7 Underrated Places in Canada That Deserve a Spot on Your Bucket List
🇨🇦 7 Hidden Gems of Canada You Need to Visit (Before Everyone Else Does)
When you think of Canada, what comes to mind? Niagara Falls, Toronto, Vancouver, and Banff? While those spots are iconic for a reason, Canada is massive — and full of stunning, lesser-known destinations that most tourists never discover.
Whether you're chasing mountain solitude, offbeat islands, or charming small towns, these 7 hidden gems will show you the real Canada — far from the crowds and full of character.
*1. Tofino, British Columbia:
The Surf Capital You Didn’t Know Existed
Nestled on Vancouver Island’s wild west coast, Tofino is a small beach town that feels like a Canadian version of Hawaii. Think misty rainforests, endless beaches, and some of the best surf in North America — without the hype.
🗺️ Things to do:
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Surf or watch the waves at Long Beach
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Soak in Hot Springs Cove (reachable only by boat/plane)
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Explore the nearby Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
💸 Budget tip: Travel in shoulder season (May or September) for cheaper stays and quieter vibes.
*2. Fogo Island, Newfoundland & Labrador:
Where Time Slows Down
Fogo Island is one of the most remote yet culturally rich places in Canada. Known for its dramatic coastal cliffs, iceberg sightings, and modern-meets-traditional art, it’s a dream for slow travelers.
🗺️ Things to do:
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Stay in a local inn or the world-famous Fogo Island Inn
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Hike to Brimstone Head — considered one of the corners of the Earth
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Talk to locals and discover generations-old stories
📍 Tip: Getting here takes effort — ferry from Farewell, NL — but it’s worth every minute.
*3. Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta:
Banff’s Quiet Cousin
Just south of Banff lies a far less crowded and equally stunning national park. Waterton combines prairie, forest, and mountains all in one magical place.
🗺️ Things to do:
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Hike the Crypt Lake Trail (once rated Canada’s best hike)
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Explore the charming Waterton townsite
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Spot bears and bighorn sheep without crowds
📸 Why it’s special: You can kayak in a glacial lake, hike alpine trails, and walk to Montana — all in one day.
*4. The Magdalen Islands (Îles de la Madeleine), Québec:
French Island Life in the Gulf of St. Lawrence
This tiny archipelago offers windswept beaches, dramatic red cliffs, and a deep Acadian culture — all in the middle of the sea. It’s a totally different side of Québec you won’t find in Montréal or Québec City.
🗺️ Things to do:
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Kite surf or sail along pristine beaches
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Eat world-class seafood fresh from the sea
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Visit the local cheese and smokehouse artisans
🌊 Hidden gem alert: Best visited in summer by ferry or flight from mainland Québec.
*5. Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan:
The Canadian Prairies, Wild and Untamed
One of the least-visited national parks in Canada, Grasslands is a stargazer’s and hiker’s dream. Expect rolling plains, fossil beds, wild bison, and some of the darkest skies in North America.
🗺️ Things to do:
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Camp under a sky full of stars (a designated Dark Sky Preserve)
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Spot wild bison and prairie dogs
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Explore 70-million-year-old dinosaur fossils
⛺ Budget tip: Primitive camping here is cheap and unforgettable.
*6. Kluane National Park, Yukon:
Glaciers, Grizzlies, and Untouched Wilderness
If you're craving true wilderness, Kluane is one of the most breathtaking places in Canada. It's home to Canada’s highest peak (Mount Logan) and enormous icefields.
🗺️ Things to do:
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Flightseeing over glaciers
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Multi-day hikes or short scenic walks
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Spot grizzlies and moose in their natural habitat
🚗 Getting there: Fly into Whitehorse and rent a car — the drive alone is spectacular.
*7. Saint Andrews by-the-Sea, New Brunswick:
Canada’s Cutest Seaside Escape
This historic seaside town is full of charm and perfect for a relaxing, affordable summer getaway. It’s also one of the best places in the world to go whale watching.
🗺️ Things to do:
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Walk the ocean floor at low tide to Minister’s Island
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Whale watching tours in the Bay of Fundy
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Explore art galleries, cafés, and old-world architecture
🏡 Pro tip: Book a B&B instead of a hotel for cheaper stays and local hospitality.
*💰 Estimated Budget for Hidden Canada Travel:
Depending on where you go and how you travel, here’s a rough budget for a week exploring hidden gems in Canada:
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🛌 Accommodation: $50–$120 per night (hostels, B&Bs, or campgrounds)
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🚗 Transportation: $200–$400 (car rental + gas)
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🍁 Food: $20–$40 per day (mix of groceries + local eats)
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🎟️ Activities: Many hikes and sights are free or low-cost
Total (per week): $600–$1,100 (budget to mid-range)
*🧭 Travel Tips for Exploring Canada’s Hidden Gems:
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✅ Travel in shoulder seasons (May–June or September–October) for cheaper prices and fewer tourists.
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🚘 Rent a car — many gems aren’t reachable by public transport.
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🧳 Pack layers, even in summer — weather can shift quickly in remote areas.
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📶 Download offline maps — cell service can be spotty in rural regions.
*❓ Quick FAQs:
1. When’s the best time to visit?
May–June or September–October for good weather and fewer crowds.
2. Do I need a visa for Canada?
Most travelers need an eTA or visa — check your country’s requirements.
3. Are these places beginner-friendly?
Yes, they’re safe and great for first-time visitors with basic planning.
4. Can I visit without a car?
Some yes, but most are best explored by rental car.
5. Is it expensive to travel here?
Not necessarily — B&Bs, hostels, and camping help cut costs.
*✨ More Offbeat Travel Inspiration :
Love hidden gems and offbeat travel? You might enjoy:
Ready to uncover the real Canada?
Trade the tourist hotspots for wild coasts, ancient cliffs, and untold stories. These 7 hidden gems prove Canada’s magic runs far deeper than the guidebooks suggest.
HAPPY TRAVEL
Team:Planmyroad!
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