Hello friends,
When most people think of traveling in Canada, the same famous places often come to mind: Niagara Falls, Banff, Whistler, or Old Quebec City. These are breathtaking destinations, and I’ve loved visiting them myself. But Canada is such a vast and diverse country that it holds countless treasures beyond the popular tourist paths.
As a mother and traveler, I’ve discovered that sometimes the most memorable family adventures happen in places where crowds are few, nature feels untouched, and the pace of life allows you to truly connect—with your surroundings and with each other.
Today, I’d love to take you on a journey across Canada, exploring hidden travel gems that are perfect for family trips. These lesser-known destinations may not always make it to glossy brochures, but they capture the real beauty, history, and spirit of our country.
1. Manitoulin Island, Ontario
Most visitors to Ontario rush to Niagara Falls or Toronto, but Manitoulin Island is a place that feels like a secret oasis. Located in Lake Huron, it’s the world’s largest freshwater island.
- Why families love it: With its peaceful hiking trails, quiet beaches, and charming small towns, Manitoulin is the perfect spot for slowing down. Children can swim in crystal-clear lakes, parents can enjoy scenic drives, and everyone can explore the island’s Indigenous heritage.
- Must-do: Visit Bridal Veil Falls in Kagawong, where you can walk behind the cascading water.
2. Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan
While the Rocky Mountains get most of the attention, the prairies have a quiet beauty all their own. Grasslands National Park in southern Saskatchewan is one of those places that takes you by surprise.
- Why it’s special: It feels like stepping into another world. Rolling grasslands, bison roaming freely, and some of the darkest night skies in North America.
- Family fun: Kids can spot prairie dogs popping out of burrows, or join in stargazing at night. For families who want to connect with nature in its rawest form, this park is unforgettable.
3. Tofino, British Columbia
Okay, Tofino isn’t a total secret anymore, but compared to Vancouver or Whistler, it still feels like a hidden gem. Nestled on Vancouver Island’s rugged west coast, it’s a place of wild beauty.
- Why families love it: Endless beaches for sandcastle building, tide pools for exploring, and waves for surfing (yes, even beginners can try!).
- Special memory: I’ll never forget walking with my children along Long Beach at sunset, the Pacific stretching endlessly, the sky painted in pinks and oranges.
4. Fogo Island, Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland itself is already off the beaten track for many, and Fogo Island is a jewel within it. This small island off Newfoundland’s northeast coast combines rugged landscapes with rich cultural traditions.
- Why visit: Families can enjoy hiking trails, fishing villages, and boat tours to spot whales and puffins. The warmth of the local people makes you feel instantly at home.
- Unique highlight: The Fogo Island Inn is world-famous for its architecture and sustainability, but even just exploring the island’s small communities is magical.
5. Kouchibouguac National Park, New Brunswick
Pronounced “Koosh-i-boo-gwack,” this park is a treasure trove on New Brunswick’s Acadian coast.
- What makes it special: Sandy beaches, lagoons, and salt marshes create a unique environment full of wildlife. Families can bike, kayak, or simply relax on the warm sand dunes.
- Fun for kids: Interpretive programs teach children about local ecosystems in playful, engaging ways.
6. Prince Albert National Park, Saskatchewan
While Grasslands showcases the prairie, Prince Albert National Park highlights a different side of Saskatchewan—its boreal forests and lakes.
- Why families love it: The town of Waskesiu inside the park has a charming retro feel, with family cabins, ice cream shops, and paddleboat rentals.
- Adventure tip: Try spotting wild elk or take a hike to Grey Owl’s cabin, once home to the famous conservationist.
7. Îles de la Madeleine, Quebec
Hidden in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Magdalen Islands (Îles de la Madeleine) are a string of windswept, red-cliffed islands belonging to Quebec but feeling like a world apart.
- Why they’re perfect for families: Quiet beaches, colorful houses, and a laid-back lifestyle make it a refreshing escape. You’ll find kite-flying, sandcastles, and plenty of seafood.
- Best part: Because it’s a bit harder to reach (by ferry or small plane), it feels wonderfully untouched.
8. Riding Mountain National Park, Manitoba
Often overshadowed by the Rockies, Riding Mountain National Park offers a mix of prairie, forest, and lakes in one beautiful package.
- Family highlights: Go canoeing on Clear Lake, cycle scenic trails, or watch for moose and black bears.
- Charming touch: The little resort town of Wasagaming inside the park is perfect for ice cream breaks and family strolls.
9. Haida Gwaii, British Columbia
Formerly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, Haida Gwaii is a remote archipelago off B.C.’s coast rich in Indigenous culture and natural wonder.
- Why it’s special: Families can learn about the Haida Nation, explore ancient totem poles, and hike through old-growth rainforests.
- Wildlife magic: Watch for bald eagles soaring overhead or whales surfacing offshore.
Haida Gwaii feels like stepping into another world—sacred, mysterious, and deeply moving.
10. Fundy Isles, New Brunswick
While many tourists visit the Bay of Fundy for its famous tides, few explore the lesser-known islands tucked within. Grand Manan, Deer Island, and Campobello Island are peaceful gems.
- Why families love them: Think lighthouses, whale-watching tours, and picnics by the sea.
- Unique feature: Campobello Island is where Franklin D. Roosevelt had his summer home, now a fascinating historical site.
11. Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta
Everyone knows Banff and Jasper, but Waterton—tucked near the U.S. border—is just as spectacular, without the same crowds.
- What makes it special: Majestic mountains, turquoise lakes, and wildflower meadows.
- Family tip: Go for an easy lakeside hike or enjoy a boat ride across the international border into Montana’s Glacier National Park.
It’s one of those rare places where nature feels both grand and intimate.
12. Whitehorse and the Yukon Wilderness
For families willing to venture north, Whitehorse offers adventure and culture.
- Why visit: Canoe down the Yukon River, explore old gold rush towns, or learn about Indigenous traditions.
- Unforgettable moment: Watching the northern lights dance across the Yukon sky is a memory your children will carry forever.
Why Choose Hidden Gems for Family Travel?
While popular tourist spots have their charm, hidden gems offer something different:
- Less crowded: More space for kids to play and families to connect.
- Authenticity: A chance to experience real communities and traditions.
- Affordability: Smaller towns and parks are often easier on the budget.
- Memorable stories: Your children will remember chasing prairie dogs or building sandcastles on a quiet beach more vividly than waiting in line at a crowded attraction.
Tips for Family Travel in Canada’s Hidden Corners
- Pack for all weather: Canadian conditions can change quickly, even in summer.
- Support local: Choose family-run lodges, local restaurants, and Indigenous experiences.
- Plan downtime: Don’t overschedule—leave space for spontaneous adventures.
- Involve the kids: Let them help choose activities; they’ll feel more invested.
- Capture memories: Journals, photos, or even collecting small keepsakes (like a seashell or postcard) make the trip more meaningful.
Final Thoughts
Canada is full of wonders—some world-famous, others quietly tucked away. While it’s thrilling to see Niagara Falls or walk the streets of Old Quebec, there’s something truly special about discovering places less traveled.
For me, family trips to hidden gems like Manitoulin Island or the Fundy Isles have been some of the richest experiences. Without big crowds, we found ourselves more present—with nature, with history, and most importantly, with each other.
So, next time you plan a family trip, consider stepping off the beaten path. You might just find that Canada’s greatest treasures are not the ones in the guidebooks but the ones waiting quietly for you to discover.
With warmth and wanderlust,
Octavia O