You can find some of the prettiest places in our huge country in its small towns. From stunning seaside towns in New Brunswick and BC to small villages in Ontario and Quebec, the wonders of the Canadian countryside await. Read on and discover the best villages and small towns in Canada worth visiting for your next getaway.
Best small coastal towns in Canada
Trinity, Newfoundland and Labrador
Trinity is one of the most quaint towns in Newfoundland, looking like it came straight from a postcard. Located on the picturesque Bonavista Peninsula, Trinity has a rich history dating back to the 1700s, when fishermen would come here for the season. While the year-round population of Trinity is under 200, it comes to life during the summer as one of Newfoundland’s most popular tourist destinations. The best time to visit Trinity is during the summer, when everything is open, and visitors can explore this remote town, enjoying cultural attractions like shows at the beloved Rising Tide Theatre. The summer months in Newfoundland are also the best time to go whale watching, sea kayaking, bird-watching, and iceberg hunting, with some of the best coastal hikes, including the Skerwink trail, offering perfect spots for whale spotting.
St. Andrews-by-the-Sea, New Brunswick
When it comes to the prettiest towns in Canada, it doesn’t get better than St. Andrews-By-The-Sea in New Brunswick. This is one of the prettiest small towns in Canada, where you can mix historical experiences and outdoor adventures all in one getaway. Spend a few days exploring the colonial heritage and lots of century-old buildings, including the famous Algonquin Resort, which you can still stay in today. Located just a couple of hours away from Fundy National Park, this is the perfect place to kick off a summer road trip in New Brunswick. St. Andrews-By-The-Sea has a population of less than 2,000, but it becomes a bustling town during the summer. There are many activities to choose from, but some of the most popular are whale-watching and sea-kayaking tours on the Bay of Fundy, one of Canada's natural wonders.
Victoria-by-the-Sea, Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island is home to many seaside towns, but Victoria-by-the-Sea is one of the most picturesque of the bunch. Founded in 1819, this small village consists of just four blocks, with buildings painted in bright colours and coastal views for miles. Victoria-by-the-Sea has become a hub for artists, with painters, potters, and sculptors making up the population of this quaint Canadian Atlantic town, which has only 200 year-round residents. While visiting, you can explore galleries, see local art, and even take a pottery class. The farming and fishing culture also has a strong presence here. During your visit, be sure to indulge in some of the best seafood on the East Coast, where restaurants here serve the freshest catch of the day.
Tofino, British Columbia
If you’re looking for a small town in Canada with easy access to the wilderness, Tofino is a top choice. It takes just 20 minutes to walk the width of Tofino’s main village, but the activities are abundant. Tofino's temperate rainforest climate means you’ll find towering old-growth trees, rugged coastlines, and lush hiking trails all around town. Hiking is one of the major attractions here, along with the magnificent beaches. Tofino is known as Canada's best surfing destination, but you can also go sea kayaking, canoeing, and whale watching throughout the year. If you’re looking for outdoor adventures, put Tofino at the top of your list.
The most beautiful villages in Canada
Baddeck, Nova Scotia
Founded in 1908, Baddeck is one of the nicest small towns to visit in Nova Scotia. It’s considered to be the beginning and the end of the Cabot Trail, one of the most scenic road trips in Canada. Although there are fewer than 1,000 permanent residents here, this small Canadian town is packed with amazing restaurants and shops catering to visitors, so make sure you try a lobster roll while visiting. Situated along the shores of the stunning Bras d’Or Lake, Baddeck is the perfect place for water sports, including sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
Located on the southern shores of Lake Ontario, Niagara-on-the-Lake is the perfect small town in Canada to relax for a weekend. It’s a town filled with historic houses and small Victorian streets lined with hotels, shops, and restaurants. The mild climate here makes it home to Canada’s best vineyards, so be sure to book a wine tasting tour before your visit. And save room in your suitcase to bring home a few bottles of some of the top wines in all of North America! Nearby to Niagara-on-the-Lake is the world-famous Niagara Falls, which you can visit by biking along the stunning Niagara Parkway. The two destinations make a perfect weekend getaway from Toronto, offering visitors endless activities, including golfing, shopping, and dining.
Dawson City, Yukon
Although the population today is less than 2,000, this Canadian town was once over 16,000 during the peak of the Gold Rush. Dawson City is the second-largest community in the Yukon Territory and a great place to learn about the area's history through museums, tours, and other fun activities. You can explore the Discovery Claim National Historic Site, where the famous Gold Rush first began. The town of Dawson is also a charming town to explore in Canada’s North, filled with scenic storefronts and brightly painted houses along the main streets. But no trip to Dawson City is complete without an adventure into the surrounding forest. You’ll find ample opportunities for hiking and camping and an ideal place to see the Northern Lights. Yukon residents, now is the time to explore your beautiful backyard!
Jasper, Alberta
Jasper is the perfect small town in Canada to visit if you want to explore the stunning Canadian Rockies. It’s quieter than nearby Banff but offers just as many activities. Although the park draws more than three million visitors a year, the town's population is fewer than 5,000, so it still has that charming small-town feel. This classic Canadian mountain town is lined with little bistros, boutiques, and hotels, but it’s also a dream destination for outdoor enthusiasts all year round. With opportunities for hiking, snowshoeing, skiing, ice climbing, and more, it’s an adventure-lover's paradise. Given its northern location, Jasper is also a great place to watch the Northern Lights. For the best views of the Northern Lights, head up the Jasper SkyTram, which takes you more than 2,000 metres up to the top of Whistlers Mountain.
Churchill, Manitoba
If you love wildlife, Churchill, Manitoba, is one of the top destinations to visit. There are more polar bears in Churchill than permanent residents, and the area is also home to a large population of beluga whales that migrate here every year. In addition to its rare wildlife, Churchill’s known for its stunning landscapes and remote location along Hudson Bay, making it an ideal place to view the Northern Lights. The town of Churchill also has its own charm, with a SeaWalls mural that spans 30 kilometres along the shoreline, adding even more colour to this northern destination.
Kamouraska, Quebec
Quebec is home to many beautiful rural towns and villages, but Kamouraska is one not to be missed. Set on the shores of the St. Lawrence River, this small Quebecois village is the perfect place to go for a peaceful escape. You’ll surely be charmed by the main street, which is lined with boutiques and 19th-century resort town-style homes. The population of this small town is just over 500, but it has become a popular foodie destination thanks to its high-quality bakeries and restaurants. While visiting, you can eat amazing locally sourced seafood and regionally made cheeses. This town is famous for its sunsets, so be sure to stay out until the evening to see the sky light up over the river.
Start planning your next small-town getaway
We’ve just scratched the surface of all the villages and small towns in Canada. From coastal communities to mountain escapes, each province and territory has its own destinations worth adding to your travel list. So if you’re ready to start planning your next adventure, explore Skyscanner to compare deals on flights, hotels, and car rentals all in one place.
Frequently asked questions: Small towns and villages in Canada
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