Seven Boomer-Friendly Canadian Cities worth Exploring

You’re in your travel prime and you know it. The kids have grown up, you’ve recently retired from your job and your only obligation is… well, you. So what better time to pack your bags and explore your home country?

No matter how long you’ve called Canada home, chances are you haven’t visited all of Canada’s cities. Fortunately, there is no better time like the present to see the sites at your own pace. From west to east, the travel experts at Choice Hotels Canada have put together a list of seven cities perfect for boomers on the go.

1. Kelowna, British Columbia
Located in the heart of the Okanagan Valley, which is home to more than 60 wineries, this city is perfect for wine lovers. Known as a retiree’s haven, there are numerous recreational opportunities for those enjoying their golden years to participate in from top-rated golf courses to ‘Farm to Table’ tours where visitors can experience the local produce the city is known for.

2. Victoria, British Columbia
With mild climates, there’s no need to make like a snowbird if you’re visiting this city. Although it’s the capital, Victoria is a peaceful, clean and uncrowded refuge from busy Vancouver. With a mixture of mountain and seaside views to enjoy, Victoria is also known as the ‘City of Gardens’ with an annual flower count of around 8.5 billion blooms. For travellers with a green thumb, Hatley Park National Historic Site and Abkhazi Garden are must-sees.

3. Churchill, Manitoba
This quaint city is one of the best places to experience some of Mother Nature’s most impressive attractions. Known as the ‘Polar Bear Capital of the World’ it is the only human settlement where these bears can be observed in the wild. Although the best months for sightings are from October to early November, if you’re planning a summer trip don’t fret. In warmer weather, there’s more nature to be spotted as white beluga whales head to Churchill River to feed and give birth. Aside from the animals, the city’s also considered one of the top places in the world to view the Aurora Borealis, proudly known in Canada as the Northern Lights.

4. Woodstock, Ontario
Whether you love theatre, shopping or wildlife, there is something for everyone in this Southwestern Ontario city. Bird lovers will enjoy a stay at the local Quality Hotel & Suites which offers travellers a birding package, including breakfast, a conservation area day pass, birding maps and one dinner voucher. Plus if you need a break from nature, just a short drive away is St Jacobs Farmer’s Market and the famous Stratford Shakespeare Festival.

5. Owen Sound, Ontario
Located only a few hours from the busy city of Toronto, Owen Sound is an attractive city in central Canada perfect for travellers who enjoy being outdoors. With 27,000 acres of parkland, waterfront trails three golf courses and boating and fishing options, it has plenty of leisurely activities to enjoy. If you’re travelling in the spring there’s also the annual Springfest 55+ Games where zoomers can compete in events like five-pin bowling, golf putting and shuffleboard.

6. Mont Tremblant, Quebec
This village is perfect for the travellers who enjoy a bit of walking. In Pedestrian Village if you’re feeling lucky, try your hand at Casino de Mont Tremblant which has more than 500 slot machines to test out. If you’d rather indulge in the arts check out a show at the local theatre Salle Alphonse Desjardins, or, if you’re visiting during the warm weather months, be sure to check out one of the many festivals like the International Blues Festival, Festi Jazz and more. Foodies with a sweet tooth will enjoy a visit to Cabane à Sucre de la Montagne for some tasty maple treats.

7. Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
If you appreciate fresh air, fresh seafood and friendly locals, you’ll love this east coast gem. Fans of the Canadian classic Anne of Green Gables can immerse themselves in the rich history of the series with a visit to the house, gift shop or walk down Lover’s Lane. There’s also some beautiful architecture to be seen, such as St. Dunstan’s Basilica which was cited as a Canadian National Historic Site.

So what are you waiting for? Whether you’re hitting the east or west coast, there is something for every traveller. Plus if you sign up for Choice Privileges, the Choice Hotels Canada loyalty program, you’ll maximize your travel budget by earning free nights which can only mean one thing – more travel, of course!

Visit ChoiceHotels.ca to start planning your next adventure.