Fancy upping sticks and escaping the rat race? Look no further than the rural idylls of Canada. While its cities are certainly attractive, Canada's small towns offer a quieter, quainter way of life. Think tight-knit communities, easy access to nature and, generally speaking, a cheaper cost of living to boot. Find your fresh start in these perfect properties...

Fancy small-town Canadian living on a budget? Look no further than Prince Edward Island where you can get a lot for your money. The area's handsome coastline and rolling green landscapes are home to a couple of cities and plenty of small towns. Our pick? Murray Harbour. Tucked away in the southeast of the island, this quaint fishing village is steeped in maritime history and offers residents plenty of charm and a relaxed pace of life. Plus, the seafood is seriously good.

With plenty of characterful properties on the market, this late 1800s home is no exception. The three-floor home enjoys waterfront views and private access to the beach, which is just a stone's throw away. Outside there's also an outhouse, single-car garage and separate one-bedroom apartment with rental potential.

Love this? Step inside these dream homes for sale on America's tiny islands.

Packed with period features, the home offers original woodwork, doors and staircase railings. Entry to the home is through the parlour, a quaint and charming space that comes complete with a wood-burning stove. Elsewhere on the ground floor, you'll find a dining room, den, kitchen and second large reception space.

Upstairs there are five bedroom and a bathroom, all decked out with restored wooden floors. The third level features two further bedrooms and a large loft area that could be transformed into whatever you fancy, from a games room to a study or even a den for older children. It may be old, but this bargain home is brimming with possibility.

Just an hour from the buzzing city of Nelson you'll find Kaslo, a quaint mountain village perched on the edge of Kootenay Lake and surrounded by lush forests. The downtown area is popular with artists, while the village is full of lovingly restored heritage buildings. When it comes to whiling away your time here, pick from biking, kayaking, skiing, boating... you get the idea.

Make the most of your new outdoor lifestyle from this rustic timber-frame home with glorious views of Kaslo Bay and Kootenay Lake beyond. The three-bedroom, three-bathroom home is set in a low-maintenance landscaped garden with a practical outdoor area that's perfect for playing, entertaining and soaking up the views.

Inside, the ground floor opens up into a large wood-clad foyer. The main floor features an open-plan living, dining and kitchen area, and benefits from a propane fireplace for warmth come the winter months. The property also has a single-car garage and a laundry room.

The kitchen is perfectly set up for family life with a cute breakfast bar, practical tiling and state-of-the-art appliances. There's also a bedroom and bathroom on this floor, while an office, master suite and third bedroom are found upstairs. If you want a well-presented home in a stunning location that you can move straight into, look no further.

One of the oldest towns in the province of New Brunswick, St. Andrews is a bustling spot come summer, with all the trappings of a proper seaside resort town. Perched on a peninsula, the views out to sea and towards the Bay of Fundy are spectacular. With its main streets lined with restaurants and craft shops, the historic town is renowned for its fine seafood, beautiful gardens and vibrant art scene. 

Love the sea? These beach homes are a real bargain. 

If you're yearning for the ocean, look no further than this charming three-bedroom Cape Cod-style waterfront home. Just three blocks to downtown St. Andrews, the house is perfectly located to make the most of the town's amenities while enjoying a peaceful coastal setting.

Renovated in 1993, the home celebrates its coastal location with nautical-inspired decor throughout the bright, airy rooms. Swathes of windows and large French doors frame picture-perfect views out across the harbour so you'll never be far from an ocean view.

Packed with character and warm wood tones, this open-plan kitchen is perfect for chilled out family meals. Elsewhere, there is plenty of space to spread out across the home's three bedrooms and two family rooms. But let's be honest, most of your time will be spent admiring the views from the landscaped garden and outdoor deck.

