A Canadian Summer Curated by the Germain Family
Each member of the Germain family has a Canadian destination they would love to discover this summer. From the maritime charm of St. John’s to the energy of Toronto, all the way to the peaks of the Rockies, they reveal the places on their wish list.
Hugo’s Summer Itinerary
According to Hugo, Toronto is a city best explored on foot, without too strict an itinerary, letting yourself be carried by the energy of its neighbourhoods. Queen Street, Kensington Market, and the surrounding streets invite you to wander between boutiques, cafés, and discoveries.
After a day spent strolling through the streets and exploring the city, the evening could begin with a delicious martini at PUNCH restaurant's bar, before continuing just a few steps away at Rogers Centre, home of the Toronto Blue Jays. Its impressive retractable roof makes it possible to fully enjoy summer evenings, with the silhouette of the CN Tower in the background. Then, after the game, it is an easy return to Le Germain Hotel Toronto Maple Leaf Square, located nearby.
Toronto has the unique rhythm of a big city, softened by nearby Lake Ontario. For Hugo, the lake holds special meaning. It reminds him of his childhood, sailing outings, and days spent on the water, which both inspire and relax him. If the desire for an escape arises, the Niagara and Bench wine regions are never far away. There, Hugo can enjoy bike rides, tastings, good wine, and perhaps even a table to discover at Pearl Morissette.
Clarah’s Summer Itinerary
For Clarah, Calgary is experienced first through its addresses. Her itinerary begins around the table: a refined dinner at Nupo, a stop at the vibrant Charcut, or a seat at the bar at Model Milk, facing the kitchen, in this institution she particularly loves. A perfect way to step into the city’s energy.
The next day brings out a softer side of Calgary. A walk along the RiverWalk, which follows the Bow River, a picnic, then a few hours wandering through Inglewood, her favourite neighbourhood, just a short walk from Alt Hotel Calgary East Village. It is the kind of place where you browse, pause, and let the afternoon pass without watching the time.
Then, there are the mountains. In Calgary, they always seem close enough to turn an urban stay into a great adventure. Clarah would rent a car, drive toward Banff, then finally see Lake Louise and its turquoise waters, a place she has never visited before. The kind of moment that gives the whole trip its meaning.
Laurie’s Summer Itinerary
For Laurie, St. John’s feels familiar, since her sister Clarah lives there. In summer, it is a highly sought-after destination, a time when the city comes alive and the landscapes seem to reveal their full strength. She wants to fully enjoy the coast, the salty air, and the unmistakable energy of Newfoundland.
Her stay would be turned toward the ocean. From the moment she arrives at Alt Hotel St. John’s, she could enjoy a breathtaking view of the harbour before setting out to explore one of Canada’s most beautiful coastlines. Her days would be shaped by cod and squid fishing, a few sections of the 300 kilometres East Coast Trail, then outings offshore to observe whales and seabirds, and cliffs seen from the water from an entirely different angle.
After her days in the fresh air, Laurie would return to the city to sit down at Terre, where the richness of the sea and the land take centre stage, or at Rabble, appreciated for its rustic charm. To extend the experience, she might treat herself to a night or two at The Cape, about an hour from St. John’s. A way to stay just a little longer in Newfoundland’s raw beauty before getting back on the road.
Marie Pier’s Summer Itinerary
With the new Montreal Metropolitan Airport, Marie Pier sees summer as an invitation to travel more easily and discover multiple destinations without limits. Her trip to Winnipeg left her with one lasting impression: an effortless departure, a direct flight, a city waiting to be explored, and the comfort of arriving at Alt Hotel Winnipeg once she landed.
This summer, she's eager to keep the journey going. Perhaps St. John's for its rugged coastal scenery, Halifax for leisurely strolls along the waterfront, Toronto to combine a city getaway with a WNBA game, the premier professional women's basketball league in North America, or Calgary for its wide-open landscapes and the call of the mountains. Rather than limiting herself to a single getaway, she'd rather let summer unfold through a series of trips across Canada.
