Summer is officially in full swing, which means that it’s time for a much-needed escape from your everyday life. Whether that means heading away with your kiddos, a group of friends, or even on your own, summer is all about making the most of the nice weather and enjoying new experiences. If you’re in the mood to visit a new metropolitan city, we highly recommend picking a destination that doesn’t require a car. Leave the keys and added expenses at home by choosing a city with excellent public transportation, access to other modes of transportation like bicycles, or can be explored on foot. If you’re ready for a much-needed getaway, read on to learn about our favourite Canadian cities to visit that don’t require a car rental.
See also: A 200 km/h Train Route Is Connecting Multiple Canadian Cities
Vancouver
Suppose you find yourself on the west coast. In that case, Vancouver is a great spot to visit because not only is it easily one of the most beautiful cities in the country and arguably in the world, it’s also easily accessible. Visitors can take advantage of public transit, including busses, the SkyTrain, and the SeaBus, which is a passenger ferry that crosses the Burrard Inlet and connects downtown to North Vancouver. Visitors can also explore Vancouver by using the Mobi Bike Share, which has hundreds of docking stations located throughout the city.
Calgary
If you’re looking for a city where you won’t have to rely on public transit, look no further than Calgary. The downtown core of Calgary is very walkable, and there are signs to help guide you to attractions, restaurants, shopping centres, and public art. The sidewalks in Calgary are also very wide, allowing pedestrians to explore the city at ease. You can also explore Calgary by bike, as there are easy-to-use bicycle rentals located throughout the city.
Toronto
Despite being the largest city in the country, Toronto is surprisingly really easy to navigate thanks to its public transit system. All major downtown attractions and neighbourhoods are accessible by bus, streetcars, and the subway, while the waterfront can be explored by bike. If you want to head to the Toronto Islands, the ferry ride is quick, and passengers can enjoy the incredible skyline views as they cruise across Lake Ontario. Plus, if you’re looking to explore outside of the city, GO Transit departs from downtown and stretches from Brantford and Kitchener in the west to Newcastle and Peterborough in the east, and from Barrie in the north to Niagara Falls in the south.
Hamilton
Located just over an hour west of Toronto, Hamilton is a vibrant city that’s waiting to be discovered. Hailed as the waterfall capital of the world, Hamilton is home to more than 100 waterfalls within city limits, with some as close as ten minutes away from the downtown core. Some of the falls are easier to get to than others — and there are guided tours, self-guided tours, and cycling routes to them. Additionally, Hamilton is a cycling-friendly destination with hundreds of bike trails to explore. From converted rail trails to paved waterfront trails to city street bike paths, there are biking opportunities for every skill level.
Montreal
Montreal is easily one of the cities where you can spend a few days living like a local rather than a tourist. The city is home to amazing cafes and restaurants, outdoor music, urban architecture, sprawling mountain ranges, and some of the oldest districts in the country, which means that there are endless things to do and see. Whether you prefer travelling by bus, the Metro, bike, or foot, Montreal is incredibly accessible and unique adventures and experiences are all within distance.
Winnipeg
When it comes to touring Canada, Winnipeg is a city that is often overlooked, but it really shouldn’t be. But what’s great about this city is that it’s easy to experience all it has to offer in just a couple of days, which makes it great for a weekend getaway. From visiting the art galleries and the Royal Canadian Mint to the museums and The Forks, there’s a lot to experience and it can all be done by public transit. Winnipeg Transit currently operates 84 fixed routes throughout the city, making it incredibly easy to experience all that the city has to offer.
Featured Image: Niamat Ullah
