Toronto,
01
October
2020
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20:20
Europe/Amsterdam

10 Canadian Destinations on the Rise

As many are forgoing air travel for car and packed events for social distance-friendly smaller gatherings this year, Canada’s towns and bays are definitely having a moment.

New research from travel leader Booking.com has found that lesser known areas of the country have been rising in popularity. Below are 10 Canadian destinations, some of which you may not have heard of, that have risen in search ranks on Booking.com year over year and offer equal parts adventure, tranquility, history, and culture, many with the beautiful backdrops of scenic waterfront views or majestic mountain vistas. 

One of many benefits to travelling off the beaten path is the independent, alternative accommodations you’re very likely to find along the way. Research released in 2019 from Booking.com found that almost half (40%) of Canadian travellers agree that staying in a home-type accommodation allows them to feel that they are getting the most value for their money; not to mention the 41% who believe that staying in a home-type accommodation lets them see areas of a destination that they wouldn’t have explored otherwise.

Here are 10 Canadian destinations that saw a significant increase in year-over-year traveller accommodation searches on Booking.com.

Rock Ridge Country Lodge

Waterton Park, Alberta

Comparing user search rankings between the last two weeks of July 2019 and the last two weeks of July 2020, Waterton Park saw a huge increase in travellers searching accommodations in the area. The smallest national park in the Rockies and only place you’ll find a UNESCO World Heritage site, an international peace park, a dark sky preserve and a biosphere reserve, is finding its way onto travellers’ wish lists worldwide.

Recommended Accommodation:

Rocky Ridge Country Lodge is just a 15-minute drive from Waterton Lakes National Park and features an outdoor hot tub, BBQ facilities on the terrace, as well as evening bonfire amenities if the mood should strike.

 

A Wave Away

Tofino, British Columbia

This end-of-the-road coastal village, a paradise for surfing, whale watching, kayaking, and overall unmatched tranquility, also saw an enormous increase across the same period.

Recommended Accommodation:

A Wave Away villa offers guests a garden and a terrace, modern, airy accommodations, a quick 11-minute walk to Clayoquot Sound and proximity of 2 miles from Chesterman Beach and 8 mile from Long Beach.

Stone Garden Inn

Trenton, Ontario

Visitors will find themselves at no shortage of peaceful greenery to surround yourself with in Centennial Park, Hanna Park and Mount Pelion & Park all a stone’s throw away. Pop by the FAB 4 Market on the weekend to find antique treasures, retro gems and more. Hot tip: the incredible adorable PrimRose Donkey Sanctuary is a 45-minute drive away and well worth the cruise over.

Recommended Accommodation:

Stone Garden Inn, with a terrace, a garden and a pool for warmer season visits, is close to Trenton’s Center Theater and National Air Force Museum. The fresh, cozy accommodation is a great reprieve from the city and less than a two-hour drive from Toronto.

Watermark Beach Resort

Osoyoos, British Columbia

It would be no stretch to call the Okanagan Valley’s southernmost town - and home of Canada's warmest fresh-water lake - a dream. Deemed by many as “Canada’s desert”, Osoyoos is home to hillside wineries, sandy beaches, world class golf, dozens of fresh fruit stands along Highway 3 and 97, rich culture and unique heritage thanks to the Osoyoos Indian Band, pristine natural beauty, and so much more.

Recommended Accommodation:

Watermark Beach Resort is the very definition of “vacation easy livin’”. Two outdoor hot tubs, fitness center, steam room, wine bar, outdoor patio, and many rooms with views of the mountains or lake, aren’t even all the pluses of this amazing resort. The beach, shopping, a marina, and grocery store to make a feast in your full gourmet kitchen, are your new neighbours on your stay.

Auberge La Tanière

Tadoussac, Quebec

With less than 1,000 residents, the oldest surviving French settlement town in the Americas is known for its unbeatable whale watching. Tours are readily available to observe the majestic creatures in their natural St. Lawrence River habitat, as well as to explore the stunning Saguenay fjord. National parks are easy to find here, not to mention some of the best french food you’ve ever had.

Recommended Accommodation:

Auberge La Tanière, particularly popular with couples at a 9.0 ratings for two-person trips on Booking.com, is an outdoor-chaser’s dream. Fishing, hiking, swimming, kayaking, diving and wildlife observation are all readily available on the 4-star, 6-room boutique property.

Also having seeing remarkable increases in accommodations searches this year are: 

  • Dwight, Ontario
  • Parry Sound, Ontario
  • Port Elgin, Ontario
  • Southampton, Ontario
  • Goderich, Ontario

With a mission to make it easier for everyone to experience the world (where it's safe to do so), Booking.com has property stays for all types of travellers with discounts starting at 15% on the Travel Deals page.