To cap off the year, our Marketing staff across Canada shared their local knowledge to create a curated selection of Canadian must-tries and must-sees. With recommendations from the west to the east, we hope you get inspired and find something special to explore, do, and eat near you. 

British Columbia

Granville Island Public Market, 1689 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC

Granville Island in Vancouver, BC
Recommended by: Anna

Most touristy spots tend to be overrated. Granville Island is not one of them. A key spot for tourists and locals alike, Granville Island has everything: restaurants, markets for local and international goodies, fun shops, and local artwork. Adults and families will agree that Granville has something for everyone, including an excellent view of the city. Even when the weather is rainy, Granville can still be fun with its indoor markets and shops. Highly recommended are the breakfast options, pepperoni sticks and Lee’s Donuts.

False Creek Seawall in Vancouver, BC
Recommended by: Elaine

The False Creek Seawall that runs around Downtown Vancouver is the world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront path. Picturesque and Instagram-worthy at all points, you’ll find spectacular views of Science World, the Pacific Ocean trickled with sailboats, and Granville Island. Along this Seawall, you’ll find a pathway that makes for an excellent running route. Use this path to take a scenic run, stroll, or bike ride.

Bloedel Conservatory in Vancouver, BC
Recommended by: Valerie

If you want to step away from the wet Vancouver weather, then fear not, the Bloedel Conservatory is an excellent escape. Walk into the conservatory’s domed lush rainforest and you’ll find more than 500 tropical plant species and 100 exotic birds. The conservatory also sits on the highest peak of Vancouver and overlooks most of the city. Take advantage of the spaces around the gardens and enjoy the city view. 

BETA5 Chocolates, 409 Industrial Ave, Vancouver, BC

BETA5 in Vancouver, BC
Recommended by: Alison

In the middle of an industrial nowhere is a sweet haven named BETA5. This internationally recognized and award-winning chocolatier offers contemporary desserts and baked treats. Art, science and technical precision are part of their design process in showcasing the abundance of flavours they work with. It’s a bit more expensive than your typical chocolatier, but it’s a guarantee that they will blow your mind. Highly recommended are their cream puffs.

Vancouver Christmas Market in Vancouver, BC
Recommended by: Tahan

The German tradition of Christmas markets is an excellent outdoor activity celebrated each Christmas season in Vancouver. The Vancouver Christmas Market is lined with small, traditional wooden cabins with vendors offering things to taste, drink, and shop, including traditional German goods. With a hot cider or hot chocolate in hand, take a stroll through a giant walk-in Christmas tree, ride the holiday carousel, watch some Christmas entertainment, or take part in a scavenger hunt.

Bottom Dwellers Freediving in Victoria, BC

Bottom Dwellers Freediving in Victoria, BC
Recommended by: Cameron

You wouldn’t be making the most of Victoria without experiencing the raw, natural wonders of the Pacific Ocean with Bottom Dwellers Freediving. At Bottom Dwellers, they offer freediving lessons and charter spearfishing/freediving services. For beginners, you’ll receive professional instruction and guidance in class and pool sessions before moving to the open waters. 

Alberta

Mist Mountain Springs Trail, Alberta

Mist Mountain Hot Springs Hike in Canmore, AB
Recommended by: Bailey

The Mist Mountain Hot Springs Hike is Bailey’s favourite moderate trail in Canmore, Alberta. The 6.4 km trail boasts many rewards for hikers such as bird watching, peaceful summer sunrises, stunning mountainous views and hot springs you can take a dip in. 

OEB Breakfast Co. in Calgary, AB
Recommended by: Bailey

If you’re in Calgary, Bailey recommends OEB Breakfast Co. as the best place to get breakfast. Their menu is filled with tons of mouth-watering options like savory breakfast poutines, classic avocado toast, and sweet french toast trifle. No matter what your early morning craving is – there’s something for everyone.

The Muttart Conservatory in Edmonton, AB
Recommended by: Bailey

As one of Canada’s largest botanical gardens, the Muttart Conservatory is located in Edmonton’s river valley and features more than 700 species of plants in three climate-regulated biomes. Arid, temperate, and tropical biomes are located within large glass pyramids that can be seen from downtown Edmonton. During the winter season, this spot makes for a perfect escape from Canadian winters.

Ontario

The Kee to Bala, 1012 Bala Falls Rd, Bala, ON

The Kee to Bala in Muskoka, ON
Recommended by: Riley

With a cottage just down the road, the Kee is a family staple and a place where Riley says she can almost always guarantee to run into someone she knows – something that makes nights extra special. This Muskoka staple is a venue that opened its doors back in 1942, and despite being located in a small town, the Kee hosts big artists. In its lifetime, the Kee has hosted performances by Aerosmith, Drake, Snoop Dogg, The Tragically Hip, Duke Ellington, and Louis Armstrong.

On the Lam in Brantford, ON
Recommended by: Rob 

Don’t judge a book by its cover! Located in an unsuspecting flatiron-shaped building is On the Lam – a fine dining restaurant known for its excellent service, fresh food, and a menu that’s regularly refreshed with new and exciting options. Not to be missed, On the Lam is consistently among the top-rated restaurants in Brantford.

Brantwood Farms in Brantford, ON
Recommended by: Rob

Another Brantford must – Brantwood Farms is a big draw for families throughout most of the year. You’ll find local produce, farm activities, a petting zoo, and depending on the season, a fall festival, Christmas festival, or fruit and flower picking.

