By Slowcations are the cure to the chaos by offering leisurely and immersive experiences that focus on quality over quantity. Canadian travellers can connect deeper with a destination by spending more time in a place, doing fewer things, and engaging more with the local culture.
The creative folks at tourism marketing agency DCI, have listed their top recommended slowcation spots. Their advice: don’t try to do it all, keep the slow in slowcation…
Barbados invites Canadians to trade packed itineraries for unhurried days and meaningful encounters. On the island's calm Caribbean coast, mornings can begin with a swim at Rockley Beach alongside local spearfisher Mario Howard, or a barefoot stroll to the Tiki Bar for fresh Bajan cherry juice. Afternoons can be spent exploring Historic Bridgetown's UNESCO-listed Garrison or browsing Hayman's Market, where artisans share the stories behind their handwoven baskets and rum cakes.
Barbados' deep connection to the land comes alive at Coco Hill Forest, a 66-acre regenerative project where visitors can walk shaded trails, plant native trees and take in sweeping Atlantic views. In Bathsheba, the eco-minded Eco Lifestyle & Lodge pairs ocean-view relaxation with farm-to-table dining and insider tips to hidden hikes.
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Meals here are moments to linger over from Velma's Place, where Saturday pudding and souse come with warm conversation, to the lively Oistins Fish Fry on Friday nights, where smoky marlin, tuk bands, and dancing stretch into the evening. And no slowcation is complete without savoring Barbados' rum heritage from touring Mount Gay, the world's oldest recorded rum distillery dating back to 1703, to hands-on blending sessions and guided tastings that reveal centuries of craftsmanship in every sip.
With English as the official language, direct flights from major Canadian cities, and year-round sunshine, Barbados is an ideal slowcation destination for travellers who want to savour, not rush.
Chan Chich Lodge, in the heart of the rainforest on an ancient Maya plaza, is an ecolodge that offers guided jungle walks, birdwatching, and archaeological immersion, perfect for slow, curious travellers. The Lodge at Chaa Creek is an award-winning eco-resort set in a nature reserve that emphasizes sustainability and education. Visitors can explore butterfly farms, natural medicine trails, Maya heritage, and farm-to-table dining. Francis Ford Coppola’s luxury eco-retreat, The Family Coppola Hideaway (Turtle-Inn), offers barefoot luxury with Belizean charm. From fishing to coral reef dives, it’s the ideal slowcation blend of elegance and adventure.
Visitors can immerse themselves in nature at the Community Baboon Sanctuary and experience howler monkeys up close while supporting a community-led conservation effort. The Hol Chan Marine Reserve & Shark Ray Alley invites travellers to snorkel among nurse sharks and rays in protected reef zones. Unlike crowded tourist destinations, Belize's reef excursions are small-group and conservation-focused.
For other immersive experiences, the Garifuna Cultural Immersion Tour offers cooking classes, drumming circles, or storytelling sessions with the Garifuna people, recognized by UNESCO for their cultural heritage. Living Maya Experience provides a hands-on visit to a traditional village, where you’ll help prepare a meal using ancestral tools and local ingredients. This intimate, guided experience offers a glimpse into a sustainable, community-centred way of life.
For Canadians seeking a city break steeped in character, history, and walkable charm, Boston offers the ideal blend of heritage and heart. It’s a place where cobblestone streets invite reflection, leafy parks encourage lingering, and every neighbourhood tells a story. With direct flights from major Canadian cities and compact, transit-friendly design, Boston is a slowcation-friendly destination where curiosity and culture go hand-in-hand.
Explore historic neighbourhoods like Beacon Hill, where gas-lit streets are lined with Federal-style row houses and ivy-covered brick. Acorn Street, often called the most photographed street in America, is especially charming for a quiet stroll. North End features Boston’s Little Italy and is best explored slowly. Pop into old-world bakeries for cannoli, sip espresso at a corner café, and listen to locals speak Italian on the stoops. Back Bay & Newbury Street has independent bookstores, boutique galleries, and cafés in this elegant 19th-century neighbourhood.
Slow down and immerse yourself in some culture at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Designed like a Venetian palace, this museum is filled with European, Asian, and American art collected with passion and purpose. The Boston Public Library offers one of the most peaceful indoor experiences in the city. Wander marble halls, admire murals by John Singer Sargent, or pause for tea in the tranquil courtyard. And the Boston Athenaeum offers quiet, reflective experiences for travellers intrigued by Boston’s intellectual and literary roots.
