Things to Do in Canada 289

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From the Canadian Rockies to the Selkirk Mountains and all the way to the Yukon, these 15 mountain towns combine spectacular scenery with unforgettable experiences. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or dreaming about your next road trip, they're all worth the detour.

1. Banff, Alberta

There's a reason Banff is one of Canada's most famous destinations. Surrounded by towering peaks and turquoise lakes, it's the perfect base for hiking, canoeing, wildlife viewing, and exploring iconic places like Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and the Icefields Parkway.

Don't miss: Banff Gondola, Johnston Canyon, Vermilion Lakes.

2. Jasper, Alberta

Freshly reopened after last year's wildfires, Jasper remains one of Canada's greatest mountain escapes. It's quieter than Banff, rich in wildlife, and home to spectacular waterfalls, glaciers, and one of the world's largest Dark Sky Preserves.

Don't miss: Maligne Lake, Athabasca Falls, Miette Hot Springs.

3. Waterton, Alberta

Small but spectacular, Waterton sits where the prairies meet the Rockies. It's known for dramatic scenery, colourful wildflowers, and one of Canada's most iconic hotels overlooking the lake.

Don't miss: Prince of Wales Hotel, Red Rock Canyon, Bear's Hump.

4. Canmore, Alberta

Just outside Banff National Park, Canmore offers many of the same breathtaking views with a lively downtown full of cafés, breweries, and local shops.

Don't miss: Grassi Lakes, Policeman's Creek, Three Sisters views.

5. Golden, British Columbia

Perfectly positioned between six national parks, Golden is one of Canada's great adventure hubs. Rafting, hiking, mountain biking, and the Golden Skybridge make it an easy choice for thrill-seekers.

Don't miss: Golden Skybridge, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, Wapta Falls.

6. Revelstoke, British Columbia

Known for incredible skiing in winter, Revelstoke transforms into an outdoor paradise during summer with alpine meadows, waterfalls, and scenic mountain drives.

Don't miss: Meadows in the Sky Parkway, Mount Revelstoke National Park.

7. Fernie, British Columbia

A charming historic downtown surrounded by rugged peaks makes Fernie one of Canada's best mountain towns. Great restaurants and endless hiking trails complete the package.

Don't miss: Island Lake Lodge, Fairy Creek Falls.

8. Invermere & Radium Hot Springs, British Columbia

Located in the Columbia Valley, Invermere and Radium Hot Springs combine mountain scenery with warm lakes, hot springs, and beautiful hikes, making it perfect for travellers who want hiking during the day and paddleboarding in the evening.

Don't miss: Kinsmen Beach, Panorama Mountain Resort, Sinclair Canyon, Radium Hot Springs, Kootenay National Park.

9. Sun Peaks, British Columbia

Canada's second-largest ski resort transforms into a laid-back mountain playground during the warmer months. Surrounded by three peaks, Sun Peaks offers alpine hiking, lift-accessed mountain biking, wildflower-filled meadows, and a charming European-inspired village that's perfect for a relaxing getaway. Kamloops is also nearby.

Don't miss: Sunburst Express Chairlift, alpine hiking trails, mountain biking, the village.

10. Nelson, British Columbia

With colourful heritage buildings, mountain views, and a thriving arts scene, Nelson has one of Canada's most distinctive personalities.

Don't miss: Baker Street, Whitewater area, Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park.

11. Kimberley, British Columbia

This former mining town reinvented itself as a Bavarian-inspired mountain community complete with Europe's largest cuckoo clock.

Don't miss: Platzl pedestrian street, St. Mary's River.

12. Kaslo, British Columbia

Located beside Kootenay Lake, Kaslo combines dramatic mountain scenery with a peaceful waterfront and historic charm.

Don't miss: SS Moyie National Historic Site, Fletcher Falls.

13. Haines Junction, Yukon

Set against the spectacular backdrop of Kluane National Park, Haines Junction offers easy access to Canada's highest mountains and some of the country's most breathtaking wilderness.