A port town, Yarmouth is the shire town of Yarmouth County and home to the biggest population in the region – 6,518 residents – making it a popular choice for those looking for a more lively spot. Founded by New Englanders from Massachusetts in 1761, today the idyllic town is known for its striking Cape Frochu Lighthouse and easy access to the Annapolis Valley and Acadian Shores.

Located on Main Street, Murray Manor is a real estate gem thanks to its traditional facade and impressive history. The fine property was built in 1820 and was once the home of the first doctor in the area. Today the heritage house features six bedrooms, six bathrooms and plenty of living space including a dining room, living room and den.

As befits a house of this era, there are plenty of period details throughout, from decorative cornicing to hardwood flooring. The current owners have chosen to decorate the house in a traditional style, adorning the walls with artwork depicting the rugged local coastline.

Love period properties with a twist? Check out these historic homes with surprisingly modern interiors.

Murray Manor is located in the centre of Yarmouth and is moments from the international ferry terminal. With its prestigious past and first-class location, it's no surprise that it's currently being run as an art gallery and Airbnb venture. As such, it would suit buyers looking for a house with a business or alternatively, it would make a great spacious family home.

A port town sat on the coast of Nova Scotia, Lunenburg is a prized UNESCO World Heritage site. The title was awarded to Lunenburg's Old Town, which is one of the finest examples of planned British colonial settlement in North America. With its brightly painted old buildings and bustling port, it's a seriously pretty town to relocate to.

Built in 1905 by prosperous local sea captain W.C. Smith, this charming Edwardian-era home is packed to the rafters with history and charm. It's sat on a generous corner plot that features pretty perennial gardens, a water feature, garden shed and single-car garage. It's situated in an excellent location a few minutes from town and a couple of streets back from the harbour.

The six-bedroom, five-and-a-half bathroom property is currently being run as a successful B&B, but it would make a wonderful family home too. Spread out over 4,300 square feet, you'll find a foyer, two large living rooms, a formal dining room and a spacious kitchen.

Historic detailing is seen throughout, but our favourite feature has to be the curved oak staircase. There are currently separate owner's quarters on the third level, as well as a basement featuring a wine cellar and laundry area. And if you decide to try your hand at running your own B&B, you'll be pleased to know that the property comes with six parking spaces.

If you live to ski and give a hoot about the environment, the town of Steady Brook on the west coast of Newfoundland could be right up your street. The town is home to a green-minded community, with proactive measures like recycling and composting actively encouraged. And thanks to investments in the nearby Marble Mountain ski resort, the town is thriving. Surrounded by the Long Range Mountains and set on the banks of the Humber River, it's a nature lover's paradise.

Love this? Step inside these woodland homes you'll want to hibernate in.

If you're after a big property that can grow with your family, check out this 5,541-square-foot six-bedroom home. Excellently located, it's just a seven-minute drive to the city of Corner Brook where an even wider range of amenities can be found. Plus, you'll enjoy views over the Humber River, Steady Brook Falls and Marble Mountain from the comfort of your own home. Ideal for keen sailors, there's even direct access to the river and space to park a boat. 

The open-plan main floor is perfect for modern family living as well as entertaining. There are six bedrooms in the main house, plus four bathrooms so you'll never have to queue for the shower again. Elsewhere, the huge master suite includes a large walk-in closet, sitting area and an ensuite.

Set-up for family life, this practical property comes with a handy boot room, as well as a basement, plenty of storage and a three-car garage. There's even a separate two-bedroom, one-bathroom guest house, which could be rented out or used for extended family visits.

Built around a waterfall on the Muskoka River in the centre of the town, Bracebridge is known for its picturesque scenery and quaint streets. This outdoorsy town doesn't stop at waterfalls – there are forests, lakes and islands to explore too. At the heart of the town, you'll find plenty of restaurants, pubs and a brewery, plus a Santa Village for the hardcore Christmas fans among you.

