Seeker Bio
2024 Top Small Communities and Urban Centres in Canada for Adventures in the Low Season.
Canada Adventure Seekers Share 17 Top Adventure Travel Destinations
Discover 17 of the best destinations to visit in the Low Seasons of Canada
2024 Top Small Communities and Urban Centres in Canada for Adventures in the Low Season - As the snow begins to melt and the vibrant colors of spring emerge, adventure seekers in Canada eagerly anticipate exploring the country's hidden gems. For those in search of off-the-beaten-path destinations, the www.ehcanadatravel.com website and the Canada Adventure Seekers offers valuable insights. In this article, we'll unveil the top small communities and urban centres in Canada that cater to adventure enthusiasts during the low season of spring as selected by the Canada Adventure Seekers.
Meet the Canada Adventure Seekers who shared their top destinations, Andrea Horning, Lisa Muldoon, Janet Guthrie, Cary Horning, Diana Johnson-Santos and Samantha Sewell.
2024 Top Small Communities and Urban Centres in Canada for Adventures in the Low Season.
We asked the experts in Canada, the Canada Adventure Seekers, to share with us their top adventure destinations in Canada to explore in the low seasons. By low seasons we mean the seasons of spring and fall in Canada. However, we added some guidelines to their selections. We asked them to identify the (1) best small town under 20000 population; (2) best small community under 100,000 population and (3) the best urban centre over the population of 150,000 population. Below are their selections. Subsequently, below are some short bios of each Seeker.
Best Canada Small Town Adventure Travel Destination with a Population Under 20,000
(1) Town of Waterton, Alberta, Canada - 2024 Top Small Communities and Urban Centres in Canada for Adventures during the Low Season include the community of Waterton, Alberta. However it is located within a stunning National Park, and has many wonderful features. The shops are cute and fun, the restaurants are delicious and the coffee shops are great. Surrounded by lakes and mountains, how can you not fall in love with Waterton. Suggested adventures include hiking, sightseeing, wildlife, and shopping. Selected by Canada Adventure Seeker Andrea Horning.
(2) Salmon Arm, British Columbia, Canada - This small community is very under appreciated. It is small while still having so much to offer and have many big events that drive people to this adventure destination. Train spotters love Salmon Arm, as well as, visit the Salmon Arm Fall Fair, and music lovers as well! This year Canada Adventure Seeker experienced the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train. Selected by Canada Adventure Seeker Samantha Sewell.
(3) Drumheller, Alberta, Canada - My favorite is just outside Drumheller, The Atlas Coal Mine a National Historic site for a unique and educational tour of Canada's last standing coal tipple. Head over the historic 11 bridges to Last Chance Saloon for a great meal and a blast from the past. The world's biggest Dinosaur at Tourism Drumheller. Unique shops and camping, the Tiny Church, Horse Thief Canyon for incredible views, and The Royal Tyrrell Museum.. Selected by Canada Adventure Seeker Cary Horning.
(4) Jasper, Alberta, Canada - Jasper is a great mountain town in the Heart of Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The town has plenty of shops, restaurants and events, not to mention museums, historic sites and recreation opportunities. It is also an excellent base for exploring Jasper National Park trails and attractions, like the Icefields Parkway, Jasper SkyTram, Maligne Lake and Canyon, hot springs, glaciers, waterfalls and wildlife tours. Highlights include Cycling the Icefields Parkway from Jasper to Banff, Jacques Lake Trail, Maligne Canyon Icewalk, Maligne Lake Canoeing, Coal Mine Trail, Overlander Mountain Lodge. Selected by Canada Adventure Seeker Janet Guthrie.
(5) Elora, Ontario, Canada - It has small town charm, amazing restaurants, artist community and the Elora Gorge. Some of the highlights include Elora Gorge Falls, Elora River (tubing & zip-lining), Cataract Trailway, Elora Quary (swimming), and Farmers Markets, Selected by Canada Adventure Seeker Diana Johnson-Santos.
(6) Long Point, Ontario, Canada - Long Point is one of the Top Small Communities and Urban Centres in Canada for Adventures in the Low Season. It is the go-to spot for amazing bird watching. They are also known for their beautiful beach which stretches along towards the point. Busiest in the warmer months, the town is filled with campers and cottagers, however some people live there all year around. Highlights include Long Point Provincial Park, Bird-watching, kite-boarding, canoeing, boating, fishing, camping, cycling, cottaging, pickleball, shopping, restaurants and ice cream shops. Selected by Canada Adventure Seeker Lisa Muldoon.
