Hidden Gems: Canada's Secret Destinations

Tablelands, Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland

While Gros Morne National Park itself is well-known, the otherworldly Tablelands within it remain relatively undiscovered. This barren landscape of orange-brown rock stands in stark contrast to Newfoundland's typically lush greenery. What makes this place truly special is its geological significance: these rocks are actually part of the Earth's mantle, thrust up to the surface during tectonic plate collisions hundreds of millions of years ago.

One of the few places on Earth where you can walk on the mantle, the Tablelands offer a 4 km interpretive trail that reveals this fascinating geological story. The Mars-like landscape creates an eerie atmosphere, especially when fog rolls in from the coast.

Local Tip: Join a guided walk with a park ranger to truly appreciate the geological significance and spot rare plants that have adapted to the harsh, mineral-rich soil.

Spirit Island, Maligne Lake, Alberta

Deep within Jasper National Park lies Maligne Lake, whose turquoise waters hold a special treasure. Spirit Island, a tiny islet with a small cluster of trees, is one of the most photographed spots in the Canadian Rockies, yet remains relatively uncrowded compared to other Rocky Mountain attractions. The island is a spiritual place for the Stoney Nakoda First Nation and is only accessible by boat.

The 90-minute cruise to reach Spirit Island builds anticipation, as you glide past towering peaks and glaciers reflected in the pristine waters. When you finally round a bend and catch your first glimpse of the island framed by mountains, you'll understand why it has captivated photographers for generations.

Local Tip: Book the first or last cruise of the day for the best lighting conditions for photography and fewer fellow tourists in your shots.

Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands), British Columbia

This remote archipelago off the northern coast of British Columbia is often called the "Galapagos of the North" for its unique ecosystems and endemic species. Formerly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, Haida Gwaii is the ancestral home of the Haida Nation and offers an unparalleled blend of cultural and natural experiences.

The islands feature ancient temperate rainforests with moss-draped trees, empty beaches stretching for kilometers, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of SGang Gwaay (Ninstints), where weathered totem poles have stood for more than 150 years. Unique subspecies of wildlife, including the Haida Gwaii black bear, have evolved here in isolation.

While reaching these islands requires effort—either by plane or ferry—the journey itself is part of the adventure, and the lack of mass tourism ensures authentic experiences.

Local Tip: Visit the Haida Heritage Centre at Kay Llnagaay to gain a deeper understanding of Haida culture before exploring the islands.

Saint-Jean-Port-Joli, Quebec

Located on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River, this enchanting village of just 3,400 residents has earned its reputation as the wood-carving capital of Quebec. For over a century, local artisans have transformed blocks of wood into intricate sculptures, carrying on a tradition that dates back to the 1800s.

Wander through the village's numerous galleries and workshops to watch master carvers at work and perhaps purchase a unique souvenir. Beyond wood carving, the village offers stunning river views, a charming heritage district, and the annual Festival des Chants de Marins (Sea Shanty Festival) in August.

Local Tip: Visit during the International Wood Sculpture Biennale to see sculptors from around the world create masterpieces with chainsaws and hand tools.

Dawson City, Yukon

Once the center of the Klondike Gold Rush and briefly home to over 40,000 fortune seekers, Dawson City now houses fewer than 1,500 year-round residents. Yet this remote outpost on the Yukon River perfectly preserves the spirit of the late 1890s with its wooden boardwalks, false-fronted buildings, and saloons with swinging doors.

Despite its remote location, Dawson offers a surprisingly vibrant cultural scene, including Canada's first gambling hall, Diamond Tooth Gertie's, and the infamous Sourtoe Cocktail—a drink garnished with a preserved human toe. During summer, you can experience the midnight sun, with nearly 24 hours of daylight perfect for hiking the surrounding hills or panning for gold in Bonanza Creek.

Local Tip: Don't miss the opportunity to attend an author reading at the cabin where Jack London once lived and wrote stories inspired by the Yukon wilderness.

