From dinky coastal villages featuring charming lighthouses to historic towns tucked into the mountains, Canada's provinces and territories offer some delightful communities that welcome visitors with open arms. We've selected the top spots worth a detour and, while accepting that our opinion will always be subjective, ranked them.
Read on to discover our favourite Canadian locations that prove small really is beautiful...
This little town between the cities of Calgary and Lethbridge has an authentic Wild West look and feel – so much so that it’s frequently used as a location for major film and TV productions.
Set against the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Fort Macleod looks the part of a genuine cowboy town with its magnificent main street featuring the 100-year-old Empress Theatre (which was originally an opera house) and the nearby Fort Museum of the Northwest Mounted Police situated a recreation of the fort that gave the town its name.
Elora (which is amalgamated with its sister town of Fergus, Ontario) is renowned for its natural charm and the picturesque Grand River, which flows through the charismatic community.
The village’s bridges, gardens and stone buildings – including the historic Elora Mill – are all worth seeing, as is the Elora Gorge, a natural wonderland complete with dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, hiking trails and white water rapids, located just minutes from the main part of town.
Nakusp sits in the West Kootenay region of British Columbia and is so out of the way that drivers need to take a ferry to get there if they’re coming south from the Trans-Canada Highway.
Once in town visitors will find a sandy beach on the shore of Upper Arrow Lake, a beautiful flower-adorned waterfront walkway and a number of delightful local businesses including an old school hamburger drive-in and the Leland Hotel, which claims to be the oldest operating hotel in British Columbia.
Located in the Charlevoix region of Québec on the northern shore of the great St. Lawrence River, Baie-Saint-Paul is full of culture, thanks to a healthy community of independent shops, art galleries and restaurants. Such a creative population makes for an area of well-maintained colourful homes and a bustling main street.
It’s no wonder that this town is the birthplace of one of Québec’s most famous exports, the world-renowned Cirque du Soleil, which was dreamed up in a local youth hostel.
Home to one of Canada’s most prominent Icelandic communities, the town of Gimli is marked by Nordic details like the town’s much-beloved Viking statue and tiny houses inhabited by Icelandic elves.
Gimli also has the laid-back feel of a beach community, thanks to its position on the shores of Lake Winnipeg. The beach is most popular in the summertime, but it’s also used for ice fishing and as an ice driving course in the winter when the water freezes over.
Watrous is in the heart of Canada’s grainbelt and its proximity to the healing mineral-rich waters of Lake Manitou have long made it a favourite destination for both vacationers and those looking for a friendly place to retire.
The town retains some nice slices of Canadian prairie history including the still-operational historic Danceland dance hall and a 500-year-old stained glass window in the All Saints Anglican Church that is hundreds of years older than the town itself.
Even though it is the largest town in the Northwest Territories north of the Arctic Circle, Inuvik only has a population of about 3,400 people. Being so far north, the town may initially feel a bit desolate, but the climate also makes for some quirks that add considerable charm.
In addition to a community greenhouse, the world’s northernmost mosque and lots of Indigenous arts and culture, Inuvik’s claim to fame is the igloo-shaped Our Lady of Victory church (pictured).
Located at the southern tip of the Okanagan Valley and known as one of the warmest places in Canada, Osoyoos’ desert climate makes it a hub for wine tourism, with some of Canada’s best wineries located on the nearby Golden Mile.
The warm waters of Lake Osoyoos draw many visitors, as do the cultural contributions of the Osoyoos Indian Band, whose Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre sits across the lake from the main part of the town.
This Rocky Mountains town is only about a half-hour drive from the Banff townsite, but since it sits just outside the gates of Banff National Park, Canmore has a different look and feel.
A wonderland of Nordic sports, Canmore’s aesthetic is a mix of active lifestyle amenities and cosy wooden lodges, but the town is also full of high-end restaurants, cute shops and beautiful walkways, all of which sit under the shadow of the Three Sisters mountains.