Best Canada Community Adventure Travel Destination with a Population Under 100,000
(1) Brooks, Alberta, Canada - The camping and fishing opportunities nearby really make this a fun area to explore. As well as delicious bakeries. Suggested highlights include camping, historical sites, museums, bakeries, and fishing. Selected by Canada Adventure Seeker Andrea Horning.
(2) Leduc, Alberta, Canada - Telford Lake is a unique paddling destination in the prairies as it is one of the only 2,000m, 8-lane race venues. The Leduc Boat Club has rentals, lessons and camps for canoe, kayak, rowing, outriggers, SUP and dragon boating. There is an 8k trail that goes around the lake and is part of the Trans Canada Trail. After a day on the water, Leduc's main street is only a few blocks and has several independent shops and restaurants. Highlights included Canoeing on Telford Lake and the Grand Opening of Leduc Brewing Company. Selected by Canada Adventure Seeker Janet Guthrie.
(3) Stratford, Ontario, Canada - Stratford is known for the Stratford Festival but, has so much more to offer. Amazing food, breweries, historic buildings, community events and an idyllic setting, along a river. Highlights include Slow Food Sunday Market, Farmers Market, Self-Guided Culinary Trails (Bacon and Ale & Chocolate Trail). Selected by Canada Adventure Seeker Diana Johnson-Santos.
(4) Kingsville, Ontario, Canada - It is a pretty little town located on the shores of Lake Erie. They have a wonderful downtown area with great selection of shops and restaurants. There is a fantastic sense of community through the events, concerts and festivals they host throughout the year! Jack Miner Bird Sanctuary, Lakeside Park for concerts and events, ferry to Pelee Island, camping, golfing, cycling, and a variety of restaurants and shops. Selected by Canada Adventure Seeker Lisa Muldoon.
(5) Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada - Moose Jaw is my favorite small city (Pop 33,231) on the Prairies because of the wonderfully friendly people, the number of fun things to do, and the ease of getting around town. Temple Gardens Mineral Spa is the ultimate hotel treat with its beautiful indoor-outdoor hot mineral pool visitors can soak in—great dining choices in Moose Jaw and a thriving Main Street for shopping. There is a huge selection of hotels for every budget and the must-visit historic Grant Hall Hotel on Main Street. Moose Jaw is a convenient stop along the Trans Canada Highway in Saskatchewan. Selected by Canada Adventure Seeker Cary Horning.
Moose Jaw is full of history and has beautiful Murals, lovely Parks & Trails at Wakamow Valley & Crescent Park, Moose Jaw is home to Canadas Snowbirds, and the Tunnels of Moose Jaw take you underground where you learn about the Chinese Connection and Al Capone. There are 2 great Museums to explore and Art Galleries. Foodies will love the fabulous array of Pubs & restaurants including Haunted Hopkins Dining Parlour. Shoppers will love Moose Jaws' walkable Main Street with all the great shops for everything from Souvenirs to Olde Time Photos and for the ease of walking this shopping area. Visit MAC the Moose at the Tourism Building - Thatcher Drive Hwy #1.
(6) Vernon, British Columbia, Canada - Vernon is home to Western Canada's largest winter carnival, and offers lots of attractions for teens-adults! Some of the highlights include the Vernon Winter Carnival, Davison Orchards, Raising Stars Preschool Kids Tourism Series. Selected by Canada Adventure Seeker Samantha Sewell.
Best Canada Urban Adventure Travel Destination with a Population Over 150,000
(1) Calgary, Alberta, Canada - Calgary is one of the 2024 Top Small Communities and Urban Centres in Canada for Adventures in the Low Season according to Canada Adventure Seeker Andrea Horning. Calgary is worth exploring and experiencing some of the events offered around the city. The Calgary Stampede is a must do if coming to Calgary in July. It's also a great basecamp for many surrounding adventures! Highlights include Calgary Stampede, Donut shops- specifically Wonder Donuts, all the unique artwork and murals, Studio Bell, shopping, fishing, and bicycle trails throughout the city that take you along some scenic areas. Selected by Canada Adventure Seeker Andrea Horning.
(2) Regina Saskatchewan, Canada - Super easy Airport to fly in or out of. Great starting point to explore Saskatchewan. Has historic buildings, great dining, and beautiful Wascana Park. Tour Stone Hall Castle, the Legislative Building, take a walk around beautiful Wascana Park, and stay at the historic Hotel Saskatchewan. Grab the best sandwiches in SK at Italian Star Deli for picnicking or road-tripping. Lots of shopping in Regina and a Casino in downtown. Large selection of hotels for every budget and restaurants for all tastes. Selected by Canada Adventure Seeker Cary Horning.