Don't miss: Kathleen Lake, King's Throne hike.

14. Whistler, British Columbia

World-famous for skiing, Whistler is just as impressive during summer thanks to alpine hiking, mountain biking, lakes, and lively village life.

Don't miss: Peak 2 Peak Gondola, Lost Lake, High Note Trail.

15. Mont-Tremblant, Quebec

Best known as one of Eastern Canada's premier ski resorts, Mont-Tremblant is just as inviting in late summer. Surrounded by the Laurentian Mountains, it offers scenic gondola rides, hiking and biking trails, beautiful lakes, and a lively pedestrian village filled with shops, restaurants, and patios.

Don't miss: Panoramic Gondola, Lac Tremblant, Domaine Saint-Bernard, the pedestrian village.

While this list is filled with spectacular mountain towns, this barely scratches the surface. Is there one we missed? Hit reply and let us know!

Watch

Why We Love British Columbia's Columbia Valley

Home to Invermere, Radium Hot Springs, and endless mountain adventures, the Columbia Valley is one of our favourite places for a road trip. From hiking and paddling to soaking in natural hot springs, come along as we explore one of BC's most underrated mountain destinations.

International Departures

🇦🇹 Hallstatt, Austria

A Storybook Village in the Heart of the Alps

Nestled between the crystal-clear waters of Hallstätter See and the dramatic peaks of the Austrian Alps, Hallstatt is one of Europe's most photographed villages—and it's easy to see why. Colourful alpine homes line the lakeshore, flower-filled balconies overlook cobblestone streets, and every corner seems made for a postcard.

While many visitors come for the views, Hallstatt offers much more than beautiful scenery. Ride the funicular to the Hallstatt Skywalk for breathtaking panoramic views, explore the Hallstatt Salt Mine—the oldest known salt mine in the world—or rent a boat and take in the village from the water. With hiking trails, historic churches, charming cafés, and a relaxed pace of life, it's the kind of destination that invites you to slow down and soak it all in.

Whether you're planning a European road trip or simply dreaming about your next international adventure, Hallstatt is one mountain town that's well worth the journey.

Inspired? Learn more here.

Beaver Bites

• Golden Skybridge reaches new heights.
  There's a new reason to stop in Golden this summer. The Golden Skybridge has opened its new Eagle Net Park, a suspended forest playground featuring bounce nets, climbing structures, bridges, and slides high above the ground. Best of all, it's included with every Bridge Pass, making one of the Rockies' most popular attractions even better for families.
  
  

• Canadian cuisine gets the global spotlight.
  CNN Travel recently highlighted 20 dishes that showcase Canada's incredible culinary diversity—from iconic favourites like poutine and butter tarts to regional specialties such as Halifax donairs, tourtière, and Indigenous bannock. It's a delicious reminder that Canada's food scene is every bit as diverse as its landscapes.
  
  

• Love treasure hunting? Hit the road.
  From Ontario's famous Aberfoyle Antique Market to hidden gems across the country, CBC rounded up some of Canada's best antique markets to explore before summer ends. Whether you're after vintage décor, collectibles, or one-of-a-kind finds, it might just inspire your next weekend getaway.
  
  

• Travel tip: Slow down.
  Travel writer Andrew Samtoy shared seven habits of highly effective travellers, and one stood out to us: stop trying to see everything. The best trips aren't about checking off the most attractions—they're about leaving room for unexpected discoveries, long conversations, and moments you'll actually remember.
  
  

• The next chapter for Marineland's belugas.
  A major rescue effort is underway as the remaining beluga whales at the now-closed Marineland in Niagara Falls are being relocated to accredited aquariums in the U.S. and Europe. It's the latest development in the long-running story surrounding one of Canada's most controversial tourist attractions.
  
  

• Calgary's tallest slide is almost ready!
  Looking for a new family adventure? Fish Park in Calgary's Wolf Willow community is set to open this week, featuring the city's tallest slide—a towering 3.5-storey attraction that's sure to become a favourite with kids (and adventurous adults).

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