Scattered along a peninsula in the eastern region of Newfoundland and Labrador, Trinity is a pretty place. Its history goes back to the 1720s, when around 30 families lived there permanently and 200 fishermen would come for the season each year.
Fishing, lumbering and shipbuilding were the main industries then and many of its historic buildings have been preserved. Today, there are walking tours of its most important sites and good hiking trails along the coast.
Less than an hour drive from the capital city of Ottawa is the utterly charming mill town of Almonte. Wander the streets and take in the limestone mill buildings which have been repurposed as galleries, restaurants and boutiques.
There’s a thriving creative scene with potters, sculptors and glassblowers showing off their wares all over town. The Old Town Hall (pictured) is now a creative hub offering theatre performances and music concerts, as well as being the local tourist information centre.
The town of Jasper is the place to base yourself for a trip to its namesake national park, the largest in the Canadian Rockies. Although around 2.5 million people pass through the park every year, the population of the town is fewer than 5,000, meaning there’s still a charming small-town feel, especially in the shoulder seasons.
Visit Jasper Museum to learn about the area’s history, then enjoy the spectacular national park, where you can spot black bears, hike in surreal surroundings and paddle on scenic lakes.
Black and white images of old Lebret reveal that this village, around an hours' drive northeast of Regina, hasn't changed much over the decades. Sat on Mission Lake in the Qu’Appelle Valley, the highlight here is the Roman Catholic Sacred Heart Church.
First constructed in 1865, the current stone building dates from 1925. The landmark Stations of the Cross, which lead to the wooden red and white Memorial Chapel at the top of the hill, were erected in 1929.
Churchill in Manitoba, on Hudson Bay, is synonymous with one thing: polar bear spotting. However, stop a while in the town itself and you'll discover a cultural scene you probably won't be expecting: nearly 300 street art murals and the iconic wreckage of Miss Piggy, a C-46 cargo plane.
Think Banff and undoubtedly you imagine an azure lake backed by the vertiginous Rocky Mountains. However, that's not all there is to this incredibly popular area of Canada. Head into Banff town and you'll be rewarded with a pretty main street, lined by gabled houses and a view towards those majestic peaks.
In winter, some of the world’s best ski resorts await, with fantastic powder snow and après ski scenes. In summer, paddle on the bright blue lake and hike the many trails.
This pretty town is 15 minutes' drive from French River and was made famous thanks to author Lucy Maud Montgomery after she wrote Anne of Green Gables. She moved to the area as a child and regularly visited Green Gables farm, which provided inspiration for her novel.
Fans can visit the Anne of Green Gables Museum, the Green Gables Heritage Place (pictured) and Avonlea Village, a recreated rural community based on the village where the character lived.
Sitting on the confluence of the Saguenay and Saint Lawrence rivers, it's hardly surprising that water-based activities are the main attraction in Tadoussac. Whales can be spotted on boat trips from mid-May until mid-October, while the more adventurous can try sea kayaking or surf biking.
On land, don’t miss the pretty Petite Chapelle de Tadoussac (pictured), a little wooden church dating back to 1747.
The province of Nova Scotia may be home to over 160 historic lighthouses, but one of its best-known is found in the picture-perfect fishing village of Peggy’s Cove on the Bluenose Coast. Visit Peggy’s Point Lighthouse (pictured) and stay in the surrounding village, where wooden clapboard homes are scattered up the shore and boathouses on stilts pepper the waters.
Don't miss the area’s active adventures, such as kayaking and hiking.
The pretty town of Wasagaming is located within Riding Mountain National Park on the southern shores of Clear Lake. This small but beautifully-formed place has wide streets lined by pine trees and secluded homes set back from the road.
But the main attraction here is the lake itself – enjoy a peaceful stroll through the waterfront park before sunning yourself on the beach. The park is also a great place to spot wildlife, and you can see black bear, elk, moose, lynx and bison on a drive.
Those seeking active adventures with a slice of charm on the side should head to the autumnal town of Bracebridge, built around a tumbling waterfall on the Muskoka River. With water sports for all seasons, there are cross-country skiing trails, ice climbing trips and kayaking on the town's various bodies of water.