Main Street Unionville in Markham, ON
Recommended by: Priya

Main Street Unionville is a historic village with the original settlement dating as far back as 1794. Most buildings in this quaint neighbourhood are the original buildings, which continue to be used today as art galleries, restaurants, shops, and more. The community hub is also home to many family-friendly events, such as markets and the annual jazz festival. Year-round, you’ll always find something fun to do.

Phipps Bakery in Toronto, ON
Recommended by: Lambrini

What does happiness smell like? Walk into Phipps Bakery and smell for yourself. Around for a very long time, this local bakery specializes in high quality North American staples and doesn’t disappoint. Each baked good made here is worth every pound you put on. 

Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview Ave, Toronto, ON

Evergreen Brick Works in Toronto, ON
Recommended by: Amy

Sitting in the Don River Valley is Evergreen Brick Works – a former quarry and industrial site. The original Brick Works business operated for more than 100 years and provided the bricks used to build major Toronto attractions and monuments, such as Casa Loma, Massey Hall, and the Ontario Legislature. Revitalized to the present day natural park, the area consists of ravines, trails, and community areas for hosting vintage, artisan and farmers’ markets. 

Garden’s Path Florist in Toronto, ON
Recommended by: John 

When checking out all of these food options and wonderfull sights, it’s important to stop and smell the flowers. In the heart of Toronto’s Leslieville neighbourhood is Garden’s Path, a local florist designing the most incredible arrangements for all seasons and every occasion – including Halloween. A saving grace when you’re stuck indoors during a pandemic, these brilliant bouquets are the best way to instantly brighten and freshen up your space. Check out their instagram @gardens_path to see their floral works of art.

macaronZ, 43 Queen Street East, Brampton, ON

Macaronz in Brampton, ON
Recommended by: Harleen

Brampton’s hidden gem is easily MacaronZ. You’ll walk into this little pastry shop for the mouth watering treats and then find yourself staying for the afternoon high tea. Owned by two best friends who wanted to open up their own pastry shop, MacaronZ makes their macarons in-house and decorates with fresh flowers as an ode to Brampton’s historical reputation as The Flower Town of Canada. Excellent treats, fresh flowers, and kind people make this charming place radiate with joy. Check out their instagram @macaronz to see the delicious treats!

Port Credit in Mississauga, ON
Recommended by: Amanda

This small village is the lakefront entertainment hub in Mississauga offering plenty of options for dining, drinking, shopping, and more. Located roughly 30-mins from downtown Toronto, Port Credit offers summertime festivals, winter skating, lakefront walking paths, and spectacular views of the Toronto skyline. On crystal clear days, you should be able to see as far as Niagara-on-the-Lake across Lake Ontario.

Chelsea Restaurant in Mississauga, ON
Recommended by: Karina

Quaint and easy-to-miss, Chelsea Restaurant is a local fine dining restaurant in a cozy, converted 19th century home. The restaurant is owned and operated by a family of three who genuinely care about their customers and the quality of food served. Even if it’s your first time, expect to be treated like a regular. The food is excellent and always served fresh. With the homey meals and the way you’re treated, to the building and it’s decor, eating here feels like home.

Quebec

Balnea Spa, 319 Chem. du Lac Gale, Bromont, QC

Balnea Spa in Bromont, QC
Recommended by: Mario

Nestled in the heart of a mountain and overlooking a quiet lake is a spa worth every dollar. Balnea Spa offers a thermal wellness experience that can include the solarium, beach club, lounges and relaxation areas, thermal waterfall, Turkish bath, forest pool, walking trails, outdoor hot tubs, and saunas with panoramic views. 

Well in Verdun, QC
Recommended by: Maxime

Well is known as an exceptional brunch locale with a menu selection that’s inclusive of all beliefs, diets, and tastes, and with bread baked in-house. They also stay actively involved with the local community and the environment by hosting cooking workshops, donating surplus food to local organizations, and taking active approaches to reducing food waste. Well is a must-visit in Verdun and you’ll most likely have to wait for a seat during brunch. Heading there on the weekend? Get there early! 

Dessert Momo, in Montreal, QC
Recommended by: Vanada

Dessert Momo is a husband-and-wife-run café named after their dog Momo. This Korean cafe provides a menu chock-full of delicious drinks and whimsical sweets, such as Korean shaved ice cream, macarons, cheesecake, and lattes. When you stop by, Vanada recommends you order her favourite item: the matcha latte. If you’re a fan of sweets, you will not be disappointed. 

Beatrice Ristorante, 1504 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal, QC

Beatrice in Montreal, QC
Recommended by: Anna-Maria

There are certain criteria that make an upscale restaurant worth the price. Beatrice has all of it. The beautiful setting includes a warmly lit outdoor garden terrace and a retractable sunroof, while the ever-evolving fine dining menu offers classic Italian cooking. Highly recommended is the three-course prix fixe lunch which is priced at an unbelievable $25.

Le Sablon Beach & Camping in Saint-Polycarpe, QC
Recommended by: Tania

A one-hour drive from Montreal is Le Sablon Beach & Camping grounds. Expect a beach with white sand and plenty of year-round entertainment options for adults and children. In the summer they have activities, such as volleyball, ziplines, water sports, archery tag, and mini-golf. However, don’t expect them to be closed in the winter. During the colder months they have a snowshoeing trail and dog sleigh rides.