Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia, Cape Breton, Scenic Canada travel

The 10 most romantic places in Canada

Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia, Cape Breton, Scenic Canada travel

Astounding vistas melt the heart along the Cabot Trail at dawn in Cape Breton Island. (Nova Scotia Tourism photo)

Story by Vacay.ca Staff

Romance is on the mind, and Canada with its abundance of natural beauty, charming small towns and scenic cities is filled with destinations that will make you swoon. Our team of travel writers and experts gathered to decide on the top 10 most romantic places to visit in the nation, whether it’s now as the holiday approaches or at any time during your lives together.

1. Cape Breton, Nova Scotia — Possibly the most romantic aspect of vacationing on Cape Breton Island is the fact that things move slowly there. You can live in your hotel room for days without missing your laptop. You can take a snowshoeing trip to areas with no cell-phone service and never miss that annoying buzz that comes every five minutes. In Cape Breton it’s all about you, your partner and breathtaking landscapes. Visiting Cape Breton takes relaxation to new levels, which means you have nothing but time to devote to the one you love the most.

If your ideal romantic getaway includes cozy pub booths, fresh seafood and simple country charm, then this island in the Maritimes should be at the top of your list. Cape Breton offers peaceful and idyllic surroundings as well as luxurious resorts and warm B&Bs — perfect for a Valentine’s Day weekend escape, an anniversary trip or even a romantic honeymoon.

When you cross over to “the Island” from mainland Nova Scotia, you can almost hear the music in the air — fiddle music, more specifically. Cape Breton has the most fiddle players per capita in the world and it isn’t difficult to find a quiet pub or country dance to try your hand at Cape Breton step or square dancing with your honey.

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2. Lake Louise, Alberta — Natural beauty doesn’t get more spectacular than this icon of the Canadian Rockies. If gazing out from the Fairmont hotel onto the lake’s calm turquoise waters lapping against the mountains doesn’t put you in the mood, then your pulse may need a check.

Lake Louise has been named one of the world’s top honeymoon destinations because it is secluded, pristine, cozy and so breathtaking you’ll just want to hug someone to make sure you’re still on earth. Banff National Park’s jewel is romantic, no matter what time of year you go there, although spring and fall are ideal, to avoid the summer bus crowds and the winter ski visitors.

3. Quebec City — From Côte de la Montagne, stand atop the staircase leading to Rue du Petit Champlain and take in the view of what just may be the prettiest street in Canada, and possibly North America. Then descend hand-in-hand down the staircase that has been part of the city since 1635. Their name, the Breakneck Stairs, isn’t romantic, but it gives you all the more reason to hold on tight as you go down the 59 steps together. When you reach the cobblestones, you’ll stroll between the centuries-old buildings along a thin aisle that just might make you imagine matrimony. (Hint: Not a bad spot to drop down on a knee.)

Quebec City delivers all that an urban escape should for lovers: gracefulness, romantic cafés, sexy lounges and luxurious hotels ready to pamper you. If you’re not in love with the one you’re with, you’re sure to fall in love with the city you’re in.

4. Heart’s Delight, Newfoundland — On Trinity Bay and with wide ocean views and slow, rural living, this town lives up to its name. With about 650 people living in it, the little village is a place you go if you really want to get away from it all — together. Plus, you can’t get much more romantic than a place named “Heart’s Delight,” right?

Well, you could meander down the road to Heart’s Content or Heart’s Desire, two more splendid towns along the coast in beautiful rural Newfoundland.

5. Kluane National Park, Yukon — This park is home to Mount Logan, Canada’s highest peak, and that alone may make it an aphrodisiac. If that doesn’t do it for you, then adventuring together in this unspoiled wilderness should build an enduring bond. Kluane remains largely undiscovered by Canadians, despite being a World Heritage Site and covering 21,980 square kilometres. You can canoe together, mountain bike, take a flightseeing tour, horseback ride and catch view of some stunning scenery in one of the most uninhabited regions of the world. The wildlife viewing alone is a compelling reason to venture up north, as grizzly bears and bald eagles abound.

6. Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario — If Quebec City is the prettiest big town in Canada, then Niagara-on-the-Lake is the prettiest small one. Flower boxes, boutique stores and historic theatres line the main street of this community known for its wines, outstanding restaurants and fine hotels.

Valentine’s Day idea: Make a reservation for afternoon tea at the Prince of Wales Hotel, a special treat that every couple should enjoy once. Cost is $32 per person and up.

7. Montreal — Quebec’s biggest city is the place to heat things up, with many late-night rendez-vous options, intimate restaurants and loads of sexy, fun-filled possibilities. If all you want is a hotel room in a wonderful setting, you can’t go wrong with properties like Le Place d’Armes, Le Petit Hotel and Hotel Nelligan.

8. Sooke Harbour House, British Columbia — Sunsets are romantic. Sunsets in Sooke are enchantingly so. The little city west of Victoria is on the tip of Vancouver Island, so you can watch the sun dip into the Pacific uninterrupted. The Harbour House allows you to pair that captivating moment with a stay in one of the most environmentally conscious properties in Canada, which is the kind of commitment you want to see around Valentine’s Day. The 33-year-old property with 28 guestrooms has a water-reclamation system and an organic garden, and is increasingly using vegetable-based cleaning products.