After a busy day splashing about, a tour and tasting at the Muskoka Brewery is a must.
This mid-18th century fishing town in northeast New Brunswick is one of the province’s oldest French settlements. There's an Acadian Historical Village, which recreates life from the 1770s to the mid-1900s, while during August the town hosts the popular Festival acadien de Caraquet, which sees thousands of visitors celebrating the culture of the French settlers' descendants.
It takes just 20 minutes to walk the width of Tofino's main village, which sits on the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island. But don't let its size fool you: this place has a lot going on. The surf is spectacular, so grab a board and hit the waves, and there are several gorgeous beaches to explore.
Head to Long Beach to spot whales in the distance or get out on a stand-up paddleboard at Mackenzie Beach. There’s a thriving arts and crafts scene here, with handmade chocolate shops and wooden furniture stores, and the Ocean Village Resort is a cute overnight stop with its seafront wooden cottages.
Located in southwestern Nova Scotia, the charming port town of Yarmouth has plenty to offer whatever your interests. For active pursuits there's an 18-hole golf course, hiking trails or canoe rental.
If you get out on the water, look back to shore to admire red wooden buildings so typical in this part of Canada. There also a variety of intriguing museums, including the Harbourfront Museum with enlightening displays focusing on the region’s culturally diverse past. And don't miss a guided tour of the Cape Forchu Lighthouse.
An hour’s drive southwest of Ottawa, Perth is a popular weekend retreat for those seeking a few days away from the Canadian capital. Settled in 1815, Perth is loved for both its heritage and outdoor activities.
The 240-mile (387km) Rideau Trail hiking network runs right through the town. Canoeing on the Tay Canal, plus biking and camping are offered in the warmer months too.
Nova Scotia is brimming with stunning seaside towns and villages but Blue Rocks is a particularly glorious spot to spend the afternoon.
There's a smattering of houses and even a tiny (fake) lighthouse that was built in 2002. In summer you can also kayak the millpond-like waters of the Atlantic that surround the tiny maze of islands off Eastern Point.
While it's worth stopping by French River to admire the traditional wooden buildings, really it's the view of this fishing village from afar that's beloved by both Islanders and visitors alike. Located on the Green Gables Shore, nearby you'll find Cape Tryon Lighthouse and a stunning secluded beach too.
The beautiful village of Percé has a stunning setting at the east end of the Gaspé Peninsula. A popular summer resort, there is plenty to entertain in the centre, but the real draw here has to be its proximity to some natural wonders.
Tens of thousands of northern gannets flock around Bonaventure Island, just off the coast of Percé and there's also the striking arch of Percé Rock, a towering, 1,420-foot-long (433m) monolith rising from the ocean.
With its lighthouse, boats bobbing in the harbour and a historic waterfront, the fishing town of Bonavista on the eastern shores of Newfoundland feels quintessentially Canadian. Just over 3,000 people call this town home, so it has a pleasingly slow pace of life – perfect for a relaxing break. The four-mile (6.4km) hike along the Cape Shore Trail is a highlight.
Prince Edward Island – aka PEI – might be Canada's smallest province but it has no shortage of adorable towns and villages, and Victoria, or Victoria-by-the-Sea, is a postcard-pretty example. Founded in 1819, the village is tiny, focused around just six main streets.
Stop by the chocolate shop, the Studio Gallery to see local artists' works and the island's longest-running theatre, the Victoria Playhouse.
The fishing village of Twillingate, located on Newfoundland’s northeastern coast, calls itself the iceberg capital of the world. Between May and July hunks of ice glide through the Atlantic waters and boat trips take tourists out to watch them. Hop on board and you'll also spot whales, dolphins and seals.
On land, Twillingate is equally captivating, with its cluster of colourful houses and activities like geocaching on offer. You can also hike along the coastline, picking blueberries and bright red partridge berries as you take on the six-mile (9.6km) amble to the Long Point Lighthouse.
