Canada is dotted with beautiful, charming mountain towns, from British Columbia in the west all the way to Newfoundland, its easternmost province. From the magnificent Rockies to lesser-known ranges like the Long Range Mountains, there are multiple destinations surrounded by breathtaking scenery with the opportunity to get out in the fresh air, hike, bike, ski and more. These spectacular Canadian mountain towns in particular, are sure to be calling your name.
Collingwood, Blue Mountain, Ontario
Collingwood is home to Blue Mountain Village, a famous resort tucked between the foot of the scenic Blue Mountains and the crystal clear waters of Georgian Bay. Characterized by turn-of-the-century Ontario architecture, it features a wide variety of events throughout the year, as well as a long list of activities and attractions. There are more than 50 unique restaurants and shops, while the resort itself offers lots for powder-seekers, with everything from glades and groomed runs to a terrain park. Summertime brings the chance to hike, bike, take a Segway tour, challenge yourself on a rope course or whiz down a heart-pounding zip-line.
Banff, Alberta
Ever wondered what it might be like to live in a Swiss ski village? You can find out in Canada with a visit to Banff. Nestled into the heart of the Canadian Rockies near Banff National Park’s southeastern border, this beautiful mountain town offers small-town charms and lots of opportunities for experiencing the region’s spectacular glacier-fed lakes and abundance of wildlife. In Banff itself, you can look forward to exploring a thriving arts and culture scene with a number of museums, art galleries and concert venues along with an array of fine restaurants and shops.
Saint-Sauveur, Quebec
Saint-Sauveur is a place that offers something for just about everyone, located only an hour outside of Montreal in beautiful Quebec. This Laurentian Mountain paradise is famous for its multiple festivals, including several music festivals and a popular dance and arts festival as well as being home to the country’s largest mountain water park. In the winter, skiing and boarding is the thing to do with dozens of varied trails on five mountains for skiers and boarders of all skill levels. Tubing, ice skating, snowshoeing and even dog sledding are all possible too. When it’s all said and done, unwind at one of the many restorative spa and feed your appetite at one of the many fabulous restaurants like the romantic Le Bistro St-Sauveur with its menu featuring regional cuisine like Lac Brome duck.
Fernie, British Columbia
Fernie is a small mountain town in the heart of the Rockies that’s big on snow sports as well as arts and culture. There are practically an endless number of inviting cabins and chalets to warm up in after a day on the slopes, and the historic downtown area is wonderful just to stroll with its setting so picturesque it’s become a popular filming location. Anytime of year you can learn about the area’s history at the Fernie Museum, and if you happen to visit in February, you can get inspired by attending the Fernie Mountain Film Festival. From September through December at The Arts Station, you’ll find live music and plenty of good vibes with a concert series, open-mic and jam nights.
Mont Tremblant, Quebec
Another Laurentian Mountain beauty, the picturesque village and resort of Tremblant is especially enticing with its vibrant colors and spectacular views. Situated 80 miles north of Montreal, Tremblant is frequently named the top resort in eastern North America. While skiers appreciate its wide runs that are occasionally dotted with moguls, it’s the town that earns honors as much as the mountain itself. Not only does the walkable village offer a wide range of international eateries and one of the most vibrant après-ski scenes in the region, visitors can enjoy ice climbing, snowmobiling, dog sledding and more. There is so much to do here, odds are, you’ll run out of time way before you run out of ways to spend it.
Norris Point, Newfoundland
While Newfoundland’s nickname is “The Rock,” you’ll find a lot more than barren terrain. The easternmost province of Newfoundland and Labrador is home to some breathtaking mountain ranges, including the Long Range Mountains in Gros Morne National Park. It’s here that you’ll find the mountain town of Norris Point, which is surrounded by gorgeous Bonne Bay on three sides, with the park to its north. When it comes to jaw-dropping mountain and water scenery along with small-town appeal, it’s hard to beat. Look forward to hikes in the park, some of which lead to glorious waterfalls, wildlife watching with a population of over 100,000 moose along with caribou, black bear, both red and Arctic fox, snowshoe hare, lynx, river otter, beaver and more. After a day exploring, enjoy upscale dining at the enchanting Chanterelles restaurant.
Nelson, BC
This friendly town is a place where visitors are given a big welcome, making everyone feel right at home. The “Queen City” of the Kootenays, tucked in the Selkirk Mountains along the West Arm of Kootenay Lake, Nelson boasts a rich history, evident in the over 350 preserved heritage buildings that perfectly blends with its dynamic arts and culture scene. Look forward to taking in arts, music and live performances nearly every night of the week, and enjoying a host of outdoor adventure in the surrounding area in every season. You’ll find opportunities to kayak out on the lake, hike the lush forests and take part in all manner of water sports with Nelson often earning the crown as North America’s Best Ski Town.
Haines Junction
Haines Junction is the idyllic mountain town in Kluane National Park, renowned for its wild natural beauty. The park is home to the highest mountain in all of Canada, 20,000-foot-high Mount Logan, over 2,000 glaciers, the country’s largest ice fields, and the most diverse grizzly bear population. It’s best experienced by hiking or flying, with helicopter and flight-seeing tours offering a bird’s-eye view of the remote, unspoiled landscape and its wildlife which also includes caribou and Dall sheep. In the town itself you’ll find a happening arts scene, lots of friendly locals and a great way to fuel up for activities – the Village Bakery & Deli makes some extremely tasty homemade homemade pastries, quiche and breads.
