Some holidays are about ticking boxes. Others – like my trip through Canada – are about taking your time, connecting deeply, and letting a place change you.
From the rugged West Coast to the refined charm of Ontario, I travelled through cities and wilderness, mountains and markets, Indigenous heritage sites and luxury hotels. And what I found wasn’t just scenery. It was stillness, laughter, connection, and a kind of magic you only feel when you stop rushing and start noticing. Not ‘just’ a holiday. But a reminder of why we travel in the first place.
Slow travel isn’t about doing less. It’s about doing things more meaningfully. It’s staying longer in one place. Tasting the food slowly. Meeting locals. Taking in nature with no pressure to move on too quickly.
It’s immersive. Personal. And it lets the experience unfold, rather than be squeezed into an itinerary.
My Slow Journey Across Canada
West Coast & The Rockies: Nature That Moves You
It started in Vancouver, with a Starbucks in hand, watching the sunrise light up the harbour. There was a gentleness in how the city woke up. It felt like Canada was already easing me into a different pace of travel.
That sense of awe deepened at the Grouse Mountain Bear Refuge, meeting Grinder and Coola, two rescued grizzlies. Seeing them in their alpine sanctuary, safe and free, was unexpectedly emotional.
Then came the Rocky Mountaineer, a journey that redefined what travel can be. Picture white-linen dining while snow-capped peaks glide past. Space to write, reflect, and just stare out the window with no need to be anywhere but there.
As we rolled into Kamloops and then Jasper, the pace stayed soft and unhurried. In Banff, I faced my fear of heights on the gondola and walked away with a quiet sense of triumph.
But one of the most moving experiences came at Quaaout Lodge, where we sat with a First Nations guide in a traditional dugout, listening to stories around a fire. Not so much a show. More like sharing stories. Grounding. Sacred. Unforgettable.
Quaaout Lodge
Ontario’s Culture, Comfort and Connection
I explored four Ontario gems: Niagara Falls, Toronto, Kingston and Ottawa. Each was distinctive, but all suited the rhythm of slow, experiential travel beautifully.
Niagara Falls
Staying at the Sheraton Fallsview, I fell asleep to the roar of the water and woke up to misty sunrises. My top picks, you ask?
- The Journey Behind the Falls. A thunderous, immersive descent that makes you feel the power of nature, not just see it.
- A quiet morning stroll through Niagara-on-the-Lake, with boutiques and Christmas shops that could belong in a European village.
- Wine tasting at Reif Estate Winery, where the Ice Wine was only topped by the storytelling of the staff.
Toronto
Toronto was sleek and stylish—but never rushed. I stayed at the Sheraton Centre, centrally located and surprisingly serene. I recommend:
- A walking tour with Craig, a blind guide and former journalist, who opened the city to me in ways Google never could.
- Dinner at 360 Restaurant at the top of the CN Tower felt indulgent, but calming, with panoramic views and wine that never ran dry.
- A spontaneous visit to Chef’s Hall during a Rocky Horror Picture Show night turned into a hilarious, heartfelt memory.
Kingston & Ottawa
Kingston offered a touch of the unexpected. Trolley tours, ghost walks, and a helicopter ride over the 1000 Islands that took my breath away.
Ottawa, on the other hand, was delicious in every sense. The ByWard Market food tour was filled with rich stories, passionate vendors, and global flavours. Then there was Métropolitain Brasserie, home of the best elderflower margarita I’ve ever had.
A Brew Donkey craft beer tour rounded off the trip with laughter and shared stories, because slow travel doesn’t mean quiet. It means meaningful.
The Beauty of Going Slowly
When you slow down, you notice more.
- The way the light changes over a lake
- The quiet joy of eating at a restaurant with no need to rush
- The way locals tell their stories when you stay long enough to listen
- The strength you feel when you do something you didn’t think you could
These aren’t just memories. They’re emotional imprints. Travel moments that stay with you long after the suitcase is unpacked.
Who Is Slow Travel For?
Slow, experiential travel is perfect for:
Couples wanting to reconnect without pressure
Groups of friends ready for rich, shared moments
Mature travellers who value depth over speed
Anyone tired of “tourism” and hungry for real connections
Whether you’re seeking adventure with a side of meaning or a restorative escape that nurtures the soul, Canada delivers.