In the apple-growing valley along the Pike River, Frelighsburg is a delightfully leafy village. With so many orchards, it would be a shame not to make the most of the cider tasting on offer at farms like Au Coeur de la Pomme and Ferme du Haut-Vallon.
A stroll through the village itself reveals traditional fieldstone houses and mills too.
There are many reasons why the village of Whistler – two-hours' drive north from Vancouver – attracts three million visitors per year. In addition to world-class skiing in winter, the area offers summer activities aplenty including 186 miles (300km) of mountain biking trails and 15 parks with five lakes for hikers.
But it's not just about the great outdoors, the village and its surrounds has over 170 restaurants, cafés and bars, plus 200 shops and even hosts a food festival in November.
Founded in the Klondike Gold Rush days of the late 19th century, Dawson City expanded rapidly as people flooded in to take advantage of the riches on offer. Today, the rush may be over but gold mining continues.
You can even try gold panning yourself from May to September as part of the Goldbottom Mine Tour.
Set on the south shore of the Saint Lawrence River in the Bas‑Saint‑Laurent region of Québec, the small village of Kamouraska is the perfect tiny town for a peaceful escape. Eat locally-sourced seafood in its restaurants, enter another era in the local general store and spot seals along the pretty shoreline.
Be sure you stay out until evening – Kamouraska is famous for its stunning sunsets.
The town of Mahone Bay, set on the picture-perfect south shore of Nova Scotia, was first settled by the French in the 17th century. The British later gave it the name we know today and the town has remained a quaint community attracting artisans and entrepreneurs.
While the Three Churches of Mahone Bay, all built in the late-19th and early-20th centuries in different architectural styles, are a highlight, the town hosts wholesome gatherings like the Scarecrow Festival and Antiques Fair most years too.
On the shores of Lake Ontario and 30-minutes' drive north of the famous falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake is a charming, well-preserved 19th-century village with tree-lined streets and some of Canada’s best wineries nearby. Take a horse-drawn carriage through the pretty Heritage District, where buildings have cast-iron balconies overflowing with colourful flowers during spring and summer.
Considered one of the top destinations in Canada, the picturesque seaside town of St Andrews on the eastern coast has a population of less than 2,000 but it’s packed with personality. On the water there are adventures on offer including whale watching, kayaking and scuba diving in the Bay of Fundy while on land, Kingsbrae Garden features thousands of plant species in a tranquil setting.
Goderich looks like an idyllic seaside town, but it actually sits on the shore of Lake Huron, one of the Great Lakes. It was established in the mid-1800s by a group of British investors who established The Canada Company, which accounts for the post-Napoleonic and Georgian houses in the older parts of the town.
It’s widely known as 'the prettiest town in Canada' due to its architecture, waterside boardwalk and beaches and historic lighthouse.
Brigus is quaint all over. This historic village was home to a number of 'Arctic Heroes', captains who sailed the icy waters in the north of Canada. Stop by Hawthorne Cottage, the former home of ice navigator Captain Robert Bartlett, to see memorabilia from his voyages.
More history can be found on Vindicator Lane, which has a long dry-stone wall reminiscent of a European village, and the Convent of Mercy, built in 1860. The four-day Blueberry Festival in late August to early September, is a real highlight of the village, with 12,000 visitors coming to eat the fruit grown here and celebrating with music, dancing and fireworks.
On the shores of Québec's Lake Massawippi, North Hatley is a gem of a place and a member of the Association of the Most Beautiful Villages of Québec. Elegant, historic homes line the streets and a smattering of cute B&Bs make it a glorious retreat by the water.
From June to October there's a farmers' market every Saturday and come winter there's cross-country skiing on offer. You can even try your hand at curling at the local club.
A photographer’s dream destination, the colourful port town and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia is our number one pick. One of the best ways to see the 48 blocks of perfectly preserved wooden homes is on foot with a guide from Lunenburg Walking Tours, which takes in sights including the marvellously monochrome St John’s Anglican Church.
After all that exploring, tuck into the lobster and beef Lunenburger at the Grand Banker & Grill – it's worth the journey here alone.