Every summer it’s the same thing: We want to get away with the family so we look at the price of plane tickets, choke (!) and end up asking ourselves, “What if we stay here this year?” Not in the sense of sitting around twiddling our thumbs in the backyard (even if that idea has a certain appeal) but here in the broader sense of the word: in our great, beautiful country.

I often hear that St. John’s is stunning. Or that the Thousand Islands in Ontario are a Canadian version of the Bahamas. Travelling within our borders means reconnecting with this land and its varied treasures, with our wild and harsh but grandiose nature and with our cultural diversity—everything that makes our nation so special. On page 138, you will find six local destinations well worth discovering—a change of scenery is guaranteed (even if it is close to home). But the list of places that make me dream is much longer. In Quebec, the dramatic beaches of the Gaspé Peninsula and the majestic fjords of Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean are awe-inspiring. Alberta’s Rocky Mountains take my breath away, while the vineyards of the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia rival those in California. And what about Ontario’s oh-so-charming Prince Edward County and its quaint little inns? For a more city-centric getaway, there’s so much to discover in Montreal, Toronto, Halifax and Vancouver.

In addition to it being a chance to explore our own country, travelling here is also making a greater gesture: We’re reducing our carbon footprint, encouraging the local economy and supporting our artisans, our producers and the tourism industry. It’s a meaningful step toward becoming a more responsible and mindful traveller.

I also love the reassuring sense of familiarity I have when I travel within Canada. No matter where I am or how different my surroundings look, I feel strangely at home. Maybe it has to do with the kind and welcoming nature of Canadians. True luxury, in the end, may not be a retreat in Bali or island-hopping in Hawaii. In my opinion, it’s falling in love with your own country.

Happy travels!

Sophie Banford