Turn tariff ire into travel inspo: travel Canada this summer

WHERE TO TRAVEL IN WESTERN CANADA THIS SUMMER

Here are your trip starters, from hiking expeditions to sea kayaking adventures, Indigenous cultural experiences and Zen time in nature. 

Hike Grande Cache, Alberta's 22 summits 

For: hiking, mountain culture, uncrowded nature experiences, friendly community 
Similar to: US Rockies (Colorado, Utah)

"Walking through the narrow crack in a giant, house-sized boulder—a crack just large enough for the average human to pass through—it’s as if you’ve entered another world. Grande Cache is neither Rivendell nor the Shire, but it’s on that scale. Standing atop nearby Sulphur Gates (pictured above), as the water rushes through an Asgardian portal, the sense of epic is magnified even further... read on for a preview of your trip
 

Bike to farm to table in Vernon, BC

For: bike trails, lakes, warm climate, fresh produce, wine 
Similar to: California wine country, Oregon, Washington 

"Exploring the farms that encircle the Vernon area by bicycle provides a unique perspective on the landscape and the agriculturalists that sustain it. This is a place where “farm-to-table” existed well before it was named, and where farmers continually evolve their practices to follow Mother Nature’s cues... read on for a trip preview
 

Connect to Indigenous culture in Grande Prairie, AB

For: cultural experiences, art, dance, food 
Similar to: midwest US (Dakotas)

"One of my favorite parts of the Grande Prairie Powwow is the grand entry. Seeing all the dancers together, excited and ready to dance, fills my heart with joy and gratitude. It can feel overwhelming (in a good way) to witness the beauty of so many dancers moving in unison to the beat of the drum. 

In recent years, there has been a swell of interest from the public to learn more about the history and peoples original to these lands. And so, in my traditional language, I say tawâw: welcome, come in, there is room for you... read this trip preview
 

Go whale watching on north Vancouver Island, BC

For: whale watching, ocean Zen, Indigenous culture 
Similar to: Pacific Northwest US 

"Within 20 minutes of leaving Campbell River, traveling up into North Vancouver Island, you know you are somewhere special: looking into epic oceanic views from the highway that will challenge you to keep your eyes on the road. Wild salmon jumping five feet from your face, whales fully breaching before your eyes and the possibility of bears around any bend.

Wildlife is everywhere as you cruise Highway 19 North, and this is only the beginning of your epic road trip ahead... read on
 

Ride the Pacific Rim from Tofino to Ucluelet, BC

For: coastal bike trails, natural beauty, Indigenous culture 
Similar to: Pacific Northwest US 

"For the Taylor family’s T̓iick̓in Ebikes, your rental includes a ride through some of the world’s most stunning landscapes along Vancouver Island’s West Coast, and it comes with so much more.

“When our guests come and rent an e-bike from us, they are actually helping our people heal the land,” explains Ucluelet First Nation citizen and T̓iick̓in ebike rental shop owner Gord Taylor."

Here's your pre-trip reading. 
 

Road trip Alberta's Dino Trail

For: a collection of the world's top paleontological sites and nature experiences, including world-renowned Philip J. Currie Museum 
Similar to: America Museum of Natural History (paleontology), but in a rural setting without the New York crowds 

"While it’s a small town of about 1500 people now, Wembley, Alberta might once have been the bustling capital of the Cretaceous Period—if the fossil record is anything to go by. Some dinosaurs in the Wembley area (County of Grande Prairie) mysteriously perished in droves, and the aftermath is one of the richest deposits of dinosaur bones in the world."

Here's your pre-trip reading. 
 

Kayak the Broken Group Islands, via Secret Beach (Toquaht Nation)

For: sea kayaking, exotic natural beauty, Indigenous connections 
Similar to: Maine, Alaska 

"Barkley Sound offers virtually limitless opportunities for paddlers, with hundreds of islands, dozens of rivers, and countless miles of coastline to explore, all stunningly serene.

As Linda Wallwork puts it, “The scenery is spectacular! There’s a lot of different little places and you feel like you’re in the tropics. I’m in awe, I can’t believe we’re still in Canada. We didn’t fly anywhere.” ... here's your pre-trip reading. 
 

Hike the West Coast Trail via Nitinaht Lake campground, BC

For: day hikers and through hikers seeking an intro to the WCT 
Similar to: Pacific Crest Trail 

"If you’ve ever wanted to experience one of the world’s most legendary hiking or walking experiences, Ditidaht First Nation, along Vancouver Island’s very west coast, has an invitation for you.

Base yourself in one of their new cabins within their Nitinaht Lake Campground and use this hack to access the West Coast Trail."

Here's your pre-trip reading. 
 

