Where Hollywood’s biggest stars go to vacation in Canada

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With so many beautiful places to visit around the world, it’s easy to overlook the spectacular vacation destinations we have right here in Canada. Over the years, some of Hollywood’s biggest names have fallen for the country’s sparkling lakes, majestic mountains and rugged coastlines, regularly escaping to our charming small towns for a reprieve from the bright lights of Los Angeles.

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Whether you’re already planning your next Canadian getaway or simply looking for travel inspiration this summer, these five celebrity-approved destinations prove you don’t need to leave the country to experience a world-class vacation. Because if they’re good enough for Prince Harry and the Beckham family, they’re certainly good enough for the rest of us. 

Muskoka

Perhaps one of the most popular Canadian vacation spots among A-listers, Muskoka — a picturesque region located about two hours north of Toronto and the epitome of Ontario cottage country — has long been a summer hot spot for celebrities. 

Although they’ve since sold their home, Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell helped start the trend in 1996 when they purchased a waterfront property on Lake Rosseau. Since then, many Hollywood names have followed suit, including Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, as well as Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber, who have spent countless summers on Lake Joseph with their children. David and Victoria Beckham are also known to frequent the area, alongside other famous friends like Mark Wahlberg and Austin Butler.

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More recently, Muskoka became somewhat of a star in its own right after serving as the tranquil retreat for main characters Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov in the hit hockey drama Heated Rivalry. The stunning cottage featured in the show is even available for rent on Airbnb. 

Widely known as the “Hamptons of the North,” it’s certainly easy to see Muskoka’s appeal. With more than 1,500 picturesque lakes scattered throughout the region and gorgeous waterfront cottages dotting shorelines, Muskoka has more than just breathtaking scenery going for it. Visitors will also find charming towns — including Bracebridge, Bala and Port Carling — with impressive restaurants, independent boutiques, and endless ways to enjoy the outdoors. 

Whistler

From actors and comedians to members of the Royal Family, British Columbia’s majestic mountain town of Whistler has been welcoming household names for decades.

Prince Harry has visited the world-renowned resort town on numerous occasions, first when he was a young boy with his father, King Charles III, and brother, Prince William, and more recently with his wife, Meghan Markle, when the couple hosted the 2025 Invictus Games in B.C. The Beckham family are also known for their winter holidays in Whistler, as is comedian Chelsea Handler, who owns a ski-in/ski-out chalet. How I Met Your Mother star Cobie Smulders is also a fan of the area, and recently told Architectural Digest that she would vacation there “as much as possible” growing up. Now, she has her own family cabin somewhere in B.C., which she described as her piece of “heaven.”

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While lots of stars flock to Whistler for its world-class skiing and snowboarding, the mountain town has plenty to offer in the summer, too. Visitors can cool off with a swim in one of its many crystal-clear lakes — Green Lake, home to the postcard-worthy Nicklaus North Golf Course, is one of the most refreshing thanks to its glacier-fed waters, while Alta Lake is the warmest to swim in. Once the snow melts, Whistler and Blackcomb mountains become an ideal playground for mountain bikers and hikers, while the pedestrian-friendly Village buzzes with sunny patios, shops and seasonal festivals.

There’s also no shortage of acclaimed restaurants, including the stylish seafood restaurant Wild Blue, which was named one of North America’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2026, and the intimate Rimrock Cafe, which has welcomed everyone from Charlize Theron and Heidi Klum to the Beckhams. 

Banff

In 2025, when Justin and Hailey Bieber celebrated their seventh wedding anniversary at Lake Louise in Alberta’s Banff National Park, they painted the Rocky Mountain destination as the ultimate romantic retreat. But the Biebers weren’t the first celebrity couple to fall for the area’s breathtaking landscape. The year prior, Breaking Bad star Bryan Cranston visited Banff with his wife, Robin Dearden, for their 35th wedding anniversary, describing the scenery as “stupidly gorgeous” on Instagram.

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The couple stayed at the castle-like Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise before checking into the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs — the latter of which Cranston said “could be mistaken for a location in a Harry Potter movie.”

Described by Cranston as “a huge valley of extraordinary vistas and endless outdoor activities,” Banff is an adventure lover’s dream. Visitors can hike hundreds of scenic trails, paddle turquoise lakes, including the famously photographed Moraine Lake, or simply sit on a patio in the charming town of Banff, home to excellent eateries, boutiques, galleries and mountain views. And, just a 20-minute drive east you’ll find the neighbouring Canmore, which offers another unforgettable mountain escape with perfect views of the famous Three Sisters peaks. The town has also earned celebrity approval, with The Last of Us star Pedro Pascal having described it as a “magical little town” during an interview with MobileSyrup.

Tofino

Located on the rugged West Coast of Vancouver Island, Tofino is perhaps the most under-the-radar vacation destination on this list. The laid-back surf town almost feels like one of those “if you know, you know” places, beloved for its beautiful beaches, ancient rainforests and relaxing atmosphere. While it might not attract the same volume of celebrities as, say, Muskoka, it has quietly welcomed its share of famous faces over the years, including Lady Gaga. The movie and music star reportedly vacationed at the private waterfront estate of the owner of the iconic Wickaninnish Inn, a luxury oceanside retreat that has also hosted stars including Jack Black, Uma Thurman and Susan Sarandon.

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Neil Patrick Harris, meanwhile, sang Tofino’s praises after visiting with his husband, David Burtka, for their 12th wedding anniversary in 2016, describing the destination as “so scenic and romantic” to the New York Times. Highlights from their trip included walks on the beach and dinner at the acclaimed Wolf in the Fog.

Of course, Canadian-born stars know Tofino’s magic, too. Ryan Reynolds reportedly married his former wife Scarlett Johansson at the remote Clayoquot Wilderness Resort nearby, where James Marsden spent time this summer. Meanwhile, Alberta-born singer-songwriter Jann Arden also recently enjoyed a highly-documented trip to Tofino alongside Chelsea Handler. 

Mont Tremblant

Situated less than two hours outside of Montreal, Mont Tremblant is nestled within Quebec’s Laurentian Mountains, where lush forests and sparkling lakes transform with each passing season, making it a picture-perfect escape no matter the time of year you visit. 

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Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones would agree. The A-listers purchased a waterfront property on Lac Desmarais in 2005 after falling in love with the area during a holiday, per The Globe and Mail. 

In the winter, visitors can enjoy more than 100 ski trails, embark on guided snowshoe adventures or simply stroll the colourful pedestrian village lined with cafés, boutiques and après-ski spots. Summer offers a different kind of getaway, packed with crystal-clear lakes perfect for swimming and boating, award-winning golf courses and panoramic gondola rides. Fall, meanwhile, may be the most magical time to visit, when the crowds get quieter and the Laurentian landscape comes alive with autumn colours of red, orange and gold. 

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