Discover Hidden Gems: The Ultimate Couple’s Travel Guide to Canada and Beyond
Canada is a land of breathtaking contrasts — from the turquoise lakes of Banff to the rugged coastlines of Nova Scotia — and it rewards every traveller who dares to explore it deeply. Whether you’re a weekend wanderer or a seasoned globetrotter, the joy of discovering a new destination never gets old. That’s exactly the kind of spirit celebrated by a travel blog like Right Between Us, where a Canadian couple documents their adventures, shares honest tips, and inspires others to finally book that trip they’ve been putting off. In this guide, we’ll take you through some of the best travel experiences, practical advice, and hidden gems perfect for couples, solo explorers, and everyone in between.
Why Couple’s Travel Hits Different
Travelling as a couple is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the world. Shared experiences — whether it’s getting lost on a cobblestone street in Quebec City or watching the Northern Lights shimmer above Yukon — forge memories that no photograph can fully capture. The key is balancing each other’s travel styles: one partner might crave spontaneous detours, while the other finds comfort in a well-researched itinerary.
The secret to smooth couple’s travel? Communicate before you go. Agree on must-sees versus nice-to-haves, set a realistic daily budget, and always leave room for the unexpected. Some of the best stories come from the moments you didn’t plan.
Canada’s Most Underrated Destinations
Most travellers flock to Banff, Toronto, and Vancouver — and for good reason. But Canada’s charm lies equally in its lesser-known pockets. Here are a few destinations that deserve far more attention:
- Fundy Trail Parkway, New Brunswick — Home to the world’s highest tides, this coastal gem offers dramatic cliffs, suspension bridges, and pristine hiking trails with almost none of the crowds.
- Dawson City, Yukon — A gold-rush town frozen in character, where you can pan for gold, spot the Midnight Sun, and experience Indigenous culture in an authentic way.
- Riding Mountain National Park, Manitoba — An underappreciated national park featuring clear-water lakes, old-growth forests, and excellent wildlife spotting, including black bears and elk.
- Lunenburg, Nova Scotia — A UNESCO World Heritage town painted in brilliant colours along the Atlantic coast, famous for fresh seafood and maritime heritage.
- Tofino, British Columbia — While increasingly popular, off-season Tofino offers wild Pacific storms, empty surf beaches, and some of the best whale-watching in North America.
Essential Tips for Planning Your Next Getaway
Good travel doesn’t happen by accident — it’s built on smart preparation and a healthy dose of flexibility. Before you head out, consider these tried-and-true tips:
- Book accommodations early, especially in peak season. Canadian national parks and popular small towns fill up quickly in summer. Campgrounds in Banff and Jasper, for instance, often sell out months in advance.
- Invest in travel insurance. Medical costs abroad (and even across Canadian provinces) can be surprisingly high. A comprehensive policy gives you peace of mind for a fraction of the cost.
- Pack for every layer. Canadian weather, even in summer, can swing dramatically. Mornings in the Rockies can be near-freezing while afternoons hit 25°C.
- Download offline maps. Cell service disappears fast once you head into rural Canada or cross borders. Google Maps and Maps.me both offer reliable offline capabilities.
- Embrace slow travel. Rather than rushing between cities, pick one or two regions and explore them thoroughly. You’ll eat better, spend less, and leave with richer stories.
Making the Most of Local Eats
Food is one of the great underrated joys of travel, and Canada’s culinary scene is far more diverse and exciting than its reputation suggests. Beyond poutine and butter tarts (both legendary, by the way), Canada’s major cities are genuine food cities.
In Toronto, neighbourhoods like Kensington Market and Chinatown offer a world of flavours within a few city blocks. In Vancouver, the dim sum scene rivals Hong Kong, and fresh Pacific seafood is ubiquitous. Halifax’s waterfront is lined with lobster shacks and craft breweries that will make you want to extend your stay by a week.
When travelling internationally, always opt for at least one meal away from the tourist strip. Wander five minutes off the main drag, sit somewhere with a handwritten menu, and order whatever the table next to you is having. This single habit will transform how you eat on the road.
Travelling With Your Pet
More travellers than ever are hitting the road with their four-legged companions — and why not? Dogs, in particular, have a magical way of connecting you with locals and slowing you down just enough to notice things you’d otherwise miss. Before you travel with your pet, however, preparation is everything.
Check pet policies at every accommodation in advance, as pet-friendly options vary widely. Look for national parks and trails that welcome dogs on-leash, and always carry water, waste bags, and a pet first-aid kit. If you’re flying, research airline pet policies carefully — cabin versus cargo rules differ significantly between carriers. And remember: your dog doesn’t care how famous the landmark is. They’re just happy to be along for the ride.
Building Your Travel Mindset
Beyond itineraries and packing lists, the most important ingredient in great travel is mindset. The best travellers are curious, adaptable, and genuinely respectful of the places they visit. They tip fairly, learn a few words of the local language, and leave every campsite, beach, and trail better than they found it.
Travel has a way of quietly dismantling assumptions about the world — and about yourself. Every new destination offers a chance to see your own life with fresh perspective, return home with renewed gratitude, and start planning the next adventure before you’ve even unpacked. So take the trip. Say yes to the detour. Because the best moments, as any seasoned traveller will tell you, are always the ones you almost didn’t take.





