canadian tourism spots

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Best places to visit in canada for 2023-2024.

From the cosmopolitan streets of Toronto to the snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies, our neighbor to the north features a diverse set of vacation destinations that are beautiful year-round. Deciding which one is perfect for your next getaway can be difficult. That's why U.S. News considered several factors, such as affordability, entertainment options and diversity of hotels and resorts, as well as user votes and expert opinions, to compile this list of the best places to visit in Canada. Vote for your favorite spot below to have a say in next year's list.

Jasper National Park

Vancouver, canada, niagara falls, quebec city, prince edward island, gros morne national park, victoria & vancouver island, cape breton highlands national park, mont-tremblant, okanagan valley.

Nestled amid the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, this tiny mountain town in Alberta appeals to both nature enthusiasts and luxury seekers. Visitors can spend their days skiing or hiking in Banff National Park (one of Canada's most beautiful national parks and home of the glacier-fed Moraine Lake) and floating down the Bow River on a canoe before retiring to one of the area's several opulent hotels for some spa therapy. Then, for incredible views of the Rockies, take a ride on the Banff Gondola. Meanwhile, daytrips to popular attractions like the Columbia Icefield, Yoho National Park and Lake Louise cannot be left off of your itinerary.

As the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, Jasper is ripe for exploration. When you're not hiking through Maligne Canyon, whitewater rafting down the Athabasca River or snapping photos of Spirit Island, you can enjoy a bird's-eye view of the picture-perfect scenery from the Jasper SkyTram. Or, take in the beauty of Jasper National Park while driving along the Icefields Parkway. Keep your eyes peeled for the 53 species of mammals that call this Alberta park home, including black bears, elk and bighorn sheep.

A trip to this British Columbia city, which sits approximately 145 miles north of Seattle, is all about embracing the outdoors. Vancouverites spend their days skiing on Grouse Mountain, swimming at Kitsilano Beach and strolling through the sprawling Stanley Park. Plus, Vancouver offers plenty of cultural attractions, including museums, art galleries and outdoor markets (a tour of Granville Island is a must-do). If you're not afraid of heights, walk across the Capilano Suspension Bridge, which is positioned 230 feet above the Capilano River.

Travel to this iconic destination in southeastern Ontario to see and capture photos of its namesake world-famous tourist attraction . View Niagara Falls from above during a helicopter tour, or see them up close on the Maid of the Mist boat tour. Or, for a unique perspective, admire the thunderous falls from behind with the self-guided Journey Behind the Falls experience. After you've taken in the splendor, check out the area's other top attractions, such as the Niagara Glen Nature Centre, which offers a variety of hiking trails. When you've had your fill of nature, head to nearby wineries or test Lady Luck at the casinos.

Referred to as the "small city with a big backyard," Whitehorse – the capital of Canada's Yukon territory – shines with all of its outdoor activities. Explore Miles Canyon, which is accessible from Whitehorse on foot (a nearly 10-mile loop trail connects the city directly to this natural wonder). After, head north to the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, where you'll find all kinds of animals, including arctic foxes, elk, muskox and bison. Even though this region gets notoriously cold, you might want to time your visit around the first couple of weeks of winter for a chance to witness the northern lights.

A trip to Europe may not be in your budget, but a visit to Québec City could be. This Canadian city charms visitors with its picturesque centuries-old buildings that make up Old Québec – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meanwhile, the aromas of freshly baked bread and brewing espresso fill the cobblestone streets of the Quartier Petit-Champlain with the essence of Paris. Once you've gotten your fill of the city, take a trip to Montmorency Falls Park to marvel at its 272-foot-tall waterfall. Plan your visit for winter when the city comes alive with twinkling lights, festivals and cold-weather activities – just remember to pack your down jacket .

Take adventure travel up a notch with a visit to Whistler. In winter, this resort town in British Columbia (about 75 miles north of Vancouver) boasts everything from cross-country skiing and snowboarding to bobsled rides and bungee jumping. Travelers can spend their downtime in Whistler Village enjoying the après-ski scene, perusing locally owned shops or strolling through Whistler Olympic Plaza. Meanwhile, visitors in town when the weather is warmer can go hiking, fishing, horseback riding, kayaking and more. Plus, summer travelers will love exploring Brandywine Falls Provincial Park, home to the 230-foot-tall waterfall from which the park gets its name.

Home to rolling green hills, sandy beaches, red sandstone cliffs and a delicious bounty of seafood (this is where PEI mussels come from, after all), Prince Edward Island is the place to travel for a relaxing respite from Canada's more adventure-driven destinations. When you're not hiking the trails at Prince Edward Island National Park, perfect your swing at one of the island's golf courses or visit the Green Gables Heritage Place, where the 1908 novel, "Anne of Green Gables" was inspired. And be sure to keep an eye out for PEI's seal population (four kinds call the island home either full or part time).

This UNESCO World Heritage Site encompasses nearly 700 square miles of land on Newfoundland's west coast. Its top activity is undoubtedly hiking through the Tablelands. Here, you'll traverse exposed earth mantle, a rust-colored landscape that was created millions of years ago by a collision of tectonic plates. Also save time for a boat ride on Western Brook Pond, which is a glacier-carved, landlocked fjord that features cascading waterfalls measuring 2,000 feet. After getting a taste of nature, learn about the region's history at the Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse.

Montréal is a city of juxtaposition: Skyscrapers rub elbows with Old Montréal's 17th-century architecture while the familiar sounds of English intermingle with the foreign buzz of French – the official language of Québec province. Visit Old Montréal to get a taste of Europe (think: beautiful architecture and cobblestone streets), including its own Notre-Dame Basilica, a grand Gothic Revival-style church that offers self-guided tours along with an evening sound and light show. Then head to modern attractions, such as the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts. Meanwhile, if you're visiting during the warmer months, don't miss out on the Montréal Botanical Garden and the scenic Mount Royal Park.

While Montréal and Québec City honor Canada's French roots, Victoria pays tribute to the country's British heritage. Many pay a visit to Victoria, British Columbia's capital city, for afternoon tea, a tour of the beautiful Parliament Buildings or a history lesson at the Royal BC Museum. Others are interested in visiting Vancouver Island's wineries to sample local vinos. Meanwhile, animal lovers enjoy the abundance of marine wildlife that call the waters surrounding Victoria home. In fact, there are nearly 80 orca whales in Victoria's waters. What's more, since Victoria is one of the most sustainable urban destinations in North America, visitors can feel good about the impact of their trip.   

"Big" doesn't even begin to describe this Ontario city. With cultural pockets like Greektown, Little India and Koreatown all within city limits, Toronto has the ability to transport visitors around the globe. Take it all in with a ride up the 1,815-foot-tall CN Tower, or enjoy a quintessentially Canadian experience at the Hockey Hall of Fame. Then, head to the St. Lawrence Market to sample gourmet goodies before checking out the nearby Harbourfront Centre. And if the weather is right, plan a visit to the Toronto Islands, where you can relax on the beach, go kayaking or enjoy an afternoon bike ride.

The star of this national park on Nova Scotia's Cape Breton Island is the world-famous Cabot Trail – one-third of which runs through the park. As you drive the winding highway, which is considered one of the world's most scenic drives, you'll pass forested river canyons, rural fishing villages and plenty of lookout points for admiring Nova Scotia's serene landscape. Prefer to explore the park on your own two feet? There are 26 hiking trails to choose from, as well as opportunities for kayaking, mountain climbing, camping and more.

Located a little more than 80 miles northwest of Montréal in Québec's Laurentian Mountains, Mont-Tremblant is best known for its skiing, specifically Mont Tremblant Ski Resort, which occupies the highest peak in the mountain range. But warm-weather visitors are equally enchanted by its Parc national du Mont-Tremblant, which boasts six rivers and 400 lakes and streams, not to mention countless hiking trails and beaches. Water sports, fishing and mountain biking are all popular here thanks to the area's diverse landscape.

Stretching across more than 150 miles, the Okanagan Valley is home to 86% of British Columbia's vineyard acreage and features more than 200 world-class wineries. There are also a variety of subregions in the valley, each promising its own unique experiences and grape varietals. If you are looking to combine wine tasting with outdoor pursuits, visit the Naramata Bench. This area is packed with wineries and offers everything from kayaking to mountain biking. No matter which area you visit, you'll enjoy spectacular views that rival those of the world's best wine regions .

Vote to Add these Destinations to the Rankings

Kluane National Park and Reserve

Saint John, New Brunswick

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18 Best Places to Visit in Canada

Written by Lana Law Updated May 11, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Lana Law has lived in British Columbia, Alberta, and Manitoba, and currently resides in Ontario.

Canada's cities and towns offer travelers a diverse choice of experiences, from chic, cosmopolitan centers to mountain resorts and maritime cities. Determining the best places to visit may depend on your interests and the type of trip you're hoping to create.

In the heart of the country is Toronto, Canada's biggest city and the highlight of Canada's arts and cultural scene. Nearby, Niagara Falls is a must-see attraction for visitors to Canada that never disappoints. In the neighboring French-speaking province of Québec, Montreal is known for fashion, culture, and history.

In the West , Vancouver and Victoria offer two very different perspectives on West Coast cities, but each has something unique to offer. The mountain towns of Whistler and Banff are places to immerse yourself in beautiful mountain scenery and enjoy a little of the great outdoors.

Eastern Canada has a culture all of its own, with a rich maritime heritage and friendly people. And scattered throughout the country are other popular cities and lesser-known gems to explore. For ideas to help plan your Canada itinerary , see our list of the best places to visit in Canada.

1. Vancouver

2. niagara falls, 4. montreal, 5. banff national park, 6. st. john's, 8. victoria, 10. québec city, 11. whitehorse, 12. whistler, 13. charlottetown & prince edward island, 15. kelowna, 16. revelstoke, 17. winnipeg, 18. churchill, map of places to visit in canada.

Highlights : Unlimited outdoor activities, amazing natural beauty, Stanley Park, Granville Island

For beauty, climate, a fun atmosphere, and plenty of things to do, you can't go wrong planning a trip to Vancouver . Set on the shores of the Pacific Ocean and backed by snow-capped mountains, this is an active city, where locals enjoy the outdoors year-round.

Sunbathers can bask on the beaches in summer, and skiers can hit the nearby ski resorts in winter. At any time of year, you can walk the seawall or stroll through the towering trees in Stanley Park , enjoy fine dining or a casual meal while watching the sunset, or find fabulous shopping, from the markets of Granville Island to the high-end shops in the city center.

If you are spending more than a couple of days in the city and looking for some interesting outings, take a day trip from Vancouver to some of the nearby hotspots such as Whistler , Victoria , or some of the small towns in the mountains or Fraser Valley.

Highlights : One of the world's natural wonders, boat tours, lookout at the edge of the falls

Canada's most famous natural attraction, the majestic Niagara Falls has been drawing sightseers almost since its discovery. The great wall of water pounding over the falls is an amazing sight, and the view and access afforded visitors are astounding. You can literally walk up to the edge of the falls, separated only by a cast iron railing, and see the water as it disappears over the crest.

In 2021, the Niagara Parks Commission opened the 115-year-old Canadian Niagara Power Company generating station. After years of painstaking renovations and rehabilitation, this fascinating building displays its old generators and electrical equipment. New in 2023, visitors can now descend beneath the building and walk through former water tunnels, ending up at the river's edge below the falls.

The city that has developed here, also named Niagara Falls, has been greatly influenced by the people and atmosphere the falls have created. Stuntmen and daredevils have been tempting their fate on the falls throughout the decades, and as a result, a carnival-style atmosphere has come to define this unique city. Just a short drive from Toronto , Niagara Falls is easy to reach, and the city is a fun place to spend a day or two.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Niagara Falls, Canada

Highlights : Dynamic downtown with great dining, views from the CN Tower, waterfront trails

As Canada's largest city, Toronto is the country's cultural hot spot, with ballet, opera, symphony, and Broadway shows. It's also home to the landmark CN Tower . Add extraordinary shopping, fine dining, and fantastic museums, and there is no end to the entertainment.

In recent years, Toronto's waterfront has experienced ongoing development and now boasts beautiful walking areas, restaurants, and in summer, outdoor concerts and cultural performances.

Just outside the city center, in either direction from downtown, are beautiful beaches , perfect on hot summer days. In winter, a public skating rink springs to life outside city hall, and unique winter events, including the popular Winterlicious add to the fun. You can find ski resorts near Toronto as well.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Toronto

Highlights : Historical old town area, waterfront park, fantastic dining, French vibe

Montreal is a unique city, with a beautiful old historic district dating back to the 1600s and a modern city center with extensive underground shopping. Old Montreal is the main tourist hub, with cobbled streets and fantastic old buildings, a perfect place to lose yourself as you wander up and down the historical streets. In and around Montreal are a fine assortment of wonderful parks and beaches .

Montreal is also home to a large number of fashion designers, and high-end boutiques line the historic streets, along with quaint hotels and restaurants. Located in the French-speaking province of Québec , Montreal has its own cultural identity, but English-speaking visitors will have no trouble communicating with anyone in the tourist industry.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Montreal

Highlights : Incredible alpine scenery, glaciers, Lake Louise, skiing, and historic hotels

The charming mountain town of Banff, in the stunning Banff National Park, is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the Rocky Mountains and see some of the most beautiful scenery in Canada. This is undeniably a tourist town, catering to international travelers from all over the globe.

