With such diverse and stunning scenery that includes wild coastlines with beautiful beaches, towering mountains, lakes, and rivers, there are plenty of places in Canada that would make an ideal home for those who love the great outdoors.
While some people prefer living in the city or need to be due to employment reasons, others may be looking for something remote. This list offers a mix of both with something for every outdoor enthusiast from the west to the east coast.
Vancouver, British Columbia
There may be no city in the world that can rival Vancouver. Not only is it a world-class city with lots of cultural attractions and a booming foodie scene, but there’s something to do outdoors all year long. Plus, the climate is mild compared to other Canadian cities. You might get a little wet, but shoveling snow is fairly rare.
You’ve got both the mountains and the sea when you’re in Vancouver. In the summer, enjoy more than 20 miles of beaches or hit the abundant trails to hike and mountain bike in North Vancouver. Winter brings opportunities for skiing and boarding less than an hour from the city at Grouse Mountain, Cypress Mountain, and Mount Seymour.
Whistler, British Columbia
Whistler is a mountain town famous for its winter sports. If that’s what you’re into, be sure to check out the real estate for sale in Whistler. You won’t find any place better in Canada and maybe even the world as it sits at the base of one of the biggest ski resorts in North America. You might recall that it hosted many of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
But Whistler offers more than conquering powder and carving pistes. The warmer months are fantastic for hikes that lead to stunning views of the forested mountains, alpine meadows, and glacial lakes. Mountain biking, zip-lining, and golfing are just a few of the other recreational activities available. With all that snowmelt, the area’s rivers will be rushing in the summer, perfect for whitewater rafting thrills, while the calm sapphire lakes are ideal for a peaceful paddle in a canoe or kayak.
Whitehorse, Yukon
A small city with endless possibilities for off-the-beaten-path adventures, if you want remote wilderness and modern amenities, Whitehorse offers legendary landscapes with over 430 miles of trails for hiking and hundreds of miles of ski trails.
A move to Whitehorse means that you can be on a trail in the middle of the forest photographing wildlife in 15 minutes or hiking to a glacier in the Coast Mountains in an hour.
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Outdoor enthusiasts will love Thunder Bay. Set along the shores of the world’s largest freshwater lake, tucked among boreal forests and the Canadian Shield, the city is a perfect base for adventure. There’s something for everything with more than 100 parks and some 20 miles of recreational trails. Ride ATVs, hike, boat, snowmobile, and more, all just minutes from home.
St. Anthony, Newfoundland & Labrador
Located on Newfoundland’s Great Northern Peninsula, in St. Anthony you can enjoy some of the world’s best whale watching, hiking, sea kayaking, fishing, and even icebergs.
Hiking in this area is all about the Atlantic, with trails winding along the coastline and high above, providing great vantage points for taking in the icebergs that float by during the spring and whales in late spring through summer. Or, you can launch a kayak right from town to cruise the coast in any direction for a chance to paddle right by the incredible marine life or a massive ‘berg.
