The small B.C. town of Radium Hot Springs was ranked as Canada’s friendliest by Expedia.ca travellers. The mountain town, with a population of just 776, is known for its natural hot spring, picturesque hiking trails and myriad of other outdoor activities.
The OTA canvassed traveller reviews from JAN 2019 to DEC 2020 to find out which towns ranked Canada’s friendliest for 2021. Here’s a complete list of Canada’s Top 20 Friendliest Towns and Cities (plus what to do in each) according to Expedia users:
- Radium Hot Springs, British Columbia - A perfect spot to experience the great outdoors, and for those that enjoy hiking, there are many trails in the area to explore.
- Digby, Nova Scotia - Experience the east coast, and grab a bite to eat at a local restaurant.
- Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario - Visit this quaint town in Ontario filled with lots of restaurants and wineries for the perfect weekend away.
- Baddeck, Nova Scotia - An east coast escape on Cape Breton Island.
- Drumheller, Alberta - Visit the dinosaur capital of the world.
- Saint John, New Brunswick - Soak in the picturesque views of the Bay of Fundy.
- Gatineau, Quebec - Take in the sites and landscape of this western Quebec city that neighbours Ottawa, and is close to many trails.
- Thunder Bay, Ontario - Calling all outdoor enthusiasts! Thunder Bay is full of adventure and activities all year long.
- Banff, Alberta - Explore Banff National Park through a guided walking tour.
- Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island - Stay in a quaint inn in PEI.
- Whistler, British Columbia - For those that love biking tours, Whistler has plenty of options.
- Osoyoos, British Columbia - A peaceful escape surrounded by nature and many local wineries.
- La Malbaie, Quebec - Relax in the stunning region of Charlevoix.
- Nanaimo, British Columbia - A place to take in and feel that fresh ocean air.
- Mont-Tremblant, Quebec - Stroll through the pedestrian village at the base of Mont Tremblant.
- St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador - Full of history and charm, a must-see when visiting the province.
- Gananoque, Ontario - A jumping off point to experience the 1000 islands.
- Canmore, Alberta - Stay in the mountains and take in the breathtaking views.
- Stratford, Ontario - A relaxing escape for those looking for some creative inspiration.
- Fernie, British Columbia - Adventure in the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
Expedia says these “outdoorsy” and smaller cities and towns are right in line with its future travel trends, as travellers look for domestic and provincial options that provide more room to spread out.