In summer, the turquoise lakes, including Lake Louise and Moraine Lake , set below glacier-capped mountains are a glorious sight. One of the best ways to experience the landscape is to drive the Icefields Parkway, which runs through the park to Jasper National Park. For those looking for a bit more adventure and exercise, consider tackling one of Banff's best hiking trails . These classic routes take you to some of the most impressive sights in the park.

In winter, skiers and boarders descend on the area to enjoy the slopes of Lake Louise Ski Resort and Sunshine Village Ski Resort , two of Canada's best ski resorts .

Consider staying in Banff at the luxurious and historic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel , or perhaps choose another one of the best resorts in Banff. That way you don't even need to leave town to enjoy a gondola ride to the top of a mountain for dinner, soak in a hot springs-fed pool, find fabulous shopping, discover lovely walking trails, and possibly see elk and woodland caribou that frequently make their way into town.

• Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Banff National Park
• Best Campgrounds in Banff National Park

Highlights : Historic city with colorful buildings, friendly locals, and views from Signal Hill that are not to be missed

In Canada's far eastern province of Newfoundland and Labrador is the historic and friendly city of St. John's. This is the main gateway for air travelers to the island of Newfoundland, but many people come simply to enjoy the city.

Colorful buildings line the sloping streets that run along hills, with views out over the harbor. The city also has numerous historic sites and attractions, including and Signal Hill , George Street , but the real appeal is the vibrant atmosphere, the people, and the maritime culture that makes this city so unique from mainland Canada.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in St. John's, Newfoundland

Highlights : Parliament Hill, winter and summer festivals, historic 19th-century Rideau Canal

As Canada's national capital city, Ottawa is home to some outstanding national museums and historic sites, as well as Parliament Hill , and it enjoys a beautiful setting along the Rideau Canal . It is also a small city, making it easy to navigate and fun to explore.

Summer is a wonderful time to visit, with a whole host of events held throughout the season, including the Tulip Festival in spring and the always lavish Canada Day Celebrations on July 1st.

In winter, when the weather is cold enough, the canal transforms into a 7.8-kilometer-long skating rink and in February, the annual Winterlude celebrations draw huge crowds. There is no bad time to visit Ottawa, and it is only a few hours by car or train from Toronto.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Ottawa

Highlights : Beautiful harbor, mountain views, beaches, hiking and walking trails

British Columbia's beautiful capital city Victoria, has a quaint, small-town atmosphere, perhaps due to its island location. Set at the southern tip of Vancouver Island , the city has a mild year-round climate, with wet mild winters and warm, glorious summers. Victoria is one of the warmest places in Canada in winter , attracting Canadians from colder parts of the country from late fall until spring.

Views around the city are stunning in every direction, looking out over the harbor, south over the Strait of Juan de Fuca to Washington State, or across to the mountains on mainland British Columbia .

Most of the tourist activity is focused around Victoria's Inner Harbour , where the Parliament Buildings and the historic Fairmont Empress Hotel are located. A stroll along the waterfront on a sunny day is gorgeous. Just outside the city center are beaches and lovely coastal areas , as well as parks and hiking trails .

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Victoria, British Columbia

Halifax : Friendly locals, 19th-century architecture, and stunning views from the Citadel

Halifax is a great city for anyone looking for an introduction to Canada's Maritime Provinces. The Halifax waterfront is the main tourist hub in the city, particularly during the summer months, with a few historic buildings and plenty of activity. Overlooking the city is the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site , one of the city's main attractions.

Outside the city are a number of small coastal villages that offer a good glimpse of life in the Maritimes. One of the most famous villages is Peggy's Cove , home to the most photographed lighthouse in the Maritimes. A little further afield are Lunenburg and Mahone Bay , also well worth a visit. Taking a day trip from Halifax is highly recommended.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Halifax

Highlights : Beautifully restored 17th-century architecture in the Old Town, winter fun at the Carnival de Québec in February

Like Montreal, Québec City is loaded with history and located in the French-speaking province of Québec. This is the provincial capital and a city with a history dating back to the early 1600s. The old buildings and curving cobbled streets make this one of Canada's most charming capital cities.

One-third the size of Montreal, Québec City is also relatively small and easy to navigate. While summer is the busy season, the famous winter carnival, the Carnival de Québec attracts huge crowds and is the city's most well-known event.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Québec City

Highlights : Klondike gold rush history, northern lights in season

A visit to Whitehorse offers a chance to see life in Canada's far north. This is the capital of the Yukon and also a gateway to areas farther north, including Alaska and the beautiful Nahanni National Park .

The city's history dates back to the Klondike gold rush, when prospectors made their way through here on their route to Dawson City. Many of the city's attractions offer insight into the gold-rush days, and beyond the city limits are some beautiful natural areas to explore. If you are lucky, the night sky will come to life with a display of northern lights .

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Whitehorse

Highlights : World-class ski resort, Olympic history, views from the gondola, Cloudraker Skybridge

Whistler has long been known as a world-class ski destination and was the site of many of the skiing events during the 2010 Winter Olympics hosted by Vancouver. Despite this reputation, Whistler is an equally impressive and popular summer destination, with hiking, biking, golfing, and many other activities on offer.

The village has grown over the years and is now a vibrant, high-end resort town with a great selection of hotels, restaurants, and shops.

The Whistler-Blackcomb mountains are famous for their incredible terrain and bring in skiers from around the world. The Peak-2-Peak Gondola , which joins the two mountains, is an 11-minute, 4.4-kilometer-long ride, with spectacular views, and is open to skiers or non-skiers year-round.

The resort has recently added the new Cloudraker Skybridge near the top of the Peak Chair. This 130-meter metal bridge spans a small alpine valley and ends at the Raven's Nest. The viewing platform provides 360-degree views of the surrounding area, including world-famous Black Tusk.

• Read More: Top Things to Do in Whistler

Highlights : Small town charm, PEI National Park, incredible beaches nearby

If you are going to visit Charlottetown , you might as well take the time to explore the whole province of Prince Edward Island . PEI is a summertime playground, with beautiful beaches and interesting historic sites, including the fictional home of Anne of Green Gables in Prince Edward Island National Park .

Charlottetown is the capital and main city but has an almost small-town feel, with numerous Victorian-style heritage buildings. PEI is small enough that you can see the whole island on even a short vacation. Many visitors, particularly families, rent beach houses or cottages on PEI during the summer months.

Highlights : Huge beaches; surfing hotspot; cool, funky town; old-growth forest hiking nearby

The unofficial surfing capital of Canada , the small town of Tofino on Vancouver Island is one of the most unique places to visit in Canada and draws a mixed crowd of visitors.

People come here to surf, hike in the old-growth forests , and enjoy the huge beaches in and around Pacific Rim National Park . This is also a great place to see wildlife, kayak, storm watch in November, and relax at one of the luxurious resorts or set up camp under towering trees at a cozy campground .

The town itself is tiny and has an end-of-the-world type feel about it, but you can find fine dining at some of the lodges or a few of the restaurants around town. A handful of stores, galleries, and coffee shops give the town a special character.

Despite the town's small size, the area feels big. With so much to see and do, you'll want to plan at least a few days here, although it's easy to fill up a week or more. Not far away is Ucluelet , another small town, which you can easily visit on an outing from Tofino.

• Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do in Tofino

Highlights : Lake Okanagan waterfront, beaches, golfing, downhill skiing in the winter

In the interior of British Columbia is the lovely city of Kelowna. This city is a favorite spot for Canadians but less well-known internationally.

Picturesquely set on the shore of Lake Okanagan and surrounded by rolling mountains, Kelowna draws tourists during the summer months, when it's possible to hike, golf, or enjoy the lake at one of the many wonderful beaches in town.

Renting a houseboat to explore the surrounding waters is a popular summer vacation in this area. In winter, the surrounding mountains are a hotspot for skiers, with the popular nearby ski resorts of Big White and Silver Star , two of British Columbia's best ski resorts , within easy reach.

Just down the lake from Kelowna is the picturesque small town of Penticton , home to some of the best beaches in the Okanagan.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Kelowna and the Okanagan

Highlights : A historic mining town, epic resorts and heli-skiing in the winter, mountain biking in the summer

The adventure town of Revelstoke is one of the best places to visit in Canada for adventure. Although it's a favorite destination among Albertans and British Columbians, it is still undiscovered on an international scale, making it a good place to escape the crowds associated with sightseeing destinations like Banff and Lake Louise.

Beautiful mountain scenery surrounds this small town in the interior of British Columbia, but much of the appeal comes from the activities available for outdoor lovers.

In winter, skiers come here to enjoy skiing at Revelstoke Mountain Resort , one of the best ski resorts in British Columbia , or to go heli-skiing in the Purcell Mountains. In summer, mountain biking and hiking are the most popular things to do. Nightlife here has been expanding over the last number of years, and you can find plenty of places to frequent after a day of skiing or hiking.

Highlights : The Forks Market, historic 19th-century buildings, Museum for Human Rights

This thriving city in the prairies of Central Canada may not be the first image that jumps to mind when thinking about the best places to visit in Canada, but if you are traveling in summer, Winnipeg is worth a stop. Surrounded by fields, many of which glow yellow in summer with canola or sunflowers, and set along the Red and Assiniboine Rivers, the city is surprisingly scenic.

The dynamic and fun Forks Market , at the confluence of the two rivers, has restaurants, and outdoor walking trails (a skating rink in winter) and is one of the first places tourists should visit. Also in this area is one of Canada's premiere museums: the Canadian Museum for Human Rights .

Within a couple of hours of the city is Grand Beach , one of Canada's best beaches set on the shore of Lake Winnipeg, and the Whiteshell Provincial Park , an area of boreal forest with some of Manitoba's best lakes and rivers. People come here to camp, hike, or spend time at a cottage.

• Read More: Best Attractions & Places to Visit in Winnipeg

Highlights : Up close and personal encounters with polar bears

The small town of Churchill is the place in Canada to see polar bears in their natural environment. These huge beasts roam the tundra just outside of town in search of their next meal when the ice is out on Hudson Bay. Tours in specially created vehicles called Tundra Buggies will take you out into the vast wilderness to see the bears safely and comfortably.

Nearby and also worth visiting is one of Canada's most famous and rarely visited National Historic Sites, the Prince of Wales Fort. Dating from 1731, this massive stone structure is fun to explore, and after your visit, you'll be glad you weren't one of the men stationed here.

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Areas and Regions to Visit in Canada: If you want to extend your travels beyond the best cities and towns in Canada and tackle a region, you can find some interesting destinations. In Eastern Canada, consider the Gaspé Peninsula , a picturesque region in Quebec that juts into the St. Lawrence River. On the West Coast, Vancouver Island offers remote stretches of wilderness, small towns, and incredible hiking trails and campgrounds . To experience Canada's far north, have a look at the beauty of Nunavut .

More on Canada

12 exciting experiences in every corner of Canada

May 7, 2024 • 8 min read

In Montréal, the summer festivals never stop © Sébastien St-Jean / AFP via Getty Images

The mind boggles at the sheer scope of Canada .

The continent-spanning country’s vast territory encompasses frigid, treeless Baffin Island and the dense forests and mountains of  Banff . Balmy Victoria , British Columbia and blustery St Johns , Newfoundland, six time zones away. Dinosaur bones at Drumheller and the ultra-modern skyscrapers of Toronto.

To come up with a dozen sights that capture the essence of this gargantuan country is like trying to nominate your 12 favorite stars in the Milky Way. Here’s our humble attempt to list all the best things to do in Canada.

1. Trek for a cup of tea above Lake Louise, Alberta

You could fill several summers hiking the countless trails in Banff National Park . But if you had to choose just two routes that combine wild mountain scenery with refreshing comforts, look no further than the Lake Louise teahouses. Originally built by the Canadian Pacific Railway in the early 20th century, these two historic backcountry cabins are only accessible by foot or on horseback, and during the balmy days of summer serve a welcome menu of hot beverages and appetizing snacks. The Lake Agnes Teahouse is nestled in a mountain cirque (valley) 3.5km (2.2 miles) above Lake Louise. The Plain of the Six Glaciers Teahouse occupies a glade 5.6km (3.5 miles) southwest of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and within sight of the Victoria glacier. Energetic types can visit both in the same (ambitious) walk.  

2. See traces of the Gold Rush in Dawson City, Yukon Territory

One of Western Canada’s best-preserved and most evocative national historic sites,  Dawson City pays homage to the 1896–98 Klondike Gold Rush, an event sometimes described as America’s “last grand adventure” – and one that left a lasting mark on Canadian culture and the folklore of the Yukon . A lasting legacy of this era is the tight grid of wooden buildings that have changed little since the settlement’s 20th-century heyday. In 2023, UNESCO made Tr’ondëk-Klondike a World Heritage site , to highlight the often-forgotten impact of the gold rush on the region’s Indigenous people. Lest we forget, two of the original prospectors, Skookum Jim and Tagish Charlie, were from the Tagish First Nation.   

