What’s Your Ideal Vacation in Canada?

But what does an ideal vacation in Canada look like? 

Is it a cozy lakeside retreat with nothing but loon calls and the ripple of water? A rugged mountain escape? Or is it about soaking up the sun on a beautiful beach with a good book and zero responsibilities?

Vacations aren’t just getaways. They’re reset buttons. A chance to leave behind the daily grind and return feeling recharged, even if all you did was stare at the ocean for three straight days.

To find out what Canadians really want this summer, we asked the Ipsos iSay community to share their ideal destinations. From scenic escapes close to home to dreamy tropical beaches abroad, their answers offer a clear view into the vacation goals taking shape from coast to coast.

So, are you dreaming of a local gem or something more far-flung? Let’s see how your summer plans stack up.

Canadians may share a love for summer, but how do they choose to spend it? That’s where the differences in opinions start to show. According to a recent Ipsos iSay poll, here’s what fellow Canadians on our site say their ideal summer vacation looks like.

The Beach Takes the Lead (41%)

Two in five Canadian Ipsos iSay voters (41%) say a sunny beach getaway tops their summer vacation list. For many, it's the simple pleasure of a warm breeze, sand between their toes, and the rhythmic pull of the waves. It’s a classic Canadian vacation move, especially after a long, grey winter.

And it’s not just about sunbathing. These trips often involve picturesque coastlines, water activities like kayaking or paddleboarding, and quality time with family. If you're heading to the beaches of Prince Edward Island, the shores of Tofino, or jetting off to tropical international destinations, beach getaways offer a kind of freedom that’s hard to beat.

The Calm of a Lakeside Escape (21%)

Coming in second, one-fifth of Canadian Ipsos iSay visitors (21%) prefer a serene lakeside escape, something that feels distinctly local and deeply rooted in the national identity. A cottage on Ontario’s Kawartha Lakes or a hidden gem in Nova Scotia delivers more than a break. 

It offers stillness.

These are the kinds of vacations where days are slow and satisfying: coffee on the dock, reading under trees or watching loons glide across the glassy water. The lake gives us the opportunity to reconnect with both nature and our loved ones. And for many, that’s the heart of the Canadian experience.

Culture and Cafés in the City (11%)

11% of the Ipsos iSay community are drawn to a vibrant city with cultural attractions. Urban destinations like Toronto, Montréal, or Vancouver offer cultural experiences that go beyond sightseeing. 

Think summer festivals, live music, local art, and late-night meals in bustling neighbourhoods.

Regardless of whether it's admiring the historic architecture of Québec City, browsing a local gallery, or sipping espresso at a café tucked along cobblestone streets, city escapes give travellers a chance to get a taste of something new, without giving up comfort and convenience.

Adventures in the Mountains (11%)

Another 11% want something a little more rugged: an adventurous mountain retreat. For those who choose hiking boots over sandals, the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park, and Yoho National Park are dream destinations. These spots offer everything from awe-inspiring vistas to glacier-fed lakes like Lake Louise.

These getaways speak to Canadians who want a connection with nature, regardless of whether you're tackling hiking trails, spotting wildlife, or relaxing in a spa after a long day. They're a go-to for travellers seeking vacation ideas that include adventure and solitude in equal measure.

History Buffs and Heritage Towns (10%)

At 10%, a slightly smaller group in our poll say their ideal trip would take them to a historic town with a rich heritage. Destinations like Niagara-on-the-Lake, Lunenburg, or Old Québec invite travellers to step back in time and walk the cobblestone streets of Canada’s early history.

These vacation destinations often include historic inns, walking tours, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and moments of quiet reflection. 

If you love stories, architecture, and atmosphere, you’ll find plenty to love in these towns filled with historic characters.

Thrills and Family Fun (7%)

For 7% of Canadians who voted in our poll, summer isn’t summer without a little adrenaline. 

Whether it’s riding roller coasters, enjoying live shows, or indulging in theme park snacks, amusement parks remain a classic family vacation option.

From Canada’s Wonderland in Vaughan, Ontario, to Calaway Park near Calgary, these destinations pack energy and excitement. While they might not offer the natural beauty of the Rockies or the calm of a northern lake, they deliver something just as valuable: shared laughter and memories that stick.

If the dream vacation involves sand, sun, and saltwater, then where exactly are Canadians headed? Although just under half of Ipsos iSay respondents (41%) say they prefer beach getaways as their top vacation choice, everyone can still appreciate some time in the sand and sun. We asked the Canadian Ipsos iSay community to share their favourite beach destinations, and the answers revealed a fun-filled mix of homegrown gems and tropical escapes. 

Here are the top beach destinations that Ipsos iSay visitors say they’d love to visit, and why each one stands out.

Maui, Hawaii (USA) – 18%

Topping the list with 18% of the Ipsos iSay votes, Maui remains a timeless favourite for Canadian travellers. Known for its stunning waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, and pristine coastlines, Maui blends relaxation with exploration in a way few other spots can.

It’s also a strong choice for the best family vacations, with activities like whale watching, snorkelling, scenic drives, and unforgettable day trips along the Hana Highway. 

Tofino, British Columbia – 16%

Tofino shares second place with 16% of the vote, and it’s a homegrown treasure that’s impossible to overlook. Located on Vancouver Island, Tofino draws nature lovers, surfers, and those looking for quiet beauty on Canada’s wild west coast.

