Article
Elbows Up, Luggage Down: Canadian Destinations to Visit This Summer
July 9, 2025 4 Minute Read
Many Canadians are showing their national pride by avoiding cross-border trips and exploring exciting domestic locations. Canadian travellers could generate an additional $8.8 billion for the country this year simply by travelling at home.
Here are five ideas of underrated things to do, spots to eat and places to stay across Canada this summer.
Cavendish, PEI
Atlantic Canada’s largest outdoor concert, the Cavendish Beach Music Festival, runs from July 10 to 12 on what was once a cow pasture along the north shore of Prince Edward Island, next to Avonlea Village. Country artists will perform throughout the weekend, including headliners Shania Twain, Tyler Hubbard and Lainey Wilson.
To find a moment of tranquility, step into a piece of Canadian literature at the Green Gables Heritage Place, then enjoy a quintessential Maritime lobster roll at the Tide & Tales Bistro and Bookstore in North Rustico. If your head isn’t spinning too much from the excitement, conclude your visit with a stay at Canada’s Rotating House by Around the Sea, a unique vacation home with shifting views of the countryside and ocean.
Gatineau, QC
Marvel at the magic of fireworks during Les Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy , an annual festival in Gatineau, QC between July 30 and Aug. 16. Contestants from various countries will coordinate fireworks with music over the course of six evenings as festival goers watch the show from the shore of the Ottawa River.
Food will be available on site but should you still have the munchies after the show, stop by Portage Orchard for a late-night poutine and a refreshing drink. Treat yourself to a vacation grand finale with a night of luxury at downtown Ottawa’s dazzling Fairmont Château Laurier, a favourite of celebrities, politicians and royalty.
Temiskaming Shores, ON
Tap into one of Northern Ontario’s hidden gems with Temiskaming Shores, ON’s annual sellout event, the North on Tap Craft Beer Festival on July 12. This festival along the banks of Lake Temiskaming spotlights craft breweries from across Ontario. All proceeds are donated to local organizations. Be sure to secure your ticket early.
Stay at the Presidents’ Suites, a century-old inn along Haileybury’s historical Millionaire’s Row, and enjoy the morning serenity of Lake Temiskaming by renting kayaks. While in the area, hike up the iconic Devil’s Rock, a 91-metre granite escarpment, to get a panoramic view of the lake. Stop by The Lavender Fox, in the historic mining town of Colbalt, for an afternoon tea paired with some freshly baked goods.
Edmonton, AB
Unleash your inner entertainer at North America’s largest and longest-running fringe theatre festival, the Edmonton Fringe Festival, between August 14 and 24. Join over 1,600 artists in this grassroots alternative theatre movement or watch one of the 200 theatre productions on display. Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle.
The festival takes place in Edmonton’s Old Strathcona neighbourhood, so while you’re there, head to the local farmer’s market for some fresh produce or wander over to Cafe Mosaics for matcha berry pancakes and a specialty tea latte. Stay at the nearby Metterra Hotel on Whyte, an eclectic hotel filled with unique art and artifacts.
Thaıdene Nëné National Park Reserve, NT
Looking to venture off the beaten path? Take advantage of free admission to sites operated by Parks Canada this summer by visiting Thaıdene Nëné National Park Reserve also known as the Land of the Ancestors. Thaıdene Nëné is an Indigenous Protected Area of over 26,000 km2 in the Northwest Territories that features boreal forests, a diverse fauna and impressive canyons and waterfalls.
Make the most of the summer’s nearly 24 hours of sunlight to canoe, hike or fish in the east arm of Great Slave Lake. Take in the sights from up above with a flightseeing tour or get a taste of the local flora by picking cranberries, cloudberries or blueberries. Book yourself a room at the Frontier Lodge, which includes meals made from freshly caught fish and other local ingredients. Don’t miss their famous Frontier Chowder.
Recent Insights
-
CBRE’s Jeremy Deeks and John Fisher helped relocate ATCO to a new office building in downtown Edmonton, one of the city’s largest and most impactful office relocations in over a decade.
-
CBRE has sold seniors residence The Hygate on Lexington in Waterloo, ON, to Sienna Senior Living Inc. for $93.3 million.
-
With AI it’s a case of overestimating impacts in the short term and underestimating impacts in the long term.
Stay In The Know
Subscribe today and join hundreds of professionals who get the latest blogs delivered straight to their inbox.