Outdoors, the Boston Public Garden & Common is part of the city’s green heart, while the Charles River Esplanade invites visitors to walk or cycle along the river with city skyline views. The Rose Kennedy Greenway is a mile-long series of connected parks with fountains, art installations, food trucks, and spaces to linger.
Stay at The Liberty Hotel, a former jail turned luxury boutique hotel, The Whitney Hotel in Beacon Hill offers a serene base for slow travellers while Irving House in Cambridge offers cozy rooms, locally sourced breakfast, and easy access to leafy walks and university museums.
In 2025, Chile continues to establish itself as one of the world’s premier destinations for slow, immersive travel. The enhanced Route of Parks of Patagonia connects 17 national parks through a 1,700-mile eco-tourism corridor, where travellers can spend days (or weeks!) trekking, kayaking, and staying in community-run lodges that foster cultural exchange and environmental stewardship. Visitors to the Atacama Desert can join stargazing retreats with indigenous astronomers, participate in traditional salt harvesting, or engage in multi-day wellness journeys that combine nature immersion with mindfulness.
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Chile's central regions also shine for slowcations. In Valparaíso, travellers can explore street art with local guides, learn mural techniques, and enjoy seafood feasts prepared in the homes of fishing families. The Casablanca Valley is home to biodynamic vineyards offering vineyard glamping, slow-food cooking workshops, and sensory wine tastings. In Santiago, slow travellers can join literary café circuits focused on Chilean poets or enroll in urban foraging tours that uncover native ingredients in local markets. Whether on a glacier hike or in a poetry reading, Chile is all about deep, meaningful engagement with land, people, and heritage.
Slowcations thrive in Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine District (OTR), where stopping and experiencing are key. There’s a reason 19th-century Germans didn’t keep moving after arriving here! Stroll the streets in search of microbreweries, take a tour of the unearthed beer tunnels, visit speakeasies and award-winning restaurants, and explore the aisles of Findlay Market, Ohio’s oldest public market, filled with delicious foods, spices, and wine.
Over at Union Terminal, slowcationers are in no rush to hop a train at this Art Deco marvel. Opened in 1933, the terminal was a final stop for soldiers and war brides following WWII and, most recently, was the backdrop in the latest Superman film. Spend an afternoon admiring the largest half dome in the western hemisphere, learning about the whispering fountains and examining the mosaics designed by Winold Reiss. There are also a trio of museums, an OMNIMAX Theatre and the Cincinnati History Library and Archives, all housed within the terminal’s historic walls.
Northern Kentucky invites travellers to discover what bourbon tasted like during prohibition and what the flavour profiles of a Gilded Age brandy might have been. Revival Vintage Bottle Shop & Bourbon Bar in Covington is the first vintage spirits bar to carry out-of-production and hard-to-find liquors. Sip slowly at the bar and let the experts guide you through a bottled history lesson coupled with tastings.
Continue at your pace along the B‑Line Bourbon Trail to explore Kentucky’s authentic bourbon scene in Covington and Newport. Tour the distilleries, meet with the masters at places like New Riff or Wenzel Whiskey and earn stamps on your tasting passport to get some B-line swag.
For Canadians looking to slow down without sacrificing colour, culture, or coastal beauty, Greater Miami offers more than just sunshine. Explore cultural districts like Little Havana. Take your time on Calle Ocho with a guided cultural tour or solo strolls through cigar shops, galleries, and domino parks. Learn the stories of Cuban migration, taste traditional dishes, and join a salsa lesson at Ball & Chain for an authentic, immersive experience. The Wynwood Arts District is best explored slowly on foot or by bike. The open-air museum of murals, artist studios, and concept cafés rewards curiosity. Join a street art tour or sip a cortado while sketching your surroundings. Historic Overtown was once the epicentre of Black culture in Miami, but it’s experiencing a creative renaissance. Slow travellers can explore its jazz legacy, heritage museums, and locally owned soul food spots through guided community tours.
Outdoors, Oleta River State Park offers kayaking through mangrove tunnels, shaded biking trails, and peaceful waterside picnic spots. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden boasts 80+ acres of exotic plants, butterfly habitats, and art installations.
A visit to The Standard Spa, Miami Beach, guarantees serenity with its adults-only spa offering hydrotherapy circuits, outdoor soaking tubs, and wellness classes in a lush, tropical setting. Sacred Space Miami, in the Wynwood area, offers meditation, energetic healing, and yoga experiences for travellers seeking deeper rejuvenation. Slow stays at The Palms Hotel & Spa reward visitors with a beachfront sanctuary, and Mr. C Coconut Grove overlooks Biscayne Bay and features Italian elegance.
