Discover the Charm of Canada: A Journey Beyond the Border
Canada is a beauty that offers a unique blend of convenience and adventure. With a simple drive north from New York City, you can embark on an international journey that is both exciting and accessible. The question is, where to go? Look no further, as we have some classic destination dupes that escape the crowds of summer hotspots on this side of the border.
Exchange the North Fork for Niagara-on-the-Lake
Travel time from NYC: About seven hours.
Mood: Small town Victoriana.
What to expect: This charming, retrofitted small town is anchored in one of Canada’s best wine regions and boasts a stunning waterfront. With over 100 wineries to choose from, you can indulge in cool climate varieties, including ice wine. Visit the Shaw Festival, which draws a quarter of a million people every year, and enjoy a highlight of 2025: Cole Porter’s classic "Anything Goes".
Where to stay: Experience the city’s Maximistic mood by spending the night in the historic Prince of Wales Hotel, with its wooden walls and crowded chairs. Alternatively, choose the Riverfront Harbor House Hotel, which features an excellent spa.
What to do: Book a tour of the vineyards to really indulge in the wine experience. Visit the Shaw Festival and enjoy the town’s charming atmosphere.
Where to eat and drink: Savor a Canadian butter cake at the Home Bakery in Niagara. Try the three-course dinner with or without wine pairing, starting at $84 per person.
I need to know: Niagara-on-the-Lake is home to the oldest golf club in North America, a nine-hole course on the banks of Lake Ontario, which is accessible to the public for a fee.
Exchange the Adirondacks for the Laurentian
Travel time from NYC: About nine hours.
Mood: Live Canuck land.
What to expect: This winter ski destination is just as appealing in summer and autumn, with over 16 parks and reserves in the region. Enjoy rolling hills, thousands of freshwater lakes, and cozy log cabin chalets.
Where to stay: Choose from seven minimalist A-frame cabins at Tremble, embedded in a 135-hectare forest, or stay at the Nordic farm on the property for a Locavale experience.
What to do: Bike a section of the 140-mile train-train line track or drive to the Mont Tremblant ski area, which features bike paths outside the ski season. Visit Parc National du Mont-Tremblant, ideal for hiking amidst rare silver maples and red oaks.
Where to eat and drink: Enjoy breakfast or lunch at the 80-year-old Diner, Au Petit Poucet, which serves Quebececois specialties. Spend a summer evening on the terrace at the Archibald microbrewery.
I need to know: The Laurentian summits have a much lower average elevation than the Adirondacks, making them suitable for families and amateur outdoor enthusiasts. Try a beginner route on Via Ferrata du Diable.
Exchange Cape Cod for St. Andrews-by-the-Sea
Travel time from NYC: Eight and a half hours to Calais, Maine, then 20 minutes across the border.
Mood: Newer New England.
What to expect: This old country has maintained its appearance as a British colonial settlement from the 18th century, with many buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Where to stay: Most rooms at The Treadwell Inn have private balconies, ideal for watching the bay. Alternatively, try the resort-like Algonquin, with its Mock Tudor design inspired by Stephen King’s Overlook Hotel.
What to do: Take a whale watch cruise from June to October or stroll along Water Street, lined with gift shops. Visit the carefully restored octagonal Pendlebury Lighthouse, which dates back to the 1830s. Enjoy excellent golfing at one of the many courses nearby, including an award-winning one at Algonquin.
Where to eat and drink: Savor seafood chowder or a grilled cheese sandwich at the Niger Reef Tea House. Compare the recipe with the same chowder at The Gables.
I need to know: The water here rises and falls dramatically, with a big difference between high and low tide. The unique shape of Passamaquoddy Bay and the tidal response means the water falls 28 feet twice a day.
Exchange the Hamptons for Prince Edward County, Ontario
Drive time from NYC: About seven and a half hours.
Mood: Ahorn syrup meets Norman Rockwell.
What to expect: Think of the eastern end of the 1960s or 70s, an artistic enclave where the main attractions are vineyards, craft breweries, and high-end economy shops.
Where to stay: Experience the area’s energy at The Drake Hotel, a hipster hub that brought new life to the area. Alternatively, try a cottage at the Lake on the Mountain Resort.
What to do: Visit the beaches at Sandbank Provincial Park, but be sure to book a daily reservation in advance. The best family beach is Outlet, while Lakeshore is less crowded. The famous dunes are, of course, on Dunes Beach.
Where to eat and drink: Shuck fresh oysters at The Lake on the Mountain and try some natural wines at Stella’s restaurant. Be sure to plan a wine tasting tour and check the website of the Prince Edward County Winegrowers Association for the best route.
I need to know: The beaches here can be more rocky than universally sandy, as they are on a lake. Bring waterproof shoes to ensure a comfortable visit.
