The 20 Most Beautiful Towns and Villages in Canada

Named the prettiest town in Canada by Queen Elizabeth II, Goderich is filled with lovely parks and award-winning flower gardens. Set on bluffs overlooking Lake Huron, the town is home to three beaches including a long boardwalk that runs along its shoreline. Goderich’s picturesque downtown area is designed in an octagon, with charming shops surrounding a central square. Dominated by a historic courthouse, the square is the site of numerous events throughout the year. You can catch a farmers market on Saturday, a flea market on Sunday, as well as regular live music events.

Canada’s oldest seaside resort town, St Andrews-by-the-Sea is set on the edge of a peninsula pointing south into the Bay of Fundy. Founded in the 18th century by Loyalists, the town quickly became a popular summer retreat for the region’s well-heeled citizens. Around a dozen buildings survive from the town’s origins in the 1700s, while several hundred others date back to the late 19th century. Relatively unspoiled by modern development, the town’s wide, tree-lined streets evoke the atmosphere of centuries past. Water Street, which runs along the shoreline, is lined with appealing restaurants, boutiques and art studios.

Mahone Bay is an archetypal maritime town, defined by three historic churches which are said to be among the most photographed in Canada. Founded in the mid-18th century, this quaint town borders a serene and eponymous bay that’s home to more than 100 islands. Main Street, which runs along the bay, is lined with fine restaurants, 19th-century architecture, antique shops and galleries. The pretty bay is a popular spot for kayaking and sailing. There are miles of trails weaving around the surrounding South Shore which can be explored by foot or bike in the summer or cross-country skiing in the winter.

An artist’s paradise, Baie St-Paul is nestled in a scenic valley with stunning views of nearby Île aux Coudres. The town is known as a favorite muse of Canada’s Group of Seven painters, and its beauty continues to attract artists today. In addition to studios, art galleries and boutiques, its narrow streets are lined with century-old homes, many of which have been converted into unique restaurants. One of the oldest towns in the province, Baie St-Paul is also known as the birthplace of Cirque du Soleil. The town is part of Charlevoix, a charming countryside region that has long been a summer retreat of the upper class.

Ranked among Quebec’s most beautiful villages, Frelighsburg is set in a gorgeous location at the foot of Mount Pinacle, on the banks of the Pike River. Located near the Vermont border, the village was settled in the late 18th century by American Loyalists. Many buildings from this period, which blend brick and wood materials, are still standing today. Highlights include a mill dating back to 1839 and an early-20th-century convent. The surrounding valley is a flourishing apple-growing region, with numerous cider houses and orchards dotting the countryside.

Victoria-by-the-Sea is located on the shores of the Northumberland Strait, halfway between Charlottetown and Summerside on Prince Edward Island. Founded in the early 19th century, the village exudes an old-fashioned charm with its colorful Victorian heritage homes, pretty lighthouse, and easygoing locals. The village is known for attracting artisans, with visitors able to try candle-making and pottery at some of its art galleries. The village is an excellent base for kayaking or visiting the beaches along the Northumberland Strait.

Nicknamed the Jewel of the Rideau, Merrickville was deemed “Canada’s most beautiful village” by Communities in Bloom. The village is home to more designated heritage buildings than any other Ontario community of its size, including lovely Gothic churches, historic stone houses, and grand Victorian homes. Many of these buildings have been transformed into shops in the village’s thriving artistic community, selling crafts, antiques, and artwork. The Rideau Canal runs through this village, adding to its picturesque appearance. Once an important shipping route, the canal is now a popular spot for canoeing and kayaking.

Memramcook is located less than a 20-minute drive away from the cities of Moncton and Dieppe. As it’s one of the region’s main hubs of Acadian culture, many locals speak the distinct Chiac derivative of the French language. The village’s Monument-Lefebvre National Historic Site is home to a fascinating exhibit on the history of the Acadian people. Aside from its interesting culture, the village is surrounded by the beautiful scenery of the Memramcook River valley, which offers walking and biking trails through picturesque marshlands.

Harrison Hot Springs is a small village located 75mi (121km) east of Vancouver along the shores of Harrison Lake. The lake’s stunning vista of sandy beaches and surrounding mountains is best enjoyed with a stroll along the village’s waterfront promenade. As you may expect based on its name, the village is known for its healing hot springs, which have a naturally high mineral content. There are two sets of hot springs in the village, one accessible to guests at the Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa, and a public pool located at the junction of Hot Springs Road and the Esplanade.

Blue Rocks is located on the south coast of Nova Scotia, a 5-minute drive from the popular Unesco World Heritage Site of Lunenburg. Often compared to larger Peggy’s Cove, the village has inspired artists like William E. deGarthe with its romantic scenery. Most families living in the village earn their living by catching fish or mussels. A bit of a hidden gem, Blue Rocks is a great place to walk around, snap some photos, and even go kayaking.

Located about 12mi (19km) northwest of Guelph, Elora is the self-proclaimed “Most Beautiful Village in Ontario.” The village is set on the Elora Gorge, where limestone cliffs overlook the banks of the Grand and Irvine Rivers. This natural recreation area is a well-loved spot for kayaking, camping, and hiking. Complementing this dramatic setting are the village’s many historic stone buildings, which date back to the early 19th century. A number of these lovely old buildings have been converted into quaint studios, restaurants, and shops. There’s also the Elora Quarry Conservation Area, a former limestone quarry that’s now used by locals and tourists for swimming.