Things To Do
in Canoinhas
Canoinhas is a mid-sized city in the highlands of Santa Catarina, southern Brazil, known for its surrounding araucaria and pine forests and a strong tradition of yerba-mate culture. The town blends Polish, German and Italian immigrant heritage with rural Brazilian life, reflected in local festivals, food and architecture. Its landscape features rolling hills, rivers and nearby waterfalls that make it a good base for nature outings and photography.
Visitors will find a relaxed pace of life, small museums and local markets that showcase artisanal products and regional cuisine.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café in the heart of Canoinhas, sampling traditional Brazilian pastries. Afterward, wander through the historic streets, taking in the charming colonial architecture and vibrant street art. Don’t forget to visit the Municipal Museum, where you can learn about the city's rich history and culture.
Enjoy lunch at a popular local restaurant, savoring dishes made from fresh, regional ingredients. Post-lunch, stroll through the picturesque Praça Getúlio Vargas, where you can relax by the fountains and watch the world go by. Visit local artisan shops and boutiques, picking up handmade crafts and souvenirs to take home.
As the sun sets, head to a cozy bistro for dinner, where you can indulge in traditional Brazilian barbecue. After your meal, take a scenic walk along the riverbank, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere as the stars begin to twinkle. End your evening at a local bar, enjoying live music and mingling with friendly locals.
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation before heading out to Parque Natural Municipal. Enjoy a guided nature walk through the lush trails, where you can spot diverse flora and fauna native to the region. Breathe in the fresh air and feel invigorated by the natural beauty surrounding you.
After your morning hike, enjoy a packed picnic lunch nestled among the trees, taking in the sounds of nature all around you. Spend the afternoon exploring the park further, perhaps taking a dip in one of the refreshing natural pools. Capture the stunning landscapes with your camera, as the park offers breathtaking views at every turn.
Return to Canoinhas for a relaxed dinner at a local steakhouse, where you can enjoy the flavors of the region. After dinner, consider taking a leisurely stroll through the town, allowing the cool evening breeze to envelop you. Conclude your day by unwinding at a nearby café, sipping on a delicious cup of Brazilian coffee.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Coffee and pastry at a café | $2-5 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $2-8 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $40-80 |
| 🚌Intercity bus ticket (regional) | $5-20 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close access to araucaria forests, waterfalls and scenic viewpoints.
- Strong regional culture with mate tradition and tasty local food.
- Relaxed pace of life ideal for nature-focused and rural tourism.
- Lower costs compared with coastal tourist hubs; authentic local experiences.
- Limited nightlife and fewer tourist amenities compared with big cities.
- Public transport and guide services can be sparse for remote trails.
- Fewer specialized dining options for strict dietary restrictions.
- Some attractions and information may not be well signposted for non-Portuguese speakers.
- "Bom dia" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado / Obrigada" - Thank you (male / female speaker)
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
- "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Sou vegetariano(a)" - I am vegetarian
Places to Visit in Canoinhas
Visit one of these nice places.
Picturesque streets, colonial-style buildings and the central square make for classic urban shots, especially in golden hour.
Look for local mirantes (viewpoints) that offer sweeping panoramas of araucaria forests, hills and patchwork farmland — ideal at sunrise or sunset.
Nearby waterfalls and clear river stretches produce long-exposure and nature compositions; bring waterproof protection and sturdy shoes.
Capture the agricultural side of the region: rows of cultivation, drying leaves and traditional mate rituals provide cultural context photos.
Vibrant market scenes with produce, cured meats and baked goods are great for close-up and street photography.
Food in Canoinhas
Canoinhas Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hot, bitter infusion of yerba-mate, traditionally shared from a gourd; ubiquitous in southern Brazil and a cultural ritual. Try it in cafés or with locals.
Must-Try!
Social and culinary staple — expect various cuts of beef, pork and sausages. Available at churrascarias and family restaurants.
