Canada : 25 HIGHLIGHTS NOT TO BE MISSED!

With a surface area of almost 10 million km2, Canada is an immense playground for travelers. In every province, in every season, it’s a destination that offers the beauty of the great outdoors and the art of living in contact with nature.

To mark Toundra’s 25th anniversary, we’ve put together a list of 25 not-to-be-missed Canadian experiences. From must-sees to unusual accommodations and original activities, here’s our selection of nuggets from across the country.

CAPE TO THE EAST

Ontario 

Port Cunnington Lodge (Huntsville) 

A summer destination par excellence, Ontario’s Muskoka region borders magnificent Algonquin Park to the east and the tranquil shores of Georgian Bay to the west. Here you’ll find Port Cunnington Lodge, a charming establishment nestled on the shores of Lac des Baies. From May to October, 27 cottages of varying sizes welcome you for a waterfront getaway. A testament to the beauty of the setting, the lodge is much in demand for photo shoots. Swimming at the private beach, hiking, paddling, golfing or simply reading in the fresh air, Port Cunnington has something for everyone!

Canoë trip avec Voyageur Quest (Parc Algonquin) 

Algonquin Park is not only Canada’s oldest park, but also Ontario’s largest. With 7 rivers and over 2,500 lakes, canoeing is an excellent way to discover its wilderness. For an incomparable outdoor experience and a chance to meet moose, deer and black bear, we offer 3 or 5-day canoe trips. Accompanied by a guide, to the rhythm of paddles and nights camping under the stars, we embark on a unique adventure through Algonquin. This all-inclusive activity is available from May to October, and is accessible to beginners and families alike.

Little Canada (Toronto) 

In the heart of downtown Toronto is a new attraction for all ages: Little Canada. As its name suggests, Little Canada invites visitors on a voyage of discovery through dozens of miniature representations of the country’s landmarks. This urban activity, which will delight young and old alike, is the fruit of a 10-year, $25 million project. It’s a chance to discover the Montreal Skyline, Quebec City’s Château Frontenac, Ottawa’s Parliament, and hundreds of moving vehicles, all under one roof!

Québec 

Auberge du Lac-à-l’Eau-Claire (Saint-Alexis-Des-Monts) 

At Toundra, we know the Mauricie by heart. With its proximity to Montreal and Quebec City, it’s a popular area for locals, and with good reason: you can enjoy nature and a wide range of activities, whatever the season. For the best of the Mauricie region, the Auberge du Lac-à-l’Eau-Claire is a must. A haven of elegance nestled in the heart of thousands of wooded acres, the atmosphere is warm, the cuisine refined and the establishment is open year-round. Here, you can fish, kayak, hike, dog sled, snowmobile, cross-country ski or just enjoy the pool and spa. This is one of our must-see Quebec outfitters.

Repère Boréal (Les éboulements) 

A true adventure in itself, Repère Boréal is a family-run business offering unusual micro-chalets and refuges in the heart of Charlevoix. For travelers who want to enjoy the wonders of winter, without sacrificing comfort, you’ve come to the right place. The accommodations are diverse, spa and massage facilities are available, and the tranquility of the place is unsurpassed. It’s worth noting that the establishment only takes bookings for a minimum of two nights, and availability goes very quickly. Why not combine a stay at Repère Boréal with hiking from Mont-du-Lac-des-Cygnes to Parc National des Grands-Jardins, or visiting the local distilleries and producers in the area?

KiNipi Spa nordique (Trois-Rivières) 

Like any self-respecting northern territory, Canada offers quality outdoor spa experiences. Halfway between Montreal and Quebec City, the city of Trois-Rivières is home to a veritable nugget: KiNipi Spa Nordique. Heated whirlpools, Finnish saunas, hammam, cold pools, massage therapy – summer and winter alike, it’s the ultimate relaxation break. What’s more? The establishment offers a fine range of accommodation to prolong the moment, as well as a bistronomic table. The sumptuous setting makes for a perfect relaxation break between two more active stages in the nearby Mauricie National Park.   

À LA CONQUÊTE DE L’OUEST 

Colombie-Britannique 

Klahoose Wilderness Lodge (Desolation Sound) 

Far off the beaten track, north of Vancouver, there’s a unique, eco-responsible and peaceful place. The award-winning Klahoose Wilderness Resort is 100% aboriginal, managed by the Klahoose Nation. The setting is intimate and travelers enjoy a personalized experience, as the resort accommodates a maximum of 12 people. Accessible only by boat or floatplane, the Lodge offers a respectful exploration of the flora and fauna in all seasons. Here, grizzly bears, salmon, orcas and eagles cohabit in harmony with Mother Nature for a stay that will long remain engraved in your memory. At Toundra, you’ll love it!

A View of the Lake (West Kelowna) 

British Columbia is one of the cradles of viticulture in Canada. The Okanagan Valley’s reputation is well established in this field, and it’s a delightful year-round vacation spot. As its name suggests, A View of the Lake is a charming four-room bed and breakfast on the shores of Okanagan Lake. Here, Chef Steve Marston offers breakfast delights and sets the tone for a region rooted in the land and focused on gastronomy. Located about 4 hours east of Vancouver, Kelowna and its Dolce Vita atmosphere are well worth a visit, as is this accommodation.

