You may not know it but Canada is home to some of the most breathtakingly romantic getaways in the world. Find out where to plan your next holiday if you're looking for idyllic destinations for couples.
Bestowed with natural beauty, fascinating cultural heritage and an eclectic urban vibe, Canada has numerous dreamy destinations that provide the perfect backdrop for a romantic holiday. From secret hideaways in picturesque villages to popular social hubs in cosmopolitan cities.
The wine region of Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL) in Southern Ontario sees a mild climate, ideal for a romantic couple holiday. Charming gardens and rows of restored heritage architecture make it a famous destination wedding spot. Many inns and hotels are actually restored old homes, making for intimate and cozy accommodations. Activities include Icewine tasting, garden touring, and art and antiques shopping. April to October is peak time, coinciding with the Shaw Festival, where local actors showcase plays by George Bernard Shaw.
Known for its beautiful seascapes and traditional fiddle music, Cape Breton Island is where couples can truly enjoy peaceful scenery around the vast saltwater lake of Bras d'Or, a natural wonder best viewed from Nova Scotia's towering Seal Island Bridge. This setting has given rise to a number of establishments catering to romantic lake-themed holidays such as luxury pools, private spas and baths, and tour operators offering whale-watching and fishing trips. Peak time is October, coinciding with the Celtic Colours Festival celebrating Scottish and Gaelic heritage.
Consistently on the list of Canada's most romantic cities, Victoria is home to some of the best Canadian seaside resorts. Like Inner Harbour, a romantic destination combining pastoral relaxation with some local commercial buzz. Inner Harbour is lined with village streets, floating houses and colourful boats moored at the harbour. After taking an invigorating seaside trek, couples can relax with fragrant coffee or an early seafood dinner in one of the al fresco cafés and restaurants that line the harbour sidewalks. During the daytime, these streets swarm with locals selling souvenirs. Inner Harbour has become a tourist hotspot, with its peak time in the summer months.
Roncesvalles is a romantic neighbourhood in Toronto that evokes a European charm. It is complete with houses and churches built after popular European architectural styles, and rows of small family-owned shops that specialize in artisanal crafts. Roncesvalles Avenue is the heart of this place. It's been redesigned to let visitors enjoy car rides with stops far enough apart to accommodate a leisurely pace for couples on a date. There are pubs, cinemas, restaurants and specialty gift shops in this area, as well. September is peak time, coinciding with the Roncesvalles Polish Festival.
