When most travellers think of Canada, iconic spots like Banff, Niagara Falls, and Vancouver come to mind. But beyond these popular destinations lies a world of hidden gems—places where nature, culture, and adventure intertwine in a less-travelled setting. If you’re looking to explore Canada in a new way, consider adding these off-the-beaten-path locations to your travel list.
Nestled in the North Atlantic, Fogo Island is a remote yet breathtaking destination where traditional fishing communities meet contemporary art and design. The Fogo Island Inn is a world-renowned eco-luxury retreat, offering stunning ocean views and an immersive cultural experience with local storytellers, musicians, and artisans.
Activities: Explore scenic coastal trails, visit the Fogo Island Art Gallery, and experience cod fishing with local fishers. Winter visitors can enjoy snowshoeing and cosy evenings by the fire.
Dining: The Fogo Island Inn’s restaurant offers a hyper-local menu featuring fresh seafood, wild berries, and traditional Newfoundland dishes with a modern twist.
Often called the “Galápagos of the North,” Haida Gwaii is an archipelago rich in Indigenous culture and untouched wilderness. Visit ancient totem poles in Gwaii Haanas National Park, explore lush rainforests, and learn about the deep-rooted traditions of the Haida Nation.
Activities: Kayak through the remote inlets, go whale watching, or take a guided cultural tour to learn about Haida artistry and storytelling.
Dining: Enjoy fresh seafood, including halibut, salmon, and locally harvested seaweed at acclaimed spots like Charters Food Truck in Masset and local community feasts.
For those who crave solitude and wide-open spaces, Grasslands National Park offers a serene escape into Canada’s prairie landscape. With rolling badlands, roaming bison, and some of the country’s darkest night skies, this park is perfect for stargazing, hiking, and reconnecting with nature.
Activities: Hike the Badlands Parkway, spot prairie dogs and bison, and experience the stunning night skies with guided astronomy programs.
Dining: While dining options are limited, nearby towns like Val Marie offer cosy cafés and local diners serving hearty prairie cuisine.
This collection of limestone islands along the Gulf of St. Lawrence features unique rock formations, diverse wildlife, and a fascinating maritime history. Visitors can kayak among sea stacks, spot puffins, and experience the untouched beauty of Quebec’s coastal wilderness.
Activities: Take a guided boat tour to explore the monoliths, snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, or embark on a birdwatching adventure.
Dining: Local seafood is the highlight, with fresh lobster, scallops, and fish featured in small restaurants in Havre-Saint-Pierre.
Nahanni National Park Reserve, Northwest Territories
Adventure seekers will find paradise in Nahanni National Park Reserve, home to the mighty Virginia Falls—twice the height of Niagara. The park’s dramatic canyons, whitewater rivers, and remote hiking trails make it a dream destination for those looking to immerse themselves in the wild.
Activities: Raft down the South Nahanni River, hike to breathtaking viewpoints, and take in the beauty of the Cirque of the Unclimbables.
Dining: As a remote wilderness area, visitors often bring their own provisions, though Indigenous-inspired meals can be found at lodges on the park’s outskirts.
The world’s largest freshwater island, Manitoulin is a peaceful retreat where Indigenous culture and outdoor adventure go hand in hand. From hiking the Cup and Saucer Trail to learning about Anishinaabe traditions, this island offers a unique and enriching travel experience.
Activities: Canoe in serene lakes, explore Bridal Veil Falls, and take part in vibrant celebrations of Indigenous life including Pow Wows or cultural workshops.
Dining: Savour local fish and farm-to-table meals at spots like The School House Restaurant and Lake Huron Fish & Chips.
Torngat Mountains National Park, Newfoundland and Labrador
For true wilderness lovers, the Torngat Mountains provide one of the most remote and untouched landscapes in Canada. Accessible only by boat or chartered flight, this Arctic wonderland is home to towering peaks, glacial fjords, and roaming polar bears.
Activities: Trek across rugged tundra, visit archaeological sites, and witness the Northern Lights in one of Canada’s least-visited parks.
Dining: Meals are typically provided by adventure lodges and expedition guides, featuring fresh Arctic char and local game.
Often overshadowed by Banff and Jasper, Waterton Lakes National Park is a hidden treasure where the Rocky Mountains meet the prairies. With stunning alpine lakes, dramatic cliffs, and abundant wildlife, Waterton offers incredible hiking, scenic boat tours, and a quieter alternative to its more famous neighbours.
Activities: Hike Bear’s Hump for panoramic views, take a boat cruise on Waterton Lake, and cycle the Red Rock Parkway.
Dining: Enjoy lakeside dining at the historic Prince of Wales Hotel or savour gourmet bison burgers at the Thirsty Bear Kitchen + Bar.
Canada’s vast landscapes hold countless surprises beyond its most famous attractions. Whether you’re drawn to coastal hideaways, vast prairies, or rugged mountain ranges, these lesser-known destinations promise unforgettable experiences.
Where will your next adventure take you?
