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With sandy beaches, snow-capped mountains, sparkling lakes, dense forests, and cascading waterfalls, Canada’s diverse landscapes have continued to attract nature lovers from across the world. While the Foreign Buyers’ Ban has created limitations for international buyers, several of Canada’s most captivating recreation destinations remain exempt from the ban. Here are ten incredible destinations in Canada for outdoor adventures that are exempt from the Foreign Buyers’ Ban.
Tofino, BC
Located in the heart of the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Region on the western edge of Vancouver Island, Tofino is celebrated for its rich biodiversity, picturesque beaches, soaring tides, and year-round mild climate. Often referred to as Canada’s surfing capital, Tofino is home to seven beaches including the iconic Long Beach, located within the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, which stretches over 16 km of sandy shoreline surrounded by lush old-growth forests. Cox Bay Beach – host to numerous world-class surf competitions – offers captivating storm watching along with tranquil tide pools and alcoves. Tofino’s access to Pacific Rim National Park offers 12km of tranquil trails for avid hikers, unparalleled wildlife viewing, along with a 44km bike path which winds through the reserve all the way to the town of Ucluelet. The town is also home to a skate park, the 9-hole championship Long Beach Golf Course, and a thriving arts and culinary scene.
Salt Spring Island, BC
Deemed ‘the coolest island in Canada’ by the Washington Post, Salt Spring Island is the largest of BC’s Gulf Islands, renowned for its vibrant arts community, laid-back coastal lifestyle, and unparalleled natural beauty. Situated along the Strait of Georgia and featuring seven freshwater lakes, the island is a haven for boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, and other watersports. With four provincial parks and abundant old-growth forests, Salt Spring Island’s extensive trail networks provide ample opportunity for wildlife viewing, hiking, and cycling, with sites like Mount Maxwell Provincial Park offering panoramic views of the surrounding Gulf Islands. Along with its natural beauty, Salt Spring Island has a world-class arts scene as home to an eclectic assortment of galleries, artisan shops, and art studios.
Whistler, BC
Recognized by esteemed publications including Condé Nast Traveller as one of the world’s best ski resorts, Whistler is a mecca for outdoor adventure. Whistler Blackcomb – North America’s largest Ski Resort, which spans 8,171 acres of terrain across two side-by-side mountains – draws in skiers and snowboarders from across the world, offering over 200 marked runs and an average annual snowfall of 1,036 cm. Along with its unparalleled winter sports, Whistler offers all-seasons recreation as home to over 50 km of hiking trails, world-class mountain biking, and some of Canada’s top golf clubs, while its bustling downtown features vibrant restaurants, bars, shops, and art galleries.
Revelstoke, BC
Nestled between the majestic Monashee and Selkirk mountain ranges along the confluence of the Columbia and Illecillewaet rivers, Revelstoke is a dynamic mountain town offering year-round exhilarating outdoor recreation and breathtaking scenery. The nearby ski-in/ski-out Revelstoke Mountain Resort boasts North America’s steepest vertical at 1,713 metres and 3,121 of terrain, while Mount Revelstoke National Park features epic trails for hiking and mountain biking amongst serene meadows, rushing rivers, lush rainforests, and four stunning alpine lakes.
Banff, AB
Located within Canada’s first national park and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Banff is characterized by its dazzling turquoise lakes, majestic mountain views, and vibrant downtown core. The region encompasses three world-class ski resorts – Mount Norquay, the Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Banff Sunshine Village – offering year-round opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, hiking, cycling, boating, golf, and more. Thrill-seekers can enjoy rafting the rushing rapids of the Kananaskis and Kicking Horse rivers or enjoy rock climbing, ziplining, ropes courses and suspension bridges, while the Banff Upper Hot Springs offer a tranquil wellness experience.
Laurentides, QC
Conveniently located just a short drive north of Montreal, the vast Laurentides region encompasses some of North America’s most breathtaking landscapes with sparkling lakes and more than 16 enchanting parks and nature reserves, surrounded by the majestic Laurentian Mountains. The region is anchored by the world-famous Mont Tremblant, recognized as one of North America’s best four-seasons recreation destinations, which features everything from 102 ski trails for skiers of all levels to exhilarating hiking and mountain biking trails, ziplining and rock climbing.
Prince Edward County, ON
Nestled along the shores of Lake Ontario in eastern Ontario, Prince Edward County is a haven for nature lovers boasting vast beaches, lush forests, and scenic trails. The beaches at Sandbanks Provincial Park and Lake on the Mountain Provincial Park are a perfect spot to enjoy swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing, while hikers and cyclists can explore the region’s rolling vineyards, tranquil farmlands, and charming villages along the 49 km Millennium Trail.
Muskoka, ON
Stretching from the serene shores of Georgian Bay to the vast Algonquin Provincial Park, the Muskoka region is one of Canada’s most sought-after vacation home destinations. With more than 2,000 sparkling lakes – including the coveted lakes Muskoka, Rosseau, and Joseph – surrounded by lush forests, Muskoka offers idyllic boating, fishing, swimming, and watersports during the summer, along with skating and snowshoeing during the winter.
Annapolis Valley, NS
Situated along the world-famous Bay of Fundy, the Annapolis Valley is celebrated as eastern Canada’s richest agricultural region with rolling fields, picturesque orchards, and vineyards surrounded by rugged Atlantic coastlines. The majestic Bay of Fundy invites exhilarating boating and whale watching, while the trails, campsites, and lakes within the sprawling Kejimkujik National Park and Historic Site offer hiking, paddle boarding, canoeing, and more.
Restigouche County, NB
Bordered by the majestic Appalachian mountains along the shores of Chaleur Bay in northern New Brunswick, Restigouche County is a natural paradise, home to two provincial parks and the renowned Restigouche River – known as one of the world’s best salmon fishing destinations. Mount Carleton Provincial Park features pristine beaches and scenic trails leading to the highest peak in the Maritimes, while Sugarloaf Provincial Park offers exhilarating mountain biking adventures.
To learn more about these exceptional regions, connect with a local real estate agent. Whether you’re searching for a tranquil coastal retreat, a cozy alpine cabin, or anything in between, our agents can help you find your dream vacation home.
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