Following a pandemic-related drop, Canadians over 60 once again reign as the age group most likely to travel. And from its charming coastal towns to breathtaking mountain landscapes, Canada offers seniors countless opportunities to explore, relax and enjoy new experiences.
Climb aboard for travel tips and retirement vacation ideas that are just right for older travelers.
What makes older travelers special
Being a senior is a great time to hit the road. You’re more likely than most younger travelers to get away on short notice, be away for as long as you want and take advantage of limited-time travel deals. Want to travel coast-to-coast on a Via Rail train? Get chugging. Considering an RV trip to visit Canada’s national parks? Turn the great outdoors into your backyard. Ready to explore the open road without blowing your budget? Don’t miss out on all of CARP’s travel discounts for seniors.
Let’s map out eight great tips for retirement vacations.
- Not sure where to visit? Check out these top vacation spots for Canadian seniors
- Right in your own backyard: Take a staycation
- Regional travel: Spend less time on the road
- Going the distance: Head out on a coast-to-coast road trip
- Unpack and relax: Cruise to paradise
- At home on the road: Go RVing
- On track for fun: Ride the rails
- Limited mobility? Explore unlimited options
1. Not sure where to visit? Check out these top vacation spots for Canadian seniors
Victoria, British Columbia
Known for its mild climate, charming Inner Harbour and lush botanical sites like Butchart Gardens, Victoria is perfect for leisurely strolls and relaxing seaside views.
Senior travel tip: Visit in late spring (May – June) or early fall (September) when the weather is mild, flowers are in bloom and tourist crowds are smaller than in peak summer.
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
A quaint town with wineries and boutique shopping, this destination offers culture, fine dining and natural beauty near Niagara Falls.
Senior travel tip: Many wineries offer discounted tastings for seniors or package deals on weekday tours – plus, midweek visits mean fewer crowds at both wineries and the annual Shaw Festival.
Quebec City, Quebec
With European charm and historic sites like Old Quebec (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), this city feels like a trip to France without leaving Canada.
Senior travel tips: The city’s free funicular connects Upper and Lower Town, making sightseeing easier for those with mobility issues. Travel in October for beautiful fall colors and lower hotel rates.
Banff, Alberta
Set in the Canadian Rockies, Banff offers breathtaking mountain views, accessible hot springs and scenic drives like the Icefields Parkway – ideal for seniors who love nature at a relaxed pace.
Senior travel tip: Visit in September to avoid peak crowds while still enjoying pleasant weather.
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Famous for Anne of Green Gables, fresh seafood and red sand beaches, PEI’s capital is a cozy spot for theatre and seaside relaxation.
Senior travel tip: PEI is busiest in July and August; visiting in June or September offers lower rates, fewer tourists and just as many fresh lobster feasts.
Halifax, Nova Scotia
A vibrant harbor city with maritime history, world-class seafood and nearby scenic drives like the Cabot Trail, Halifax offers a balance of culture and coastal beauty.
Senior travel tips: Consider a senior’s pass for Halifax Transit, which makes it easy to get around the city. Visit in June or September for mild weather and fewer crowds at the harbor.
Whistler, British Columbia
In addition to its reputation as a world-class ski resort, Whistler is a year-round destination with gondola rides, alpine walking trails and a charming pedestrian village that’s very senior-friendly.
Senior travel tips: Seniors get discounted gondola tickets, making the breathtaking Peak 2 Peak Gondola ride more affordable. Summer and early fall bring pleasant weather and vibrant alpine trails.
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada’s capital city blends history, art and culture, with attractions like Parliament Hill, the National Gallery, and peaceful walks along the Rideau Canal.
Senior travel tips: Many of Ottawa’s top museums (like the Canadian Museum of History) offer senior discounts on admission. Plan a trip in May to enjoy tulip season along the Rideau Canal.
Jasper, Alberta
A quieter alternative to Banff, Jasper National Park features serene lakes, gentle wildlife watching and relaxing train journeys on the Rocky Mountaineer.
Senior travel tips: Take the Via Rail train or Rocky Mountaineer into Jasper – both offer comfortable senior-friendly packages with scenic views. Visit in early fall for golden larch trees and fewer crowds.
St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
Colorful row houses and warm hospitality make this city a delightful destination. Seniors can enjoy boat tours, fresh seafood and the rugged coastal scenery.