Sea Wolf Adventures (Port McNeill) 

When you think of Western Canada, Vancouver Island is a holiday in itself in British Columbia. With its breathtaking scenery, its tranquil setting in the Pacific Ocean is just waiting to reveal its treasures. To the north of the island, Sea Wolf Adventures is an aboriginal company offering day-long expeditions to encounter grizzly bears and whales. In small boats, the guides share stories of their community and offer privileged access to native lands off the beaten track. A great activity for nature lovers.

Paddle & GO Victoria Sup Co (Victoria) 

Victoria is the largest city on Vancouver Island. Easily accessible by ferry from Vancouver, it’s the ideal getaway for travellers who don’t have time to visit the whole island. There’s plenty to do, and paddleboarding tops the list of water sports. Whether you’re a couple or a family, Paddle & GO offers rentals, introductory courses and guided tours throughout the summer months. Depending on the level of participants, they can take you as far as Cole Island, Prospect Lake or Thetis Lake. A different way to discover Victoria and the surrounding area.

Alberta 

Becker’s Chalet (Jasper) 

Becker’s Chalet is impossible to miss. Located less than 15 minutes from the town of Jasper, in the heart of the Park of the same name, along the famous Glacier Highway, this complex of pretty log cabins awaits travelers with open arms. Family-oriented, this estate nestled along the Athabasca River boasts a large playground for children, as well as a number of homes with kitchens and fireplaces. At Toundra, it’s a classic that we love to offer in every season. The icing on the sundae? It’s not unusual to see elk grazing peacefully on this wilderness site!

E-bike Tour avec White Mountain Adventures (Banff) 

How else can you discover the town of Banff? By choosing a 2-hour guided tour with White Mountain Adventures, on a very special mount… an e-bike! This e-bike tour takes in downtown Banff and the area’s best points of interest: Bow Falls, Surprise Corner, the Banff Springs Hotel, Vermilion Lakes and the Cave & Basin historic site. This summer activity is accessible to beginners aged 14 and over, and covers some 16km. You can also take a 3-hour guided tour of Canmore and the surrounding area, along the peaceful Bow River.

Mount Engadine Lodge (Canmore) 

Mount Engadine Lodge is an off-the-beaten-track gem in the heart of the Rockies. Located 1 hour’s drive south of the town of Canmore, it’s a fantastic alternative to the highly sought-after accommodations of its cousin Banff. Built in 1987 and named after the nearby summit, it’s the only accommodation within Spray Valley Provincial Park! Availability is skyrocketing, and deservedly so for this full-board establishment. In rooms, chalets or luxury ready-to-camp, this guesthouse is ideal for adventurers in search of authenticity, disconnection and wilderness in all seasons.

Jasper Hikes & Tours (Jasper) 

Departing from Jasper’s activity center, or even directly from the traveler’s accommodation, it’s possible to experience a privileged nature adventure. In small groups, Jasper Hikes & Tours offers tailor-made guided hikes, depending on the interest and level of participants. In the heart of the Rockies, an experienced mountain guide leads you along the most beautiful trails in Jasper National Park. An activity that allows you to enjoy the breathtaking views, as well as the flora and fauna, in a safe and supervised environment.

SPOTLIGHT ON MARITIME

New Brunswick

L’Ancrage B&B (Saint Louis de Kent) 

Liane is of Dutch origin, and has been in love, not with Quebec, but with New Brunswick for many years. She now runs a bed & breakfast on the banks of the Kouchibouguac River, where she truly makes travelers feel at home. Her Ancrage Bed & Breakfast offers a choice of 6 tastefully decorated rooms, in a large house just a stone’s throw from the starting point of the Kouchibouguac National Park hiking trails. Open year-round, Liane’s Bed & Breakfast is well worth the detour, if only for the magnificent sunrise in all seasons or the delicious full breakfast.

Kayak avec Baymount Outdoor Adventures (Hopewell Rocks Parc) 

The Bay of Fundy is a natural wonder and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its prodigious tides, the highest in the world with peaks of 16 metres, attract visitors from all horizons. Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park, 47km south of Moncton, is the starting point for unique sea-kayaking adventures. From May to September, Baymount Outdoor Adventures takes you up among the immense “flowerpot”-shaped rock formations, through small tunnels and narrow passages. This activity is, of course, subject to tide times!

Quisibis Dômes (Edmunston) 

Glamping in a nutshell? Quisibis Dômes! Located in the heart of the forest on the banks of the Rivière Verte, the Quisibis domes offer a high-flying nature experience. Under the bubble, year-round, travelers enjoy a comfortable stay. Each dome has all the comforts of a chalet: full kitchen, bathroom and jacuzzi on the terrace. Heated in winter, the bubble offers an unobstructed view of the surrounding countryside and the grandiose spectacle of a starry sky. For a unique experience, special conditions apply! This little paradise of disconnection accepts reservations for a minimum of 2 nights, with arrivals on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Nova Scotia

Keltic Lodge Resort & Spa (Ingonish) 

Located on Cape Breton Island, Ingonish is on the scenic Cabot Trail. More than 300 kilometers cut into the cliffs, with breathtaking ocean views, this is a mythical Nova Scotia road-trip. Beautiful Ingonish is home to a 105-room resort, just steps from the beach and on the edge of a cliff offering exceptional views. The Keltic Lodge Resort & Spa is a classic in our Maritimes offering, with almost guaranteed availability and numerous amenities for travelers (pool, gym, spa, 2 restaurants, 18-hole golf course, bike rentals…).

