Canada is filled with hidden gems that capture the spirit of this great nation. Whether you love exploring historical sites or admiring art galleries, you can find a charming small town in Canada to visit. Make sure to check out these spectacular lesser-known destinations.
The Best Small Towns in Canada
Exploring Canada provides the opportunity to visit new communities and explore the beautiful scenery and locations near Canada’s small towns. You can discover the story of the nation through some of the most interesting and eye-catching small towns in Canada like:
- Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia
- Legal, Alberta
- Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
- Dawson City, Yukon
- Gimli, Manitoba
- Victoria-by-the-Sea, Prince Edward Island
The Beautiful Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia
Mahone Bay might just be a town with 900 people but it’s three churches are some of the most photographed in all of Canada.
On your way to this maritime town, you can stop by Eastern Passage to check out the historical fishing wharves. When in Mahone Bay, take the time to explore the trails in the area and eat at one of the town’s upscale restaurants.
There are more visitors in the area during the summer months, so you can opt to visit during the colder months when you can enjoy fantastic skiing and snowy views.
The closest airport to Mahone Bay is Halifax International Airport, which is only an hour away.
View this post on InstagramRepost from @lunenburg_ns . The #threechurches in winter #mahonebay #novascotia / Beautiful!
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Discover the Town of Legal, Alberta
Legal is called the “French Mural Capital of Canada” thanks to over 35 incredible murals dotted throughout the town. Legal is a bilingual area in Alberta that has just over 1,000 residents.
The town is a lovely little farming community with picturesque buildings and spotless public areas.
Visit during July to witness the cultural heritage festival in the town. In the winter, you will have the opportunity to experience the Northern Lights.
Legal is less than 90 kilometres away from the Edmonton Airport.
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Fascinating History in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lunenburg is one of the most iconic landmarks in Canada, even with its population just above 2,000 people.
European settlers founded the town in the 1700s, and it has a rich Swiss, German, and French heritage. Photography and architecture buffs will appreciate the vibrant reds, greens, blues, and pinks used to paint most of the historical buildings.
Lunenburg is located near the Halifax Airport.
Visit Dawson City, Yukon
People who love frontier history will adore Dawson City. This town had so many prospectors that it was called “The Paris of the North,” but after the gold rush, most residents left. Dawson City now has just about 1,300 residents, but it contains many impressive historical sites, century-old homes, and mining museums.
Dawson City even boasts a signature drink, the Sour Toe Cocktail (that contains a real human toe).
To reach this town, you can fly to Dawson City Airport or drive along the iconic Top of the World Highway that stretches across the Alaska-Canada border.
The Quirky Town of Gimli, Manitoba
The town of Gimli was settled by Icelandic immigrants, and the locals are very proud of their heritage.
During August, there is a weekend-long Icelandic Heritage festival, which lets visitors view a Viking battle re-enactment and eat traditional dishes like Hakarl.
Fly in from the Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport.
Be Charmed by Victoria-by-the-Sea, P.E.I.
Victoria-by-the-Sea bears a name that references its historic past as a fishing village. This tiny town may only be four blocks long and have a population around 200 people, but it has plenty of heart.
It is a tight-knit artist enclave dotted with galleries, pottery studios, and sculpting exhibitions. You can also visit a few historical sites, including a lighthouse that once guided travellers to Prince Edward Island’s busiest seaports.
Since Victoria-by-the-Sea is located on Prince Edward Island, you can easily fly into Charlottetown Airport and explore all the area has to offer. Be sure to take a trip to the iconic Anne of Green Gables museum while you’re on the island.
View this post on Instagramfrom @insta.rob — Misty horizons beyond the harbour. #VictoriaByTheSea #PEI #ExploreCanada
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Next time you’re planning a trip to Canada, make sure to include a town off-the-beaten-path. The small towns in Canada are pretty magnificent and will enrich your entire trip!
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