U.S. Has Karen Energy These Days. Canada Is the Chill Best Friend You Need šØš¦āØš
- smyatsallie
- Mar 14
- 5 min read
Listen up, my globe-trotting Canadian friends! Before you book that basic trip to Disneyland, Vegas, or some overhyped beach in Florida, letās have a little chat. Canada is notĀ just Americaās polite neighbor; itās a travel powerhouseĀ packed with next-level scenery, world-class cities, and adventure so wild itāll make your Instagram feed look like a National Geographic special.

So, if youāre ready to upgrade your wanderlust game, letās hit the best Canadian spots that will make you forget all about the U.S.Ā (Sorry, Statue of Liberty, but weāre taking a break from you).
1. Banff National Park, AB ā āThe Rockies but Make It Cinematicā šļøš»
The U.S. has the Grand Canyon, but Banff? Itās straight-up God-tier scenery. This national parkĀ is so beautiful it looks fakeāfrom glacier-fed lakes to towering peaks that make your problems feel tiny.
š Must-Doās:
ā Paddle across Moraine Lakeāthe most Instagrammed lake on the planet, and for good reason.
ā Soak in the Banff Hot Springs, where the water is warm, the views are unreal, and your stress disappears.
ā Take the Banff GondolaĀ to the top of Sulphur Mountain and stare dramatically into the distance like youāre in a travel ad.
šø Picture this:Ā You, in a kayak, floating on neon-blue water like an adventurous influencer.
2. Vancouver, BC ā āCity Life with a Side of Epic Mountainsā ššļø
Vancouver is what happens when a city has flawless geneticsāitās got urban cool andĀ stunning nature, all in one ridiculously photogenic package. They don't call BC God's backyard for nothing.
š Must-Doās:
ā Bike the Stanley Park Seawall, the ultimate oceanside walking/running/cycling route.
ā Take a day trip to Whistlerāhome to elite ski slopes and cozy aprĆØs-ski vibes.
ā Explore Granville Island Market, where fresh seafood and artisan treats will ruin all other food markets for you.
šø Picture this:Ā You, drinking a craft beer with snow-capped mountains in the background, living your best West Coast life.
3. Quebec City, QC ā āParis, but Cheaper and with More Poutineā š«š·āØ
Who needs Paris when youāve got Quebec City? With its cobblestone streets, cute-as-heck cafĆ©s, and the iconic ChĆ¢teau Frontenac, this city serves romance, history, and croissantsāwithout the jet lag.
š Must-Doās:
ā Wander through Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and pretend youāve stepped into a fairytale.
ā Indulge in poutine, because fries, cheese curds, and gravy are a holy trinity.
ā Visit Montmorency Falls, which is tallerĀ than Niagara Falls but with way fewer tourists.
šø Picture this:Ā You, sipping a cafĆ© au lait on a sunlit terrace, looking effortlessly European.
4. Whitehorse, YT ā āThe Yukon: Where Adventure Has No Speed Limitā āļøš
If youāve ever wanted to see the Northern Lights, drive an epic road trip, or feel like a true explorer, the Yukon is calling. Itās remote, rugged, and ridiculously coolāthink Alaska, but better, because itās Canada.
š Must-Doās:
ā Chase the Aurora BorealisĀ in winterāitās a celestial light show youāll never forget.
ā Road trip the Klondike Highway, because nothing screams adventure like endless wilderness.
ā Take a dogsled rideĀ and pretend youāre in a Jack London novel.
šø Picture this:Ā You, bundled up under a sky dancing with green and purple lights.
5. Yellowknife, NT ā āNot for the Faint of Heartā ššŗ
The capital of the Northwest Territories is far, frozen, and absolutely phenomenal. If you want adventure with a side of solitude, this is the place.
š Must-Doās:
ā Sleep in a glass iglooĀ at Blachford Lake Lodge and watch the Northern Lights from bed.
ā Fish for monster-sized troutĀ in Great Slave Lake, one of the deepest lakes in the world.
