Canada is celebrating its 150th birthday with a lineup of special activities and events from coast to coast, so why not spend a memorable honeymoon in one of the many romantic towns or cites across this great nation? Or better yet, explore several places with a road trip.
Prince Edward Island – Charlottetown
This history-rich city is the ideal honeymoon destination for newlyweds. Kick back and let yourselves be wooed by the fresh Maritime air, coastal vistas and pristine beaches. Indulge in your passion for fresh seafood, saunter along the waterfront to Victoria Row, and enjoy annual festivals and famous Islander hospitality.
Nova Scotia – Cape Breton Island
It’s the ideal place to start making everlasting memories with your sweetheart. Cycle or hike the Cabot and Celtic Coastal trails. Stay in a charming inn or hotel along the trail and feast on fresh Atlantic seafood and beautiful landscapes. Take your honey wildlife watching for whales, puffins and seals.
New Brunswick – St. Andrews-by-the-Sea
Established in 1783, this seaside paradise is surrounded by the magnificent Bay of Fundy. Shop delightful art galleries and boutiques. Eat fresh lobster rolls, beachcomb, take a scenic boat tour, or play golf at St. Andrew’s renowned course. The ever-popular Algonquin Resort will envelop you in down-home hospitality.
Newfoundland – Fogo Island
Remote landscapes that take your breath away, magical fjords, ancient Nordic sites, the friendliest people anywhere; you will be inspired by the beauty of nature at its finest. Rugged wilderness, rich geological history, wild North Atlantic shores, tightknit fishing communities. This is the stuff that newlywed dreams are made of.
Quebec – Quebec City
The most romantic city in Canada offers unparalleled European flair, joie de vivre, charming cafés, gourmet dining and plenty of culture and history! Spoil yourselves with a stay at the famous Château Frontenac. Make time for a horse-drawn carriage ride down cobblestone streets with the love of your life.
Ontario – Ottawa
The nation’s capital is a vibrant city offering museums, festivals and culture galore! Visit Parliament, the National Gallery and the Museum of Civilization. Walk along the Rideau Canal, explore Gatineau Park, and shop and dine in the ByWard Market. High tea at the luxurious Chateau Laurier Hotel is a must!
Manitoba –Winnipeg
Lovebirds can tour this vibrant metropolis on a bicycle built for two, by river taxi along the Red River, or by strolling on the Assiniboine Riverwalk. Don’t miss St. Boniface, with its French-inspired patios and eateries. Mariaggi’s Theme Suite Hotel and the Riverstone Spa offer sumptuous spa packages for sweethearts.
Saskatchewan – Moosejaw
A true prairie gem. Shops, restaurants, museums and galleries abound in historic downtown Moosejaw. Experience the Tunnels of Moosejaw, place your bets at the casino, and then walk underground to the Temple Gardens Hotel & Spa to enjoy romantic couples’ spa treatments and Canada’s largest geothermal mineral water pool.
Alberta – Banff
This booming resort town in the heart of the Rocky Mountains is beyond spectacular. Couples will revel in the plethora of outdoor adventures and the snow-capped Rocky Mountains, with mind-blowing scenery and crystal clear lakes. Hike at Lake Louise. Canoe on Moraine Lake. The luxurious Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is a must.
British Columbia – Tofino
Swim and surf in turquoise waters, whale watch, picnic on the beach, savour fabulous seafood, hike Tofino’s ancient rainforests, soak in the hot springs, take a seaplane tour. For the ultimate in pampering, stay at the famous Wickannish Inn. This west-coast haven offers the most intimate of getaways for lovers.
Yukon – Whitehorse
Imagine the honeymoon of your dreams in a land of natural wonders. The “land of the midnight sun” is an oasis for outdoor enthusiasts. Offering breathtaking views of the mesmerizing Northern Lights, sweethearts can hike or canoe the unexplored wilderness and relax together at the peaceful Sundog Retreat outside town.
Northwest Territories – Yellowknife
The true North strong and free. They call Yellowknife the biggest little city in Canada, where floatplanes buzz the sky, and Great Slave Lake beckons. Visit Old Town, Pilot’s Monument, and the ice roads in the winter! Aurora Village, where Aboriginal culture and modern amenities meet, offers a truly captivating experience.
Nunavut – Iqaluit
Looking for an exotic honeymoon destination off the beaten path? How about a honeymoon getaway to the most vibrant city in the Canadian Arctic? Lovers will discover the traditions and culture of the Inuit people, eat Arctic Char, caribou and bannock, and visit one of many national parks with awe-inspiring glaciers.
Originally published in Today’s Bride magazine, Fall/Winter 2017.
