5 of the best little-known vacation spots in Canada

Canada is a big country offering so much more than just its famous cities; Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver

. Alongside its well-known destinations, the country offers many more wonderful little-known vacation spots just waiting to be discovered.

If you’re travelling as a couple, you can enjoy plenty of opportunities for romance, whether you’re horse riding through prairie wilderness or soaking up some art and culture. If you’re still looking for someone special to explore new places with, why not try an online dating site, such as eHarmony Canada

?

This article looks at five of the best lesser-known vacation spots in Canada.

1. Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan

With sweeping views, Grasslands National Park in southern Saskatchewan is the perfect place to soak up the romance of the true prairie wilderness. The emphasis here is on independent discovery.

By day, you can ride on horseback (from local ranches) and take in the endless beauty of the sloping bluffs, and maybe even encounter a herd of bison! Whilst at night, camping facilities provide the ideal place for stargazing – free of light pollution in one of the darkest places in the world. The more adventurous can set up camp anywhere they please, assured that there are modern facilities and an interpretive centre available.

The historic town of Wood Mountain is nearby. As well as a number of other towns, which are dotted around the outskirts of the park, providing essential services and places of worship.

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2. Tofino, Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Tofino, a remote logging town, has everything you need for a weekend getaway. Accessible by ferry and car from the mainland, this is a surfer’s, nature-lover’s and food-lover’s paradise. Renowned for its outstanding natural beauty, the town is a bed-and-breakfast heaven, with activities such as whale-watching, kayaking, hiking and fishing to keep you busy.  St. Francis of Assisi is the local Catholic church, and holds regular masses during the week.

3. Whitehorse, Yukon

This remote city has everything for those adventurous spirits looking to explore a remote part of Canada’s Klondike history. A gold rush town, Whitehorse has grown from a distant outpost to a thriving, eclectic community.

Head here to enjoy the Northern Lights in winter or 20 hours of sunlight in summer. Soak up some Canadian gold rush history, and explore one of the most exciting landscapes in the world. Take the scenic route by ferry through the Inside Passage, or drive through the mountainous beauty of Kluane National Park.

4. Ottawa, Ontario

An unlikely spot to holiday for some, Ottawa has thrown off its shackles as a gray government city. The nation’s capital, Ottawa boasts excellent shopping, dining and sightseeing experiences.

The National Gallery of Canada is home to some of the country’s most priceless works of art, while the nearby ByWard Market is the place to buy something unique to bring back home. Visit the Rideau Canal, which becomes a romantic skating rink in winter, with the Houses of Parliament towering over it.

Finally, the breathtaking Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica, on Sussex Drive, is a must-see for visitors, Catholic and non-Catholic alike. If you are Catholic and would like to share experiences like this, online dating is a great way to meet like-minded Catholic singles

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5. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Recently named ‘Saskaboom’ owing to its population surge and thriving economy, Saskatoon

is better known as the ‘Paris of the Prairies’. The South Saskatchewan River divides the city, providing unrivalled vistas from its banks.

The city offers plenty for culture lovers.  A busy theatre community provides world-class entertainment year-round, and the friendly folk of the city are always willing to offer suggestions. The Ukrainian Museum of Canada can also be found here, as well as the much-lauded Mendel Art Gallery. Take a leisurely stroll through the exhibits and museums of The University of Saskatchewan, which includes one dedicated to dinosaur bones.

Broadway, a vibrant street just over the Broadway Bridge, is a shopping and dining mecca boasting shops and restaurants which are both funky and functional. Luxury accommodation is available at The James, a boutique hotel situated on the most scenic street in the city, Spadina Crescent.