From beachside cabins and cedar-scented forests to tide pools and bear sightings, Tofino offers a deep connection to land and sea. It’s a prime example of what makes western Canada so remarkable, and an essential stop on any list of Canadian vacation ideas.

Cancun, Mexico – 16%

Also at 16% is Cancun, a long-standing favourite for Canadians seeking turquoise waters, endless sunshine, and all-inclusive convenience. Whether it’s a winter escape or a summer and fall getaway, Cancun is all about ease.

It’s also perfect for those looking to relax fully with minimal planning and maximum reward. While it may not offer the landmarks or forests of Canadian destinations, it more than makes up for it with tropical comfort and crystal-clear seas.

Wasaga Beach, Ontario – 15%

Wasaga Beach came in close behind with 15%, showing that many in the Canadian Ipsos iSay community prefer to keep their toes in domestic sand. As one of the best places to visit in Ontario, Wasaga is known for its status as the longest freshwater beach in the world and draws thousands each summer.

With shallow waters, picnic areas, and easy access from cities like Toronto, Wasaga is ideal for day trips, spontaneous weekends, and family vacations without airport lines or passports.

Cavendish Beach, Prince Edward Island – 14%

Not far behind, Cavendish Beach in Prince Edward Island earned 14% of the Ipsos iSay vote. With its signature red cliffs, rolling dunes, and ties to Anne of Green Gables, Cavendish offers a special kind of charm.

Beyond the views, it’s about the pace - slower, simpler, and packed with character. A perfect example of Canadian travel that feels personal, especially when paired with stops along the Cabo Trail or visits to nearby lighthouses.

Other Beaches on Our List

Rounding out the list are Varadero, Cuba (9%); Parlee Beach in New Brunswick (6%); and Miami Beach, Florida, USA (5%). Cuba’s Varadero, with its pristine white sand beaches and warm weather, is a dream destination for relaxation and affordable travel. It's a place to disconnect and enjoy leisure guilt-free. Similarly, Parlee Beach in New Brunswick, is cherished for its warm saltwater beaches and proximity to Halifax and the Bay of Fundy. It offers opportunities for regional exploration, beach volleyball, and enjoying the boardwalk's simple pleasures. Lastly, Miami Beach in Florida combines a vibrant urban atmosphere with cultural experiences, luxury accommodations, and a diverse food scene.

When you zoom out from the individual destinations, a deeper picture starts to emerge. The vacation choices shared by the Canadian Ipsos iSay community aren’t just about where they want to go, but they also reflect what many of us are looking for in life: a break, a breath, a reset.

For some, that means escaping daily stress. A beach in Hawaii or a quiet dock in Newfoundland and Labrador offers a chance to step away from the pressure of routines and responsibilities. For others, it’s about reconnecting with nature, family, or even with themselves. Whether it’s walking the Cabot Trail, spotting wildlife in Alberta, or taking in the rolling green hills of Cape Breton Island, these trips are about presence, not just pictures.

These preferences align with broader summer plans reported across Ipsos research, where the emphasis is often on reconnection, relaxation, and purpose-driven travel. 

There’s also a clear pull toward discovery. Cities like Québec City or Toronto invite us to wander the streets of city neighbourhoods, sip coffee at a local café, and take in history from a unique perspective. From the Museum of Fine Arts to historic landmarks like Parc de la Chute-Montmorency, travellers want more than scenery. What they seek are stories that they will never forget.

Meanwhile, the love for Canada’s mountains, forests, and coastal stretches tells us that scenic beauty is still a core part of the Canadian travel experience. 

Whether you’re taking in the snow-capped peaks of Whistler, cruising past fjord views in the Yukon, or standing near the spray of Niagara Falls on a Maid of the Mist boat tour, the awe is real. And it's deeply rooted in a collective appreciation for the wild, the vast, and the quietly spectacular.

These vacation dreams mirror Canadian values: balance, exploration, simplicity, and a strong connection to the land. The geography of Canada is so varied and so vast that it naturally supports this. It offers golf courses, glaciers, boardwalks, and ice fields, all within reach.

From the heart of the Canadian Rockies to the streets of Toronto, the places Canadians want to visit in 2025 and beyond say a lot about who we are and what we need.

And in a world that’s always rushing forward, the ability to pause, explore, and feel is something that will never go out of style.

Regardless of whether your idea of the perfect escape involves hiking through snow-capped peaks, strolling historic streets of old towns, or simply lounging by the lake with a good book, your vacation dreams matter.

They also reflect what makes somewhere a great place to live. Much like where we choose to vacation, the qualities that attract us, including beauty, culture, peace, and community, often reveal what we cherish most.

Now it’s your turn to share.

Let’s revisit our Questions of the Day:

1. What is your ideal summer vacation destination?
2. Which beach destination is the ultimate spot for a summer vacation?

Tell us where your dream getaway would take you. Maybe it's somewhere you’ve visited before and can’t wait to return to, or maybe it’s a place you’ve only imagined so far. Either way, your perspective helps shape future Ipsos iSay conversations and insights.

Because the more we share, the more we discover what connects us and what inspires us to plan that next great adventure.

*These results represent Ipsos iSay web visitors in Canada from April 9 – 14, 2025, and may not reflect the views of the general population.