Canada is a vast nation, so if you’re thinking about buying a vacation home here, you’ll need to narrow down your options. From west to east, it spans more than 3,426 miles across six time zones as the world’s second-largest country.
Where you buy also depends on what you’re hoping to get out of your vacation, with options that include everything from soaring mountains and world-class skiing to rugged coastlines with wild, driftwood-strewn beaches. To help you make the right pick, these places are some of the best for anyone who wants to own a vacation home in Canada.
Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, Quebec
One of the most breathtaking destinations on the planet, Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean is home to the Saguenay River which runs through a magnificent fjord, the only navigable fjord in North America. There are many lakes with clear blue waters that perfectly reflect the jagged peaks, pines, and blue skies.
The scenery combined with the variety of outdoor adventure activities and cultural attractions makes this region a fabulous place for a getaway. Those who like to fish can try their luck at catching a wide range of both freshwater and saltwater fish like cod, rainbow smelt, redfish, and even Greenland shark. There are miles and miles of hiking trails, and in the winter, the opportunities for snowmobiling are endless.
Whistler, British Columbia
Whistler is one of the most popular vacation spots in Canada. Surrounded by the Rockies, it became internationally known when hosting many of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. While it may be famous for snow sports like skiing and boarding, it’s an outdoor adventurer’s paradise year-round, engulfed by mountains, forests, and sparkling lakes. One can hike, mountain bike, embark on a thrilling whitewater rafting ride, or golf.
The abundance of recreational activities, the outstanding dining scene, and buzzing nightlife make real estate for sale in Whistler one of the best places in Canada to consider purchasing a vacation home.
Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia
Cape Breton is home to lush mountains that dip down to postcard-perfect beaches, lighthouses, and charming towns with eateries that serve fresh-caught lobster. The Cabot Trail, a 185-mile-long route that meanders along seaside cliffs, covering a loop around the northern tip of the island, is often named among the world’s most scenic drives. Wildlife is abundant with everything from dolphins and whales to seals, bald eagles, and puffins. Hiking, sailing, paddling, golfing, and cross-country skiing are just a few of the popular activities here.
The Ingonish and Baddeck areas are in especially high demand, but waterfront properties on Bras d’Or Lake are rather affordable, especially as compared to the rest of the country.
Banff, Alberta
The resort town of Banff is located right inside Banff National Park. While it’s not cheap, with average prices continuing to rise closer to the $1 million mark, a vacation home here will put you surrounded by soaring mountains, natural hot springs, and multiple ski resorts, with Lake Louise, Sunshine Village, and Mt. Norquay all close by.
There are plenty of dining and shopping venues in downtown Banff and it’s easy to reach from Calgary, the closest major city, just a 90-minute drive away.
Tofino, British Columbia
Located on the west coast of Vancouver Island, Tofino is an outdoor paradise that draws everyone from surfers to hikers. Many come to take advantage of the beaches when winter swells hit, although it’s primarily a summer destination.
Whale watching, bear viewing, and relaxing soaks in hot springs can all be enjoyed here or nearby. There are even world-class restaurants serving creative dishes that utilize the area’s bounty of ingredients from the land and sea.