Planning tip: Parks Canada docents dressed in period clothing lead excellent summer walking tours of the town’s important monuments. Meet them at the visitor center.

3. Admire the treasures of the reclaimed potlatch collection on Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Head north to Alert Bay on tiny Cormorant Island, just off Vancouver Island , to see one of the best manifestations of Canada’s rich Indigenous culture: the U’mista Cultural Centre , a unique museum modeled on a wooden Indigenous longhouse. On display is a vast collection of Kwakwaka’wakw artifacts – including masks, carvings and totems – reclaimed after being confiscated by Canadian authorities in the early 20th century when “potlatch” gift-giving ceremonies were (shamefully) prohibited.

4. Attend a festival in the “Franglish” city of Montréal

Few cities are as distinctly bilingual and bicultural as Montréal – and few host such a varied smorgasbord of festivals. June is when the main summer season kicks off, with Festival Mural , a graffiti and hip-hop extravaganza. Hot on its heels comes Les Francos de Montréal (Québécois music) and the Canadian Grand Prix (motor-racing), followed in July by Juste pour Rire (Just for Laughs, a giant comedy happening), with the peerless Festival International de Jazz de Montréal  as the season’s high point. Yet those are just the appetizers. Many more parades, galas, circuses and street parties enliven Montréal’s streets the other 10 months of the year.

5. Fly into roadless Nahanni National Park Reserve, Northwest Territories

You’ll need to jump on a floatplane to see the unsullied glories of  Nahanni in the Northwest Territories , a roadless national park acclaimed for wild rivers that curl around the MacKenzie Mountains through deep canyons and past a karst landscape riddled with interconnecting caves. With zero population and no services, visits here are pricey but truly rewarding, once-in-a-lifetime trips. Multi-day guided paddling excursions on the South Nahanni River are particularly spectacular.

Planning tip: Flights are best arranged out of Fort Simpson in the NWT or Whitehorse in the Yukon. Raft and canoe trips can be organized with licensed outfitters like Black Feather , which runs 14-day canoeing tours on the South Nahanni River.

6. Get close to Anglo-French colonial history in Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia

Tossed around like a tennis ball in the colonial wars of the 17th and 18th centuries, Annapolis Royal in rural Nova Scotia is today a small peaceful town that shows few signs of the sieges and skirmishes that once beset the region. Its pièce de résistance is  Fort Anne , a historic bastion first fortified by the Scottish in 1629, re-established by the French in the 1640s and finally requisitioned by the British in 1713. Aside from the military citadel, the town guards several less contentious cultural heirlooms, including some of Canada’s oldest surviving houses.

Detour: Around 14km (9 miles) northwest of Annapolis Royal, the  Port Royal National Historic Site is a replica of the one of the earliest permanent European settlements in North America, established by French colonist and explorer Samuel de Champlain in 1605.  

7. Explore Vancouver’s “back garden” in the North Shore Mountains

The roadless muddle of mountains and valleys just north of Vancouver is the city’s proverbial backyard – and, in the eyes of many, its finest attraction. Accessible via a network of well-mapped trails and easily reachable by public transport, the backcountry here is close enough to the city to be reconnoitered in a day. You might be observing bears in Hanes Valley at lunchtime, then singing “Mr Brightside” in a downtown karaoke bar by evening. Most tourists access the North Shore via the Grouse Mountain gondola – but only a 20-minute walk from the crowded summit restaurant lies a world of unadulterated subalpine forest and vertiginous ridgetops.

Planning tip: Recommended North Shore hikes include the rocky scramble to the top of Goat Mountain, the strenuous backcountry rollercoaster through the Hanes Valley and the popular, rootsy ramble to the viewpoint at St Mark’s Summit.

8. Listen to ancient Viking sagas in L’Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland

Almost half a millennium before Columbus bumped into North America , a short-lived but pioneering Viking settlement took shape on the northern tip of Newfoundland . You can investigate its foggy legacy in several reconstructed sod houses at L’Anse aux Meadows , a national historic site first excavated by two Norwegian archaeologists in the 1960s. In the evenings, contemporary guides gather 'round in traditional kitchens to relate powerful Viking sagas.   

9. Stroll the Plaines d’Abraham in Québec City

Québec City is one of the oldest European-founded settlements in Canada and the only walled city north of Mexico. It is also where the continent’s long-term fate was decided in a short, decisive battle between the British and French on the  Plaines d’Abraham (Plains of Abraham) in 1759. You can absorb the historical details at the onsite Musée des Plaines d’Abraham , which explores that conflict through regalia and maps. Afterward, enjoy river views and a picnic in the adjoining park and finish off by visiting the imposing  Citadelle de Québec , a fort built by the British atop old French defenses in the early 1800s.

Detour: Sandwiched between the Old Upper Town and the waterfront, the neighborhood of Petit-Champlain has the city’s most intriguing museums, along with plenty of outdoor cafes and restaurants lining its pedestrian-friendly streets.

10. Size up a Tyrannosaurus rex in Drumheller, Alberta

Paleontology is the overriding theme in dusty Drumheller , where the Royal Tyrrell Museum exhibits one of the planet’s pre-eminent fossil collections, many of them unearthed locally. On a slightly kitschier note, the city also exhibits the world’s largest dinosaur – a bulky fiberglass T. rex that visitors can climb up to peer through its open jaws.

Detour: Beyond the reptilian attractions, this arid pocket of eastern Alberta is famed for its classic Badlands scenery and eerie, mushroom-like rock columns called hoodoos. Several driving loops circumnavigate the striking geology.

11. Get a taste of Toronto – literally

Comprising a complex potpourri of cultures and neighborhoods , Toronto is Canada’s urban colossus. This diversity finds its most delicious expression in the city’s food scene. The metropolis’ 7000-ish restaurants represent a phenomenal range of tastes, cultures and experiences. You can explore, graze and experiment through a gamut of neighborhoods, from fine dining in the Financial and Entertainment Districts to hole-in-the-wall eats in Kensington Market and Chinatown.

Detour: Old Town’s sensational St Lawrence Market has been a neighborhood meeting place for over two centuries. The restored, high-trussed South Market houses more than 120 specialty food stalls and shops – think cheese vendors, fishmongers, butchers, bakers, pasta makers and more.

12. Savor winter and summer alpine pursuits in Whistler, British Columbia

Cool, compact and ruggedly handsome, Whistler is the slick, alpine-style village that co-hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics. Spread over two mountains and located a mere 120km (75 miles) north of Vancouver, Whistler has long been renowned for its humongous 8,171-acre  ski area (one of the world’s largest). Yet these days – thanks to savvy marketing and subtle infrastructure adjustments – summer visitors outnumber their winter counterparts. Come in any season for instant access to a vast backcountry of wild mountains and recreational lakes.

Planning tip: Access to both Whistler and Blackcomb mountains is provided by high-speed gondolas, which are open year-round. Even better, the two mountaintops are linked by the world’s second-longest free-span gondola, the Peak 2 Peak .

This article was first published Sep 22, 2021 and updated May 7, 2024.

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The 30 BEST Things to Do in Canada – Ultimate Bucket List

• Last Updated: February 5, 2024

If you’re seeking the ultimate Canadian bucket list experiences, you’ve come to the right place – Don’t miss this epic guide to the 30 best things to do in Canada!

This isn’t your typical ‘things to do in Canada’ post, filled with the obvious activities such as skiing in Whistler Blackcomb or riding a bicycle around Stanley Park.

In this article we dive deep into the most incredible, extreme, unique and life-changing experiences you can find in the Great White North.

Canada is a land rich in natural beauty, wildlife diversity and cultural heritage, the abundance of which few countries on the planet can compare.

Having spent three years living in this captivating nation, and more time since then travelling to its far flung reaches in search of adventure and epic landscapes, we can confidently say that even after exploring close to 100 countries, there truly is no other place on earth quite like Canada.

Polar bears and caribou roam the tundra in the far reaches of the Arctic while grizzly bears and orca ply the rugged coastline of British Columbia.

Picturesque villages lie amongst the jagged peaks of the Rockies, and cosmopolitan Canadian cities bustle with festivals and events that put them firmly on the world stage.

While most people who travel to Canada do so in search of the world’s best ski resorts or a desire to road trip through the Rockies, there is so much more to do in this stunning, incredibly unique destination.

Table of Contents

Travelling on Rocky Mountaineer

See the polar bears in churchill, kayak with beluga whales, seeing the northern lights, drive an rv across the yukon, flying over niagara falls, heli-skiing in revelstoke, stay in a heli-accessed wilderness lodge, cruise the inside passage on a small ship adventure, stay in a lakeside log cabin in manitoba, exploring the canadian arctic, spend the night in an ice hotel in quebec, take a scenic flight over kluane national park, yukon, stay in the fairmont in lake louise, concert-hopping at the montreal jazz festival, hang with grizzlies in a luxury wilderness lodge, become a dog musher in the yukon, whale watching in nova scotia, road trip the icefields parkway, venture to the floe edge in nunavut, take a spa retreat and eco-getaway at sonora resort, seek adventure at torngat mountains base camp, kayak with orcas in bc, paddle a canoe down the yukon river, stay at fogo island inn, witness the annual caribou migration in nunavut, travel north to the arctic watch wilderness lodge, sail the great bear rainforest with bluewater adventures, aurora viewing in a teepee, learn about canada’s first nations people in haida gwaii, our guide to the top things to do in canada.

You could spend a lifetime working your way through the ultimate Canadian bucket list, and if you haven’t already planned yours out, this guide on what to do in Canada will give you plenty more ideas to add.

From the well-known tourist attractions like Niagara Falls, Banff National Park, and the Rocky Mountains, to the more remote natural wonders, pristine lakes, eco lodges, and more, here are the best things to do in Canada!

The romance of luxury train travel leans on a forgotten era, where travel was all about the journey, not the destination.

In Canada though one company continues to keep the notion of slow travel alive with one of the world’s most spectacular rail experiences.

Rocky Mountaineer has been navigating the tracks through the Canadian Rockies since 1990, bringing guests on an all-inclusive voyage into the heart of the country’s awe-inspiring glaciers, valleys and jagged peaks.

The most popular route travels between Vancouver and Banff National Park on a 2-day trip, with a night spent in the picturesque town of Kamloops.

During the day guests relax in pure luxury, sipping on fine wines, tasting award-winning cuisine and staring majestically at the panoramic views found beyond the Glass Dome Ceilings of Rocky Mountaineer’s GoldLeaf Service.

In recent years the company have added a number of other routes, including to Banff National Park and Jasper National Park and even into the United States, but it’s near-impossible to beat the iconic First Passage to the West itinerary.

Travelling on Rocky Mountaineer is truly one of the greatest things to do in Canada, and by booking well in advance you can also add other adventures such as sailing the Inside Passage onto your trip.

You can read all about our own experience of travelling onboard Rocky Mountaineer here .

Located in the northern extremities of Manitoba, on the edge of the enormous Hudson Bay, is the remote village of Churchill, which holds the esteemed reputation as the ‘Polar Bear Capital of the World’.

There are only 25,000 polar bears left on the planet, with 15,000 of those found in Canada’s remote Arctic regions.

Polar bears are the earth’s largest apex predator, and despite their position at the top of the food chain, they are under the severe threat of extinction due to climate change.

With dwindling numbers, seeing a polar bear in the wild often requires long expedition cruises or irregular and expensive charter flights to the far flung corners of the planet.

But Churchill, Manitoba defies the norm, being the most accessible place to get up close to these incredible alpha hunters.

READ MORE: Don’t miss our incredible guide to the best wildlife experiences in Canada !

While no roads make their way this far north, a trip to Churchill can be done via plane or train, and once you’ve arrived at this small town of less than 1000 people you are now in the true heart of polar bear country.

The most popular way to see these majestic animals is onboard an iconic tundra vehicle – the elevated off-road trucks that take guests around the outskirts of Churchill and the Hudson Bay, giving you up close and personal interactions while remaining safely out of reach.

For a truly mesmerising bucket list experience however, we recommend organising your trip to the Polar Bear Capital with Churchill Wild .

With three award-winning and National Geographic-recognised luxury ecolodges located on the remote shores of Hudson Bay, Churchill Wild provides one of the most unique wildlife and accommodation experiences found anywhere in the world.

Their Polar Bear Safaris offer a variety of itineraries and all-encompassing adventures, with guests taking part in guided hikes to see polar bears in their natural habitat, Aurora Borealis viewing, zodiac tours and of course nights spent in their phenomenal ecolodges, sampling the best cuisine in Manitoba.

A journey this far north is something you will never forget when you visit Canada.

It’s not just polar bears you can spend time with up in Churchill. If you are passionate about wildlife experiences then set aside a day or two to take part in one of the most unique Canada activities – kayaking with beluga whales!

The mystical white whales of Canada’s Arctic live in the waters of Hudson Bay, coming close to shore to feed on trout and char.

While you can spot them breaching from the land or see them on a zodiac tour, the closest experience you can have is to sea kayak alongside them, under the watchful eye of your licensed guide of course.