(3) Saskatoon Saskatchewan, Canada - Saskatoon is known as the Paris of the Prairies, there are cool neighbourhoods to explore, great restaurants, festivals, sports, attractions and cultural experiences. Accommodations range from a beautiful campground, fantastic AirBnB's to a hotel that looks like a castle. Highlights include Saskatoon in the Winter, Wanuskewin, 2nd Ave, rRemai Modern, Finding a Secret Speakeasy. Selected by Canada Adventure Seeker Janet Guthrie.
(4) Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada - Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada is a world famous waterfall community and sightseeing destination situated on the banks of the Niagara River with spectacular views of the Horseshoe and American Falls. Nice to visit, anytime of year. Lots of indoor activities if the weather isn't ideal. Some of the highlights include The Falls, Butterfly Conservatory, Bird Kingdom, Botanical Gardens, and the Whirlpool Aero Car. Selected by Canada Adventure Seeker Diana Johnson-Santos.
(5) Hamilton, Ontario, Canada - Hamilton has wonderful mix of parks with trails, greenspace, hiking, biking and all sorts of outdoor activities. They also have some wonderful restaurants and one of a kind shops. They have an amazing music and arts scene and host a number of events throughout the year. Highlights include hiking, biking, waterfalling, golfing, sailing, parks, beaches, waterfront activities, shops, restaurants, sporting events, concerts, art and music events. Selected by Canada Adventure Seeker Lisa Muldoon.
Advantages of Low Season Travel in Canada
Traveling during the low seasons in Canada can offer several advantages, depending on the specific region and your preferences. Here are some potential benefits:
Cost Savings
One of the most significant advantages is cost savings. During the low seasons, prices for accommodations, flights, and activities are often lower than during peak times. This allows you to experience Canada on a budget and get more value for your money.
Smaller Crowds
Popular tourist destinations in Canada, such as Banff, Tofino, Vancouver, and Toronto, can get quite crowded during peak seasons. Traveling in the low seasons means you'll encounter fewer tourists, allowing you to enjoy attractions, natural landscapes, and cultural sites with more peace and quiet.
Personalized Experiences
With fewer tourists around, you may have the opportunity for more personalized experiences. There may be more opportunities to mingle with the locals. Local attractions, tours, and activities might be less crowded, providing a more intimate and authentic experience.
Better Availability
During low seasons, it's often easier to secure reservations for accommodations, restaurants, and tours. This can be especially beneficial if you have specific preferences or want to stay in popular places without facing booking constraints.
Milder Weather
Depending on the region, low seasons might offer milder and more comfortable weather conditions for exploring outdoor attractions. In some cases, you might experience the beauty of Canada's landscapes without extreme temperatures.
Seasonal Attractions
Canada has distinct seasons, and each one offers unique attractions. Traveling during the low season allows you to experience specific activities or events that may not be available during peak times. For example, winter dog sledding, heli skiing in the Rockies or the Northern Lights in the Yukon.
Cultural Events
Many Canadian cities host cultural events, festivals, and celebrations throughout the year. Traveling during the low season doesn't necessarily mean missing out on these events, as some of them may occur during the off-peak months.
Local Interactions
With fewer tourists, you may have more opportunities to interact with locals and gain insights into Canadian culture. Locals might have more time to share stories, recommendations, and hidden gems.
Low Season Adventures in Canada
For Canada's adventure seekers, the low season of spring unveils a different kind of beauty in the country's small communities and urban centres. According to www.ehcanadatravel.com, destinations like Revelstoke, St. Andrews by-the-Sea, Canmore, Lunenburg, and Jasper offer a perfect blend of outdoor activities and cultural experiences. Whether you're seeking mountainous landscapes, coastal charm, or historical intrigue, these locations promise unforgettable adventures during the tranquil spring season. Plan your next getaway with insights from EhCanadaTravel.com and discover the untamed beauty of Canada off the beaten path.
2024 Top Small Communities and Urban Centres in Canada for Adventures in the Low Season.
Canada Adventure Seekers Share Top Adventure Travel Destinations
Travel Guide
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Comments 5
Well done Andrea Horning , Janet Guthrie , Lisa Muldoon , Cary Horning , Diana Johnson-Santos and Samantha Sewell . I enjoyed seeing your choices and your reasons. Awesome teamwork and thank you.
Thank you! This was a lot of fun to do! Let's do a Small Town backroads favorites!
Thank you. I enjoyed reading about everyone's choices. Looks like we won't have any adventure shortages this year!
Thank you for including me
So many community options!! Love that small towns/cities are being recognized!!