The most romantic cities in Canada are great for any type of getaway with your better half, whether it's a honeymoon, an anniversary, or a proposal. The vast country is best known for its natural wonders, many of which are close to the cities and towns on this list.

During the day, you can explore the expansive wilderness on well-marked trails, taking in spectacular views of lakes and rugged mountains along the way. Even if you're vacationing in Canada's modern cities, you'll still find plenty of charming restaurants and scenic spots set far away from crowds. Plan a memorable retreat with our guide to beautiful Canadian cities couples can explore together.

What are the most romantic cities in Canada?

  • 1

    Montreal, QC

    Quebec's cosmopolitan island city

    Montreal, QC
    • Couples
    • Families
    • History
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    Montreal is a cosmopolitan island city in the southwest of Quebec. It has plenty of romantic spots, such as the Saint Lawrence River, Little Italy, and the Montreal Botanical Garden. Summertime sees many couples dancing in public squares and parks across the city. Fancy showing off your tango skills? Saint-Viateur Park, Verdun Greenhouses, and Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park are the places to go.

    While Montreal is one of Canada's most modern cities, it still boasts a rich history and old-school European elegance. Couples can enjoy intimate dinners at one of Old Montreal's many restaurants, followed with spectacular city views at a rooftop bar. Adventurous couples can climb Mount Royal's summit, where vistas of Montreal and Saint Lawrence River await.

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  • 2

    Quebec City, QC

    The true soul of French Canada

    Quebec City, QC
    • Couples
    • History
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    Quebec City lies on the banks of the Saint Lawrence River. It's one of North America's oldest cities, founded in 1608 as the capital of New France. Today, its vintage charm is prevalent in the UNESCO-listed Old Town. As a couple, you can enjoy plenty of peaceful activities throughout your stay, including carriage rides across town and sunset cruises along the Saint Lawrence River.

    Quebec City's downtown area is great for heritage landmarks like Quebec Cathedral and Fairmont Château Frontenac. The cobblestoned streets in Old Quebec are lined with picturesque bistros, where you can enjoy delectable treats with your better half.

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  • 3

    Victoria, BC

    British Columbia's historical city with a maritime heritage

    Victoria, BC
    • Couples
    • History
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    Victoria is a delightful city with coastal scenery and maritime landmarks. The capital of British Columbia is also called “the Garden City”, thanks to beautiful parklands like Beacon Hill Park, Abkhazi Garden, and Butchart Gardens.

    Victoria's downtown area is navigable on foot, allowing for leisurely strolls and horse-drawn carriage rides by Victorian buildings and blooming gardens. The city also makes for a great departure point for whale-watching and sunset dinner cruises. Couples can join wine tours of Saanich Peninsula and Cowichan Valley, both of which boast some of the island's oldest vineyards.

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  • 4

    Niagara on the Lake, ON

    A historical hub where Lake Ontario flows into the Niagara River

    Niagara on the Lake, ON
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    • Couples
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    Niagara-on-the-Lake is a serene waterfront town on the corner where Lake Ontario flows into the Niagara River. It's about 24 km north of Niagara Falls, making it a popular place to stay for those who want to visit the world-famous natural wonder but avoid the packed crowds staying in nearby Niagara Falls town.

    Niagara-on-the-Lake has a riviera-type feel, with a charming historical quarter filled with flowers, trees, and 19th-century buildings. Queen Street is the town's main hub, where you can find plenty of excellent boutiques, antique shops, and bistros. It's a good idea to visit the town during the annual Shaw Festival, which takes place between April and October. You can enjoy over 10 world-class theatrical productions at the Royal George Theatre, Festival Theatre, and Jackie Maxwell Studio Theatre.

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  • 5

    Okanagan Valley, BC

    Lakeside vistas with dairy farms and vineyards

    Okanagan Valley, BC
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    • Couples
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    Okanagan Valley has a scenic countryside with lush vineyards, hot springs, and dairy farms. You can explore this vast region in British Columbia at any time of the year. Winter is great for skiing in Big White, Silver Star, and Sun Peaks, while water sports and hiking are popular in the summertime.

    You can even rent a car to enjoy a scenic open-road journey from Kelowna. The town of Armstrong is great for visiting dairy farms and boating on Kalamalka Lake. Another must-see is Okanagan Lake, where you can take in mountain-lake vistas through towering pines. Great for wine lovers, Okanagan Valley has more than 20 vineyards offering tours and tastings.