Operators such as Lazy Bear Lodge and Sea North Tours organise exclusive 2-hour kayaking tours with the beluga whales, which is the perfect add-on to your Churchill adventure for anyone that loves marine life.

Churchill is one of the best places to visit in Canada for wildlife lovers!

Your first sight of the Aurora Borealis, with green and pink ribbons dancing impossibly across the night sky, is a scene you’ll never forget.

This geomagnetic phenomenon is only visible close to the polar extremities of the earth, and usually in the depths of winter, making it a rarity for people who don’t travel specifically to see it.

However, in Canada the chances of seeing Lady Aurora are higher than almost anywhere else on the planet.

Dedicated Northern Lights tours and accommodation can be found in the far reaches of Canada’s north, but just because you’re heading remote doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice luxury.

Northern Lights Resort and Spa just outside of Whitehorse is the top place to stay in Yukon to capture the stunning Aurora Borealis, and the lodge boasts heated log cabins as well as new glass chalets, so you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your bed to witness the displays.

Churchill is another incredible place to catch the Northern Lights, as is Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Newfoundland.

If travelling in winter doesn’t sound like your ideal holiday though that’s not a problem, because the Aurora can make an appearance at any time of year in Canada.

We have personally seen the Northern Lights in Yukon in September, and even as far south as Banff has been known to catch displays in the middle of summer.

Our best advice if you’re planning on seeing the Aurora as one of your top things to do in Canada is to travel to one of the northern parts of the country.

Not only will you have a higher chance of witnessing Lady Aurora work her magic, you will also have the fantastic delight of travelling to a region that very few tourists ever venture.

Few landscapes will leave you as humbled and inspired as the vast expanses of Canada’s Yukon.

The ancient peaks and glaciated valleys are as wild as you can get, yet accessing them is surprisingly easy with a fantastic highway system navigating between the main towns.

The best way to explore the territory is by renting an RV and taking your time on a road trip, using the capital of Whitehorse as the launch point.

Once you’ve collected your motorhome it’s time to hit the road, with most travellers taking the Golden Circle Route to dive into some of Yukon’s most spectacular destinations.

This road trip itinerary takes you to Haines Junction and Kluane National Park, the location of the planet’s largest non-polar icefield.

Spend the night at Mount Logan Lodge then continue on your way to Haines in Alaska, where you can see grizzlies feasting on salmon in the Chilkoot River.

Afterwards take the ferry to Skagway then drive north to Carcross before finishing off back in Whitehorse.

Travelling the route in an RV allows you to park up at the edge of stunning emerald lakes and venture off-the-beaten-path for a few nights sleeping under the stars, all while having the comforts of home with you at all times.

Alternatively, you can take you your motorhome as far north as Dawson City and to the fabled Tombstone National Park, with its ethereal rock formations.

Give yourself at least 10 days to truly enjoy all that these road trip itineraries have to offer.

Canada’s most populous city has an astonishing array of attractions and activities to enjoy , but none can quite compare to the sheer wonder that lies just 120km to the south at Niagara Falls.

Straddling the border of the United States and Canada, and connecting Lake Ontario with Lake Erie, is the turbulent Niagara River and Niagara Falls.

This intense river tumbles over a number of rapids before eventually sending 168,000 cubic metres every single minute off the 50m-high cliffs of Niagara Falls, known as one of the world’s most powerful waterfalls.

A trip to Niagara Falls is a must-do on any Canada bucket list, and while simply standing on the boardwalks that wrap around the falls can be an exhilarating feeling, nothing compares to seeing Niagara Falls from the air.

Book yourself in for an incredible scenic flight by plane or helicopter for a birds-eye view of Niagara Falls.

With tours running for 15-30 minutes it’s the perfect experience for people who want to tick off one of the great things in Canada while being short on time.

On a clear day you’ll be able to see all the way back to Toronto and south into the United States, but chances are you won’t be able to take your eyes off the mist from Niagara Falls as it churns below.

We recommend booking ahead of time if you are visiting Niagara Falls in the summer months. Two fantastic companies to check out are Niagara Air Tours and Niagara Helicopters .

Niagara Falls is definitely one of the best places to visit in Canada!

READ MORE: Check out our latest guide on what to do in Niagara Falls !

The picturesque town of Revelstoke found halfway between Vancouver and Calgary has always been a Mecca for snow sports, going way back to the end of the 19th century when the first ski club in town was created.

Revelstoke’s location where the Monashee and Selkirk mountain ranges meet brings an abundance of snowfall to this winter wonderland, and with the local ski resort boasting the highest vertical drop in North America, it’s little wonder that Revy (as it’s known to locals) is now one of the world’s premier winter destinations

While Revelstoke Mountain Resort is undoubtedly world-class, for a truly unrivalled experience you will need to book your adventure holiday to include a couple of days of heli-skiing to make the most of Canada’s most epic mountain terrain.

A number of companies operate fantastic heli-skiing and boarding trips, taking off just 5 minutes from downtown.

CMH is the largest operator in town and can do everything from one-day to week-long trips into the peaks, catering for all ability levels and styles.

Another excellent company is Eagle Pass Heliski , who are a bit more boutique in their offerings, and are the go-to provider for the hordes of professional athletes who frequent Revy.

Besides being Canada’s heli capital, Revelstoke is also one of the coolest towns to visit on any trip to the Great White North.

During our 3 years living in Canada, driving our campervan from Vancouver to Newfoundland and back, we spent 18 months living in this quaint mountain village.

To say our heart lies in Revy is an understatement, and we urge all travellers to add this place to their Canadian bucket list.

There’s no shortage of unique, luxury accommodation experiences you can find in Canada (many of which you’ll find right here in this article), from ice hotels to fairytale castles and everything in between.

However if you prefer to have your accommodation a bit more exclusive and boutique, then why not charter a helicopter to be whisked away deep into the mountains for a few nights in a wilderness lodge?

Some of the most famous ones are found outside of Banff and Revelstoke, but our personal favourites are the award-winning selection owned by Bella Coola Heli Sports .

The high-end operator runs 5 remote lodges in the Bella Coola Valley and close to Anahim Lake, both of which are only a 70-minute flight from Vancouver.

Once you arrive at HQ you’ll jump in a private helicopter to fly off to your lodge of choice. From the moment you land you’ll be treated to an exquisite experience that is often only reserved for the rich and famous.

Settle in by the fire and sip on local wines while your guides brief you on any number of outdoor activities you can enjoy from your new base camp, including hiking, downhill and cross country skiing and wildlife watching.

You’ll be one of just a handful of guests at any of these lodges (or you can even rent an entire place just for your friends and family), and your backyard will be millions of acres of wilderness terrain all around.

While you can’t go wrong with a few nights at any of their accommodations, if you had to choose one go for the Tweedsmuir Park Lodge , which was named one of the Magnificent 7 Luxury Wilderness Lodges of Canada .

If you prefer to experience Canada’s incredible landscapes by ship rather than helicopter, head to the rugged coast of British Columbia to sail the Inside Passage.

This stunning coastal route stretches from the northern tip of Washington State all the way to Alaska, speckled with over 1000 islands and surrounded by towering peaks and dense, remote pine forests.

Many travellers catch a glimpse of the archipelago’s beauty by taking the ferry from the mainland to Vancouver Island, but to truly experience all that the Inside Passage has to offer jump on a cruise ship or yacht and head north.

There are a number of luxury cruise operators that ply these waters of British Columbia, yet only a handful depart from Vancouver.

We recommend joining Aurora Expeditions onboard one of their cruises in Canada or Alaska.

Being a company with smaller ships and tour groups, guests have the chance to go Zodiac-cruising or kayaking, enjoy wildlife encounters with orcas, grizzlies and sea lions, and get up close to phenomenal landscapes that few other cruise companies can access.

There’s a lot more to do in Manitoba than hanging out with polar bears and and beluga whales in Churchill.

This central province is home to the cosmopolitan capital of Winnipeg , complete with its riverside cafe precinct and world-recognised Human Rights Museum, and the incredibly diverse Riding Mountain National Park where bison roam the plains and hiking trails twist their way through ancient forests.

You can easily spend a few weeks visiting all the amazing places in Manitoba , but our personal favourite destination is Falcon Lakes.

This picturesque, bucolic destination, located almost in the exact geographic centre of the country in Whiteshell Provincial Park, offers a perfect getaway for travellers looking for an authentic Canadian experience.

Rent a car and hit the road towards the family-owned Falcon Trails Resort , where locals Barb and Craig Christie have built a number of luxury log cabins right on the edge of the lake in what we described during our visit back in 2019 as the ‘ most Canadian place in Canada ‘.

The log cabins are exquisitely built, and from the moment you step inside you’ll instantly be greeted by the warm scent of a fire burning and aged cedar wood.

As tempting as it is to simply sit by the fire with a good book and glass of red watching the world pass by, step outside and jump in a canoe to paddle around the lakes or go for a hike to the ‘Top of the World’ lookout for unrivalled views all the way into the United States.

Spending a few nights at Falcon Lakes is a perfect way to break up a cross-Canada road trip , or for those who wish to experience a unique and off-the-beaten-path part of the country.

The Canadian Arctic is a sprawling, diverse and magnificent region, where the sun doesn’t set in the summer months (or rise in the winter), abundant wildlife roam the sea and ice, and Indigenous people live in traditional ways in one of the harshest environments imaginable.

A journey into the Arctic is something most intrepid travellers dream of but few realise, however with Canada’s bustling tourism industry offering a number of unique opportunities to explore this remote region, it has never been easier than ever to venture towards the North Pole.

Most people choose to travel to the Canadian Arctic onboard an expedition ship, with routes such as the Northwest Passage and Baffin Island allowing guests to take part in a number of adventures safely and comfortably.

It’s in the Arctic that you may be fortunate enough to spot polar bears, Arctic foxes, bowhead whales, narwhals and walruses, while also learning all about the fascinating cultures of the Inuit communities.

Operators such as Quark Expeditions provide opportunities for hiking, Zodiac cruising, kayaking and sightseeing alongside majestic icebergs, glaciers and fjords.

Most trips to the Arctic require charter flights from Edmonton, Ottawa (Canada’s capital city) or other Canadian cities, and your tour operator will take care of all the logistics for you.

There’s a good chance that when you were thinking of all the incredible things to do in Canada, sleeping inside a luxury hotel made entirely of ice wasn’t on your original list.

But proving the Great White North has almost every experience you can imagine, you can do just that just 45 minutes outside of Quebec City!

Every winter the marvellous Hôtel de Glace is built from scratch using huge blocks of ice then carved out using specialised techniques and tools from the nation’s best ice artists.

The entire structure is made out of ice, from the walls and ceilings right through to the beds, furniture, and each room and hallway is adorned with intricate ice sculptures.

Walking around Hôtel de Glace as a day visitor is fascinating enough, but for ultimate bragging rights book in for a night in one of the exclusive hotel rooms.

Despite sleeping inside a building made entirely out of ice you don’t have to worry about freezing. Guests are given thermal mattresses and thick, 4-season sleeping bags to keep warm at night.

Make sure you grab a pre-dinner cocktail in the ice bar beforehand, where drinks are served in glasses made of, you guessed it, ice, and guests mingle beneath the enormous ice chandelier.

After visiting this hotel, enjoy all the highlights of Quebec City. Read our article of the other best things to do in Quebec City to see how else you can fill your time here without missing the other must-see Canada attractions.

Kluane National Park in Canada’s Yukon is home to the world’s largest non-polar ice field, and protects an incredibly vast and diverse range of wildlife.

Small sections of the park are accessible for hiking trails, but at over 22,000km² in size the only way to truly appreciate just how immense and beautiful its interior is is to take scenic flight over this spectacular landscape.

Head to the small Haines Junction Airport and jump in a propellor plane with one of the highly experienced pilots at Kluane Glacier Air Tours for a flight you’ll never forget.

The flightseeing adventure soars above the St Elias Mountains, with Canada’s highest peak Mt Logan rising at 5959m tall, and offers unrivalled views of where the north and south arms of the Kaskawulsh Glacier crash together.

Flying over Kluane National Park, with its endangered grizzly population and melting glaciers, will leave you in awe at just how wild the Canadian mountains can be.

You can read more about this once-in-a-lifetime tour, complete with booking details and images, in our blog post .

The famous Fairmont Hotels brand runs some of Canada’s most iconic 5-star accommodations, from Vancouver Island to Quebec City, and each one is worthy of their own write-up.

However if we need to narrow it down to just one for this article on the best things to do in Canada, then staying at their Lake Louise location has to make it to the top of the list.

Set in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Banff National Park, right at the edge of the legendary glacial-fed lake, the extravagant Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise has been a bucket list item for accommodation aficionados ever since it opened in 1911.

The tastefully-designed luxury hotel offers jaw-dropping views over Lake Louise and the Victoria Glacier, and houses a number of award-winning restaurants and bars.

The historic Victoria Ballroom has floor to ceiling windows that overlook the lake, perfect for weddings and special events, and you’ll also find a heated indoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and high-end spa.

The real star of the show though is without a doubt the lake itself, and guests can spend their summer days wandering around the manicured hiking paths or canoeing on the lake, and in winter try their hands at ice skating or skiing.

