How do you determine which destinations are the most loved in Canada? We all have different preferences—some may prefer a city with immersive historical attractions and tours, while others might gravitate toward a small town surrounded by outdoor experiences—so labelling a location as “most loved” can be somewhat arbitrary.
Until now.
The Tourism Sentiment Index (TSI) uses one-of-a-kind technology to provide Destination Marketing Organizations (DMO) with an accurate representation of how people feel about destinations around the world. Using powerful artificial intelligence, TSI sifts through thousands of online conversations and tourism-related content to generate a Tourism Sentiment Score®, giving DMOs a clear picture of how loved their destinations are.
In 2021, for the first time ever, TSI ranked the 100 most loved travel destinations around the world. The results were based on word-of-mouth data online, providing a completely unbiased and unprompted list. Five Canadian destinations were featured on that list, so let’s take a look at which ones are considered to be the most loved around the world.
Shuswap, British Columbia
Ranked number 99 on the list, with a Tourism Sentiment Score® of 23.55, is the Shuswap region in British Columbia. Named after Shuswap Lake, this enchanting region is located in the heart of the traditional territories of the Secwepemc First Nations. The Shuswap is considered a gathering place, labelled “Beautiful. Casual. Down-to-Earth.” It’s made up of eight distinct communities—Chase, North Shuswap, Salmon Arm, South Shuswap, Enderby, Falkland & Area, Sicamous & Eagle Valley, and Armstrong & Spallumcheen—with each offering a combination of meaningful experiences worth celebrating.
Every day is an adventure in the Shuswap, and there’s something new to discover at every turn. It’s a year-round destination that invites you to explore its rivers and valleys, mountains and meadows, and its beaches, parks, and trails.
Here are some top activities in the Shuswap:
- cycle the countryside before exploring a local vineyard;
- enjoy a pint and painting at a local pub;
- paddle across glass-flat, crystal-clear water;
- pitch a tent in the wilderness; or
- take a hike to a hot spring.
But don’t stop there. Get to know the farmers, producers, and shop owners in the region, and treat yourself to one-of-a-kind finds made by local artisans and crafters. Top it all off by immersing yourself in the sounds and stories from the region’s collection of musicians, storytellers, and actors.
For housing, be sure to search each Shuswap community on REALTOR.ca for the most up-to-date listings. Currently, there are a variety of options to choose from—prices range from about $119,900 for a vacant lot to $599,000 for a three-bedroom single family home to more than $1.3 million for a five-bedroom estate.
Canmore, Alberta
Next up is Canmore, Alberta—ranked number 97 on the list with a Tourism Sentiment Score® of 23.59. Backed by the mountain peaks of the iconic Three Sisters, Canmore is a destination where you’ll find nature and nurture in one scenic spot. This urban mountain town offers the best of the Bow Valley, known for both its outdoor adventures and rejuvenating experiences. It’s situated in southern Alberta close to the border of British Columbia, is only 22 kilometres west of Banff’s town centre, and is about 100km west of Calgary. It’s no wonder Canmore hosted all of the Nordic events during the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics!
Canmore is a charming four-seasons playground full of personality. Get your thrills fat biking, skiing, or dog sledding in the winter; enjoy hiking and camping in the summer (or whenever!); and go exploring underground with Canmore Cave Tours. Cosy up with a good book found at the town’s indie bookstore, Café Books—or discover literature, art, swimming, and rock climbing under one roof at Elevation Place. For food and drink, Canmore caters to all kinds of tastes. Be sure to visit The Sensory for a peak-to-plate dining experience like no other, where you’re treated to panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains and a culinary exploration of the Bow Valley.
The real estate market in Canmore offers opportunities for homeownership and apartment rentals. Here are some price ranges, depending on the type of unit you’re looking for, from spring 2022:
- Apartment—from $335,000 up to $1.4 million
- Townhouse—from $519,000 up to $1.9 million
- Detached home—$1.3 million up to $5.5 million
Kelowna, British Columbia
Following Canmore is Kelowna, British Columbia, coming in at number 96 on the list, with a Tourism Sentiment Score® of 23.60. Kelowna is a picturesque destination to savour the scenery of the Okanagan Valley. Tucked along the eastern shore of Okanagan Lake, this most-loved Canadian city is favoured by generations young and old. It appeals to those seeking year-round outdoor fun, as well as golfers, foodies, and wine enthusiasts.
