There’s no denying that Canada is gorgeous and often underrated. As the second-largest country in the world by landmass, it’s teeming with endless natural beauty that even most locals haven’t explored yet.

In fact, some estimates say as much as 80% of Canada is uninhabited, which makes it an appealing travel destination for adventure seekers or those looking for a bit of solitude. In addition to its many national parks and tracts of remote wilderness, Canada also entices international travelers with it is great food, extremely friendly people, ski resorts, vibrant cities, indigenous cultural experiences, and its world-class casinos including virtual options where there are no wagering casinos which allow you to play with little to no money up front. 

But what if you’re a resident of the Great White North and are looking for a bit of culture shock far away from home? Canada is rather cut off from the rest of the world, which means travelling abroad can often be a large undertaking and financial commitment. But with savvy budget travel tips and thoughtful planning, Canadians can start exploring some incredible places far beyond just its large neighbour to the south.

Worlds Away: Unique Cultures and Far-Off Lands to Explore from Canada

Where are Canadians Travelling?

While Canada may be a beautiful place to live, there is the small issue with winters being long and cold throughout much of the country. This leaves many Canadians wanting to find exotic escapes to break up the colder months.

It should come as no surprise that many Canadian snowbirds simply head south to the United States due to its close proximity, where many states provide warmth and countless attractions such as California, Arizona, and Florida.

Another popular travel destination with Canadians is Mexico, much as it is for their American neighbours. But there are then more adventurous Canadian travellers who are willing to venture much further, taking in Europe, Asia, and places like New Zealand which offers a taste of home with its outdoor adventures and a shared sense of kinship within the Commonwealth.

So let’s takes a closer look at some of the top countries that Canadians are visiting which take them far beyond just their close neighbours.

France

It should come as no surprise that France draws in many Canadian travellers due to the the country’s history and early colonization by France. In fact, France consistently ranks as one of the top five international destinations for Canadian travellers, especially those from cities like Quebec.

While attractions like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre are of course reason enough to visit, Canada and France also share historical links which encourage Canadians to often visit sites related to events like WWI and WWII. These include honouring their country’s military contributions in places such as Vimy Ridge and Juno Beach.

Another top reason to visit is France’s reputation for exquisite cuisine and wine. Canadians often seek out experiences like wine tasting in Bordeaux, simply enjoy croissants in Paris, or savour Provençal dishes.

And the best part is the fact that there are direct flights available from major Canadian cities like Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver. Whether it’s a honeymoon in Paris, trying a bit of skiing beyond the Rockies to tackle the French Alps instead, or a scenic drive along the coast of Normandy, France offers plenty of options for Canadians.

Dominican Republic

The next top country on our list may come as a bit of a surprise. While the Dominican Republic’s popularity with Canadian travellers may seem surprising at first, it begins to make sense when you consider it offers a nice selection of affordable all-inclusive resorts.

Resorts in destinations like Punta Cana, Puerto Plata, and La Romana offer affordable rates, often including flights, accommodations, meals, and activities, making it an attractive option for Canadian travellers looking for a stress-free vacation that won’t break the bank.

Canada’s harsh winters drive many Canadians to seek warm-weather destinations as stated before, and the Dominican Republic offers year-round sunshine, pristine beaches, and tropical vibes, making it a perfect getaway during the cold months.

There are frequent and direct flights from major Canadian cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver to the Dominican Republic. Travel times are relatively short, particularly from Eastern Canada, which makes it an easy, convenient escape that offers something a bit more exotic than Mexico.

Thailand

There are plenty of reasons why Thailand ranks number two after China on the list of most-visited countries in Asia, and for Canadian travellers in particular, Thailand is one of the most popular travel destinations in Southeast Asia to explore.

Much like the Dominican Republic, Thailand is known for being an affordable destination, offering great value for money. In a nutshell, there are three main draws to the Land of Smiles which include the flavourful food, the pervasive culture, and the diversity of its tropical islands and bustling cities.

Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, will have you on the go 24/7, with its cultural landmarks, street markets, scrumptious food, and a one-of-a-kind nightlife that welcomes all. Chiang Mai, the second largest city in Thailand, is the perfect place for food and coffee lovers, temple tours, and elephant interactions.

Once you’ve had your fill of the city, you can travel to one of the dozens of islands nearby that fit your fancy. Ko Pha Ngan is famous for its Full Moon Parties, while Ko Lipe attracts divers with its coral-rich waters.

Thai cuisine is one of the world’s most popular and flavourful. Canadians love indulging in street food such as pad Thai, tom yum soup, and green curry, as well as fresh seafood. And there are also plenty of activities that align with Canadian’s love for outdoor recreation such as exploring caves, ziplining, rafting, and scuba diving.