Roasted seeds of the Araucaria tree eaten in autumn and winter; often sold at markets and street stalls when in season.
Hearty polenta often served with meat stews or sauces — common in home-style eateries and traditional restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local market where you can sample cheeses, cured sausages, baked goods and seasonal pinhão; good place to interact with producers and buy regional products.
Look for vendors selling roasted pinhão (in season), pastel, salgados and other Brazilian snacks around plazas and near events.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A friendly handshake or one light kiss on the cheek (between acquaintances) is common; use a polite greeting like “bom dia” (good morning) or “boa tarde” (good afternoon).
Be warm and polite; Brazilians are generally open and conversational. Avoid loud arguments in public; respect family-centered and religious events.
Accept offers of chimarrão or food as a sign of hospitality, and try a small portion even if you’re cautious — decline politely if necessary.
Casual attire is fine in town; dress more conservatively in religious sites and formal events. Comfortable shoes are recommended for uneven streets and trails.
Safety
Tipping in Canoinhas
Ensure a smooth experience
A 10% service charge is commonly added to restaurant bills; if not included, a 10% tip is appreciated for good service. For taxis, rounding up or adding small change is normal; tip porters and hotel staff small amounts for assistance.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in larger stores and restaurants; cash (Brazilian real) is useful for markets, small vendors and rural areas. ATMs are available in town but carry some cash when visiting remote sites.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm to hot days with afternoon showers possible. Good season for river visits, waterfall flow and outdoor activities; bring sun protection and lightweight rain gear.
Milder temperatures and clearer skies; forests change subtly and pinhão season begins toward late autumn. Comfortable for hiking and photography.
Cool to cold nights — southern Brazil highlands can be quite chilly and occasionally frosty. Pinhão is at peak season, and clear winter days are excellent for landscape photos; pack warm layers.
Warming temperatures and blooming vegetation. Expect variable weather with more green landscapes and active birdlife; good for nature walks and fewer tourists.
Canoinhas at Night
Hiking in Canoinhas
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short to moderate trails through native araucaria and pine stands; excellent for birdwatching and photography, often accessible from rural roadheads.
Routes that link small waterfalls and river pools; best in dry weather and suitable for half-day excursions and picnic stops.
Hikes to nearby ridgelines and mirantes that reward visitors with panoramic views of valleys and farmland; ideal for sunrise or sunset sessions.
Airports
How to reach Canoinhas by plane.
One of the closest regional airports serving northern Santa Catarina; from there you can rent a car or take ground transport to reach Canoinhas.
A regional airport with domestic connections; several ground transport options and car rentals provide access to inland destinations.
Major airport in the neighboring state of Paraná with broader flight options; longer drive but useful for international connections and more flight choices.
Serves the state capital and coastal region; an option if combining a coastal visit with inland highlands, accessible by road.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Significant population with Polish, German and Italian ancestry that influences local culture, festivals and cuisine.
Part of the diverse Brazilian demographic fabric, contributing to cultural and social life in the town.
Surrounding countryside populated by small farmers and agribusiness workers involved in yerba-mate, dairy and timber production.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport regionally and nationally — local amateur matches and futsal are common community activities.
Indoor sports widely practiced in schools and clubs; community leagues and school tournaments are frequent.
Growing in popularity thanks to the hilly terrain and forest tracks that attract outdoor enthusiasts.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Canoinhas.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited compared to bigger Brazilian cities. Ask for vegetable sides, polenta, salads and egg-based dishes; vegetarian restaurants are rare, so communicate needs clearly and consider self-catering with market produce.
Vegan choices may be limited; focus on salads, rice, beans, grilled vegetables and breads. Bring snacks and check labels at markets; many smaller eateries can adapt dishes if asked.
Gluten-free options exist but cross-contamination is common in local bakeries. Explain dietary restrictions in Portuguese (e.g., “Sou celíaco/a” or “Tenho intolerância ao glúten”) and prefer simple rice-and-bean meals and grilled meats or vegetable dishes.