For those looking to plan some well-deserved time off this year, a world-class thermal spa in the heart of the mountains and a design-forward island escape a few hours from Toronto are officially putting our very own backyard on the global map for 2026.
According to the travel experts at Time Out, two Canadian gems have landed a coveted spot on the list of the best places to travel in the world this year. With recommendations spanning the globe from South Africa to Australia, it’s an honour to make the list among 19 fantastic destinations.
Up first on the list, the editors highlight the Canadian Rockies in Alberta. If the towering peaks of the Rockies weren’t enough of a draw, a stunning new wellness destination is making Lake Louise the ultimate place to reset. BASIN Glacial Waters recently opened its doors, offering a chic, modern take on thermal bathing.
Designed by the world-renowned Matteo Thun, the spa features a Finnish sauna where you can experience traditional Scandinavian rituals – complete with incense and snowballs, all while looking out at the vivid blue waters of the lake. For the ultimate arrival, travelers are ditching the car and taking the Passage to the Peaks route on the Rocky Mountaineer, widely considered one of the best train journeys on the planet.
In 17th place, Ontario’s own Prince Edward County makes its case. Often described as the “Hamptons of the North,” Prince Edward County (or “The County” to locals) is shedding its quiet cottage reputation for something much more sophisticated. Located midway between Toronto and Montreal, this region is famous for the white-sand dunes of Sandbanks Provincial Park and water so turquoise you’ll forget you’re in Ontario.
Also recently highlighted by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the world’s top food destinations for 2026, Time Out calls “The County” a haven for design-lovers, thanks to trendy stays like Wander the Resort and the iconic Drake Devonshire. Beyond the aesthetics, the food and drink scene is booming. With over 40 local wineries producing stellar sips that rarely leave the province, it’s the perfect spot for a weekend of vineyard hopping and farm-to-table dining.
Their complete list of 19 of the best places to travel in 2026 include:
- The Canadian Rockies
- Rabat, Morocco
- Algodões, Bahia, Brazil
- Hamburg, Germany
- Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand
- Mendoza, Argentina
- Cirencester, England
- Central Vietnam
- Nepal
- Favignana, Sicily
- Gothenburg, Sweden
- Oaxaca, Mexico
- Rottnest Island, Australia
- Durban, South Africa
- Saint Helena Island
- Barra dos Remédios, Ceará, Brazil
- Prince Edward County, Canada
- Norfolk Island, South Pacific
- Hong Kong
Whether you’re looking to soak in glacial waters or sip small-batch wines by the beach, these homegrown destinations are proving you don’t need a passport for a five-star adventure. You can read more on the full report here.