Forage in the Alberni Valley, BC

For: urban/nature crossover experiences, learning, foodies 
Similar to: North Carolina, Wisconsin, PNW (for foraging) 

"From foraging in the Alberni Valley to distilling locally infused spirits in downtown Port Alberni, local makers like Célia Auclair and Nilo Du Plessis channel their passions to blend urban and nature experiences into a concoction that you can only find here.

One, a magician who literally eats the forest for dinner, and the other you’ll find serving out of a 1969 Citroen truck that sits in the middle of his downtown Port Alberni gin factory."

Here's your pre-trip reading. 

* safety tip: plant and fungi identification is complicated and can be dangerous to you and harmful to the forest if done wrong. Ensure a safe and respectful approach by going with a guide, like Alberni-based Forest for Dinner.  
 

Visit a 5000-year-old First Nations village on Vancouver Island

For: exotic coastal setting, Indigenous culture 
Similar to: Hawaii 

"As you set up camp on Vancouver Island's west coast, do you wonder about the first people to set foot here? Ask yourself: how much of what is around us do we overlook by virtue of that which we do not know?

These rich, living coastlines and tranquil rainforests are situated within the territories of the Nuu-Chah-Nulth people, home to one of the oldest heritage sites in Canada: the Huu-ay-aht Nation’s ancient Kiix̣in Village site, estimated to be at least 5,500 years old.

When you camp on these lands and wander these trails, you are following in the footsteps of the first inhabitants."

After a hiatus in 2024, Kiix̣in Tours are back for 2025. Book early. 

Here's your pre-trip reading. 
 

See the Ktunaxa perspective from Kootenay peaks

For: mountain lovers seeking Indigenous connections to the land
Similar to: US Mountain West (Montana, Washington, Idaho)

"Mountains pierce the sky in all directions. Their ranges and ridges command your attention, urge your respect, and seduce your sense of adventure. Many know this Rocky Mountain resort town as Fernie, BC, but to Ktunaxa People who have occupied the area for more than 10,000 years, this is the Land of the Raven.

“For Ktunaxa, it’s not about the mountain itself, but ... the wind, the smell, the temperature of the air and textures of the forest,” explains Janice Alpine. "That connection to the land is who we are.”

Here's your pre-trip reading.

Immerse in Indigenous culture at Haida Gwai

For: exotic coastal setting, Indigenous culture 
Similar to: Hawaii 

"For years Haida Nation warriors have been leaders in gaining their independence, with their roots tracing back over 13,000 years on this grouping of island gardens. The island archipelago nation’s recognition plans really got rolling back in 2009 when the Nation gave back to the British their “Queen Charlotte Islands” marquee, and Haida Gwaii was reborn. Haida Gwaii translates to “Islands of the Haida People,” and the Haida have done an incredible job in keeping the destination’s magic."

Here's your pre-trip reading.

BRING HOME CANADIAN MADE GOODS 

The hunt is on for 100% Canadian goods homemade from Canadian ingredients. With the makers and artisans you'll find here, there's no need to check the label—you know it's locally sourced and lovingly made in Western Canada.

Fricey's fruit ice cream bars 

Broken Tine Orchards in northern Alberta started as a haskap berry orchard and winery, then Kreg Alde had a light bulb moment.

Alde realized that since everyone loved haskap berries with ice cream, why not combine them? The result is Fricey's. Visit the orchard for a tour & tasting, or find some near you. 

Dare we predict, treat of the Canadian summer?

Artisanal northern Alberta

Multiple cultural heritages inform northern Alberta's creative scene. 

Meet stained glass artisans like francophone artist Noella Somerville (who offers stained glass making workshops) or learn about Métis heritage and find your next pair of mukluks or beaded earrings at Hideaway Adventure Grounds (featured here). 

Tla-o-qui-aht carving, cedar weaving 

Now 30 years in business, the Tin Wis Hotel on Tin Wis beach (near Tofino) already provides awe-inspiring nature and Indigenous connections, and now you can find handcrafted Indigenous art here as well.

The new gift shop features cedar weaving products, wood carvings and more. Get more info in this story.

Fertile Alberni Valley

Local farmers' markets and Indigenous artisans give the Alberni Valley a fresh, regenerative feel. 

Nuu-cha-nulth master carver Gordon Dick is just one of many local artisans and makers you'll find on a visit to Port Alberni, and you can find his work featured in this story. 

Travel: building bridges between communities

Trump's tariffs and the on-again, off-again trade war have had one significant positive impact for Canada: it has united people across the country. 

It may feel like a small drop in a big ocean but if we each choose to buy Canadian and travel Canadian, we can make positive change and come together as community. 

That includes extending a warm welcome to US travelers, because as we know, travel broadens our understanding and appreciation of each other. These moments of connection can go a long way to bridging differences and restoring better ties with our friends and neighbours to the south. In the end, we're all part of the global village.  

The best part is, we have a lot of beautiful, naturally alluring destinations full of Zen-ful experiences you can enjoy in 2025, or any time.