Canada’s best-kept secrets: 9 places you should visit in 2025

Whether it’s a long weekend, an annual two-week vacation, or a creative retreat we’re planning, we like to look at places to visit within Canada. Canada, being as vast as it is, has something to offer every kind of traveller. From rugged coastlines to pristine national parks, the country’s natural beauty is unparalleled, while its lively cities are hubs of art, cuisine, and parties. Whether you’re looking for a social media break in nature, a serene wellness retreat, or hands-on physical challenges in wild spaces, there are plenty of ideal Canadian destinations for you.

Here’s where we’ve got our eyes on for 2025:

Nelson, B.C.

Nelson, BC, is a vibrant mountain town in the Kootenays in the interior of B.C. If you’ve never heard of this town, you best get acquainted. Nelson is a bohemian place known for its eclectic arts scene, outdoor adventures, and laid-back vibe. This is a good place to take on plenty of hiking, try trail running, soak in the Ainsworth hot springs, stand up paddle board or enjoy the shops, cafes and art the town has to offer. This town has a youthful energy, with a mix of creative locals and adventurers drawn to its unique mix of culture and nature. Whether you're into live music, yoga, craft beer, kombucha, or exploring hidden trails, Nelson has something for you and your travel bestie.

Victoria, B.C.

Victoria is an easy-sell Canadian city for backpackers wanting to explore some of the best Canadian nature, food and drink, and outdoor activities. Picture a city where you can eat delicious food from around the world, explore a vibrant Chinatown, do a brewery crawl of some of the country’s most creative artisanal brews, and start and finish it all with a dip in the ocean. Victoria has so many hidden beaches to explore, a bike valet downtown, mural art galore, sea kayaking, and is a relatively short ferry ride away from Vancouver. Don’t miss it!

Edmonton, Alberta

Lonely Planet named Edmonton one of the best cities to travel to (worldwide!) in 2025 and who are we to argue? Edmonton may be overlooked compared to metropolitan hubs like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal which is why backpackers who travel to the city might be pleasantly surprised. Because it’s so north, days last forever in summer and visitors will appreciate the novelty of watching the sunset well into the night. Edmonton also has a revitalized downtown core with its expanded ICE District (a sports and entertainment hub), the Strathcona farmer’s market, and an extensive network of river valley trails.

Nicknamed “Canada’s Festival City,” Edmonton boasts having a festival for everything. The infamous International Fringe Festival, KDays, Taste of Edmonton, Rock Mountain Wine & Food Festival, and Dreamspeakers International Film Festival are just a few major ones.

Manitoulin Island, Ontario

Canada is home to the largest freshwater island in the world: Manitoulin Island. While the neighbouring Tobermory has graced the tops of plenty of bucket lists in recent years, Manitoulin Island is lesser known and just a ferry ride away! The vibes here are lowkey, laidback, casual, and outdoorsy. Think Instagrammable landscapes with sparkling lakes, dense forests, and rugged cliffs, where you can berry pick, paddle, hike, or just chill in a hammock if you please. The island is also home to Indigenous communities meaning visitors can get acquainted with new foods, customs, art, and experiences.

Nordegg, Alberta

For the seasoned outdoor adventurer looking for an off-the-beaten-path trip in Canadian mountains, Nordegg, Alberta is a place to consider for this year. Located just outside of Banff and close to both Edmonton and Calgary, this spot is great for city dwellers looking to connect with nature. Expect rustic accommodations, days packed with exploring stunning waterfalls, hiking, mountain biking, or rock climbing at local crags. The rustic charm and cozy accommodations make it an ideal base for adventure and you won’t get the crowds you’d expect at nearby popular mountain destinations.

Whistler, B.C.

A Canadian bucket list wouldn’t be complete without Whistler, one of B.C.’s most iconic ski towns. Book a trip in summer or in winter because Whistler offers world-class outdoor adventures and breathtaking alpine scenery year-round. Just make sure you’re in good physical condition so that you’ll be ready for skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, hiking, zip-lining through lush forests, or whatever sport you choose. Of course, vacations are for relaxation too. Whistler Village boasts a vibrant atmosphere with cozy cafés, fine dining, pub hopping and boutique shopping.

Magog, Quebec

If your aesthetic this year is chill plant mom with an affinity for books, Magog, Quebec might be *the* place to rejuvenate your soul. Picture a place with vineyards, lavender fields, pastries, bistros, galleries, and the nearby Mont-Orford National Park. This is a place where slow living, foodie culture, and nature overlap.

Muskoka, Ontario

If you plan to be in Ontario during the summer, Muskoka is where it’s at! Ontario’s cottage country is like a playground for adults come the long weekend in May. Every summer, it pulls folks out of the nearby cities so they can appreciate the region’s breathtaking natural beauty featuring sparkling lakes, docks to sunbathe on, lush forests, mom-and-pop ice cream shops, and charming small towns. In Muskoka, your plans must include boating, hiking, swimming, a sunset paddle, trips to the farmer’s markets, or just relaxing as you listen to the breeze in the trees.

Charlottetown, P.E.I.

Charlottetown, the charming capital of Prince Edward Island, shouldn’t be overlooked in favour of other Canadian island adventures like Tofino or Victoria. On a visit here, you can get up to many of the summer classics: paddling along the coastline, catching the waves at the beach, having a picnic with all the in-season fruits. To take advantage of what Charlottetown in specific has to offer, you and your backpacking buddies can plan an epic food crawl along the pedestrian-friendly Victoria Row, chase lighthouses, check out the iconic Cavendish Cliffs, or taste freshly-shucked P.E.I. oysters.