Read more about all the other incredible things to do in Banff National Park during your visit here.

Montreal, the bustling and vibrant city found in the French-speaking province of Quebec, feels distinctly more European than it does Canadian.

From the cobblestoned streets of Old Montreal to the Portuguese vibe in La Plateau-Mont-Royal, it’s easy to get swept away in the unique culture that has weaved its way into this cosmopolitan city.

White visitors truly are spoilt for choice when wondering what to do in Montreal , it’s the annual Festival International de Jazz de Montreal that sits firmly at the top of the list for not-to-be-missed experiences.

First organised in 1980 to astounding acclaim, today the festival is one of the most prestigious events in Quebec.

Every year hundreds of local and international musicians, artists and performers descend on the city for two weeks of joyous entertainment, with massive crowds relishing in the party atmosphere.

A number of different venues are used all over the city, including clubs, town squares and even in the streets, with many of the concerts being held for free.

It’s not just jazz musicians you’ll find playing gigs here though. Some of the artists that have performed in the past include Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Ben Harper, Chuck Berry, John Butler and B.B. King, just to name a few.

Seeing Montreal come alive every year for the Jazz Festival is a tremendous experience, and it’s well worth timing your trip around the annual event.

Canada’s unique list of wildlife experiences is almost never-ending, and while travellers here often have a list of animals they’d love to see, some are more difficult, or dangerous, to spot than others.

The grizzly bear is one such species, and despite having a healthy population throughout the west coast, spotting a grizzly in the wild isn’t something most people are fortunate enough to do.

Luckily a number of responsible ecotourism operators offer fantastic opportunities to get as close as possible to these animals without putting yourself, or the bears, at risk.

British Columbia’s west coast is untamed and remote place, with the only access being via boat or seaplane.

The untouched wilderness has allowed native species to thrive, creating a diversity and abundance of animals not seen anywhere else in Canada.

Only a select few accommodation operators have been granted licenses to open in this region, with two of highest-regarded being Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge and Nimmo Bay.

Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge offers guests a range of signature experiences, including canyoning, heli-hiking , fly fishing and wildlife viewing.

The cuisine is personally foraged daily by the chefs and served alongside premium wines and liquors, all included in your stay of course.

At night you can rest your head inside one of their luxury safari tents, or relax with a spa treatment.

Nimmo Bay has a similar offering, but with guests staying in custom-built cabins and taking part in some other adventurous activities such as kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding.

Nimmo Bay is also located inside the Great Bear Rainforest, home to the mystical Kermode Bear (or Spirit Bear), which is one of the rarest animals in the entire world.

Both Nimmo Bay and Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge are all-inclusive resorts, and hold a large respect for the First Nations people that traditionally call this area their home.

When winter arrives in Canada an entire new playground emerges, with previously impassable terrain suddenly becoming epic thanks to blankets of fresh snow and solid ice.

This is when hordes of people descend on the ski resorts to carve up the runs, but if you’re looking for a different type of winter experience why not try something a little more traditional?

Dog mushing has been used as a means of transport by Canada’s remote northern communities for centuries, and while no longer as popular as it once was thanks to inventions like snowmobiles, tourism and recreation has kept the dog sledding industry alive.

Whistler, Banff and Mont Tremblant are some of the more common destinations to try dog sledding on short tours, but if you want to really learn about this historic activity head to the Yukon and take part in a multi-day mushing expedition.

Just an hour from Whitehorse the family-owned Sky High Wilderness Ranch offers highly engaging dog sledding tours that can help take a complete novice to a confident musher in no time.

Their 4-day Taste of Mushing adventure is designed for people who like their holidays a little bit more hands-on.

After a safety and operations briefing on the first day you are assigned 5 huskies as part of your team, and these pups will become your best friends over the next few days.

You are trained up on how to rig up the sled, how to provide care for your dogs and skills on sledding, and then you hit the trails for hours of heart-racing fun.

Dog sledding is not only a great way to explore the outdoors, it’s also an engaging activity, requiring both physical effort (running and controlling your sled) and mental engagement (keeping tabs on all of your dogs and responding to their needs).

For many, dog sledding is the best way to experience the winter landscape. The speed at which you travel over fresh snow, or through forests with snow laden boughs creates a truly immersive way to see Canada’s North.

While out mushing for the day, you and your tour guides will be stopping to take in the scenery, enjoy delicious lunches and taking breaks for some husky selfies.

In the evenings after you have fed and put away the pups you head back to your private log cabin to freshen up, and then can enjoy a nutritious and hearty meal with the staff and other guests.

This is an incredible Canadian experience for anybody who loves dogs and physical activity, and there’s no better place to do it than up in the Yukon.

While most international tourists to Canada tend to focus on the mountains of BC and Alberta, or the suave cities in Ontario and Quebec, the Maritime provinces remain largely untouched, despite their abundance of gorgeous landscapes and incredible attractions.

Nova Scotia is the crown jewel of the Maritimes, with picturesque beaches, funky fishing villages and the visually spectacular Cape Breton Island beckoning off-beat travellers from around the world.

Besides the natural beauty, Nova Scotia is also one of the best whale watching destinations on the planet!

Every summer humpbacks migrate south from the Arctic to breed and raise their young off the coast of Nova Scotia.

While it’s possible to see these magnificent creatures all along the Atlantic coast, Nova Scotia has emerged as one of the best locations in the world to see them up close.

The calving and breeding season runs from June through September, which means if you want to go whale watching in Nova Scotia, this is when you’ll need to plan your trip.

Besides humpbacks, you can also spot minke, fin and right whales! Make sure you book in for a tour with a licensed operator to see these wonderful species in the wild.

The Icefields Parkway stretching from the mountain village of Banff right through the Canadian Rockies to Jasper National Park is regarded as one of the world’s best road trips, and no trip to Canada would be complete without making the drive at least once (we’ve done it at least a dozen times and it never gets old).

The sheer variety of terrain you’ll see on the Icefields Parkway road trip is so diverse it’s hard to believe it’s even real. Craggy mountain peaks, glaciers, pristine lakes, waterfalls… The list goes on.

There are a number of unique attractions to do along the way, including taking a tour on the Athabasca Glacier, hiking for views of Peyto Lake and checking out the awe-inspiring Sunwapta Falls.

Jasper National Park itself is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and there are lots of amazing things to do in Jasper .

If you’re planning a road trip and want to see some of the best scenery in Canada, the Icefields Parkway is, without a doubt, your number one highway.

READ NEXT: Be sure to check out our post on the most comprehensive guide to driving the Icefields Parkway !

Some parts of Canada are so isolated that even a pin on a map barely allows you to truly comprehend where in the world it is.

The northern tip of Baffin Island in Nunavut is one such place.

Less than 5000 tourists visit the Nunavut territory every single year, making it one of the least-visited places in the country.

Those that do make it out here though are usually searching for one thing – wildlife. And a little-known destination called the ‘floe edge’ offers some of the best wildlife experiences money can buy.

The floe edge is also known as the ‘line of life’, and is a long line of floating sea ice that separates the ice pack from open water.

Located in Pond Inlet at the top of Baffin Island and requiring 2 days of travel to get here, the nutrient-rich waters along the floe edge brings in all kinds of species, including polar bears, walrus, bowhead and beluga whales, bearded and ringed seals, narwhals and over 200,000 migratory bids.

The best way to spend time by the floe edge is to book a wildlife safari with Arctic Kingdom , the experts in floe edge adventures.

After arriving in Pond Inlet jump in a sled to travel to their camp located right on the ice, and just a few kilometres from the edge of the Arctic sea.

Inuit guides will then take you to the edge of the floe break where you may be fortunate enough to see one of nature’s greatest spectacles – a polar bear catching a seal!

The Inuit guides are experts in wildlife and have learned from Inuit forefathers how to survive in this harsh environment.

Your accommodation will be in specially-designed tents, with enough creature comforts to keep you warm and safe throughout your stay.

Due to the logistics and remoteness of these guided tours, Arctic Kingdom only runs a couple of trips every summer, so make sure you book well ahead of time to secure your position.

Sometimes you just want to pamper yourself in luxury, surrounded by the sounds of nature and let the worries of the world fade away as the sun sets behind a forested peak.

If that sounds like your kind of getaway, then you need to book a few nights in Sonora Resort .

This wilderness 5-star resort located in the depths of British Columbia’s west coast is set amongst the country’s most alluring natural environments.

Only accessible by plane or boat, Sonora Resort is a private sanctuary hidden away in the archipelago between the mainland and Vancouver Island and set beneath towering mountains and boreal forests.

Guests are spoilt for choice on things to do here, and whether you love wildlife, adventure or wellness, you’ll have no problem filling your days with an array of exciting popular activities.

The marine-rich waters are a haven for humpback whales, orcas and porpoises, while the river inlets are often filled with grizzly bears gorging themselves on salmon.

Back at the sanctuary the award-winning spa has a number of treatments designed to rejuvenate the mind, body and soul.

All of this is matched with all-inclusive fine dining and unparalleled service.

Sonora Resort is truly where eco-adventure meets luxury, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more idyllic location for your ultimate Canadian bucket list.

Located in another one of Canada’s far-flung destinations is the Torngat Mountains Base Camp and Research Station , found at the edge of Lake Melville in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Simply getting here is an adventure in itself, with travellers needing to take a number of chartered flights then a boat trip to finally reach the base camp, situated 200km north of Labrador’s northernmost community.

The effort is entirely worth it though, because you have now arrived in the heart of polar bear country, casting your eyes on the fabled Torngat Mountains, a range that few humans will ever get to see.

The camp is owned and operated by Parks Canada and the local Inuit people, who conduct wildlife and meteorological research, while also welcoming a small number of intrepid travellers every summer.

From the moment you arrive you will realise just how wild this place is – armed guards escort you everywhere outside of the gated camp, as the polar bear population in the region is immense and deadly.

You’ll be under excellent protection though, and during the day the Inuit guides happily take you on mesmerising hikes deep into the Torngats, to the waters edge for a chance to spot wildlife, or even into the labs to observe scientists busy at work in the active research station.

At night guests cosy up by the fire or inside their heated dome accommodation, but you’ll want to stick your head outside as this is also one of the best places in Newfoundland and Labrador to capture the Northern Lights.

A trip to the Torngats is sure to be one of the most memorable things to do in Canada you can ever experience, and the words that often comes to those who have made the journey out here is ‘life changing’.

The waters off of Vancouver Island are frequented by an abundance of different marine species, including humpback whales, porpoises and even orcas.

While it’s possible to spot these beautiful creatures from the deck of your ferry or off in the distance from the beaches of somewhere like Alert Bay, by far the closest experience you can have is to be right there in the water with them.

Kingfisher Wilderness Adventures offers just such an experience, giving kayakers a chance to paddle alongside resident orcas as they fish in the waters off of British Columbia.

Kingfisher is located in Port McNeill, an incredibly picturesque little village on the northern end of Vancouver Island. 

The company offers a variety of different kayak experiences which take you out on the waters of Johnstone Strait and Blackfish Sound, with orca encounters being the ultimate dream.

September is the best time to kayak with the orcas, and you can even organise multi-day expeditions that allow you to camp out on the remote beaches of Vancouver Island.

The Yukon Territory makes one final appearance in our things to do in Canada article with an adventure that mixes history, culture, wildlife and nature all into one.

The Yukon River stretches for 3190km from Atlin Lake all the way to the Bering Sea in Alaska, and while paddling the entire stretch is not something for the fainthearted, a popular journey is to jump in a canoe and float 730km from Whitehorse to Dawson City.

This 2-week adventure is suitable for people of all canoeing skill levels (even beginners), and once you pack your raft with all the food and camping gear you’ll need for the 14 days, it’s time to push out into the wilderness.

Your days will be filled with the relaxing sounds of your paddle breaking the calm water surface as you gently drift towards your destination.

In the evenings you simply pull up at a clearing and pitch your tent, falling asleep with the stars lighting up the night sky.

There are very few rapids for this stretch of the Yukon River, so you really have little to worry about other than where you want to have lunch.

If you don’t have your own canoe then get in touch with the team at Ruby Range who can organise canoe rental and one-way transport, or better yet, join them for a guided tour .

Highly acclaimed and regularly awarded as one of the world’s top hotels, Fogo Island Inn is located at ‘one of the 4 corners of the Earth’, on the eastern shore of an island off of an island in Newfoundland.

The island itself is accessible only via chartered flight or by boat, and once you arrive the only thing standing between you and the European continent is the turbulent and humbling Atlantic Ocean.

The isolated location doesn’t mean your amenities will be lacking though. The Fogo Inn Hotel, designed by leading local architect Todd Saunders, has some of the nicest accommodation and dining options on the entire east coast.

The rooms offer high windows with uninterrupted views over the sea, and it’s not uncommon to see icebergs silently float past on their way south from the Arctic.

The Fogo Island Inn is all about community and sustainability, and the owners are committed to the preservation of the local culture and traditions while operating as close to carbon net zero as possible.

The point of your stay is more about relaxation than adventure, and the days are yours to do as you please.

Choose from a variety of activities such as whale watching tours, pottery classes, cultural exhibitions with the local Indigenous people, hiking, fishing or even a spa treatment.

