It is easy to find things to do and see within the boundaries of Canada’s most underrated cities. Whether you’re watching a basketball game or perusing the art scene in Toronto, the possibilities for discovery and cultural amplification are virtually limitless. Even though you could spend a lifetime exploring every nook and cranny of the largest and most populous metropolis in the north, there is something to be said about the burgeoning mid-sized cities and distinct communities spread across the Canadian terrain.
Are you looking for the best Indigenous-led art galleries and museums to explore? Want to take your seaside luxury to a whole new level? We’ve assembled a list of some of the coolest cities in Canada that don’t often get the attention they deserve, as well as a few well-known destinations that lack the attention they deserve. Discover a new area of a well-known metropolis or explore a new province in 2023 by visiting these top Canadian cities.
List of Canada’s most underrated cities
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Recently, Halifax transformed into one of Eastern Canada’s most sophisticated cities, undergoing a resurgence from its reputation as a coastal retreat renowned for seafood and friendly residents. Queen’s Marque neighborhood in downtown Halifax recently underwent a $200 million redevelopment, which now boasts top-notch art galleries, public art, and restaurants like Drift and Bar Sofia. In addition to offering the first five-star hotel in the city, the Muir Halifax adheres to its city’s distinctive character. Hotel portfolio of the city’s new jewel. Every one of the 109 rooms and suites showcases art and décor crafted by local artisans. Additionally, you can relax in a halotherapy room with Atlantic Sea salt.
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Almost no Canadian, let alone visitor from another country, can miss out on the many things Winnipeg has to offer. In the old flyover city, there are more than forty museums, and new galleries and art works are constantly being built, especially in Indigenous areas. This museum is a pioneering institution in its field, housing the world’s greatest collection of contemporary Inuit art. In addition to the Canadian Plains Gallery, which features rare and contemporary Indigenous artworks created by local artisans, the city is home to the Urban Shaman Contemporary Aboriginal Art, a national institution specializing in Indigenous art.
Banff, Alberta
It is impossible for most Canadians, let alone tourists from other countries, to miss the many things to enjoy about Winnipeg. New galleries and art works are constantly appearing in the old flyover city, particularly in the Indigenous area, which has more than forty museums. Newly opened Qaumajuq Museum, a pioneering institution in the field of Inuit art, houses the largest public collection of contemporary Inuit art in the world.
The city is also home to the Canadian Plains Gallery, where you can see both rare and modern Indigenous artwork created by local artisans, as well as the Urban Shaman Contemporary Aboriginal Art, a nationally renowned leader in Indigenous art and culture. There are many vintage-inspired attractions in the ostensibly over-the-top tourist destination, proving that what’s old is new again with a variety of attractions from the revival of the open-top touring style popular in the 1930s that winds through the mountains in a specially designed roofless bus to the enduring trend of taking in the naturally salt water at the Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Banff Springs.
Quebec City, Quebec
It comes as no surprise that Québec City consistently remains near the top of our list of must-see Canadian locations. Due to its castles and cobblestone streets, this is the only fortified city in North America.
There is no denying that the old city has actively embraced progress and moved forward, avoiding being stuck in the past. In Vieux-Québec, where some of Canada’s best and brightest restaurants are located, a new local diner concept is just around the corner from Le Château Frontenac.
Stéphane Modat, former chef of Le Champlain, reimagines elegant dining in Quebec City at Restaurant Le Clan. It features a beautiful multiple-course tasting menu featuring foraged vegetables, local wine, fresh seafood from the Gaspé, and locally sourced meats and game that showcase the best of what Quebec has to offer. The restaurant focuses on regional and seasonal cuisine.
Victoria, British Columbia
Victoria, British Columbia‘s capital, is only about half an hour away by seaplane from Vancouver, but it beats to a completely different drum. Located in a small city with a population of less than 100,000, Victoria has a decidedly small-town vibe. Although Victoria is close to Vancouver, the surrounding natural beauty of Vancouver Island has a slightly muted urban influence.
A halotherapy salt room and private infrared sauna boxes are among the amenities that help the city experience a wellness-focused rebirth after the pandemic, including Ritual Nordic Spa, an indoor/outdoor Nordic water circuit.
During the whale watching season, visitors can observe several species of whales, including humpbacks, gray whales, and orcas. You can also enjoy classic luxury at the Fairmont Empress Hotel, which opened in 1908.
Ottawa, Ontario
Ottawa has had quite an active year so far. It was reported that several businesses and restaurants closed completely or temporarily as a result of the unannounced “Freedom Convoy” rallies earlier this year against the COVID-19 vaccination requirements and stay-at-home directives in Canada’s capital city. A few new developments have sprouted up in the heart of the city’s very walkable downtown, strengthening the compact, affluent downtown.
At Arlo Wine & Restaurant, you’ll find the best wines, cocktails, and beers from the region of Ontario in an inviting dining area. What better way to showcase Central Canada’s best seafood than with a meal showing off some of our best? The chic fish bar Le Poisson Bleu premiered in February 2022.
Moncton, New Brunswick
In its efforts to reverse New Brunswick’s undeserved reputation, its largest city is doing its part. It is fair to say that the province acquired the reputation of being sleepy and strict at some point along the line. Despite having a much smaller population than Halifax, Moncton has a more vibrant downtown and craft beer industry than the larger city.
From Happy Craft Brewing to Tire Shack Brewing Co., Moncton has nearly a dozen craft breweries within its small, walkable city limits. Additionally, more than thirty restaurants can be found within a five-minute walk of downtown, ranging from Black Rabbit’s upscale local sharing plates to Euston Park Social’s relaxed neighborhood beer gardens.
