This summer, many of us are choosing to spend our travel dollars closer to home. In fact, 64 per cent of Canadians are planning to travel domestically over the next few months, according to a recent TD Bank Group survey. Searches for accommodations in destinations like Tofino, St. John’s, Nanaimo, Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine and Halifax are up by as much as 35 per cent, according to Expedia’s latest summer Travel Outlook report.

Wherever you’re headed, here are 29 stylish picks from homegrown brands to invest in for your next summer getaway – plus some great tips from Canadian fashion designers and experts on packing and dressing for vacation destinations.


A city jaunt

Have plans for an urban adventure? Comfortable accessories and smart, tailored garments in breathable fabrics are a good idea.
“Always choose pieces you can mix and match and go for fabrics that layer well together,” says Golnar Ahmadian, designer of fashion label Golshaah and jewelry brand Lo’bat. “It’s also a good idea to have a few key jewelry pieces to dress the outfit up or down, depending on the location.” .

Golshaah x Lobat Gireh earrings, $150 through
lobataccessories.com.

Poppy Barley Roundabout slide
Poppy Barley Roundabout slide, $285 through
poppybarley.com.

Monos Metro Weekender bag, $305 through
monos.com.

La Canadienne Titus suede loafer, $350 through
lacanadienneshoes.com.

Outclass Navy Ripstop S/S classic shirt, $220 through
outclass.ca.

Silk Laundry long bias cut skirt, $445 through
silklaundry.ca.

The Nobu Hotel in Toronto, Ontario. (Brandon Barré/Supplied)

A country escape

The women behind fashion label Smythe always seek out vintage thrifting and artisan markets when headed to a wine region or other bucolic rural destination.
Their must-haves for a countryside jaunt? “Start with a wide-brimmed hat as there can be lots of sun exposure at a great market and don’t forget a great pair of sunglasses,” says co-designer Christie Smythe. “For clothing, opt for breathable layers in natural fabrics like cotton or linen that work double duty: a tailored shirt and short set or romper that can go from winery to dinner, or a breezy sundress that can be effortlessly elevated for evening by adding a linen blazer or cotton cardigan.” For men, she adds, the same rules apply: Pack relaxed tailoring in natural fibres and a versatile overshirt that can be dressed up or down.

Smythe balloon sleeve tiered dress, $595 through shopsmythe.com.

Birds of North America Esmerillon top, $214 through birdsofnorthamerica.com.

Heirloom Hats Calcarella straw boater, $355 through heirloomhats.com.

Kits Ronaldo Primo sunglasses, $28 through kits.ca.

18 Waits Dylan shirt, $420 through 18waits.com.
Sunflower Fields Ice Cream Shoppe in Prince Edward County, Ontario(Daph & Nico/Supplied)

An outdoor adventure

It’s a great time to explore Canada’s natural wonders; Parks Canada is even offering free admission and discounted camping this summer.
For a camping trip or outdoor adventure, you’ll want to pack well for inclement conditions.
“Weather can change quickly in Canada, so we always advise to prioritize a multilayer system,” says Jean-Olivier Pellerin, apparel director of outdoor clothing brand Hooké. Even in the summertime, for example, he recommends having three technical layers on hand: a light top that’s breathable, a second layer for colder weather, and a raincoat or shell for protection against wind and rain.

Hooké Mirage sun hoodie, $90 through
hooke.com .

Arc’teryx Gamma SL short, $140 through
arcteryx.com.

Dime tech windbreaker, $274 through
dimemtl.com.

Raised by Wolves convertible hiking pants, $265 through
raisedbywolves.ca.

MEC Hideaway sun hat, $40 through
mec.ca.

Pajar Leta sandal, $85 through
pajar.com.
Wapizagonke Lake in La Mauricie National Park, Quebec.(Onfokus/Getty Images)

A cottage break

Cottages and cabins are always a popular summertime destination; in fact, the TD Bank Group survey found that 46 per cent of Gen Z and 42 per cent of millennials are planning to visit a cottage this summer.
Justin Devenish, production manager and designer at men’s resort-wear label Bather, suggests keeping things “light and easy” for a trip to cottage country. His must-haves include swimming trunks “you can swim in, lounge in and not think twice about,” a good pair of sunglasses, leather sandals that can be worn from dock to town, and a shirt with a collar you can throw on “after a swim and still look sharp heading into dinner.”
In addition to a beach tote, Devenish suggests bringing “a big beach towel for those dockside naps and a proper hat to keep the sun off your face.” .

Bather swim trunk, $115 through
bather.com.

Minnow Bathers Lee top, $90 through
minnowbathers.com.
Minnow Bathers Lee bottoms, $90 through
minnowbathers.com.

Roots Muskoka Local Roots hoodie, $168 through
roots.com.

Kotn beach towel, $65 through
kotn.com.

Kate Austin Market bag, $56 through
kateaustindesigns.com.
Waskesiu Lake in Prince Albert National Park, Saskatchewan.(Greg Huszar/Parks Canada)

A resort getaway

Whether you’re looking forward to time on the golf course or on the tennis courts (or appointments at the spa), you’ll want to be in dress code for your summer resort getaway.
“I like to start by picking a palette that mirrors my resort mood. Nothing too bright or flashy,” says Sarah Hopgood​, director of design and product development​ at hat and adventure clothing brand Tilley, noting that she will often opt for neutral colours and calming blues. She packs garments in soft fabrics (“nothing uncomfortable or restrictive”) and looks for styles that won’t wrinkle and will work for a variety of occasions.
“I always bring an oversized white button-down – it’s super easy to throw on over a swimsuit or tuck into shorts for a day of exploring,” says Hopgood. “For guys, a technical polo that wicks away sweat is perfect – it still looks fresh after a flight, on the golf course or grabbing lunch.”

Tilley quarter zip polo dress, $368 through
tilley.com .

Little Moon Airplush Cotton Sail shirt, $88 through
aritzia.com.

Tkees square toe Millie sandals, $119 through
tkees.com.

Lululemon ABC classic-fit golf short, $98 through
lululemon.com.

Kuwalla Tee knit zip polo, $80 through
kuwallatee.com.
Cabot Cape Breton resort in Nova Scotia.(Cabot Cape Breton/Supplied)

Share.
Exit mobile version