It’s a stressful time for Canadians. Goway has been operating in Canada for 55 years with a headquarters in Toronto, so the wellbeing of our Canadian travellers is top priority for us. We also want to ensure that Canadian travellers are equipped to explore the world on their own terms. Considering the trade war with the United States and uncertainty in global markets, we’re sharing some countries that are surprisingly affordable for Canadian travellers in 2025.
It’s never a good time to have the US dollar so much stronger than the Canadian, but luckily, the US is not the only destination where Canadians can travel. The following countries are destinations where the Canadian dollar goes a long way. They might not be budget destinations in the traditional sense—these aren’t quite Thailand—but they are destinations where the CA dollar has purchasing power, which will make your vacation more affordable, and allow you to do more on while travelling.
Australia might be an ocean away from Canadians, but once you actually get to Australia, the Canadian dollar goes far. The exchange rate sits around $1 CAD to $1.10 AUD, which means that you save on everything from hotel rooms to dining to souvenirs. Goway is the leading travel provider to Australia, with Aussie roots and an office in Sydney! You can trust us to put together bucket list vacations to Sydney, Melbourne, the Great Barrier Reef, and the outback.
Why not explore your own country? It is the second-largest country on the planet, after all, with stunning geographic diversity and some world-renowned natural wonders. The national parks, including Banff and Jasper, are always popular, but they only scratch the surface of Canada’s beauty. Go on a polar bear safari in Churchill, Manitoba or experience Maritime hospitality on a road trip through Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. There’s an added bonus: $1 is worth $1. If you’re a Canadian traveller, why not explore Canada and see more of the country you call home?
The Egyptian economy has sputtered over the past several years, leading to the inflation of the Egyptian pound. The Canadian dollar has benefited in the process, with a conversion rate of $1 CAD to around 35 EGP. This means that your dollar goes further when buying food and souvenirs while on an Egyptian vacation. Lots of local tour guides and drivers accept US dollars for tips, but the hotels are priced in local currency, which means you can save a lot when the CA dollar is strong against the Egyptian pound. So don’t wait to finally see the pyramids, cruise the Nile, and experience the wonders of this ancient land.
The Indonesian economy is experiencing a lot of investment, courtesy of a 300 million Euro infrastructure deal with the Netherlands. This has made Indonesia more affordable and promises more economic growth. To attract foreign investors and foreign visitors, Indonesia is devaluing the Indonesia Rupiah, which is advantageous for Canadian travellers. Currently, $1 CAD converts to about 11,300 IDR. This means that once you get to Bali, your dollar goes further, and you can enjoy more of the gorgeous rice paddies, beaches, and temples that attract people from around the world.
The Japanese economy has been relatively flat for decades. In the years since the pandemic, delayed inflation has hit the country, leading to the Japanese Yen sinking compared to western currencies. Right now, $1 CAD converts to about 103 JPY. Japan is not a budget country, but it has surprisingly affordable food and transit options, so the strong conversion rate will go a long way to making your trip to Japan more affordable. And there’s a lot to see once you get there, from the endless metropolitan wonders of Tokyo to the temples of Kyoto and beyond.
Like Australia, New Zealand is surprisingly affordable for travellers once they make the flight. Canadian travellers will experience a country with a high standard of living, but a surprisingly affordable range of services, from food and drink to local goods. The Canadian dollar is strong against the New Zealand dollar, converting $1 CAD to $1.22 NZD. This means that you can enjoy a bit more purchasing power whether you’re hitting up the cafes of Wellington, going on a wine tour through Marlborough, or touring filming locations from The Lord of the Rings.
For whatever reason, South Africa remains remarkably economically consistent and stable. The costs of living here, and by extension, the costs for travellers, rarely see much fluctuation, making it a great place to visit when the markets are wobbly. The Canadian dollar also converts to around 13 ZAR, with helps with affordability. Luckily, it’s also something of a world in one country, with a shocking amount of cultural and geographic diversity within its borders. You can hit up the swank shopping on the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, hike Table Mountain, or spend your days in the Winelands, before you connect to some of the country’s dozens of safari game parks. For an affordable safari option, it doesn’t get much better than South Africa.
A bucket list safari to the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater can be expensive, but Tanzania is not an expensive country for Canadian travellers as a whole. Furthermore, new economic policies have caused local currency fluctuations, leading to the $1 CAD converting to around 1,790 TZS. You’ll especially notice affordability when going beyond the safari route, whether you’re going out to eat in Arusha or hitting up the coastal vibes in Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar.
Vietnam is rapidly progressing into one of the most popular countries in Southeast Asia. But its investment in infrastructure and tourism hasn’t led to an increase in cost, especially for Canadian travellers. In fact, it remains shockingly affordable, as the food and drink are some of the most affordable in the world. The Canadian dollar trades at around $1 CAD to 17,700 VND, which gives you more purchasing power when you explore Vietnam, from the limestone islands of Halong Bay to the markets of Hanoi to the coastal delights of Danang and Hoi An.