Bonavista, Newfoundland

This historic fishing town on the eastern shore of Newfoundland claims to be where John Cabot first made landfall in North America in 1497. Today, it's a picturesque community that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and authentic Maritime culture, all without the crowds found in St. John's.

The rugged coastline features dramatic cliffs, sea stacks, and excellent opportunities for whale and puffin watching. The meticulously restored Ryan Premises National Historic Site provides insights into the cod fishing industry that sustained Newfoundland for centuries, while colorful "saltbox" houses line the winding streets.

In recent years, an influx of young entrepreneurs has revitalized the town with farm-to-table restaurants, craft breweries, and artisan shops, creating a unique blend of traditional and contemporary culture.

Local Tip: Drive the short distance to the nearby Dungeon Provincial Park to see a collapsed sea cave that has formed a natural archway.

Junction District, Toronto, Ontario

While most visitors to Toronto stick to downtown attractions, locals know that some of the city's most interesting neighborhoods lie beyond the core. The Junction, named for its railroad history, was once a prohibition district and later fell into disrepair. Today, it's a revitalized area that maintains its gritty, independent character while offering some of the city's most innovative culinary and artistic experiences.

Dundas Street West is lined with independent boutiques, vintage furniture stores, craft breweries, and restaurants ranging from Peruvian-Japanese fusion to authentic Ukrainian cuisine. The area's industrial past is evident in converted factory spaces now housing art galleries and co-working studios.

Local Tip: Visit during the Junction Summer Solstice Festival when the neighborhood hosts an all-night art crawl with installations in unexpected places.

North End, Halifax, Nova Scotia

While tourists congregate along the Halifax waterfront and historic downtown, the city's North End offers a more authentic glimpse into local life. Once overlooked, this diverse neighborhood has transformed into a vibrant community hub without losing its working-class roots.

Gottingen Street and Agricola Street form the area's main arteries, hosting an eclectic mix of Syrian bakeries, craft cocktail bars, community theaters, and independent bookshops. The neighborhood's multicultural character is reflected in its culinary offerings, from Lebanese to Caribbean to East Coast seafood with a modern twist.

The North End was dramatically shaped by the Halifax Explosion of 1917, and remnants of this history can still be found in the architecture and at the Fort Needham Memorial Park.

Local Tip: Check out the Halifax Brewery Farmers' Market on Saturday mornings, where local producers offer everything from artisanal cheeses to foraged mushrooms.

Fogo Island, Newfoundland

Located off Newfoundland's northeast coast, Fogo Island represents a fascinating blend of centuries-old fishing traditions and cutting-edge architecture and art. For generations, this remote island community survived on cod fishing until the industry's collapse in the 1960s threatened its very existence.

The island's rebirth began when local entrepreneur Zita Cobb established the Fogo Island Inn, a striking contemporary structure perched on stilts along the rocky coastline. This internationally acclaimed luxury hotel operates as a social enterprise, with profits supporting the local community.

Beyond the inn, visitors can explore traditional fishing stages (platforms for processing fish), hike coastal trails, watch icebergs drift by in spring, and engage with a community known for its warm hospitality and unique dialect.

Local Tip: Even if you're not staying at the famous inn, you can book a community host who will show you the island through a local's eyes, explaining everything from architecture to berry-picking spots.

Saturna Island, British Columbia

While other Gulf Islands like Salt Spring and Galiano draw steady streams of visitors from Vancouver and Victoria, Saturna remains delightfully undiscovered. The least populated of the major Gulf Islands, Saturna offers the same stunning Pacific Northwest scenery and mild climate without the crowds.

Nearly half the island is protected as part of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, providing exceptional hiking opportunities along coastal bluffs and through old-growth forests. From East Point, you can often spot orcas, seals, and sea lions against the backdrop of the San Juan Islands and Mount Baker.

The island's small community includes a winery producing exceptional cool-climate varieties, an artisan goat cheese farm, and a historic general store that serves as the social hub for the island's 350 residents.

Local Tip: Visit on July 1st (Canada Day) to experience the island's famous lamb barbecue, a tradition since 1950 that brings together locals and visitors for a feast overlooking Saturna Beach.