New Zealand

The blend of shared natural beauty, love for outdoor adventure, cultural similarities, and warm hospitality makes picture-perfect New Zealand an attractive destination for Canadians. The land of the kiwis offers many experiences that resonate with Canadian travelers, making it feel somewhat like home.

One of the main attractions of New Zealand is of course its stunning natural landscapes, which rather closely resemble the beauty of Canada. New Zealand’s Southern Alps mirror Canada’s Rocky Mountains, providing outdoor lovers with jaw-dropping views and excellent opportunities for hiking, skiing, and mountaineering.

The pristine, turquoise lakes of New Zealand, such as Lake Tekapo and Lake Wakatipu, resemble those found in Canada, like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake which help to create a sense of familiarity for Canadian travellers.

Like in Canada, New Zealand’s mountains offer world-class ski resorts, especially on the South Island, such as Queenstown and Wanaka, which feel similar to Canadian ski towns like Whistler. Meanwhile, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and Routeburn Track in New Zealand offer stunning hiking trails akin to Canada’s famous trails like the Juan de Fuca Trail or the West Coast Trail in British Columbia.

With both New Zealand and Canada being surrounded by water, activities like kayaking, fishing, and boating are popular. New Zealand offers experiences in places like Lake Rotorua and the Bay of Islands that feel similar to Canadian destinations like Vancouver Island and the Thousand Islands.

It also helps that New Zealanders are known for their relaxed, friendly demeanor, much like Canadians, and the two countries of course share a strong cultural connection due to their Commonwealth ties.

Japan

Japan’s culture has effectively infused itself into the Western world, bringing us Nintendo, ramen, sushi, streetwear, Japanese gardens, tea culture, anime, manga, and much more. But travelling to Japan is a whole other experience.

The country is like another world on its own, with a powerful ability to preserve a timelessness and cultural identity yet innovate at lightning speed. Kyoto is full of ancient temples and traditional architecture, Tokyo is bursting with life around the clock, and Okinawa provides a paradise escape.

Many Canadians are drawn to Japan for the beauty of the spring cherry blossom season, the skiing and snowboarding opportunities offered in the mountains of Hokkaido, or finding peace in the beautiful Japanese gardens of Kyoto and Kanazawa.

Japan is known for its safety, cleanliness, and polite culture, making it an especially comfortable destination for Canadian travelers venturing abroad for the first time.  Japan’s well-organised public transportation system, including its famous bullet trains, makes it easy to travel across the country which also appeals to Canadian travellers.

Japan also has deep ties with Canada, with Japanese-Canadian communities found in places like Vancouver and Toronto. These communities often visit Japan to reconnect with their roots and ancestry.

Norway

For those who can’t get enough of the cold in Canada, why not travel to Norway? Norway’s natural beauty is one of the main reasons Canadians are drawn to the country, with its mountain ranges, fjords, lakes, and coastlines somewhat reminiscent of Canada’s own vast and diverse wilderness.

Much like Canada’s Rocky Mountains and Yukon, Norway offers incredible hiking and skiing opportunities, including regions like Lofoten Islands and Trollheimen. And Norway’s famous fjords, like the Geirangerfjord and Sognefjord, evoke the majesty of Canada’s own Banff National Park and Vancouver Island’s rugged coastline.

Like Canada’s Yukon and Northwest Territories, Norway offers unparalleled opportunities to witness the Northern Lights, especially in places like Tromsø. And just like Canada’s National Parks, Norway has stunning trails such as the Preikestolen and the Rondane National Park that attract hikers.

Norway is known for its high standard of living and commitment to sustainability, which resonates with Canadian values. Like Canada, Norway places a strong emphasis on environmental conservation, renewable energy, and protecting natural areas, making it appealing for Canadian travelers who value sustainability and eco-tourism.

Norway is the originator of “Koselig”, a concept that celebrates simplicity, mindfulness, and cosiness, especially in the winter months. During this snow-laden time, you can spend some time at a ski resort, trek through the forests and mountains, and maybe even go whale watching.

Norway’s small, picturesque coastal towns, like Bergen and Stavanger, are similar to Canada’s Atlantic Coast, with their charming harbours, colourful buildings, and relaxed atmosphere. Canadians who are accustomed to exploring coastal cities like Halifax or St. John’s may feel at home in Norway’s similar coastal environment. And you’ll also find similar wildlife in both Norway and Canada such as polar bear, caribou, wolves, moose, and walruses.