In a world where travel often feels like a race against the clock, Monaco invites you to slow down. This tiny Mediterranean principality is famous for its glamour and Grand Prix thrills, but it’s equally magnetic for travellers seeking to slow down and savor life at a different pace. Imagine:
Lingering breakfasts on sun-drenched terraces overlooking the Port of Monaco. You don’t want to miss the one-of-a-kind experience of breakfast at the iconic Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo. Visitors can spend long afternoons wandering through the Princess Grace Rose Garden or the winding lanes of Monaco-Ville.
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Unhurried evenings involve multi-course dinners at Michelin-starred restaurants, without glancing at the clock. Don’t miss the crown jewel — the legendary three-Michelin-starred Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse at the Hôtel de Paris — or explore one of Monaco’s other acclaimed fine dining addresses. The Guerlain spa recently opened with a pool designed by Karla Lagerfeld.
In Monaco, the distances are walkable, the scenery is cinematic, and the pace is yours to set — whether that’s soaking in sea views from the Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo spa or the newly reopened Spa at the Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo, with a pool designed by Karl Lagerfeld. Spend an afternoon in the Oceanographic Museum, or linger over a Monaco Spritz at the Café de Paris, a glass of rosé in hand as yachts glide into the harbour. With breathtaking sea views and a wealth of culture, dining, and wellness experiences, Monaco proves that the greatest luxury is time.
For Canadians craving a rich, unhurried urban getaway—all without leaving the country—Montreal delivers a seamless blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy. With its bilingual culture, accessible flights, and welcoming spirit, the city invites slow travellers to linger over café terraces, explore historic cobblestone streets, and dive deep into creative and culinary scenes.
In Old Montreal and Old Port, visitors explore centuries-old architecture, art galleries, and boutique shops along the waterfront. At Plateau Mont-Royal, known for colourful murals, visitors find indie bookstores and cozy cafés. The former industry district of Griffintown was thoughtfully revitalized with a mix of modern condos and historic warehouses. Its riverside setting and local breweries make it a relaxed area for slow walks and culinary exploration.
A slow stroll through the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts reveals over 45,000 works from classic to contemporary. The Contemporary Arts Museum of Montreal showcases cutting-edge exhibitions, perfect for slow travellers eager to engage with avant-garde and thought-provoking art. The Phi Centre provides a multidisciplinary space combining visual art, music, film, and immersive experiences, ideal for those seeking innovative and sensory-rich encounters.
Mount Royal Park hosts hiking trails, panoramic views, and peaceful picnic spots in this iconic urban park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. The Botanical Garden is the place to wander through themed gardens and greenhouses showcasing native plants and art installations. It’s an oasis of calm. Paddle or cycle along Lachine Canal, stopping at quiet parks and waterside cafés for a truly immersive slow experience.
Montreal also has spas like Bota Bota, spa-sur-l’eau, with thermal baths, massages, and serene river views that create a mindful, immersive wellness experience. Scandinave Spa Vieux-Montréal promotes a culture of stillness and tranquillity, featuring Scandinavian-style hot and cold relaxation circuits in a calm, stone-clad environment.
And to immerse your palate, head to the Jean-Talon Market and sample fresh Quebecois cheeses, breads, and local delicacies while connecting with friendly vendors in one of North America’s largest markets. The Mile End Food Tour is an engaging way to explore culinary heritage, including tastes of Montreal-style bagels, smoked meat poutine with a twist, and street gnocchi served late-night style.
For Canadians seeking a Florida escape that blends sunshine with stillness beyond the roller coasters, Orlando delivers space to breathe, connect, and explore at your own pace. No park pass required!
Visitors can explore Mills 50 District, a hub for local artists, vintage shops, and indie eateries. Winter Park, just north of downtown, is a slow traveller’s dream: cobblestone streets, museums, lakeside walks, and an open-air Saturday farmers market.
Orlando’s sunshine can be enjoyed at Harry P. Leu Gardens. Spread across 50 lush acres, these lakeside gardens are a serene escape from the city. At Lake Eola Park, travellers can enjoy the walking path with swan boats, public art, and skyline views.
Take a wellness break at The Yoga Shala, a community-driven studio offering slow-flow classes, breathwork, and meditation. The Salt Room Orlando offers the right kind of pause with Himalayan salt therapies designed to calm both body and mind.