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  • 6

    Banff, AB

    A major resort town in Alberta's Rockies

    Banff, AB
    • Adventure
    • Couples
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    Banff is one of Canada's highest towns, at more than 4,600 ft in Alberta's Rockies. Thanks to its scenic alpine setting, this mountain resort town is an excellent choice for a romantic holiday. Within Banff National Park, nature lovers can find scenic trails leading to lakesides, lush forests, and waterfalls. Kayaking on the Vermillion Lakes offers some fantastic panoramas, with Mount Rundle in the background.

    The town itself has plenty of romantic spots, such as the Cascades of Time Gardens. The Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity hosts performing art exhibits, seasonal music festivals, and public concerts throughout the year.

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  • 7

    Jasper, AB

    The gateway town to Jasper National Park

    Jasper, AB
    • Adventure
    • Couples
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    Jasper is an alpine town surrounded by the snow-capped Canadian Rockies. It's a great place to stay if you're planning to visit Jasper National Park in western Alberta. The largest national park in the Canadian Rockies has over 1,200 km of hiking trails leading to glaciers, springs, lakes, and waterfalls. It's one of Canada's most romantic towns for outdoorsy couples. 

    A must-see is Maligne Lake (and Spirit Island), located 44 km south of Jasper town. Mount Columbia, Alberta's tallest mountain is nearby, as are Mount Brazeau and Mount Edith Cavell. If you prefer a more leisurely way of sightseeing, the Jasper SkyTram takes you to the summit of Whistlers Mountain, where you can enjoy views of Jasper from a 2,277-metre-high viewpoint.

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  • 8

    Niagara Falls, ON

    The gateway to Canada's iconic waterfalls

    Niagara Falls, ON
    • Adventure
    • Couples
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    Niagara Falls is a city in southern Ontario, on the west bank of the Niagara River. It has been called the honeymoon capital of the world since the early 19th century. It's said that the city's first honeymooners were Theodosia and Joseph Alston, who travelled from Albany in June 1801. Since then, thousands of couples make their way to Niagara Falls for a romantic getaway. They can even get a free Honeymoon Certificate issued by the mayor of Niagara Falls Mayor at the Ontario Tourist Information. 

    The town itself is relatively peaceful, great for a romantic getaway in Canada. You can share a horse-drawn carriage ride to explore Niagara Falls, followed with a couple's spa treatment and dinner at a waterfront, fine-dining restaurant. End the day with a ride on the Niagara SkyWheel for spectacular views of the entire city and Horseshoe Falls. Niagara Falls is also known as Canada's mini Las Vegas, offering plenty of live entertainment, light shows, casinos and late-night drinking spots – great for a fun bachelor/bachelorette party. 

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  • 9

    Whistler, BC

    The main hub of Whistler Blackcomb

    Whistler, BC
    • Adventure
    • Couples
    • Luxury
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    • Shoppers

    Whistler serves as the basecamp for vacationers in Whistler Blackcomb, one of Canada's most popular ski resorts. The pedestrianised, Alpine-style town has an upbeat atmosphere, with plenty of boutique shops selling art, fashion, outdoor sportswear and equipment, as well as everyday groceries. There are also plenty of spots to unwind, from swanky restaurants to luxurious spas.

    Couples on a winter getaway can find 8,000 acres of skiable terrain across 2 mountains and 3 glaciers. If you're visiting Whistler in spring or summer, popular romantic activities include hiking along the Valley Trail, swimming in Alta Lake, and ziplining across Fitzsimmons Valley. Don't miss out on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, which provides spectacular views of the Whistler and Blackcomb mountains.

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  • 10

    Lake Louise, AB

    A hamlet in Banff National Park

    Lake Louise, AB
    • Adventure
    • Couples
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    Lake Louise is a humble hamlet on the Bow River. It's within the Banff National Park, about 4.4 km northeast of a glacier-fed lake of the same name. The town's centrepiece is Chateau Lake Louise, which sits on the eastern shore of Lake Louise. You can ride a gondola to Lake Louise Ski Resort, where a 2,088-metre-high viewing platform offers spectacular mountain views.

    Framed by snow-capped and forested peaks, Lake Louise is one of the most photographed spots in Canada. Every year, usually from the first week of December, it transforms into one of the world's largest (and naturally frozen) ice rinks. There are even fire pits, benches, and ice carvings adorning the lakeshore.

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Penny Wong | Compulsive Traveller