Fogo Island Inn is open year round, and each of the 7 (yes, 7) seasons offer a different experience.

Every September, high up in the Arctic at the edge of a distant lake in Nunavut, 350,000 caribou migrate across the open tundra in one of the world’s greatest wildlife events.

Witnessing the annual migration as the caribou wander between their calving grounds is a sight to behold, but the remote location requires expert logistics and planning to capture.

The best way to see this incredible event is to book an expedition with a company like Weber Arctic , who can take care of the charter flights, permits and accommodation to get you into the heart of the action.

Departing from Yellowknife onboard a small plane, you’ll touch down at the edge of Ennadai Lake to take part in 6 days of dramatic wildlife immersion.

It’s not just the migrating caribou that you’ll be walking amongst. Wolves, wolverines and even bears frequent the tundra, gorging on plants to prepare for the upcoming winter.

The experienced wildlife guides will lead guests into the heart of the herd, using planes, boats and your own feet to get you as close to the action as safely possible.

In the evenings you’ll relax in absolute comfort inside their purpose-built 5-star Arctic Haven Wilderness Lodge, with delicious meals featuring locally-sourced ingredients included in your stay.

The best time to see the caribou is in the springtime (April and May) and fall (late August to early October).

Canada’s Northwest Passage is an infamous stretch of sea that navigates through the remote reaches of the Arctic, and while most people who travel here do so onboard an expedition ship, you can now stay on the ground in the northernmost fly-in lodge on the planet.

Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge is located 800km north of the Arctic Circle and provides 16 private cabins for guests to use as a base for exploring this unique part of Canada.

This is a destination for true adventure-seekers, with Arctic Watch offering the opportunity to go kayaking, paddle boarding, rafting, hiking, fishing and mountain biking beneath the Midnight Sun.

It’s not just the activities that will take your breath away though – the wildlife encounters are as incredible as you’ll find almost anywhere else in the world.

This far north you’re in the heart of polar bear country, and if you’re lucky you won’t just catch a glimpse of these huge predators, but may also spot Arctic foxes, muskox and even beluga whales.

The Great Bear Rainforest is widely acclaimed for being one of the last pristine pieces of wilderness on earth, home to a dazzling array of wildlife.

Set on the coast of British Columbia and accessed through the Inside Passage, most people that venture here do so in one of the eco-lodges (as we’ve highlighted above), or as part of a large cruise that navigates its way north to Alaska.

For those that want a more intimate and slow experience, however, sailing the edge of the rainforest on a luxury yacht is the perfect way to do so.

Bluewater Adventures has a number of stunning vessels that allow a small number of guests unrivalled access to the inlets and bays of the Great Bear Rainforest, while searching for grizzly bears, black bears, and the mystical Kermode bear, better known as the Spirit Bear.

The purpose of their trips is not just photography and wildlife experiences – it’s all about education, and you’ll be joined by expert local guides who impart their wisdom of the nature and culture found around this area.

Bluewater Adventures put a large emphasis on the First Nations people of the region, putting part of their profits directly into local communities while helping guests learn all about their history.

While the obvious highlight would be to spot the elusive Spirit Bear, guests also have the opportunity to see humpbacks bubble netting, orcas hunting and eagles soaring above, all from the yacht’s deck.

If you’ve made the trip to Yellowknife in Northwest Territories there’s a good chance you’re seeking one of two things – wildlife or the Northern Lights.

If it’s the latter, you’re in luck, as Yellowknife provides one of the best opportunities to see the Aurora Borealis anywhere in the world.

While you can spot Lady Aurora from just about anywhere in town, it’s worth taking a trip 25 minutes out of the city to the Aurora Village , where you can observe light displays from just outside a traditional teepee.

Aurora Village is 100% Aboriginal-owned, and the managers have set up a truly unique compound right on the edge of their own private lake that is almost as photogenic as the Northern Lights themselves.

While Yellowknife is quite cold at any time of year, let alone in the heart of winter, guests don’t have to freeze while watching the Aurora thanks to the custom-built heated seats that swivel 360 degrees.

And when the Aurora Borealis isn’t on display you can relax in the heated teepees or feast on the best food in Northwest Territories.

No list of the best things to do in Canada would be complete without acknowledging and respecting the First Nations Aboriginal people that have called this land home for thousands of years.

One of the best places to learn about these fascinating Indigenous people is Haida Gwaii , the spectacular archipelago found off the northwest coast of British Columbia.

The Haida people have long lived harmoniously on the islands as fishermen and traders, and today are still the native custodians of this beautiful and ancient land.

While there is no shortage of natural wonders to keep visitors busy here, from secluded beaches to old-growth forests, it’s diving into the First Nations culture that will leave the most lasting impression on travellers.

Haida Gwaii is speckled with totem poles, hand-carved by the Haida people to represent their family ancestry, and you can even visit a number of galleries to see new ones being made in person.

You can easily spend a week in Haida Gwaii, exploring all the hiking trails, foraging for berries or fishing, but your visit should always begin at the Haida Heritage Centre to kickstart your cultural adventure.

The nearby Gwaii Haanas National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well.

DISCLAIMER: This article was made in partnership with Destination Canada. All thoughts, opinions and hours spent planning our next trip to this incredible country are, as always, our own.

Alesha and Jarryd

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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Thanks for sharing the information, it’s a useful travel guide article. Good luck for the future

very an amazing post. thank you:)

Wow what a helpful site, would share this to friends

Canada is always in my bucket list and Planning Canada trip from last 3 years. I really love to read your post and hope I’ll also visit all these monument on my trip. Thank You

Fantastic post, thanks a lot for sharing this as it comes with a lot of details and has been very helpful

You are welcome. So happy it was helpful. 🙂

Very in details post. Thanks.

Glad you liked the article. Thanks for reading. 🙂

Banff is definitely on my bucket list. That and whale watching at Prince Edward Island or thereabouts.

Banff is a magical place, Priya, and you will fall in love with it when you get a chance to visit. Prince Edward Island is an amazing destination too. Can’t beat whale watching in the Maritimes.

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12 Incredible Places to Visit in Canada

Come equipped with a coffee from tim hortons, because there’s so much to explore..

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Banff National Park encompasses more than 2,500 square miles of land.

Photo by Michelle Heimerman

Known for everything from polar bears to poutine, Canada is a destination that can’t possibly be covered in one trip. Not that you’d want to try, anyways—it’s the second-largest country in the world in terms of land area, so exploring each of its 10 provinces and 3 territories is no easy task.

If you’re looking for some destinations to kick off your journey in the Great White North, here are 12 places to visit in Canada that showcase the sheer diversity of the country. There’s plenty for the outdoor adventurist and city explorer—and everyone in between.

1. Banff National Park, Alberta

• Come for: an experience that captures the best of Canada’s nature
• Stay at: Fairmont Banff Springs

“Banff National Park changes with the seasons and is a natural playground all year round,” AFAR contributor Juliette Recompsat writes in her guide for first-timer’s at this Canadian Rockies destination . In summer, people flock here for alpine flower blooms and glacier-fed lakes. Winter, while much quieter, offers its own set of experiences showcasing the park’s beauty: Try a guided ice walk in Johnston Canyon or snow tubing at Mount Norquay and Lake Louise ski resorts, for starters.

While travelers could easily spend a week in Banff, don’t miss the chance to visit neighboring Jasper National Park , the country’s largest at 4,200 square miles, which is brimming with iconic outdoor sights like Spirit Island, one of the most-photographed spots in Canada.

Whistler was the setting for a number of downhill events during the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.

Photo by Lance Anderson/Unsplash

2. Whistler, British Columbia

• Come for: a ski experience in a league of its own
• Stay at: Four Seasons Whistler

Located in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, Whistler is home to the largest ski resort in North America. Every winter, Epic Pass holders and casual skiers alike descend the slopes of the Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. While the more than 8,000-acre Whistler Blackcomb Resort is one of the country’s best ski resorts —with options ranging from incredibly difficult to magic-carpet easy—a love of winter sports isn’t necessary to enjoy the town.

Head to Whistler Village to enjoy what several AFAR contributors consider to be the “ laid-back, beer-fueled, and decidedly unfussy ” après-ski experience that is characteristically Canadian. Here, it’s definitely possible to enjoy a diversity of activities that don’t require skis or snowboards : Learn about First Nations culture at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre , take a break at the Scandinave Spa Whistler , or even try an escape room at Escape! Whistler .

While on Prince Edward Island, head to Lobster Barn for what may be the best lobster roll of your life.

Photo by Brendan George Ko

3. Prince Edward Island

• Come for: slow living and sparkling harbors
• Stay at: Sydney Boutique Inn & Suites

This island is one of AFAR’s best places to travel in 2023 , in part because of its gorgeous, pastoral scenery—this was the setting of the beloved 1908 novel Anne of Green Gables , after all. Canada’s smallest province debuted its 435-mile Island Walk trail in 2022, allowing cyclists and walkers to circumnavigate the entire island.

Along the way, travelers can explore the preserved houses of Charlottetown or try some of the island’s famed oysters and lobster at Victoria-by-the-Sea. AFAR contributor Michael Kaminer suggests stopping at the small town of Kensington, where travelers can tour a historic railway station and then treat themselves to Mars bars and bacon sundaes at Frosty Treat Dairy Bar afterwards.

Halifax’s wave sculpture was designed by artist Donna Hiebert.

Photo by Billie Cohen

4. Halifax, Nova Scotia

• Come for: a maritime city in touch with its whimsical side
• Stay at: The Muir Hotel

Known for its maritime history, this city of 430,000 has been transforming over the past quarter century to a more artistic and inviting place. For AFAR contributor Darcy Rhyno, the city’s revitalization is best represented by the so-called Drunken Lampposts, a trio of playfully bent and twisted streetlamps on the waterfront that were installed as temporary public artworks and have since gone permanent.

While the port city’s role in recovering the Titanic survivors can be explored in the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic , Halifax also offers plenty of other activities for travelers . Go on the Good Cheer Trail to explore some of its breweries and cideries, visit the Canadian Museum of Immigration , and spend time on the waterfront for shopping and an array of public art displays that include a wave sculpture.

Tides may come and go, but Fundy National Park’s beautiful views are a mainstay.

Photo by Vadim.Petrov/Shutterstock

5. Fundy National Park, New Brunswick

• Come for: natural thrills via high tides
• Stay at: Beach Street Inn

Butting against the border of Maine, New Brunswick consists of nearly 1,400 miles of coastline . One jaw-dropping coastline travelers can visit is the one within Fundy National Park , home to the highest tides in the world. (They can reach around 50 feet here.) One of the most thrilling ways to experience its natural phenomenon is to go tidal bore rafting . This activity takes participants down a river toward the incoming ocean, making for a very bumpy ride. But there’s plenty more adventuring to do here , including whale-watching and admiring the views of the 10-mile Fundy Trail Parkway .

Try to visit Niagara-on-the-Lake from May to October, when it’s warmer outside.

Photo by Dalma Dioszegi/Unsplash

6. Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

• Come for: a calm alternative to Niagara Falls
• Stay at: 124 on Queen Hotel & Spa

Niagara Falls is a common destination for international travelers and bachelorette parties alike. For a vacation spot a little less busy, AFAR contributor Heather Greenwood Davis suggests driving 30 minutes north to Niagara-on-the-Lake , a 19th-century village that she calls “a more mature experience to the gaming hot spots and neon nightlife of the ever-popular honeymoon capital.”

Here, plenty of wineries and boutiques compete for spots on the itinerary, but one can’t-miss event is the Shaw Festival , which draws theater enthusiasts from around the world with its celebrated productions—they run the gamut from George Bernard Shaw classics to musicals, like this season’s Gypsy and Brigadoon .

The city’s many churches—as well as its abbeys, monasteries, and seminaries—are testament to the long influence of the Church in Quebec and Montreal.

Photo by Andre Jodoin

7. Montreal, Quebec

• Come for: a European-esque escape
• Stay at: Fairmont Le Queen Elizabeth

Tap into Canada’s French colonial history and bilingual present in this culture-filled city , which fuses a laid-back Old World European lifestyle with forward-thinking Canadian art and design. Here, you can stroll down Old Montreal’s Rue Saint-Paul , which was constructed along the Saint-Charles River in 1861 , or see an intimate show at the Théâtre Corona .

No matter when you visit, you’re sure to find something on the city’s jam-packed events calendar, which includes the Montreal Jazz Festival and the Just for Laughs comedy festival in the summer and Igloofest and Luminothérapie in the winter.

The archipelago of Haida Gwaii can be reached by boat from Vancouver.

Photo by Linda Szeto/Shutterstock

8. Haida Gwaii, British Columbia

• Come for: an Indigenous perspective on nature and art
• Stay at: Haida House

About 50 miles from the southern tip of Alaska, this archipelago off the coast of British Columbia is the ancestral homeland and current territory of the Haida people. Upon its shores, AFAR editor Tim Chester describes a landscape where “the understory thrives and dampness reigns, shades of spongy green and yellow undulate, branch stumps sport mossy boxing gloves, and plant life drapes everywhere.”

