Sweet Escape: 11 Hidden Gems to Visit and Stay in Canada

Summer = vacation time, amiright? I don’t know about you but I get resentful towards all the back to school and fall fashion advertising that hits us as soon as the calendar flips to August. Summer is short, let us enjoy it! So yes, it’s August but there’s still plenty of time to get out there and explore. What better place to start than our own backyard? So many of us take for granted this stunning country, including myself. Seems like I’m not alone because over 50% of Canadians this year are choosing to stay North of the border when it comes to booking hotels and flights. A friend of mine even suggested a stay in somewhere similar to these downtown toronto apartments if I ever decided to go on a Canadian staycation. Makes sense to stay closer and make your dollar go further right?

In just a few weeks I’ll be heading to Nova Scotia for the first time thanks to my friends at Expedia.ca and I can’t wait to smell the fresh air and eat my weight in seafood. We’re staying in a converted church turned B&B on a little cove just outside of Halifax. I don’t think many people think of smaller and low key accommodations when booking with Expedia.ca. It inspired me to dig deeper and find even more of these hidden gems. Here’s 11 hidden gem places to stay while making your way across Canada.

1. Star of the Sea B&B, Ferguson, NS

We’ll be staying here and can’t wait for those views and my 90 minute massage.

2. Thistle Down House, Vancouver, BC

Vancouver may not be considered a hidden gem but this B&B sure is. Maybe you’ve brought your men’s all mountain skis to Vancouver so you can head up its famous mountains. Or maybe you want to go on one of the cities many hikes. Or maybe you just want to explore the city. Whatever you want to, skip the large hotel and stay in this cute accommodation.

3. Myra Canyon Ranch Bed & Breakfast, Kelowna, BC

As if the wineries and beaches weren’t enough to get you to Kelowna, how about this amazing ranch?

4. Triple J Hotel & Cabins, Dawson City, Yukon

If you’re really up for an adventure and want to get a taste of the Klondike then head wayyyyyy north to Dawson City for a unique experience.

5. Au Chant De la Rivière, Quebec, Quebec

Leave your dancing shoes in Montreal and travel further north to Quebec to relax and take in the view at this serene lodge.

6. Micro Boutique Living, Antigonesh, NS

Old meets new with this unique modern accommodation in the small town of Antigonesh. If you can’t make it until Fall, you’ll be getting the best views as it’s known for it’s stunning Fall landscape.

7. The Waring House, Prince Edward County, ON

This area is growing but still a hidden gem in comparison to the popular Niagara-on-the-Lake. Make yourself comfortable and enjoy the wine, food and art that surrounds you in this escape just 2.5 hours from the big city.

8. Delvay by the Sea, PEI

Relax by the sea and revisit your favourite Anne of Green Gables book with lots of friendly faces and fresh seafood.

9. Walper Hotel (Elora Gorge), Kitchener, ON

A well known place to the Kitchener/Waterloo & area locals but a hidden gem to many. Treat yourself to a weekend getaway full of water adventure at the Elora Gorge then top it off with a fab hotel and dinner in the city of Kitchener.

10. Drumheller, Alberta

For the Jurastic lovers, travel back in time and visit the Badlands of Alberta full of history and the world’s biggest dinosaur.

11. Jasper East Cabins, Jasper, AB

Jasper is no hidden gem but these adorable cabins sure are.

There you have it. A few hidden gem places to stay in Canada. Check out Expedia.ca for great deals across Canada all summer long. Right now, you can save up to 20% on select hotels across Canada through August 25.

Whether it’s a quick weekend getaway, summer road trip, week-long R&R or adventure vacation, summer is the perfect time to leave your passport at home and discover the endless vacation possibilities Canada has to offer. Time to explore!