Local travel is booming — but when it comes to choosing where to go in Canada, it can be hard to narrow down your options. There are hundreds of postcard-perfect towns, natural wonders and unique geographies across the country, which can making choosing your next vacation spot a tough decision.
With that in mind, we decided to turn to an expert. One person who knows a thing or two about Canadian travel? A pilot. From flights above mountain landscapes to layovers in lesser-visited towns, pilots see Canada from a totally unique perspective.
“Canada is full of hidden gems,” says Matthew Go, a Toronto-based pilot who’s been flying for more than a decade. “One of the great privileges of being a pilot in Canada is the ability to work while travelling across this vast and diverse country.”
Whether you’re looking for a quiet getaway, a breathtaking outdoor adventure or an under-the-radar destination, check out Go’s recommendations for the best places to travel in Canada below.
Yellowknife, N.W.T. offers stunning aurora borealis views and beautiful hikes while also giving travellers a taste of a bustling downtown. (Photo via Getty Images)
Situated on the shore of Great Slave Lake, Yellowknife is the capital of the Northwest Territories and the largest city in the territory.
Located under the Aurora Oval, Yellowknife sees the northern lights up to 240 nights of the year, drawing visitors from all over the world to experience the natural phenomenon.
But there’s also more to do and see in the city than aurora spotting.
“Due to the cold weather, [Canada’s territories] aren’t visited as often, but during the warmer months, the territories offer stunning hiking opportunities and are the perfect place to connect with nature,” says Go.
In Yellowknife, he says, you get a blend of rural wilderness, while still being able to enjoy a bustling downtown.
“It’s a little bit easier for someone who’s never been to those locations to travel to, rather than going somewhere that’s not as fully developed,” he says.
“Occasionally, when flying in the northern regions, you even get the incredible opportunity to fly beneath the shimmering Northern Lights,” he adds.
Victoria, B.C. is full of greenery, restaurants and stunning ocean views. (Photo via Getty Images)
“Out west, Victoria, B.C., offers stunning landscapes while being surrounded by water,” says Go.
While it’s not a tucked-away small town by any means, Victoria may often be overshadowed by Vancouver on a trip to British Columbia.
Victoria is a small city on Vancouver Island that offers old-world charm. Originally Fort Victoria, a settlement named for Queen Victoria in 1843, Victoria has an undeniable English feel. While it’s not a tucked-away small town by any means, on some west coast trips, Victoria may be overshadowed by Vancouver. But Go says it’s a destination you should consider, especially if you’re a fan of the outdoors.
“I like how it’s close to the ocean,” says Go. “Victoria itself has lots of greenery, lots of trees, lots of places to hike.”
The capital city is filled with gardens and seafront parks, hotels and museums, unique eateries and craft breweries.
“It’s one of those places where you have water, greenery and local markets for visiting on the weekend,” says Go.
He adds that, as a plus, the city is also easy to fly into.
“You can reach Victoria either by flying into Victoria International Airport or by taking a quick ferry ride from Vancouver,” he says.
Halifax, N.S. features beautiful oceanfront views and a friendly atmosphere. (Photo via Getty Images)
“On the east coast, Halifax is a smaller city known for its vibrant food scene, cozy pubs and beautiful hiking trails,” says Go.
With a population of around 530,000 people, Halifax isn’t a small city, but its location by the water offers a slower, more relaxed pace.
“The people are great. You can go to a local bar and everyone’s willing to chat with you,” says Go.
“The seafood out east is as fresh as you can get it. The sailors go out in the morning and get fresh fish, lobster and oysters, and then you’re having it for lunch or dinner later that same day.”
Around the city, there are also tons of opportunities to explore nature.
“You walk 10 minutes and there’s a beautiful hike with trees and terrain,” says Go.
The iconic Peggy’s Cove lighthouse is also nearby.
Go says that Canmore offers the same beauty as Banff or Lake Louise, but without the crowds and high prices. (Photo via Getty Images)
“One of my favourite areas to fly over is the Rocky Mountains,” says Go. “If there’s one place I’d recommend, it’s Alberta — specifically the Canmore area.”
While neighbouring towns Banff and Lake Louise are more well-known, Canmore offers much of the same beauty as Banff, minus the crowds and high prices.
Located in the Kananaskis region, the town offers stunning mountain peaks and a bustling downtown core, as well as plenty of outdoor recreation, including hiking, caving and wildlife viewing.
“The Canmore area is beautiful,” says Go. “There’s one road full of restaurants, bars and hotels. You wake up in the morning and you’re looking at a 10,000-foot mountain right behind you,” he says.
“You can hike for 30 minutes and come to beautiful waterfalls, or have a picnic along the edge of a mountain.”
He adds that Canmore is also only an hour from Calgary International Airport, which makes it an easy destination to get to and from.
Kenora, Ont. and the surrounding Lake of the Woods is one of Go’s top travel recommendations. (Photo via Getty Images)
“I would recommend travelling to Kenora and the surrounding areas of Lake of the Woods,” says Go. “It has a very relaxing, chill vibe.”
Kenora is a city close to the Manitoba-Ontario boundary, situated on Lake of the Woods, a lake occupying parts of Ontario and Manitoba and the U.S. state of Minnesota.
On the Ontario side, the shores of the lake offer sandy beaches, beautiful parks, hiking trails and more.
“For those coming from Toronto, it’s often considered the ‘Muskoka of western Ontario’ near the Manitoba border,” says Go.
“It has calm, fresh waters, abundant fishing spots and numerous cottages scattered around the lake, making it a perfect destination for relaxation and outdoor activities,” he says. “There’s no hustle and bustle of the city here. You can just get on a boat and travel around the lake.”
Besides activities on the water, the area boasts the rugged terrain of the Canadian Shield, which can be explored on foot or by bike.
Go recommends Quebec City for its European feel. (Photo via Getty Images)
“When people think of Quebec, they often focus on Montreal for its vibrant nightlife, food scene and casinos,” Go says. “However, many overlook Quebec City, just a couple hours east.”
With its cobblestone streets, historic castles and forts overlooking the St. Lawrence River, Quebec City is a walkable city filled with excellent dining and lively patios during the warmer months.
“I like how Quebec City is so different than other parts of Canada. It has a European feel,” Go says. “It has an old-town feel.”
He says he had never been to the capital of Quebec until his job as a pilot brought him there.
“I thought, ‘why would I go to Quebec City when Montreal is there?'” he says.
While it’s not a small town or unknown destination, Go says he still considers Quebec City and surrounding areas a bit of a hidden gem.
He also says it’s a great spot to fly in and out of, noting that it has “a decent-sized airport that’s now an international airport, so you can fly from Quebec City straight to the U.S., or straight to the Caribbean.”
Old Quebec is a top spot to visit in the city, home to historic districts and streets, including Petit-Champlain, one of the oldest shopping streets in North America.
Cape Breton has some spectacular views. (Photo via Getty Images)
Another East Coast gem? Cape Breton, N.S., which offers everything from stunning natural landscapes to tasty local eats, all wrapped in a rich history and vibrant Maritime culture.
“[Cape Breton] reminds me of Scotland with its big cliffs by the water,” says Go. “It’s home to a national park, so you’ve got great wildlife out there as well.”
“It’s got those nice, relaxed East-Coast vibes, with golfing, some of the most beautiful trails in the world, and fresh seafood,” he continues.
The island is home to stunning ocean beaches, as well as plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure.
Other popular points of interest here include the Cabot Trail, which winds around the whole island, as well as Cape Breton Highlands National Park, where you can enjoy camping, hiking, wildlife viewing and more.
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