The Best Small Towns to Visit in Canada This Year

If you are planning a road trip across Canada and hoping to hit some different sites on your drive, there are some great small towns you should check out. While you may be tempted to only hit the big cities and sites, you can expand your horizons and have some new experiences by checking out some smaller towns.

From east to west and in between, there are so many great options for small towns and all the charm that comes with them. Plan a few extra stops in these small towns to enjoy some novel travels in Canada:

Golden, British Columbia

Starting in British Columbia, a west coast province, is Golden. Golden is a great small town if you enjoy the outdoors. In Golden, you will have your choice of national parks to explore, since there are six national parks that surround the town: Yoho, Banff, Mount Revelstoke, Glacier, Jasper, and Kootenay.

There are also several other fun things about this small town, including the Golden Skybridge (the country’s highest suspension bridge), a wolf sanctuary, and white-water rafting. Planning a visit to this small town would be a great launching point for enjoying the Rockies, and there is also good food and a growing craft beer scene.

Banff, Alberta

Moving slightly east, you can head to Banff, which is actually inside Banff National Park. Banff is another small town full of adventure, given its location. From skiing to hiking to canoeing, there are outdoor adventure options for everyone.

The town itself is quaint and offers great views. If you like the outdoors and the small town charm enough, you may even want to call Banff home and be tempted to look into Banff homes for sale. 

Baie-Saint-Paul, Québec

Moving even further east, you can visit Baie-Saint-Paul in Quebec for a change of pace from the outdoorsy small towns listed previously. Baie-Saint-Paul is the birthplace of Cirque du Soleil and is now known for its art scene. If you love music, art, and performances, a stop in this charming town will be well worth it.

There are plenty of art galleries to visit in Baie-Saint-Paul, as well as some great small cafes and bistros for when you get hungry. This town would be a great addition to your road trip agenda to get your fill of culture and art.

Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia

Your last stop will be an east coast small town, Mahone Bay in Nova Scotia. This small town is known for its painted Victorian homes, gardens, art studios, and the three churches. Another charming small town, you can enjoy biking or watching artists perform their crafts here.

This small town also has an emerging craft brew scene and some excellent food, so you will be all set when you need to stop for lunch or a snack.

There are so many fascinating and fun small towns all across Canada. If you are hoping to visit some new locales all across the country, these are some great options for you to consider.