Discover an abundance of wineries within a 15 kilometre radius of the city and drink in the incredible vistas and vintages—or attend one of the Okanagan Wine Festivals held each season. Hit the links at one of the many golf courses and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, including the aforementioned vineyards, or connect with nature while you hike through the trails around Knox Mountain. Bike from one end of the city to the other between spring and fall, and in the winter, check out the famous Big White Ski Resort, Canada’s largest ski-in/ski-out resort village located nearby. For dining, shopping, nightlife, and cultural experiences, downtown is the place to be, while Kettle Valley and Upper Mission are two of the most sought-after communities to call home.
If you’re looking for a place to live in Kelowna, REALTOR.ca is a good place to start. There are plenty of listings to choose from, with prices ranging from the high $200s to multi-million dollar properties and everywhere in between. To find the perfect home for you and your family, working with a professional REALTOR® helps to narrow your search.
Mississauga, Ontario
Mississauga, Ontario's position might surprise you, achieving a Tourism Sentiment Score® of 27.58 and landing at number 42 on the list (higher than places like Dubai and Montego Bay, Jamaica), but when you consider its proximity to Toronto, along with its inclusion in the Greater Toronto Area, the ranking is justified. It’s truly a multi-faceted destination. It’s far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the province’s capital, yet close enough to enjoy everything it has to offer—there are a number of scenic adventures, exciting attractions, and unique experiences found in Mississauga, too. Plus, it has its own personality that helps set itself apart from Toronto, like the lakeside community of Port Credit where you’ll find picturesque views and bustling village charm.
Location is everything when it comes to tourism, and Mississauga is ideally situated for visitors looking to experience a variety of single- and multi-day trips.
- It’s about 30 kilometres from Downtown Toronto;
- only an hour’s drive away from Niagara Falls (about 120 kilometres); and
- less than 130 kilometres from the United States border.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Mississauga is bursting with parks and trails just waiting to be explored. Nestled along the shores of Lake Ontario, the city offers the perfect backdrop for walking, jogging, and biking with endless sights of the waterfront. There’s no shortage of family-friendly activities—like bouncing on the trampolines at Air Riderz Adventures—and dozens of tours and attractions to enjoy. Find history and culture at one of the many museums and galleries throughout the city, and discover exciting entertainment day and night.
For shopping, Square One Shopping Mall has everything you need—from big box stores, to a food court filled with local artisan fare, to a space dedicated to sports, gaming, and live entertainment. And when it comes to food and drink, Mississauga is no slouch, offering a number of breweries, restaurants, and bakeries.
To some, Mississauga is known as the “City of Villages,” since there are several different communities to call home. A REALTOR® in the area will help you determine which neighbourhood is right for your individual needs. They’ll also make sure you get the most out of your budget—currently, there are a variety of listings on REALTOR.ca ranging in price.
Richmond, British Columbia
The final most loved Canadian destination is Richmond, British Columbia, featured at number 34 with a Tourism Sentiment Score® of 28.30. Located on Lulu Island, 16 kilometres from downtown Vancouver and the United States border, Richmond is connected and convenient. It’s home to the Vancouver International Airport and the largest commercial fishing harbour in the country. But don’t worry, the city offers more than just fishy business. As the fourth most populous city in the province, unexpected riches are found around every corner.
In Richmond, Asian-influenced cuisine is the talk of the city. Discover more than 400 restaurants and a world-renowned night market inspired by the Far East—every weekend from May to October, more than 120 vendors participate in the Richmond Night Market, making it the largest of its kind in North America. Still hungry? Take your tastebuds down the Dumpling Trail, where more than 20 eateries deliver an authentically delicious experience as part of “12 of the world’s most enticing food and drink trails.”
There’s a burgeoning creative community in Richmond, too, giving you the chance to get your fill of art and culture. It’s home to three Hong Kong-style shopping malls, while nature lovers have the opportunity to explore 80 kilometres of hiking trails and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. If you’re a history buff, a visit to The Rox, Canada’s only Olympic museum, is an absolute must.
As part of Metro Vancouver, real estate prices in Richmond are as follows:
- detached homes start at more than $900,000;
- two-bedroom townhouses begin at $588,000, and
- one-bedroom apartments with less than 700-square feet start at $195,000.
However, if you’re ready to make the investment, Richmond is a great choice for home buyers in search of a charming coastal city to call home. If you’re just looking for a place to visit, remember, it’s the 34th most loved travel destination in the world.
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