There is something unique and outstanding in Canada's lesser-visited spaces. Here are the most underrated towns in the country.
Canada offers plenty of bucket list getaways, from some of the most serene lake destinations to chill out to the most beautiful mountain towns around the world. There is a lot to experience in the country’s most popular tourist spots, including sampling local cuisine and wine, visiting museums and art galleries, and enjoying outdoor activities in the nearby national parks. And while vacationers could spend a lifetime exploring these major towns, there is something unique and outstanding in the Canadian spaces that don’t get the public attention they deserve. Whether travelers are interested in what’s new in the Canadian landscape or just curious about the lesser-visited destinations, here are the underrated towns in Canada that are bucket-list spots.
Ottawa (52 miles away) gets more attention, but Almonte boasts great outdoors & a fascinating history
From historic buildings to incredible art and amazing outdoor activities, Almonte, an underrated gem in Ontario, has it all. The former textile mill town is the home of James Naismith, the inventor of basketball, and travelers can visit his sites, which include a museum started in his honor. In the downtown area, one will also be happy to encounter a bronze statue of one of the most famous former residents of Almonte. To learn about the textile history of this town, head to the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum.
A visit to this quaint town can’t be complete without spending some time outdoors. Explore the Grand Falls on the Mississippi River, one of the most impressive attractions in this Canadian hidden gem. Want something more adventurous? Cycle the Ottawa Rail Trail, which stretches 296 km from Smith Falls to almost Mattawa.
Almonte has incredible artworks that tourists enjoy by exploring the street murals. Sivarulrasa Gallery also boasts amazing forms of art, including sculpture, paintings, and photography.
Population of 2,048, but worth visiting for great outdoor recreation, delicious food, & whale-watching
Saint Andrews is an incredible destination with a lot to offer, ranging from delicious food to amazing outdoor opportunities. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always get the limelight it deserves.
This undiscovered resort town is home to incredible local restaurants with award-winning chefs ready to satisfy tourists’ palates. One can choose to have indoor dining or eat while admiring the spectacular harbor views.
Want to spend some time outdoors? Saint Andrews is home to an award-winning golf course and plenty of parks to stroll through. There are also numerous tennis courts to enjoy here.
Marine lovers should never leave the town without enjoying whale-watching opportunities. There are plenty of ways to get up close with these wonderful creatures, including visiting the Fund Discovery Aquarium.
Overshadowed by cities like Toronto, but has a long history, delicious food, & the Maple Syrup Festival
Elmira might be a small, underrated town in Waterloo County, but it offers unforgettable adventures, especially for foodies and history buffs. It dates back to 1853, when John Hoffman discovered it and named it after his wife. It was later incorporated as a town in 1886 and has undergone amazing changes over the years.
The town is a haven for food lovers, thanks to the surrounding countryside that supplies the local eateries with farm produce.
Elmira is also known for its world-famous Maple Syrup Festival, a must-have experience for spring enthusiasts.
Has a population of just 814 but is a wonderful whale-watching destination
In addition to being a stunning village, Tadoussac is a perfect whale-watching destination in Canada, and there are plenty of ways to see these creatures. Cruises start from the Tadoussac marina and usually take three hours to complete. Looking for easy ways to be eco-friendly during your next vacation? Try kayaking. This is another beautiful and eco-friendly way of watching whales in Tadoussac. The whale watching season here runs between May and October, with sightings varying in the summer.
St. John’s may be more visited, but the town is worth exploring for its icebergs & historic sites
Located in Notre Dame Bay, Twillingate is a former fishing town rich in history and culture. There are a good number of historic landmarks, which are well protected to preserve the memories of the town’s early days. St. Peter’s Anglican Church, constructed between 1839 and 1844, is among the best historic sites to explore.
Tourists who want to spend some time outdoors can take a hike along the Lower Head trail, which begins at the Long Point Lighthouse.
Another thing not to miss here is iceberg and whale watching. Twillingate is the iceberg capital of Newfoundland, where vacationers can enjoy an up-close view of the wonderful creatures. Twillingate Adventure Tours is the best tour company for seeing these marine animals.
Overshadowed by Banff, but just as interesting and comes with amazing outdoor adventures
One of the beautiful towns in Alberta that give Banff a run for its money, Canmore is a mountain town hidden in the Canadian Rockies and has a lot to offer. It is an outdoor paradise for travelers with various interests. What makes it unique is the fact that it’s not located within a national park like Banff or Jasper. This makes it easily accessible and a more affordable option than the other famous cities. Some of the best things to do here are hiking, taking scenic drives, skiing, snowshoeing, and visiting some of the local breweries.
Only boasts 2,600 people but is worth visiting for its history, culture, and natural beauty
Located at the mouth of the Mersey River, Liverpool is among the underrated towns in Canada. Boasting a population of about 2,600 people, this town has a long, amazing history, spectacular natural landscapes, and beautiful culture worth exploring. History buffs can spend much of their time in the town’s museums and other historic sites, like Fort Point Lighthouse, which dates back to 1855. Adventure lovers can explore the hiking trails in Pine Grove Park, just outside Liverpool or Kejimkujik National Park Seaside.
Overshadowed by major cities, but boasts a rich history, spectacular architecture, & vibrant culture
Situated along the gorgeous coastline of Nova Scotia, Lunenburg is an underrated small town that deserves to be in the limelight, just like other major towns in the country. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this town is one of North America’s oldest European settlements. Dating back to 1753, the town has managed to retain its original charm and a well-preserved architecture that takes tourists back in time. One can spend time strolling through its streets, which are brimming with historic buildings with beautiful tales and a chance to soak in the local culture of the locals. Looking to explore Nova Scotia’s prettiest coastal towns? Lunenburg is one of them!
Unpopular town in Ontario, but worth exploring for its Victorian architecture, history, & natural beauty
From impressive Victorian architecture to unique natural beauty, Perth is one of the most beautiful towns in Ontario. While it has a small-town feel, it has everything vacationers would need to enjoy a good vacation.
History can be explored at over 70 of the town’s designated heritage sites, while shopping enthusiasts can spend time exploring the boutique shops and specialty stores. One should also try the local cuisine in the local restaurants.
Much less touristy than Banff but boasts an authentic mountain town experience
Some people may not think of Jasper as an underrated destination, but it’s definitely under-visited. Of course, the major draw here is Jasper National Park, a perfect alternative to Banff National Park, which is a world-famous destination for many things, including the Banff Gondola. Jasper is a better option because it is smaller, has fewer crowds, and feels wilder than its more popular counterpart. Travelers can go whitewater rafting, visit Pyramid Lake, ski, take a scenic cruise of Maligne Canyon, and more.
Only home to 3,400 residents but is a thriving community with a lot to offer
Located along the banks of the Fraser River, Fort Langley is one of the most underrated towns in Canada and is home to a National Historic Site of the same name. Before becoming Langley Historic Site, it was Hudson Bay Company, and after one and a half-century, it is still standing strong. There are plenty of things to explore here, including cafes, antique shops, and delicious eateries. There is also the Fort Langley Village Farmers Market, which opens every Saturday. There are plenty of local products to find here, including vegetables, fruits, and organic honey, among others.