9. Langdon Hall, Cambridge, Ontario — Set on 200 acres, this mansion that’s an hour away from Toronto was built for the grand-daughter of America’s first multi-millionaire, John Jacob Astor. From fine dining to exquisitely appointed rooms to a spa with treatments for him and her, Langdon Hall doesn’t overlook any detail. It provides decadent luxury in every way and is the place to go for a refined romantic getaway.

10. Dalvay-by-the-Sea, York, Prince Edward Island — A National Historic Site, this pristine hotel that sits between a lake, a pond and the Gulf of St. Lawrence hosted Prince William and Catherine during their royal visit last year. Strolling in the footsteps of those two lovebirds is sure to rub off, right?

Vicky is the worldly publisher of Vacay.ca. Having graduated from McGill University in Montreal, she has set about building a talented team of travel experts to deliver to you words and images of the very best places to see and experience in Canada. Based in Yorkville in Toronto, Vicky regularly jet sets around Canada — be sure to catch up with her when she's in your part of the country.

17 Comments

  • Cabot Shores Wilderness Resort

    February 7, 2012 at 7:52 pm

    Congrats to Cape Breton on not only making the top 10 most romantic places in Canada but coming in on the number 1 slot! Guests who have stayed with us here at Cabot Shores Resort have often used the word “Romantic” to describe the natural beauty of Cape Breton. We’re very proud to be located on such a beautiful Island!

    Reply
  • Cape Breton Painter

    February 7, 2012 at 11:32 pm

    Cape Breton Island is spectacular. I have lived here most of my life and still find a new adventure or a peaceful getaway now and again. Make sure you leave at least a week in your schedule to tour Cape Breton Island. You will not be disappointed.

    Reply
  • anita

    February 8, 2012 at 2:08 am

    Cape Breton is indeed one of the most beautiful places, in particular the spectacular Cabot Trail. It is always my number 1 place to visit in the summer and fall. It just does something for the soul!!!

    Reply
  • Scott

    February 9, 2012 at 12:02 am

    Although Cape Breton is very beautiful in the summer and fall, it falls well short of being the top romantic place in Canada. I have travelled across this country many times and there are numerous places well ahead of Cape Breton. If one is looking for wilderness and beauty, then Cape Breton is a very good choice but for romance, sorry, but people will be disappointed.

    Reply
  • Excellent Romantic Vacations

    February 9, 2012 at 9:11 pm

    Interesting list, well done! Wow, Cape Breton #1 – will have to put that on the list. Been through other parts of the Maritimes and they are gorgeous.

    Surprised Vancouver BC is not included. There’s some really great romantic spots throughout the city and it’s surroundings, like Stanley Park, Steveston, Deep Cove, and Horseshoe Bay. Just remember to bring an umbrella…

    Reply
  • Cape Bretoner

    March 7, 2012 at 12:03 am

    Just find it interesting that staff from that magazine is making up this comparison, would like to know how many people did this poll and if they have visited all over Canada. You should make a poll through the website for everybody.

    Reply
    • Vicky Vacay

      March 7, 2012 at 12:53 am

      Hi Cape Bretoner,
      Thanks for reaching out.

      We had input from 12 of our contributors on our list and, yes, we are travel journalists familiar with Canadian destinations, and international ones, as well. You can learn more about our team here: https://vacay.ca/expert-travel-writers/

      Cape Breton was chosen because it’s unique and isolated, allowing couples to escape from hectic urban lives and visit a place that’s friendly and charming.

      We will be having more polls on both our website and Facebook page in the near future. In the meantime, if you’ve got your own list of romantic places, please share. We’re happy to hear them, and we’ll even give you a travel prize for doing so!

      Reply
  • Cape Bretoner

    March 7, 2012 at 2:31 am

    Well, here are some of my romantic hots spots: Venice Italy, Lago di Garda Italy, Californias north coastline, British Columbia – lower mainland, Ireland along the Shannon river or the coast north, Paris, Germany – different spots at the river Rhein and the southern part (Bavaria), Cape Breton – and I know a lot of spots where no tourists go, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Spain, Canary Islands, Mallorca, Sri Lanka, Boracay, Siargao, Bohol, Panglao, Switzerland – Lago Maggiore, Austria, England, Sweden.

    Reply
  • canadian traveller

    December 17, 2012 at 3:34 am

    Good job on choosing these places,I have visited or lived in or near most. The only criticism I have is the headline. It should Read: Ten romantic places in Canada. There are many more out there just as romantic but are off the beaten path.

    Reply
    • Diane

      February 21, 2014 at 1:17 am

      I am a Cape bretoner…Been away to many parts of the world for 25 years, and now have returned to my home. There are job, for those willing to work, I am nor have I ever been an alcoholic, neither are the friends I know…Selfish and rude are your comments, and politically incorrect on the Indian remark! You have the right to your opinion, but you have no right to put down a race of people. You are perfectly incorrect………..

      Reply

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