It’s also the birthplace of the great Leonard Cohen. Stay in Old Montreal at Hôtel William Gray. Occupying two restored 18th century houses, it offers that ideal mix of old and new.
VIEW HOTELNova Scotia is synonymous with all the east coast things, including lobster, but it’s also an epic place to tee off. The Fox Harb’r Golf Resort & Spa features a Graham Cooke-designed championship course, a 9-hole executive course and a golf academy. Don’t miss a visit to Prince Edward Island (of Anne of Green Gables fame) right across the water.
VIEW HOTELThe surf town swells with tourists in the summer, and for good reason, because there are nearly enough delicious restaurants as there are picturesque beaches. Perched seaside on the rocks, Wickaninnish Inn is an icon of the area. Located right beside the surf break of North Chesterman beach, it also boasts its own spectacular restaurant with ocean views.
VIEW HOTELThe City of Glass, as local artist and author Douglas Coupland has dubbed it, especially sparkles in the summer. Bask in the sun on one of Vancouver’s many beaches or hike the North Shore Mountains for a bird’s-eye view. Well-situated downtown, the Rosewood Hotel Georgia makes it a breeze to stroll the Seawall and shop Luxury Row in the same day—the hotel also has one of Coupland’s colorful works hanging near one of its entrances.
VIEW HOTELA visit to The Six is a must for any Drake fan, but that’s not the only reason to go. Summer’s all about Blue Jays baseball games and outdoor festivals. Come September, the city is star-studded for the Toronto International Film Festival. With its own 250-seat movie theater, proximity to BMO Field and views of both the CN Tower and Lake Ontario, Hotel X Toronto sets visitors up very well.
VIEW HOTELOne of Canada’s oldest cities—founded in 1608—Quebec City is also one of its most charming, with its original cobblestone streets and city walls garnering it UNESCO World Heritage Site status. For a deep dive into its history, stay at the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac. Atop Old Quebec, the hotel has presided since 1893.
VIEW HOTELOne’s best chance of seeing poster boy Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the flesh is in Canada’s capital. Walking distance from Parliament Hill, Andaz Ottawa Byward Market makes for a mod home base. While winter isn’t the popular time to go, consider it: there’s fewer things more Canadian than playing hockey on the frozen Rideau Canal.
VIEW HOTELLike a mini Ottawa by the ocean, Victoria is another city high on the how-charming scale. The British Commonwealth vibes are strong here, with Afternoon Tea being a popular afternoon activity. The Fairmont Empress is the best place for that—especially since its stunning $60 million dollar transformation.
VIEW HOTELWhistler Blackcomb is consistently rated the No. 1 ski resort in North America. While winter is obviously peak season, the town and surrounding wilderness is fun year-round, with mountain bikers getting their turn on the slopes come late spring. A short walk from one of the gondolas, Nita Lake Lodge has one of the sweetest set-ups, fronting the lake and cradled by mountains.
VIEW HOTELTurquoise waters backed by towering peaks—chances are you’ve come across a picture of Banff in your Instagram feed. It’s even more beautiful in real life. Making it all the more photogenic is the Fairmont Banff Springs, modeled after a Scottish Baronial Castle and nestled amongst the majesty of the National Park.
VIEW HOTELA slice of wilderness roughly the size of Ireland, the Great Bear Rainforest is a truly magical place. Abundant with wildlife, its most special resident is the rare white Kermode bear or spirit bear—anyone who has seen one counts themselves extremely lucky. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, Nimmo Bay is one of the few accommodations tucked into this remote coastal region and they have crafted a menu of experiences to meaningfully connect with it.
VIEW HOTELWould you like a side of world-class theater with your wine country. There are more wineries in Niagara-on-the-lake worth exploring, alongside the Shaw Festival which runs April through October. Surrounded by ponds and English gardens, The Oban Inn & Spa is as quaint as they come. Naturally, also not to be missed is Niagara Falls just a 30-minute drive away.
VIEW HOTELRemote, rugged and wild, Haida Gwaii is known for its rich First Nations culture and abundant fishing—this is a prime spot to catch a big salmon. The Queen Charlotte Lodge sets guests up with everything they need to make their Tyee dreams come true, be it guided or self-guided excursions.
VIEW HOTELIf you love country music, cowboys and rodeos, Calgary has you covered. Every July, the Stampede delivers 10 days of it drawing nearly a million visitors. The most stylish way to do it is at Hôtel Le Germain Calgary. Right on the parade route, they have their own private grandstand for guests.
VIEW HOTEL