Senior travel tips: Visit in early September to enjoy warm weather, fewer tourists and the tail end of whale-watching season. Seniors also receive reduced fares on Metrobus public transit.
Kelowna, British Columbia
Nestled in the Okanagan Valley, Kelowna is famous for its wineries, orchards and beautiful lakeside setting.
Senior travel tips: Many wineries offer senior discounts or midweek specials. Visit in September during the grape harvest for cooler weather, smaller crowds and fresh local produce.
Stratford, Ontario
Home of the renowned Stratford Festival, this charming small city offers theatre, gardens and riverside walks.
Senior travel tips: The Stratford Festival offers discounts for seniors on select performances. Visit in May or October for the best deals on both theatre tickets and accommodations.
Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, Quebec
This scenic region, with fjords and charming villages, provides opportunities for whale watching along the St. Lawrence River.
Senior travel tips: Book whale-watching cruises in June or September, when the weather is pleasant and crowds are lighter. Many tour operators offer reduced fares for seniors.
Canada’s National Parks
With over 40 national parks stretching from the rugged Pacific coastline to the Arctic tundra, Canada offers seniors an unmatched variety of natural beauty, wildlife and scenic landscapes to explore. Many parks feature accessible trails, guided tours and tranquil settings perfect for leisurely enjoyment.
Senior travel tip: Parks Canada offers a discounted annual Senior Discovery Pass, granting unlimited entry to all national parks and historic sites – a great value for those planning multiple visits.
2. Right in your own backyard: Take a staycation
Ready to get away from it all without going too far? Stay closer to home with staycations! Ditch the housework for a little while and plan nearby outings without a long drive or a plane ticket. Treat yourself to a manicure, take in dinner and a movie or just take a long, leisurely stroll in the park.
Senior travel tip: Plan your staycation the same way you would a fun out-of-town trip.
3. Regional travel: Spend less time on the road
You might be surprised to find some of the hidden gems nearby that don’t require a plane trip or even a long drive. The quicker you get to your destination, the more time you have for relaxing and having fun. Regional travel helps you avoid the travel fatigue that’s typical of long-distance trips. Step out of the rush and appreciate closer-to-home destinations in a deeper, more relaxed way.
Senior travel tip: Look into local group trips organized by your retirement community that you can enjoy with friends.
4. Going the distance: Head out on a coast-to-coast road trip
The ultimate Canadian car trip can be done in a few days – or enjoyed over many months. No matter how fast you do it, it’s a unique vacation that lets you experience Canada up close. You’ll encounter every imaginable type of scenery, immerse yourself in multiple cultures, sample regional foods and meet some amazing people.
Senior travel tip: Before you leave on a coast-to-coast journey, be sure to plan ahead – don’t set out on a long car journey without mapping it out first.
5. Unpack and relax: Cruise to paradise
Whatever you want in a vacation – relaxation, great food, sightseeing or a bit of adventure – there’s a cruise that delivers it. Many cruise lines cater to the senior market and attract cruisers with special discount prices. Take advantage of deals on everything from cruises geared toward single seniors to all-inclusive, budget-minded packages for senior couples.
Senior travel tip: Check out Cruise Critic’s best cruise lines for seniors to find the best cruise for you.
6. At home on the road: Go RVing
Many seniors prefer travelling in a home on wheels, be it a camper, a trailer or a fully outfitted recreational vehicle. If that sounds like fun, check out this advice on picking out an RV.
Senior travel tip: If you don’t already have a CAA membership, look into signing up for one to give yourself some extra peace of mind on the road.
7. On track for fun: Ride the rails
There’s something romantic and nostalgic about seeing our great country from a picture window on a Via Rail train. Travelling by train helps you avoid crowded airports, sky-high airfares and the stress of driving.
Senior travel tip: Via Rail offers a senior discount on most trains for travelers 65 and over.
8. Limited mobility? Explore unlimited options
Older people with limited mobility have virtually unlimited options for fun, secure travel. From Butchart Gardens in Brentwood Bay to the Old Port of Montreal, you’ll find safer paths and wheelchair accessible areas that cater to seniors with mobility challenges.
Senior travel tip: Consider working with a travel agent or tour company that specializes in vacation planning for people with physical limitations.
The right time for retirement travel
Seniors across Canada are having the time of their lives travelling, and there’s no time like the present to plan your next trip. Now that you’ve learned plenty of trip ideas and vacation strategies, the only question left is: Where will you go next?
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