Lunenburg Walking Tour (Lunenburg) 

Established in 1753, the fishing village of Lunenburg is one of only two Unesco World Heritage Sites in North America! Today, 70% of the 18th and 19th century colonial buildings continue to welcome vacationers. The alleyways of Lunenburg’s old town tell a fascinating story, and Lunenburg Walking Tour offers travellers the chance to share in it. Liz and her team of enthusiastic guides take visitors on a tour of the town’s colorful facades, revealing a wealth of local history and Victorian architecture. During the hour-long tour, these locals regale participants with folklore, superstitions and recommendations for making the most of what the village has to offer in every season.

Inverary Resort (Baddeck) 

The gateway to Cape Breton Island, Baddeck is about 4.5 hours north of Halifax. Nestled on the shores of Bras d’Or Lake, Inverary Resort has been an 11-hectare resort since its construction in 1850. Rooms are simple yet comfortable, and the resort boasts a swimming pool and spa. Popular with families, the resort offers magnificent lake views, especially from the restaurant, which serves a hearty buffet breakfast. At Toundra, we particularly appreciate the setting and exceptional welcome, as well as the proximity of the Baddeck Marina, home to “The Freight Sheid” restaurant and its delicious Lobster Rolls.

DISCOVERING DISTANT LANDS

Northern Manitoba

Lazy Bear Lodge & Expeditions (Churchill) 

Known as the polar bear-watching capital of Canada, Churchill is well worth a visit. Only accessible by train or plane, the Lazy Bear Lodge offers a cozy, all-log bubble in Manitoba. Open year-round, the lodge features a restaurant serving local products such as Hudson Bay brook trout. In the middle is a majestic stone fireplace that makes you want to keep your nose to the grindstone. The little extra? You can book a nights + activities package with the lodge’s expeditions section. Polar bears, beluga whales and the northern lights are just waiting to be discovered by adventurers in the Far North.

Yukon 

Mount Logan EcoLodge (Haynes Junction) 

After extensive renovations, the Mount Logan Ecolodge reopens its doors this fall. This Yukon architectural nugget, standing proudly at the foot of Kluane National Park, also stands out for its incomparable hospitality. Here, you can spend the night in a comfortable yurt, in a mini-chalet, in rooms within the lodge, or in a converted school bus! Summer and winter alike, the Finnish sauna is also available, as are numerous activities such as dog sledding, rafting on the Dezadeash River and mountain hiking. Bonus? The lucky ones can catch a glimpse of the famous Northern Lights… from the terrace!

Midnight Sun Hotel (Dawson City) 

Now that’s what we call a successful comeback. After years of neglect, the Midnight Sun Hotel has risen from the ashes in Dawson, the former capital of the Yukon. Open for the summer season only, this boutique hotel pays homage to the gold rush that transformed the region’s economy and topology. The establishment offers a dozen rooms of varying standards, all fully equipped (wi-fi, microwave, Nespresso machine…). A comfortable, modern stopover in a town that perfectly combines art, history and wilderness.

Terre-Neuve 

Captain’s Legacy B&B (Twilingate) 

Once upon a time, there was Captain Peter Troake and his stately Victorian home, typical of the 1800s. Today, the late navigator’s legacy lives on through the hospitality of Addie and John. While vacationing in Twilingate, the couple fell under the spell and purchased the property in 2015. Since then, Captain’s Legacy Bed and Breakfast welcomes visitors from May to October, in the hollow of Hart’s Cove, facing the ocean. Here, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and the 4 rooms available are comfortable and well-equipped. What’s our favorite thing to do at Addie and John’s? Watch the icebergs float by from the comfort of an armchair on the porch.

Sea of Whales Adventures (Trinity) 

This family-run business, with 25 years’ experience, has set itself a mission: to provide visitors with the ultimate whale-watching experience. By motorboat with a maximum capacity of 12 passengers, the team embarks adventurers all around the Bonavista Peninsula, for a privileged encounter with the gentle giants of the seas. Many species migrate through the waters around Newfoundland, and with luck, even orcas and dolphins will be on hand. The fun is also in the air, as eagles and puffins make their home here. In an incredible setting, with icebergs as a backdrop, all you have to do is open your eyes and let nature take you by surprise.

We’re not going to lie, the list could have gone on for a few more pages! With a destination as rich and magnificent as Canada, we’re never short of ideas to offer your travelers an unforgettable stay. Don’t hesitate to get off the beaten track and discover the thousand facets of this land we love so much.

A HUGE thank you to our valued partners: Tourisme Outaouais, Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Yukon, Travel Alberta, Brand USA and Toundrigo!