Most of my clients come to me planning a trip somewhere far away — Mexico, Europe, a cruise. But every so often I get someone asking about closer-to-home options, and honestly, Canada doesn’t get enough credit. Here are a few spots I keep coming back to when clients want something a little different without the long-haul flight.
Tofino, BC. If you want dramatic coastline without leaving the country, this is it. Surfing, storm watching in the off-season, and some of the best seafood you’ll find anywhere. It’s a different pace than most people expect from Canada — genuinely feels like a getaway, not just a road trip.
Canmore, Alberta. Everyone knows Banff, fewer people think about Canmore right next door — same Rocky Mountain scenery, noticeably fewer crowds, and it makes a great base if you want the mountains without fighting for a parking spot all summer.
Quebec City. If a client wants a European city trip but can’t take the time off for the actual flight to Europe, Quebec City is the closest thing Canada has to offer — cobblestone streets, genuine old-world architecture, and a completely different feel from the rest of the country.
The Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia. One of the best road trips in the country and one of the most underrated in North America. Coastal cliffs, small fishing villages, and a slower pace that’s hard to find elsewhere.
None of these need a passport, which makes them an easy option for a long weekend or when international travel just isn’t in the cards right now. If you want help putting an itinerary together for any of these — flights, stays, the whole thing — that’s exactly what I’m here for.