The UK’s long and dreary winter days are fast approaching but Canada is the perfect option for a late-summer or early autumn escape – and for every type of traveller.
In fact, rather than chasing ever-hotter destinations, increasingly traveller trends suggest more clients are seeking places with more comfortable climates that make it easier to explore the great outdoors, relax on a beach, or spend some quality time with friends and family – and thanks to its vast and varied landscapes, Canada offers that and more.
Travellers can choose everything from refreshing coastal escapes to vineyard retreats. Then there is hiking through the iconic Rockies, spotting polar bears in Churchill, relaxing on Atlantic beaches or discovering vibrant cities.
Here are a few options to suggest to clients…
Fresh Air Escapes
With pleasant temperatures Florence Beach, Nova Scotia, is a good choice for a late-summer or early autumn seaside escape. Framed by sweeping ocean views and sandy shores, it’s the perfect setting for a dip in the Atlantic, a leisurely coastal walk or a picnic overlooking the water.
Home to landscapes ranging from glaciers to alpine scenery, Yoho National Park in British Columbia, is one of Canada’s most spectacular hiking destinations.
Walkers can tackle the iconic Iceline Trail via Little Yoho, beginning at the impressive Takakkaw Falls, or explore the Emerald River Trail, which offers an unforgettable shaded riverside hike.
Wildlife lovers will find Churchill, Manitoba, equally rewarding. One of Canada’s premier wildlife destinations, Churchill offers the rare opportunity to see beluga whales, often until late September, while October and November is prime polar bear season, with the bears often spotted along the coastline.
Birdwatchers can look to the skies and spot the rare Ross’s gull, snowy owls and peregrine falcons, with average daytime temperatures of around 18°C providing comfortable conditions for exploring the tundra.
Adventure Escapes
Nestled within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Jasper National Park, Maligne Lake is one of the Canadian Rockies’ most iconic landscapes.
Known to Indigenous communities as Chaba Imne, it’s celebrated for its crystal-clear waters and towering peaks.
Visitors can kayak to the famous Spirit Island, one of the most photographed landmarks in the Canadian Rockies.
During the summer months, Duncan and North Cowichan on Vancouver Island see average temperatures of 23°C, making it the perfect destination for travellers looking to combine outdoor adventure with rich Indigenous cultural experiences.
Certified divers can explore the waters of Cowichan River Park, while fishing, horseback riding and hiking offer plenty to enjoy on land.
Visitors can also follow The City of Duncan’s Totem Tour, a self-guided route showcasing more than 40 Indigenous-carved totem poles.
While best known as a winter ski destination, Whistler is equally impressive in late summer and autumn. Here, visitors can take in panoramic views of mountain peaks, glaciers and forests aboard the Peak 2 Peak Gondola or experience an adrenaline rush with a whitewater rafting adventure on the Green River.
Sunshine and Lake Escapes
In British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, visitors can discover the turquoise waters of Kalamalka Lake Park.
Adventure seekers can spend the day waterskiing on the lake or mountain biking through the scenic Cosens Creek trail, while nature lovers can spot the park’s diverse wildlife among its largely untouched landscapes.
For travellers keen to discover Canada’s acclaimed wine scene, Prince Edward County, Ontario, is a popular destination. The region is home to award-winning wineries, including The Grange of Prince Edward Winery.
Visitors can join a guided tasting tour led by knowledgeable wine stewards, learn about the estate’s winemaking process, and sample some of the county’s celebrated cool-climate wines.
City Escape
For travellers looking to combine vibrant city life with outdoor exploration, Montréal is the perfect late-summer base.
Just a two-hour drive from Montréal, Kiamika Regional Park offers canoe-camping across Kiamika Lake, which is dotted with more than 40 islands and islets, allowing visitors to paddle by day and sleep beneath the stars by night.
Paired with Montréal’s renowned culinary scene, it makes for the ideal city-and-nature escape.
