10 Iconic Canadian Sites to Visit This Summer

Photo courtesy of King's Landing Historical Settlement Facebook page

Summer is a time for grand adventures and out of this world exploration. Whether your plans include a round-the-world sojourn or a more-thrifty approach, there’s always time to add in a little local exploring.

Sure the economy is a bit of a challenge, but there are still excellent values to be found. According to the latest Hotel Price Index (HPI) from Hotels.com, in nearly half of Canada’s most popular destinations, hotel rate increases clocked in at less than 10 per cent.

Not only is a domestic trip good for the economy, the vastness of Canada means that its almost certain that there’s something out there, you’ve never seen before.

"I think that sometimes Canadians take for granted what a big and beautiful country this is," said Taylor L. Cole, APR, travel expert at Hotels.com. "When summer comes, it's the perfect time to take off…and explore all the great things Canada has to offer."

So, if you’re looking to stir up a little patriotic pride this summer, the experts at Hotels.com have compiled a list of some of the most iconic—and ironic—destinations in Canada. If you act quickly, you can take advantage of the Canada Day Sale at Hotels.com to save up to 50 per cent at select hotels in Canada.

Canada's First Tim Hortons Donut Shop (Hamilton, Ontario)
Yes, yes, you see Tim Hortons at every rest area in Canada, and a couple dozen times in between, but have you been to the original location in Hamilton, Ontario? When the shop first opened in 1964 at the corner of Ottawa and Dunsmure, you could buy a coffee and a donut for 10 cents each. Average 2015 HPI rate in Hamilton: $137

The World's Largest Beaver (Beaverlodge, Alberta)
You probably won’t find Parka—the mascot for Parks Canada—residing in Beaverlodge, but the tiny town is home to the world's largest beaver statue, a loving tribute to Canada's national rodent. Average 2015 HPI rate in Grande Prairie: $148

The Birthplace of Hockey (Montreal, Quebec)
Don’t listen to Grandpa Bob, hockey was not invented on the small pond where played with his friends. In fact, the first indoor hockey game played with written rules was held in Montreal, at the Victoria Skating Rink in 1875. The original rink is gone (now it’s a parking garage), but hockey fans celebrate its spirit with a tour the Bell Centre, home of the Montreal Canadiens. Average 2015 HPI rate in Montreal: $160

The RCMP Academy (Regina, Saskatchewan)
Since 1885, every single Mountie to wear the Red Serge has received basic training at the RCMP Academy, Depot Division, in Regina. Visitors can enjoy the daily parades as well as the Sunset-Retreat ceremony every week during the summer months. Also be sure to tour the RCMP Heritage. Average 2015 HPI rate in Regina: $139

Home of Two of the Greatest Canadians (Kingston, Ontario)
Both John A. MacDonald, Canada's first prime minister and hockey commentator Don Cherry were voted among the 10 Greatest Canadians of all time by fans of the CBC. More importantly, they both once lived in Kingston, Ontario. The city, located mid-way between Toronto and Montreal, was also Canada's first national capital. Average 2015 HPI rate in Kingston: $142

Fathers of Confederation (Charlottetown, PEI)
No war for independence marks Canada’s history. Instead politicians and adventurers forged the history of our land. In advance of Canada150, steep yourself in history at Province House National Historic Site in Charlottetown and brush up on the forming of Canada. Average 2015 HPI rate in Charlottetown: $158

Polar Bear Capital of the World (Churchill, Manitoba)
During the summer months, polar bears congregate along Canadian shores, in particular those found in Churchill. Here, visitors can still see these powerful creatures in the wild. Average 2015 HPI rate in Winnipeg: $136

Canadian Canoe Museum (Peterborough, Ontario)
At the Canadian Canoe Museum you’ll learn how the First Nations used this watercraft to chart our vast nation and open it up for trade. Perhaps the canoe’s historical significance also explains why it has become a veritable most at most cottage lakes across the country. Average 2015 HPI rate in Toronto: $155

Maple Syrup (King's Landing Historical Settlement, New Brunswick)
When life hands you maple leaves, make maple syrup. Although Quebec and Ontario are Canada's biggest suppliers of maple syrup, New Brunswick also has a storied tradition of spring visits to the sugarbush. Re-enact the experience at King's Landing Historical Settlement, a recreation of a 19th-century village. Average 2015 HPI rate in Fredericton: $135

First Nations Culture (Whistler, BC)
Explore the history and culture of the original Canadians. A visit to the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre highlights the heritage of the Squamish and Lil'wat aboriginal people.  Average 2015 HPI hotel rate in Whistler: $215

Planning your own quirky road trip? Be sure to tag your experiences #ObviouslyCanada to join the conversation.