And of course, slow down with some good meals. At East End Market, visitors can find a showcase of Orlando’s artisan food scene. From cold-pressed juices to craft cheeses and fresh-baked breads, it’s a haven for slow, sustainable dining. A leisure gourmet tasting with Wandering Palm Food Tours invites travellers to find Orlando’s hidden culinary scene on a guided tasting journey through its most vibrant neighbourhoods.
Boutique stays at The Delaney Hotel in a leafy residential neighbourhood ensure maximal relaxation. Alternatively, Lake Nona Wave Hotel takes a wellness-forward approach that blends cutting-edge health amenities with calm, contemporary design.
For Canadians looking to trade packed itineraries for something more thoughtful, San Francisco delivers in quiet, powerful ways.
North Beach is the city’s historic Italian district, best experienced by browsing poetry at City Lights Bookstore, supping espresso at a sidewalk café, and wandering to nearby Telegraph Hill for quiet city views. In the Mission District, boutiques and murals tell stories of San Francisco’s Latinx heritage. End your visit with slow food and mezcal at a neighbourhood eatery. Canadians may have heard of Haight-Ashbury, a hub of counterculture energy. It still channels that with its record shops, vintage finds, tie-dye storefronts, and leafy lanes perfect for people-watching or a meditative stroll through Golden Gate Park’s eastern edge.
San Francisco also invites travellers to enjoy its Lands End Trail, a hike that rewards with ocean vistas, wildflowers, and lookout points. The trail leads to the ruins of the Sutro Baths and ends with a golden view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Golden Gate Park is bigger than Central Park and more diverse in its offerings. Take some time to rent a bike or simply wander on foot to discover the Japanese Tea Garden, tranquil lakes, and a peaceful redwood grove. Crissy Field & Presidio was transformed into a coastal getaway for birdwatching and strolling the beach with the city’s iconic bridge in the background.
Dining in San Francisco is simply remarkable. At the Ferry Building Marketplace on the Embarcadero, this historic building is home to artisan cheesemakers, bakeries, small-batch chocolate, and seasonal farm stalls. Arrive early to beat the crowds and sample your way through Northern California’s bounty. Tartine Bakery is a favourite to indulge in a pastry and sit outdoors as locals queue patiently for their daily bread.
At night, enjoy some rest at the Inn at the Presidio historic lodge with fire pits, forest trails, and golden hour views of the bay. Hotel Bohème is another favourite boutique hotel with a Beat Generation flair—perfect for travellers who want a literary, nostalgic vibe steps away from sidewalk cafés and jazz clubs.
For Canadians seeking a slower, more soulful city break, St. Louis surprises with depth, warmth, and character. Rooted in jazz and blues, framed by leafy parks and historic architecture, this Mississippi River city invites travellers to pause, listen, and connect, whether through a neighbourhood barbecue joint, a sculpture-filled garden, or the rhythm of live music echoing through the streets.
The Delmar Loop was named one of America’s “10 Great Streets.” This walkable strip blends music history, quirky shops, and indie cafés. One of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods, Soulard is full of red-brick charm, French heritage, and the sounds of blues spilling out from historic bars. Known for its vibrant arts scene and Latinx culture, Cherokee Street rewards slow exploration with mural alleys, antique shops, taquerías, and local maker studios that give it authentic creative energy.
For foodies, Farmhaus is a chef-driven restaurant with a focus on sustainable, locally sourced Midwestern cuisine. Pappy’s Smokehouse serves up some of the city’s best Memphis-style barbecue—it’s worth the wait. Smoked low and slow, it’s a meal meant to be savoured. The Hill is in St. Louis’ historic Italian-American neighbourhood and serves up handmade ravioli. Linger over espresso and explore the culinary traditions that helped shape the city.
Sleep in—it’s a slowcation, after all—at Angad Arts Hotel, where each room is designed around a colour mood (joy, passion, tranquillity, etc.). Or book a stay at Hotel Saint Louis, housed in a beautifully restored Louis Sullivan building, which blends architectural grandeur with modern comfort.
For those seeking a true slowcation, the U.S. Virgin Islands provide an idyllic escape—with no passport required for U.S. citizens. On St. John, more than 11,000 acres of the island are protected within Virgin Islands National Park, offering peaceful hiking trails through lush forests, hidden beaches, and crystal-clear snorkelling spots like the iconic Trunk Bay. Here, you can explore an underwater snorkel trail without the crowds or simply relax on white sands. Nearby, the Coral Reef National Monument protects thousands of acres of pristine marine ecosystems, perfect for slow-paced kayaking, snorkelling, and exploration of reefs.
