Travel in Canada often brings to mind iconic landmarks like Niagara Falls, Banff, or historic Old Quebec. But what about those hidden, out‑of‑the‑way gems that don’t always make the postcards? There’s something special about uncovering a quirky museum, a charming little theatre tucked in a side street, or an immersive experience that locals rave about but most tourists don’t even know exists. Travellers who venture off the beaten path sometimes find the most memorable stories, laughs, and a deeper connection to Canadian culture. Let’s explore some fresh and fun ways to discover entertainment beyond the usual travel stops.

Dawson City, Yukon

Gold-rush charm meets quirky nightlife in Dawson. Brave the legendary Sourtoe Cocktail at the Sourdough Saloon (yes, there’s a real, preserved toe in the glass) and earn your club certificate if your lips “touch the toe.” Then catch the can-can at Diamond Tooth Gerties, Canada’s first licensed gambling hall, still running Klondike-era style shows. Daylight left? Drive the Dempster Highway to Tombstone Territorial Park for tundra hikes like the rugged Grizzly Lake Trail. Check conditions at the Interpretive Centre first. This town blends history, oddball traditions, and wild landscapes in a way you won’t forget.

Haida Gwaii, British Columbia

If you want culture and wilderness woven together, sail or fly to Haida Gwaii. Start at the Haida Heritage Centre at Ḵay ’Llnagaay to learn living traditions through art, language, and stories. With a guided operator, venture into Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Marine Conservation Area, co-managed by Parks Canada and the Haida Nation, where monumental poles and village sites sit within temperate rainforest and rich seas. This is a place to slow down, respect protocols, and listen. The best visits feel like a conversation with the land and its people, not a checklist.

Churchill, Manitoba

Churchill is proof that “remote” can be wildly entertaining. In summer, thousands of playful belugas crowd the Churchill River; fall brings iconic polar bear viewing; winter skies blaze with northern lights. Add in town stops like the Itsanitaq Museum and mural walks (many painted during the 2016 SeaWalls project), and you’ve got a full day before you even touch the tundra. Local lodge and tour outfits knit it together so you’re not guessing seasons or safety. It’s nature’s theatre, year-round. Plan timing to match the wildlife you want to see.

Takhini Hot Springs Corridor, near Whitehorse (Yukon)

North of Whitehorse, spend a slow day moving between the Yukon Wildlife Preserve (think muskox, lynx, wood bison in big natural habitats) and a long soak at Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs, the modern successor to the old Takhini pools. Come winter, it’s steam-cloud views; in shoulder seasons, add the Beringia and SS Klondike exhibits in town. Mid-evening, some travellers unwind online. Fitting the northern vibe, Grizzly’s Quest Casino markets a wilderness-themed, Canadian-facing game library (2,000+ titles per reviews), which explains why it pops up in Yukon trip chats. Choice is yours; the corridor already delivers plenty offline.

Sandon, British Columbia

Tucked between New Denver and Kaslo, Sandon is a photogenic ghost town with a surprisingly nerdy twist: a national collection of vintage Canadian-Car Brill trolley buses lined up like a time capsule. Wander the museum displays, peek at restored units, and then track the story of how several Vancouver Brills were hauled here decades ago. The town’s still powered by the historic Silversmith hydro station, in operation since the 1890s. It’s a great detour if you love industrial history, mountain backroads, and beautifully weathered metal.

Fogo Island, Newfoundland & Labrador

Fogo is the definition of “off the usual route.” Walk barrens and berry trails, watch spring-to-early-summer icebergs drift past (“Iceberg Alley”), and drop into community gigs or studio tours tied to Fogo Island Arts. If you splurge on the acclaimed Fogo Island Inn, know that its surplus is reinvested locally through the Shorefast charity. Your stay supports the island. This is a place for sea light, wooden stages, and conversations with neighbours who’ve lived the stories you’ll remember. It’s a gentle adventure, powered by culture and co

Finding Entertainment Beyond the Usual Travel Stops