Equally as impressive are the massive poles erected on these islands, which past and current generations of Haida have fashioned out of cedar. For those who have the chance to take the Haida Pledge and tour the archipelago, the Haida Heritage Centre is a fine starting place to learn about Haida specialties such as woodcarving.

An 1,815-foot-high vantage point awaits visitors to the CN Tower’s observation deck, whereas those with sea legs may prefer a cruise around the harbor.

Photo courtesy of Canadian Tourism Commission

9. Toronto, Ontario

• Come for: a taste of Canadian culture in all of its diversity
• Stay at: 1 Hotel Toronto

It’s easy to justify a visit to Toronto with plenty of showstopping sights like the CN Tower and St. Lawrence Market. As Canada’s largest city, it is also incredibly diverse—more than 140 languages are spoken here.

Time in Toronto reveals that it’s a city organized as a cluster of neighborhoods, where one street may be a center of the Jamaican diaspora , while another may be home to the city’s Little Portugal. No matter where travelers go, there’s plenty to be found in its underrated spaces , whether it be a walk through its Graffiti Alley or Allan Gardens Conservatory. With so much diversity on offer, dedicating a weekend to eating through the city’s dishes—whether in a hole-in-the-wall or Michelin-starred restaurant —is a no-brainer.

Vancouver is known for its laid-back and outdoorsy lifestyle.

Photo by Mike Benna/Unsplash

10. Vancouver, British Columbia

• Come for: a cinematic city experience
• Stay at: Skwachàys Lodge

Many people have seen Vancouver as the backdrop of movies like Deadpool and Godzilla , but this Canadian city is filled with outdoor adventures, cultural excursions, and culinary pursuits worth exploring off screen. Walking down the streets of Gastown and dining in Chinatown will give a good overview for weekend visitors . Those wanting to go a bit deeper should consider a jaunt to the Mount Pleasant neighborhood , a Vancouverite haven two miles from downtown.

Nature lovers will enjoy 1,000-acre Stanley Park, one of Vancouver’s most popular attractions. It features historic and contemporary First Nations totem poles throughout the park. (AFAR contributor Bianca Bujan recommends learning about them with Indigenous-owned Talaysay Tours. )

Ottawa, Ontario has a population of just over one million and is home to Parliament Hill.

Photo by f11photo/Shutterstock

11. Ottawa, Ontario

• Come for: stately landmarks and ice skating on the canal
• Stay at: Fairmont Château Laurier

“When you visit Canada’s capital, you get two cities for the price of one,” AFAR contributor Laura Byrne Paquet writes in her weekend getaway guide to Ottawa . The commercial hub—its name comes from the Algonquin word meaning “to trade”—sits on one side of the Ottawa River, but it’s just a 15-minute drive north to the Quebec city of Gatineau, which offers an introduction to Canada’s French-speaking side.

Landmarks like Parliament Hill and the National Gallery of Canada are some of the draws in the capital, as is the Rideau Canal, which connects the Ottawa River and Lake Ontario and was the main reason the city developed in the first place. During the wintertime, the Rideau turns into the world’s largest ice skating rink, making it a big attraction during the city’s annual Winterlude festival . For those who would rather visit during warmer months, the capital is also home to plenty of Canada Day festivities when July 1 rolls around.

Kelowna is located in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley.

Photo by Kolby Milton/Unsplash

12. Kelowna, British Columbia

• Come for: a destination where fun and accessibility come hand-in-hand
• Stay at: Hyatt Place Kelowna

This British Columbia city on Okanagan Lake doesn’t get as much press as its bigger urban peers, but that’s why it remains one of the country’s best-kept secrets . Thanks to more than 40 wineries in the area, wine is a big draw in these parts, and chef Rod Butters, of RauDZ Regional Table and micro bar, recommends visiting Kelowna Farmers’ Market so you can “learn who produces the finest heirloom tomatoes, peppers, and winter squash, who makes the best homemade preserves, and where to find the chewiest cheesy pretzels.”

Another plus for Kelowna is its accessibility. In AFAR contributor Lisa Kadane’s experience living in the city, the city’s focus on improving accessibility—whether it be in the form of wheelchair-friendly vans from companies like Uncorked Okanagan Wine Tours or accessible washrooms along the Okanagan Rail Trail —has made it easier for multi-gen families, seniors, and those with disabilities to enjoy the city.

41 Beautiful Places to Visit in Canada

Written By: The Planet D

Updated On: February 19, 2024

Dave and I have had the pleasure of visiting most of Canada and these are our picks for the most iconic and beautiful places to visit in Canada. Are you looking for outdoors or culture? City travels, or rural. Canada has it all! To help you decide where to start, we’re rounding up the best places to visit in Canada with the most awe-inspiring scenes and memorable landmarks. Here are our top picks!

Table of Contents

Best Places to Visit in Canada

Canada is huge! In fact, it is the second-largest country in the world. So seeing it all in one shot won’t happen. But luckily we have seen most of it and have had the chance to witness our most iconic places.

If you don’t have a couple of years to drive around the country, you will need to decide what coast you want to travel, and what experiences you want to have. We’ve rounded up the top tourist attractions, best scenic views and most beautiful places in Canada for you to visit.

• Check out our Canada Playlist on YouTube for beautiful scenery and our adventurers in Canada

1. Banff National Park & Lake Louise

Banff National Park is one of Canada’s top attractions and with good reason. With famous scenes from Moraine Lake to The Vermillion Lakes and The Three Sisters, Banff National Park is an outdoor lover’s dream. There are so many reasons to visit Banff from hiking through the mountain trails , mountain biking, backcountry skiing or go horseback riding into the Rocky Mountains. Read Next: Discover Banff in Photos

Witness the incredible view of Lake Louise and the Victoria glacier from the Chateau Fairmont Lake Louise and enjoy the fresh Canadian Rockies mountain air as you explore the beautiful lakes of Banff National Park most notably Moraine Lake, Lake Minnewanka, Peyto Lakes, and Vermillion Lakes. Read more: Things to do in Banff

Make sure to go snowboarding at the world class Lake Louise ski resort and don’t miss going up the Banff Gondola. Read More: Things to do in Banff , Where to Stay in Banff

2. Icefields Parkway

The Icefields Parkway is considered one of the most beautiful scenic drives in the world linking Banff and Jasper National Parks through the Canadian Rockies.

This stretch of highway is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Canada with stops including the Athabasca glacier, The Columbia Icefields, reflections of Bow Lake, outstanding views of the Canadian Rockies and more than 100 glaciers, and waterfalls lining the route. Read more: Driving the Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper Alberta

3. Columbia Icefields Skywalk

The Columbia Icefields Walk is one of the best places to visit in Alberta and is the coolest walk in Canada dangling 280 meters (918-foot) over the Sunwapta Valley. The glass floor will take your breath away. Located along the Icefields Parkway, this is a beautiful stop to see the surrounding mountains and glaciers. See our road trip along the Icefield’s Parkway

4. Alberta Badlands

The Alberta Badlands are one of North America’s most beautiful views in Canada. Make a home base and do some camping at Dinosaur Provincial Park to see one of the largest dinosaur fossil collections in the world. Check out more iconic Canadian destinations at Famous Canada Landmarks to add to your bucket List

• Check out our stay at Dinosaur Provincial Park in the Badlands
• Things to do in Drumheller, Alberta

5. Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is a little less crowded than Banff National Park but no less spectacular It is known for its yearly Dark Sky Festival and it is worth visiting just for the amazing display of stars and the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). Choose a view at one of its beautiful lakes – Maligne Lake, Pyramid, Mildred, or Beauvart Lakes for spectacular views. Read more: Amazing Things to do in Jasper, Alberta .

There’s also an excellent ski resort that is less busy than Lake Louise, Marmot Basin is the place to go if you want to hit the slopes.

6. Maligne Lake

Speaking of Lakes, you can’t visit Jasper without driving out to the extraordinary views of Maligne Lake. This is a great day trip where you can stop at Maligne Canyon and go for a hike along the Maligne River Gorge. It’s one of the best places to visit in Jasper and it’s not to be missed. Enjoy our list of the Best Things to do in Albert a

7. Waterton Lakes National Park

At the complete other end of Alberta is Waterton Lakes National Park. It shares a border with Glacier National Park in America a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also an International Peace Park, and a Biosphere Reserve rolled all in one. It’s the only one of its kind in the world.

• Things to do in Waterton Lakes National Park
• Read about our tour through Southern Alberta

Watch our video: The Best Places in Canada to Visit

For more of the best places to visit in Canada, you may also want to read:

• 14 Beautiful and Best Cities in Canada
• Best Canada National Parks – That We’ve Seen
• 52 Things to do in Canada – For the Ultimate Adventures

8. Whistler

Whistler is Canada’s outdoor playground with world-class ski resorts , backcountry snowmobiling , and adrenaline activities. It is also one of the top tourist destinations in British Columbia . In the summer go mountain biking or explore its many hiking trails and outdoor activities before relaxing in Whistler village to enjoy the world-class dining and nightlife.

Whistler Ski Resort hosted the winter Olympics so if you want to hit the slopes, Whistler/Black is one of Canada’s premier ski resorts with the most runs in the country. Check out all the things to do in Whistler

Since we didn’t have a good photo of Tofino, I chose one courtesy of Pixabay.

Located on Vancouver Island just off of Canada’s west coast, Tofino is Canada’s surfing destination. Storm watchers gather in Tofino from October to February to watch the massive winter waves pound the Canadian Coast. Read: Driving the Sunshine Coast in BC – The Perfect Road Trip Itinerary

10. Okanagan Valley

The Okanagan Valley in British Columbia is the main wine region in the province and could easily be mistaken for Tuscany. If you like wine, it is one of the best places to visit in Canada for tours and tastings.

Making a base in either Kelowna , Penticton or Vernon offers a relaxing vacation overlooking picturesque lakes, rolling hills, and forests, and three mountain ranges surrounding the valley

11. Victoria

Located on Vancouver Island, Victoria is the capital of British Columbia. With its colonial architecture, grand gardens, and lovely seafront, you can feel the English influence with every turn. One of the best places to visit in Victoria is to see the famous Butchart Gardens and to take a stroll through Canada’s oldest China Town. Read more about BC at Exploring the Sea to Sky Highway and Sunshine Coast BC – The Perfect Road Trip Itinerary

12. Vancouver

Vancouver is a beautiful coastal city in British Columbia. In fact, Flight Center once called it the fifth most beautiful city in the world. Its laid-back west coast vibe makes it one of the best places to explore the outdoors while still enjoying all the urban amenities.

Stanley Park is a part of the city just minutes from the city center with a gorgeous sea wall, the Stanly Park Aquarium and 4 square km of green space it is one of the best places to hang out in the city. With mountains, oceans, plenty of green space, and lots of nightlife, it is certainly one of our favourite cities in Canada .

• Read more: 14 Best Hikes in Vancouver to Enjoy the Great Outdoors
• Where to Stay in Vancouver – Best Hotels & Vacation Rentals By Area
• 26 Best Things to do in Vancouver, BC

13. Churchill

The town of Churchill is famous for being located on the polar bear highway and it is one of the best places in the world to see polar bears in their natural habitat. In fact, it has been named the polar bear capital of the world.

Churchill is also famous for the beluga whale migration where thousands of belugas can be seen playing in the bay just off the pier of Churchill. A unique thing to see in Churchill is the Polar Bear jail (a holding pen for bears to be relocated after wandering into town).

• See more: Kayaking with Beluga Whales
• Things to do in Churchill Manitoba – Land of the Polar Bears

14. Hudson Bay

To really see the polar bears, staying at a lodge on Hudson Bay puts you in the true Canadian tundra. Churchill Wild has several lodges in Northern Manitoba where polar bears can be viewed up close and personal in their natural habitat.

The wildlife is spectacular, but the scenery is outstanding as well. Going on a polar bear safari was one of the best adventures we’ve ever had. Enjoy: Walking with Polar Bears

15. Canadian Museum of Human Rights

We don’t put museums in lists of iconic places, but the Canadian Museum of Human Rights in Winnipeg is one of the best museums in the world.

The museum itself is beautifully designed winning many architectural awards taking the visitor on a journey from the ground floor representing roots and soil through mountains, earth, clouds, and light with exhibits like the Garden of Contemplation and the glass tower overlooking the city of Winnipeg. Read next: Things to do in Winnipeg

16. Lunenburg

Lunenburg in Nova Scotia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of Canada’s prettiest cities. With painted houses that adhere to strict cultural standards, Lunenburg has kept its maritime heritage intact and is one of the best places to experience the fishing culture of the East Coast.

There’s fine dining, museums, ocean tours, luxury hotels and B&B making this the perfect Canadian vacation destination. Enjoy these Beautiful Photos of Nova Scotia

17. Cape Breton

Driving around the Cabot Trail of Cape Breton showcases the best of Canadian life. It is one of the best road trips in the world with outstanding coastal views, hiking trails, whale watching and boat trips, lobster tours and fishing villages. See everything there is to do on the Cabot Trail

18. Peggy’s Cove

One of the world’s most famous lighthouses, Peggy’s Cove, is Nova Scotia’s most popular attraction. A visit to Peggy’s Cove is more than a lighthouse through, hiking along the volcanic coastal rocks makes for a beautiful view of Canada’s East Coast.

