6 Great Canadian Summer Getaways
(Photos, clockwise from top left: Kyler Vos, Kōena Spa, Benoit Rousseau, Tom Jutzle, Abby Matheson)
Whether you’re planning a bucket-list surfing trip to the west coast, a foodie tour of the Maritimes or a culture-packed city adventure somewhere in between, there’s a lot to see in Canada this summer. We asked a few of our favourite makers and boutique owners what a perfect day in their hometown looks like. Here are six jam-packed itineraries for your next Canadian getaway.
Tofino, B.C.
“One of our favourite things to do in Tofino is surfing at Long Beach. We love getting there early, running into people we know, letting the sun warm us up and watching the waves for a while before choosing a peak to surf—it always reminds us how lucky we are to live here.
Afterward, you’ll find us grabbing a coffee at Tofino Coffee Roasting Company or a slice of pizza at Adrianna’s Sandwich Shop. We love to end the day on the patio at Ombré with snacks and a glass of wine or a martini. There’s something so special about the shared energy that builds in Tofino as the day goes on.” —Valérie Minville and Emmanuelle Duchaine-Fontaine, co-owners of Merge, a coastal lifestyle boutique and line of products
Winnipeg
“Winnipeg is one of the most underrated cities in the country, and I’m so proud of all it has to offer. Start the day at Clementine Cafe, a breakfast spot tucked into the basement of a historic building in the Exchange District. (The braised bacon benedict with a side of fried potatoes is a must-try.) Then, pop into Vantage Vintage Boutique—it has an amazing selection of vintage clothing and accessories. There is so much to learn about our province’s history at the Manitoba Museum; my favourite lessons come from visiting the amazing Métis Grandmother beadwork pieces in their collection, which is a huge inspiration for my own beadwork practice. And no visit to Winnipeg is complete without a trip to The Forks, a National Historic Site in the heart of the city that has been a gathering place for millennia—be sure to book one of the Turtle Tours to learn more about the Indigenous history of the area.
Finally, if I’m not spending time in my garden at home, I’m visiting the English Garden in Assiniboine Park. Whenever you walk through the iron gates, there’s a different flower blooming in the vast, lush gardens. It’s the perfect place to unwind during golden hour.” —Lor Brand, owner of Lor Brand Bead Co., a collection of ornate hand-crafted Métis beadwork
Ottawa
“The myth of Ottawa being a sleepy city is truly just that: a myth! If you want to mix city living with a heavy dose of nature, Ottawa is the place to be. We love to get our butts kicked first thing in the morning at a Wheelhouse Training Club workout. Then grab a latte and pastry at Planet Coffee in the ByWard Market.
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Next up: the Ottawa Art Gallery, where the exhibits will leave you in awe of our talented nation. From there, you’re steps away from the canal, which loops you over to Elgin St. just in time for lunch. The Manx is the most beloved pub in town, but you can also opt for Town/Citizen if you are in the mood for outstanding small plates.
With a full belly, head out to the West Wellington neighbourhood for made-in-Canada retail therapy. Our boutique, Victoire, has been highlighting Canadian-made fashion for over 20 years. Our friends at Flock, Clothes by Muriel Dombret, JV Studios, The Foxhole and many more do the same, packing this neighbourhood full of gems for you to take home. With souvenir shopping ticked off your list, you’re close enough to the Ottawa River for a stroll down to see the Remic Rapids rock sculptures.
If you have a free evening, book a table at Arlo for a lively dinner experience, followed by an event at the National Arts Centre—the brutalist venue is a masterpiece that needs to be seen in person. For a hit of wellness, hop over the bridge to Hull for a thermal circuit and a massage at Kōena Spa, followed by a romantic Italian meal and a glass of wine at Caméline.” —Katie Frappier and Régine Paquette, co-owners of Victoire, a boutique dedicated to Canadian fashion
Montreal
“My favourite thing about summer in Montreal is making the most of the arts programming, most of which is free. There are so many music festivals, from the Montreal International Jazz Festival (June 25 to July 4, 2026) to Les Francos de Montréal (June 12 to 20, 2026) to the Festival International Nuits D’Afrique (July 7 to 19, 2026). I love the outdoor theatre productions at the Théâtre de Verdure in Parc Lafontaine, as well as the Jardins Gamelin for cultural events, such as circus and cabaret shows. If you like dancing, I recommend the Village au Pied-du-Courant, an outdoor spot right next to the St. Lawrence River where you can catch artists and DJ sets all summer long.
Most weekends, you’ll find me getting brunch and pupusas at the authentic (and affordable!) Salvadorean restaurant El Chalateco, or biking along the Lachine Canal to the Atwater Market for groceries. Also key to a perfect Montreal summer? Being outside as much as possible and enjoying every ounce of sunshine before winter inevitably comes back!” —Maya Amoah, owner of Batik Boutik,an ethical slow-fashion clothing company
Halifax
“A perfect day in Halifax begins at the Warehouse Farmers Market, followed by a cup of coffee and one of Trickdough’s soft and crispy signature donuts picked up from Espresso 46 in the North End. Take your goodies to a nearby beach—I like Conrad’s Beach or Lawrencetown Beach—to take in the cool, salty breeze.
On your way back, stop in Dartmouth for lunch. There are so many great spots, from Ori Foods to Café GoodLuck to Maria’s Pasta Bar & Pantry. Then, head back to the North End and shop around at Egghead Books for reading material, Reiyee for a curated selection of vintage clothing or Isle at Ease for homewares.
End the afternoon by snagging a seat on Cafe Byron’s sprawling patio for a caffeinated pick-me-up, or go for an early happy hour at Field Guide and order a dozen oysters and a martini. For dinner, Bar Kismet is an absolute must if you can grab a reservation. Otherwise, eat at The Narrows Public House. Nestled in an old heritage home, it’s a traditional maritime public house with an incredible menu that highlights local ingredients and has traditional live music most nights.
For a place to stay, The Narrows has a secret inn upstairs with amazing views and the sounds of a lively pub to lull you to sleep.” —Hannah Sears, owner of Slowly, Slowly, a lifestyle boutique that curates a mix of local and international fashion and homewares
Whitehorse
“The best spots in Whitehorse have local character and are independently run by passionate members of the community—and it just so happens that most of the businesses I love are run by women. I would start my day with a latte at Cerberus Coffee, a café tucked inside Road Dogs Records, where you can browse for new music while eavesdropping on local gossip. Next, I would hit Mount McIntyre, a great spot for cross-country skiing in winter or for a round of disc golf in the warmer months. After working up an appetite, I would head to Gather, an eclectic Mexican restaurant housed in Lumel Studios, a glass-blowing studio. I always order the chipotle chicken tacos, and they mix the best cocktails. (Seriously, try any of them.) If you have time, book a glass-blowing workshop and make your own souvenir, like a small bowl or flower.
I’d finish my night at Lefty’s Well—the best dive bar around!—to catch live music and mingle with the locals. If you have wheels and want to stay somewhere magical, I recommend booking Tuckey Station House, a lodge located 45 minutes outside of town that’s available on Airbnb and comes with incredible views of snow-capped mountains and access to a lake.” —Kym Rempel, owner of Anto Yukon, a gift store and line of handcrafted soap and bath products made from locally harvested ingredients
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Andréanne Dion is the senior editor, style, beauty and travel at Chatelaine. She is also a contributing editor at FASHION and Hello! Canada.