St. Croix offers a soulful pace with just the right touch of adventure. Set sail on a sunset cruise, hike to historic sugar mill ruins, or snorkel in quiet bays teeming with tropical fish. Stroll the charming streets of Christiansted and Frederiksted, where colourful colonial architecture, boutique shops, and centuries-old forts tell stories of the island’s rich past. When it's time to unwind, enjoy bold Caribbean flavors with global influences at waterfront restaurants and breezy beach bars. Golf lovers can tee off with ocean breezes, lush courses and turquoise waters as the atmosphere on three celebrated courses that offer the picture-perfect setting for golfers looking to enjoy a relaxing round.
And on St. Thomas, take time to indulge in downtown Charlotte Amalie where the island’s duty-free shopping is a favourite for treasure hunters. Treat yourself at luxury spas at the Heavenly Spa by Westin or The Spa at The Ritz-Carlton and then simply soak in the view from a hillside café for lunch. Or visit Fort Christian, dating back to 1680, and the second-oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere for a moment of quiet reflection. Beyond its landmarks, the island tempts adventurers with colourful scuba-diving spots, peaceful beaches and nightlife that hums long after the sun sets. In the U.S. Virgin Islands, slowing down isn’t just encouraged—it’s the way of life.
Immerse in Vienna’s music heritage this year as the city celebrates the 200th anniversary of Johann Strauss, the "Waltz King." A series of events will celebrate his enduring legacy. Visitors can enjoy intimate performances at venues such as the House of Strauss, where Strauss himself conducted, and explore immersive exhibitions throughout the city. The Vienna Opera Ball and various other balls feature his timeless music, providing opportunities to experience Viennese traditions firsthand.
Autumn in Vienna features the Vienna Design Week, held in early October, which is a citywide celebration of innovative and sustainable design. During this event, visitors can explore immersive exhibitions, participate in workshops, and take part in studio tours. It encourages a slow, thoughtful engagement with creativity and craftsmanship, making it ideal for travellers who want to connect meaningfully with local artists and makers.
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The cooler months also highlight Vienna’s rich musical offerings, including chamber concerts and opera performances in historic venues like the Haus der Musik and Schönbrunn Palace Orangery. These places allow visitors to immerse themselves in the city’s legendary music scene in a relaxed atmosphere.
For nature lovers, attractions such as the Vienna Woods and Danube Island provide serene hiking and biking trails perfect for mindful outdoor adventures. The city’s renowned coffeehouse culture invites visitors to enjoy slow mornings over Melange and Apfelstrudel, while cozy wine taverns on the outskirts offer extended evenings of tasting local vintages and sharing stories.
Washington, DC isn’t just a city of monuments and museums—it’s a capital of contemplation. For Canadians looking to travel slower and deeper, DC offers more than headlines.
Neighbourhoods like Capitol Hill & Eastern Market are rife with 19th-century rowhouses and tree-lined streets leading to Eastern Market, a local hub for artisans, produce vendors, and food stalls. Saturdays are perfect for wandering with coffee in hand. As one of D.C.’s oldest neighbourhoods, Georgetown blends historic charm with indie shops, hidden gardens, and waterfront trails. Join a guided history walk or simply explore the cobblestone streets at your own pace. Adams Morgan is a colourful, culturally rich neighbourhood where D.C.'s global soul shines. Known for its eclectic mix of independent bookstores, vintage shops, mural-covered alleyways, and international eateries, Adams Morgan is ideal for travellers who prefer wandering without a plan.
Slow down with a stroll through the National Arboretum among its bonsai collections, cherry trees, forest trails, and wide lawns. Nearby Rock Creek Park markets itself as one of the largest urban parks in the U.S.. Rock Creek is ideal for forest bathing, birdwatching, or slow hikes along creeks and historic mills. The Tidal Basin has a walkable 2-mile loop around this peaceful reservoir lined with cherry trees, monuments, and benches.
Mindful travellers can browse the National Gallery of Art during an unhurried afternoon or else mix and match a few galleries from the Smithsonian Museums. From the National Museum of African American History and Culture to the National Museum of the American Indian, the Smithsonian collection offers opportunities for deeper understanding, ideal for slow, intentional exploration.
Kick back at The LINE DC, a design-forward hotel inside a 110-year-old church. Or choose Hotel Madera for a boutique retreat on a quiet, tree-lined street with a residential feel and walkable access to parks, cafés, and museums. The Jefferson Hotel, classic and elegant, blends peace and quiet with luxury seamlessly.