Sleek and contemporary, this new build home in Bracebridge offers every modern amenity you could wish for in a snug small-town location. In easy reach of shops and restaurants, the property is a stone's throw from both the Muskoka Highland Golf Course and the South Muskoka Curling and Golf Club, so it's ideal for those who like to keep active.

The decor throughout the four-bed home is stylish and chic, with crisp white walls and rustic wood detailing. The cosy sitting area flows through to a country-inspired kitchen complete with marble countertops and a large breakfast island, while a large formal dining space sits just around the corner.

Need an incentive? Check out these homes for sale where they'll pay you to move there.

To see the best of the property, however, you need to head below ground. The spacious basement has been transformed into the ultimate entertaining space with a pool table, pin ball machine and bar, plus access to the landscaped backyard.

Nestled in a landscape of majestic mountains and alpine meadows is the quaint seaside town of Comox on Vancouver Island. It's a popular spot thanks to the fruitful fishing, abundant local wildlife, year-round golf and easy access to the Mount Washington ski area. The town itself boasts museums, restaurants and several local festivals throughout the year, making it a bustling small town to call home.

Sat in a quiet neighbourhood in Comox is this smart custom-built family home with a charming stone and clapboard facade. Spread out over 5,689 square feet, there's plenty of room for relaxing in this five-bedroom, four-bathroom property.

The gourmet kitchen is decked out with top-of-the-range appliances and custom cabinetry, while the open-plan dining space is perfect for busy family life. Elsewhere on the lower level, you'll find a large media room where the whole family can enjoy their favourite blockbusters.

Impeccably designed, the luxurious bathrooms feature underfloor heating along with separate tubs and showers. To top it off, the house is ideally located for enjoying the best of Comox, with the ocean, downtown area and airport within easy reach.

If you want classic Canadian wilderness on your doorstep but don't want to compromise on amenities, look no further than Banff. Located in Banff National Park in Alberta, this pretty resort town features restaurants, boutiques and even nightclubs, yet walk in any direction and within moments you'll find yourself surrounded by pure breathtaking mountains ranges.

If you're looking for a characterful base to explore this mountainous region, look no further than this Alpine-style home near downtown Banff. With five bedrooms and four bathrooms, this 2,116-square-foot family home has plenty of room, plus there's a landscaped backyard for soaking up the scenery too.

Love this? These mountain homes for sale come with majestic views.

Inside, the main level has an open-plan design with warming cherry hardwood flooring throughout. The kitchen features a central island, granite countertops and modern stainless steel appliances and flows through into the bright living and dining spaces. The ground floor also offers a laundry room, pantry, office and a large patio.

A river rock feature fireplace draws the eye in the living room – a great spot to cosy up after a day on the slopes. We love the rustic wooden support pillars which suit their alpine surroundings perfectly. Upstairs, you'll find vaulted ceilings and the master suite, which comes with its own bathroom and private deck.

Just over an hour from Montreal is the picture-perfect village of Frelighsburg. While it's beautiful year-round, this area is particularly arresting in the fall thanks to the gold foliage that spreads throughout the rural landscape. The village may not be big, but there's plenty to keep you occupied from farm-to-table dining and cider-tasting to antique shopping.

And where better to lay down roots in this farming community than this stunning ranch house? This impressive property is sat on 145 acres of land which encompasses an orchard, meadows and woodlands with maple trees. There are plenty of farm buildings, so if you're after a slice of the Canadian good life, this could be the one for you.

This characterful home has been expanded over the years, but the oldest section of the main residence dates all the way back to the late 18th century. Decked out in restful neutral colours that showcase the historic woodwork, the period property was once home to Adélard Godbout in 1931 when he was Canada's minister of agriculture.

The ranch is on the market for the first time in almost a century, so this is a rare opportunity to snap up a piece of Frelighsburg history. This charming property comes with eight bedrooms and two bathrooms, along with plenty of living space including a reception room, dining room, office and family room. When do we move?

Fancy something a little grander? Step inside Canada's most amazing mansions for sale.