ā Visit Nahanni National Park, where waterfalls are taller than Niagara and the wilderness is untouched.
šø Picture this:Ā You, wrapped in a cozy parka, sipping hot cocoa while nature puts on a light show above you.
6. Prince Edward Island ā āRolling Hills and Red Sand Dreamsā šļøš²
If PEI were a person, it would be that wholesome, cottage-core friendĀ who bakes pie and always has a cozy sweater on. Itās all about charm, beaches, and incredible seafood.
š Must-Doās:
ā Bike the Confederation Trail, a scenic route through PEIās most stunning landscapes.
ā Hit Cavendish Beach, where red sand meets dramatic cliffs.
ā Feast on lobster, mussels, and oysters, because seafood just tastesĀ better here.
šø Picture this:Ā You, frolicking in a field like Anne of Green Gables, but make it aesthetic.
7. St. Johnās, NL ā āCanadaās Most Colorful Secretā šš”
Picture a seaside town where the houses look like Skittles, the coastline is rugged AF, and the nightlife involves live music and screeching (yes, thatās a thingālook it up).
š Must-Doās:
ā Wander Jellybean Row, where every house is painted a different, joyful color.
ā Stand on Cape Spear, the easternmost point in North America, and feel like a tiny speck in the universe. Where you're the first in all of North America to see the sun come up (legit bragging rights).
ā Get āScreeched Inā at a local pubāa weird but legendary Newfoundland tradition.
šø Picture this:Ā You, standing on a cliff at sunrise, feeling poetic and windswept.
8. Montreal, QC ā āThe French Vibes You Didnāt Know You Neededā š„š·
Montreal is effortlessly cool. Itās got French culture, North American energy, and a food scene that will wreck your diet in the best way possible. Montreal is the lovechild of Paris and Brooklynāeffortlessly cool, a little gritty, and absolutely delicious.
š Must-Doās:
ā Eat a Montreal-style bagel, which is betterĀ than a New York bagel (fight me).
ā Stroll through Old Montreal, where the vibes are historic and the cafĆ©s are perfection.
ā Party at Montreal Jazz Fest, where world-class music fills the streets.
šø Picture this:Ā You, devouring poutine at 2 a.m., making no regretsĀ decisions.
9. Vancouver Island, BC (my personal favouriteā¤ļø) ā āLaid-Back Luxury with a Wild Sideā šš
Vancouver Island is an outdoorsy dream with a touch of coastal luxury. Think stunning beaches, old-growth rainforests, and whale watching.
š Must-Doās:
ā Explore Tofino, Canadaās surf capital, and ride some waves or just chill on the beach.
ā Visit Victoria, where the afternoon tea game is strong.
ā Go whale watching, because seeing an orca up close will change you.
šø Picture this:Ā You, wrapped in a cozy blanket, watching the waves crash on a misty shoreline.
So, Why Canada?
šØš¦ More space, fewer people
š² Nature that actually looks like a travel poster
š„ A food scene thatās wildly underrated
šļø Wild adventures that make hiking in Colorado look like a light stroll
š Festivals that keep the party going all year long
Next time someone suggests Miami or Vegas, just say āNo thanks, Iām heading north.āĀ Because Canada? Sheās gorgeous, wild, and completely underratedāand sheās ready to change your life.Ā šš
~smy
Where are you heading first? Drop your dream Canadian destination in the comments!Ā š
As anAmerican, this really makes me sad that Canadians are boycotting US travel. TOTALLY UNDERSTANDABLE. Still sad, nonetheless. A lot of us didnt vote for that felon and he has basically made America look like a bully. It is infuriating. I've been to Vancouver Island so many times, my husband is from Duncan and we visit there alot. Definitely God's backyard and definitely recommended.š I would love to see Newfoundland. šØš¦ā¤ļø
We normally do a big road trip along the Westcoast, from Vancouver to Santa Monica, but we've decided to drive across Canada instead! Something we have never done. #elbowsup šā£ļø