When someone mentions Canada, the first areas that come to mind are usually its big cities – Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal.
However, fantastic as these cities may be, Canada has more to offer than these sprawling metropolitan areas.
In fact, venture a little further beyond, and you’ll find Canada’s dotted with various small towns that give the country a unique charm and character.
From outdoor adventures to friendly locals, you’ll find them all in the country’s small towns.
With that said, here are the top 6 small towns you should check out if you’re ever visiting the Land of the Maple Leaf.
Baie-Saint-Paul, Quebec
If you’re looking for culture, art, and everything related to them, the town of Baie-Saint-Paul is your best bet.
Featuring a vibrant and thriving art scene, this town has consistently ranked among the top of the list when talking about Canada’s cultural capitals.
This is even where the world-renowned Cirque du Soleil first started, and numerous artists still perform among its streets to this day – from acrobats to painters to musicians.
Golden, British Columbia
Those who enjoy the excitement that the outdoors give them will undoubtedly fall in love with the town of Golden.
After all, it’s the perfect place to explore and enjoy the Canadian Rockies since it’s surrounded by six of the country’s national parks.
It’s also home to the country’s highest suspension bridge – the Golden Skybridge – that will get your adrenaline pumping in no time.
Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia
If you’re looking for a more historic vibe in a picturesque town, Mahone Bay in Nova Scotia is a perfect choice.
The town is lined with numerous Victorian homes, all painted in bright and vibrant colors, as well as heritage gardens and various artisan studios.
You’ll also find three world-renowned churches in Mahone Bay, adding to the historical and artistic vibe of the small town.
Churchill, Manitoba
Churchill, a charming remote town in Manitoba, is one of the must-visit small towns in Canada, especially if you love wildlife and the cozy atmosphere of winter.
It’s even been nicknamed the world’s polar bear capital due to the abundance of polar bears migrating to the area around July to November.
The town is also located along Hudson Bay, making it the ideal spot to watch beluga whales.
You can also enjoy the mysterious beauty of the northern lights 300 days a year in Churchill.
Banff, Alberta
Mountain towns undeniably offer a different vibe from your typical villages, and the small town of Banff in Alberta certainly proves that.
Located within Canada’s Banff National Park, this quaint historical town has everything you’ll want when living in the mountains – picturesque views of nature, warm and friendly locals, and fantastic local restaurants and bars.
You can find all of these while being a stone’s throw away from a thrilling outdoor adventure, whether you’re into hiking, skiing, or paddling.
Trinity, Newfoundland & Labrador
If you’re into a more laid-back vibe while still being surrounded by Canada’s culture and nature, the town of Trinity in Newfoundland can offer you just that.
Here, you’ll find calligraphed street signs and some of the country’s most stunning saltbox houses.
It also has one of Canada’s thriving theater traditions that add to the beauty and culture of the town.
You’ll also find restaurants like the Twine Loft at the Artisan Inn, wherein you’ll experience the town’s culinary culture – both traditional and modern.
Conclusion
Of course, these are just some of the fantastic small towns you’ll find in Canada; there’s so much more not included in this list.
If you want to learn more about Canada and its unique history and culture, you may want to check out some of its small towns the next time you visit or if you decide to immigrate to Canada.
