9 ways to see nature close to Canadian cities

City mouse or country mouse? You don’t really have to decide. Canadian cities — Toronto, Vancouver, Montréal, Winnipeg, Calgary, Halifax — are right on the edge of nature. That means you can do the urban thing, and then head out to explore the countryside.

Toronto

Summer in Muskoka, Ontario's cottage country outside Toronto, is classic. But autumn, with its showy colours, is beautiful, too. Go behind the scenes at a heritage farm and learn about the cranberry bog-to-bottle process at Johnston's Cranberry Marsh. Add to that winemaking tips and tastings.

Victoria

Butchart Gardens in Victoria, B.C. is celebrated around the world for its floral displays. In 1904 Jenny Butchart transformed her husband's limestone quarry on Vancouver Island into six distinct gardens over 55 acres. Fans say the spectacular summertime blooms, music and fireworks shows are a must.

Whitehorse

In Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, minutes from town you’re in the wild. Nearby are hot springs at Takhini, rafting, paddling, biking and hiking. Use this rowdy territorial capital as your base for exploring the North on a flight-see. Hire an outfitter to take you horseback riding or dog mushing, then bunk down in a cabin to watch the Aurora Borealis light show.

Prince Edward Island

Rural P.E.I., Prince Edward Island, is about farming and maritime culture. Its gentle countryside is perfect for cycling. Kayak to places like the 1876 lighthouse in quaint North Rustico, a longtime fishing community with a quiet beach — also a beautiful drive from Cavendish. Bring a picnic and watch the boats come into the harbour.

Montréal

Lovely and pastoral, the rolling Laurentians are just north of Montr?al, Quebec. Sightsee the relaxing way on the Train of Le Massif de Charlevoix. For winter, there are 13 ski areas; for summer, biking, hiking, river rafting and paddling, or do a farm tour. Any time: dozens of spas, charming inns and cottages.

Halifax

Views have a capital V at Nova Scotia's Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Come in on the coastline Cabot Trail, then you'll hit the park, where steep cliffs and river canyons carve into a forested plateau. A guide can lead you along the signature Skyline Sunset Hike, where mountains dip 400 metres down to the sea. On the final boardwalk, it's 300 steps down to the water. Look for minke and pilot whales. Be sure to stay for sunset.

Rocky Mountains

Conveniently located between Alberta's largest cities, Banff and Jasper National Park have nature in abundance. Visit year round to see the changing landscape, including the golden palette of the larch trees in autumn. 

Edmonton

Edmonton, Alberta's North Saskatchewan River Valley is a "ribbon of green" winding through the city. First you can crawl the colossal 5.3-million-square-feet shopping and entertainment centre, West Edmonton Mall with 800 stores plus amusement park, then you can decompress in North America's largest urban parkland.

With 22 parks and 150 kilometres of trails over 7,400 hectares, the river valley is ideal for a run, walk, bike or cross-country ski. You can also take a scenic tour on the Queen Riverboat or learn about frontier history at Fort Edmonton Park.

Winnipeg

With 100,000-plus lakes, Manitoba is ideal for fishing (trout, northern pike). Cottage country around Lake Winnipeg is only an hour north of Winnipeg.