Imagine strolling through cobblestone streets lined with 17th-century buildings, sipping afternoon tea at a castle-like hotel, or wandering past brightly painted houses overlooking the sea. It sounds like a European dream for most Canadians, but these scenes are a lot closer to home than you might think.
From the English-inspired charm of Victoria to the coastal beauty of the Atlantic provinces, some of the most European-looking destinations (on this side of the ocean, of course) are right here in Canada, and they’re just waiting to be explored.
With that in mind, here are a handful of spots in the Great White North that provide some much-needed escapism for a fraction of the cost.
Quebec City, Quebec
Arguably the most European-feeling spot in all of North America, Quebec City is, in many ways, a little slice of France.
Known for its cobblestone streets, centuries-old architecture, and fortified walls, Old Quebec is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that feels like stepping into a charming French village.
And then, of course, there’s the Château Frontenac — a stunning castle-like hotel perched over the city that looks like something straight out of a European fairy tale.
Montreal, Quebec
As one of Canada’s oldest cities, Montreal exudes European charm, especially in areas like the Old Port with its historic architecture and French-style bistros.
The city’s walkable, bike-friendly neighbourhoods and longstanding churches scattered throughout the island also add to the European vibe, making it feel like a cross between Paris and Amsterdam.
Even culturally, Montreal leans European — from the double-kiss greeting locals often use to the city’s rich arts scene and lively sidewalk cafés.
St. John’s, Newfoundland
St. John’s looks like it was pulled straight from the coast of Ireland. And that’s not just our opinion. In fact, Irish writer Tim Pat Coogan once called Newfoundland “the most Irish place in the world outside of Ireland.”
The city’s Jellybean Row — a series of brightly painted row houses — adds a whimsical charm to its rugged, rocky landscape.
Pair that with misty coastal views and cozy pubs, and you’ve got a place that feels like a small fishing village frozen in time.
Victoria, British Columbia
While firmly positioned on Canada’s West Coast, Victoria feels like a charming English town.
The Fairmont Empress Hotel, with its castle-like architecture, and the Butchart Gardens, with their lush, manicured beauty, give the city a classic old-world atmosphere.
Named after England’s former monarch, Victoria seems to embrace its Britishness, and nowhere is that more evident than in its love of afternoon tea.
Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
Lunenburg’s brightly coloured wooden houses, narrow streets, and waterfront views feel like a postcard from a Scandinavian fishing village.
Founded in 1753 as a British settlement, the town’s UNESCO World Heritage Site status and maritime history give it a picturesque, old-world charm that’s hard to find in other parts of Canada.
Louisburg / Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
Not to be confused with Lunenburg, Louisbourg is a tiny town on Cape Breton Island that feels like you’ve travelled back in time to rural France.
Its star attraction, the Fortress of Louisbourg, is one of the largest historical reconstructions in North America. Built by the French in 1713, the reconstructed fortress and town feature stone walls, rustic buildings, and costumed interpreters who bring the 1740s to life.
If you really want to feel like you’re in another country (and century), you should probably add this spot to your list.
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Charlottetown’s Victorian-style architecture, quaint streets, and picturesque harbourfront make it feel like a charming English village.
As the birthplace of Confederation, which led to the creation of Canada, it offers plenty of history to go along with its European-inspired aesthetics.
