Small Town Charm: 5 of Canada’s Prettiest Towns

When we picture Canada, holidays in our mind’s eye tend to include images of exploring snow-covered mountains and icy tundras. It offers these stunning sceneries, of course, but it also boasts charming towns in remarkable open prairies and on rocky shorelines. You won’t miss out on any of Canada’s small towns with this list of the country’s prettiest areas.

Banff, Alberta

Nestled in the renowned Banff National Park, this town attracts endless numbers of tourists every year. Thanks to its modest population, housing hasn’t expanded into the surrounding nature. The stunning wilderness remains untouched and is a favourite spot for hikers and nature lovers. From the town itself, you’ll have a fantastic view of Mount Rundle. You can also visit the Banff Centre, ride in the gondola and explore the Upper Hot Springs. The Cave and Basin National Historic site is another popular attraction.

Churchill, Manitoba

Resting on the western shores of Hudson Bay, this quaint town feels like nowhere else on earth – so why not make it part of your tour around Canada? Holidays in this subarctic terrain are the perfect opportunity to spot hordes of wild polar bears throughout autumn and beluga whales in the summer. There are also over 200 types of birds that live in the neighbouring tundra and boreal forests. If you’re lucky, you may even see the Northern Lights.

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

Set in Niagara’s wine region, this lovely town is a nineteenth-century treasure chest. The Victorian houses and main roads have been preserved, while charming boutiques and plush vegetation now line the streets. Most tourists visit the city in summer while the Shaw Festival and Music Niagara are being held. It should definitely be on your must-see list in Canada. Holidays here also provide easy access to the famous Niagara Falls.

St. Andrews-by-the-Sea, New Brunswick

Established in the seventeen hundreds, St. Andrews-by-the-Sea is Canada’s oldest seaside resort. Boasting an intricate history, several of its original eighteenth-century buildings are still standing, while many nineteenth-century ones have been well-preserved too. Thanks to its luscious gardens, large painted murals and pastel-coloured houses, this town bursts with colour. It’s also the home of several terrific museums and art galleries, as well as a great whale watching spot.

Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia

A delightful maritime town, Mahone Bay is famous for its three widely-photographed churches and many wooden boat buildings. The town centre boasts several fine restaurants, art galleries and antique shops, as well as beautiful nineteenth-century edifices. Many travellers also kayak or sail in the bay, while others explore the shoreline by foot or bike along the area’s winding trails.

With so many great towns to visit and so many landscapes to uncover, make sure you plan your trip to Canada. Holidaysto any of these five towns can easily be organised with the help of a reputable specialist tour operator. They’ll plan an itinerary that suits your needs and handle your transport, transfers and accommodation. With everything prepared for you, you can focus on making the most of your holiday.

John Dixon is the Chairman and Managing Director of Prestige Holidays. For almost a decade he has been sending his clients on bespoke Canada holidays, handcrafted by his award-winning team. John is an experienced world traveller and tries to visit each of the destinations regularly in order to ensure the quality of the properties he recommends, and stay up-to-date about the latest local news and events. He has a taste for the finer things in life and has an interest in arts, history and culture.