There are plenty of things to do in Peggy’s Cove from taking boat tours to exploring the hiking trails and exploring the picturesque nearby towns. Learn more at: Things to do in Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia

19. Three Sisters

The Bay of Fundy are the highest tides in the world and there are three amazing places to witness them in Nova Scotia. The Shubenacadie River, Burntcoat Head Provincial Park, and kayaking or hiking out to the Three Sisters.

Here you can walk on the ocean floor at low tide for miles and then kayak out to see rock formations when the 1000 billion tons of water come in every 6 hours. Read More: The Ultimate Nova Scotia Road Trip

20. Bay of Fundy Hopewell Rocks

New Brunswick has the classic views of the Bay of Fundy at the Hopewell Rocks. With Unique Formations, Sea Caves, and arches, this is one of the best places to witness the power of the highest tides on earth. New Brunswick is a nature lover’s paradise and when exploring this east coast province, the Hopewell Rocks are one of the best places to tart.

• Read more about the Bay of Fundy
• Amazing Bay of Fundy Adventures – Ways to Experience the Highest Tides
• Tidal Bore Rafting

21. Fundy National Park

Driving through Fundy National Park showcases stunning views of the New Brunswick Coast. With 25 waterfalls and spectacular views of the Bay of Fundy, this is a great Canadian park to visit. If you want a true adventure, take on the challenge of hiking the Fundy Trail. The 61km hike is considered one of the greatest multi-day hikes in the world.

22. Kouchibouguac National Park

One of the best dark sky preserves can be found in Kouchibouguac National Park but it’s the boardwalk through the salt marsh that attracts visitors here. Follow the path out to the sand dunes or explore the river by voyageur canoe. 25 Best Things to do in New Brunswick, Canada

23. St. Martins

With historic covered bridges and the St. Martins Sea Caves is a must-stop on the East Coast. Sea Kayaking trips are offered to explore the sea caves at high tide, but you can also walk out right into the belly of the massive caves at low tide as the Bay of Fundy waters recede miles out from shore. Read More about New Brunswick at The Best Things to do in Saint John

24. Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is Canada’s most famous tourist attraction and the #1 place to visit in Ontario and it does not disappoint. Dave and I visit Niagara Falls at least once a year and we never tire of seeing one of the world’s largest waterfalls.

There are several adventures you can do in Niagara Falls like taking the Maid of the Mist into the heart of Horseshoe Falls, taking a journey behind the falls, riding the Aerocar, or daring to join a jetboat tour to the whirlpool from Niagara on the Lake.

• Check out all the great things to do in Niagara Falls
• Where to Stay in Niagara Falls – Best Areas
• 15 Amazing Things to do in Niagara on the Lake – Canada

25. CN Tower

The CN Tower was once the world’s tallest structure, but it is still clinging to the top 10. We’ve visited a lot of towers around the world, but the CN Tower is still the best experience. It’s one of the top tourist attractions in Toronto and with good reason. That’s saying a lot as there are so many things to do in Canada’s largest city but we never tire of bringing people to the CN Tower when they visit.

With its hair-raising glass floor, rotating restaurant, and the adrenaline-pumping Edgewalk, it’s a must-see attraction when visiting Toronto. Be sure to go up the CN Tower for city views and if you love adventure, make sure to try the EdgeWalk .

• The Best Things to do in Toronto – A Guide to the Top Attractions
• Where to Stay in Toronto – A Guide to the Best Neighborhoods

26. Algonquin Park

Ontario is blessed with many provincial parks, but our favourite is Algonquin Park. This 7,653 km² (2954 square miles) park is one of Canada’s premier canoe route destinations and one of the best places to spot moose in the wild. There are hiking trails and it is one of the best places to go snowshoeing in Ontario. Check out: Canoeing in Algonquin Park

27. Lake Superior North Shore

Not many people get north of Lake Superior, but this is where you’ll find the most beautiful views in Ontario. Stop at the Canada Goose in Wawa, go canoeing or kayaking to the slate islands in search of the woodland caribou , or hike the Pukaskwa Trail, one of the hardest hikes in Canada .

There are also plenty of other hiking trails along Lake Superior, most notably, Agawa Rock Indian Pictograph Trial, Orphan Lake Trail, and Lake Superior Coastal Trail. See our full Lake Superior Circle Tour

Ottawa is Canada’s capital and one of our favorite places to visit in the country. Be sure to visit during the annual winter carnival, Winterlude. Ice skating along the Rideau Canal right through the city center. It is one of the most iconic things to do in Canada. But there are so many things to do in Ottawa. Visit our beautiful Parliament buildings, cross the river to Gatineau, explore its many museums and stay at the historic Chateau Laurier. Read: Things to do in Ottawa

Ottawa is home to our Canadian government and one of the top things to do is to see Parliament Hill and the historic parliament buildings. It is filled with museums, hiking trails, bike paths and

29. Manitoulin Island

Manitoulin Island is the world’s largest freshwater island filled with natural beauty and several hiking trails. It also houses the largest lake within a freshwater island in the world.

The best experience to have in Manitoulin is to hike to the top of the Cup and Saucer Trail and to take part in the Great Spirit Circle Tour – an Aboriginal experience. Read more: The Top Things to do on Manitoulin Island

No trip to Ontario would be complete without visiting the original capital of Canada, Kingston Ontario. Located on the St. Lawrence River, Rideau Canal and Lake Ontario, Kingston has a very unique location .

This city absolutely surprised us when we revised it in 2021. Kingston is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, five national historic sites, four Rembrandt paintings, and more restaurants per capita than most cities in Canada.  Kingston is truly an Ontario hidden gem.

• Read more: The Ultimate Kingston Ontario Weekend Itinerary
• Things to do in Kingston – Don’t Miss This Ontario Gem

30. Confederation Bridge

The Confederation Bridge links Prince Edward Island with the country by the Trans Canada Highway. It is the longest bridge in the world crossing ice-covered water at 12.9 km long. It opened in 1994 and is a thrill to drive over. Read: Things to do in Prince Edward Island ( PEI )

31. Charlottetown

Charlottetown is the capital of Prince Edward Island and is home to the ongoing Charlottetown Festival showcasing Anne of Green Gables. But this charming east coast town has much more to it. With farm and fish-to-table dining, boutique hotels, arts, and culture plus a picture-perfect harbour, this is one of Canada’s hidden gems. Read more: Things to do in Prince Edward Island (PEI)

32. Quebec City

Quebec City is North America’s European city. Discover the old-world charm of Quebec’s capital city. Old Quebec’s centerpiece is the striking Chateau Frontenac where visitors can get a taste of Victorian-style luxury. There are historic sites throughout Quebec with its historic district designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site right in the heart of the city center. Read: The 27 Best Things to do in Quebec City

33. Wendake

Wendake is a First Nation’s Settlement just 15 minutes from the Old Town of Quebec. This 300-year-old community was established by Wendat people after they were driven from their settlements on the Great Lakes. You may have heard of the Huron Peoples, but they are trying to eliminate that name as it was given to them by early European settlers.

Today the Wendat community has a population of 3000 people and welcomes visitors to stay and learn about their way of life. Read: From Wendake to Cree Nation

34. Old Montreal

Montreal itself is a modern and hip city, but wandering into the historic district of Old Montreal and be transported back in time. Notre Dame Cathedral is the central point of Old Montreal and from here you can get lost among the cobblestone streets and historic monuments and buildings.

Read more: Where to Stay in Montreal and The Very Best Things to do in Montreal, Canada

35. Mont Tremblant

The year-round adventure destination was built around Mont Tremblant Ski hill. It has an amazing village below with fine dining, nightlife and cafes. Just a 90-minute drive from Montreal, Mont Tremblant has everything for an amazing weekend escape.

36. Dempster Highway

Canada’s ultimate drive is along the Dempster Highway. Here you can drive all the way to the Arctic Ocean. It starts in Inuvik in the Northwest Territories and goes to Dawson City, Yukon.

Along the way you pass the Arctic Circle, the picturesque Tombstone Mountains and plenty of wildlife. It’s not uncommon to see Grizzly Bears on the side of the road! This is an adventure of a lifetime. See our Dempster Highway Adventure

37. Dawson City

Dawson City is a national historic site that has preserved its town facades from the Klondike Gold Rush days. This wild west town is a rip roaring good time where you can experience the midnight sun, views of the Tombstone Mountains and drink the famous Sour Toe Cocktail. Visit Dawson City, Yukon – The Quirkiest Town in Canada and The Sourtoe Cocktail – Dawson City’s Dead Toe Cocktail

38. Ivvavik National Park

It’s the premier spot in Canada to view Grizzly bears in the wild and it’s one of the most remote national parks in the country. Be dropped off in the middle of the Canadian wilderness to stay in prospector tents surrounded by a thin electric wire fence. You are in the corridor of grizzly country and spectacular views of Ivvavik National Park. Enjoy reading: Ivavvik, Falling in Love with the Rugged and Remote

39. Mackenzie Delta

The Mackenzie Delta is a unique ecosystem in the far North of Canada that empties into the Arctic Sea. The Mackenzie River empties into the delta.

For half a year it is covered with ice creating creeks, ponds and tributaries as it waits to flow out to the ocean. When the ice melts, it creates the most remarkable views. You might enjoy: The Most Isolated Places on Earth

We haven’t visited Newfoundland yet, but we knew that if we didn’t include it, we’d hear about it. When travel opens up again, it is as the top of our list! But for now, these are two places in Newfoundland that we can’t wait to visit.

40. the Torngat Mountains

Jennifer Smith Nelson of  Travel and Happiness  wrote about the Torngats in our Canada adventures post and we cannot wait to see this view for ourselves.

41. Gros Morne National Park

Matt Bailey of  LiveLimitless  shared this photo with us in our best Canadian Adventures round up and we have wanted to go ever since.

42. Grasslands National Park

Dave and I both visited Saskatchewan in our pre-blogging days and look forward to going back soon. We haven’t visited enough of it to really explore all the places to see, but one that should not be missed is Grasslands National Park to see its wild bison. Read: 15 Best Things to do in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

And there you have it. The most iconic places to visit in Canada that we’ve been to . With three bonus places that we haven’t.

Where have you been in Canada? What should we add to our list?

Check out these articles about Canada

• 13 of the Best Canadian Road Trips – That We’ve Done
• The Best Canada Adventures: 36 Amazing Trips from Coast to Coast
• Canada Winter Activities You Just Cannot Miss!
• Canadian Food – Delicious Dishes and Drinks from Canada
• Funny Canadian Stereotypes Plus a Few That Are True
• Fun Facts About Canada That Will Make Smarter
• The Great Canadian Word
• Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Alberta Canada
• 35 Iconic Places to Visit in Ontario, Canada
• Places to Visit in Ottawa this Autumn

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Book Your Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. We have used them for years and have found that they have the best flight deals.

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor.

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Safety Wing - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Book Your Activities: Looking for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more? Then we recommend Get Your Guide.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

You May Also Like

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About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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7 thoughts on “41 Beautiful Places to Visit in Canada”

thanks for sharing this amazing post

Keep up the wonderful piece of work, I read few posts on this internet site and I think that your blog is really interesting and holds bands of fantastic information.

Thanks for sharing such a great and informative post. nice work keep it up.

Thanks For Sharing such and interesting informating. I want to visit such a beautiful pleces and enjoy the nature

Wow came across one fact that Canada is the secondly largest in the world, icefields parkway looks magical, is it real?

Being an international student we all need such places to visit, can’t wait to go to this place I have visited very few of them but I will definitely complete all 41 , Thanks,

Thanks for the Nice Post , Jasper National Park does not look real , Its magical , I really want to visit this place and witness the beauty by myself.

Visiting Canada and Canadian Tourism

Over 18 million foreigners visit Canada every year making tourism an over $80 billion-a-year Canadian industry — bigger than lumber, fishing, and farming combined. So why not join in?

The Government of Canada spends a lot of effort promoting Canadian tourism through a variety of websites and social media accounts, including Instagram — as seen here. The current slogan is "Canada: Keep Exploring" with "explorecanada" their most widely used user name and hashtag.

Why come to Canada?

Canada is a large, diverse country with a lot going for it, but most tourists are drawn to a few of the same things:

Nature — Canada is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, full of picturesque forests, mountains, and lakes that make it a fantastic place for camping, hiking, or just wandering around and admiring.

Winter Sports — Canada’s snowy climate and mountainous geography has produced no shortage of must-visit parks and resorts for anyone interested in skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, or any other activity best enjoyed in the cold.

Cities — Canada is home to several large, modern cities that anyone with a taste for urban life will be able to appreciate.

Cost  — The Canadian dollar is generally quite weak in comparison to other currencies, which make it a very affordable option for people without too much money in their travel budgets.

• Bank of Canada Exchange Rates

The rest of this chapter deals with general information about traveling to Canada. For more information on things to see and do in Canada’s four most popular tourist destinations, please see the specific chapters on British Columbia tourism , Alberta tourism , Ontario tourism , and Quebec tourism .

What language do they speak in Canada?

Foreigners are sometimes confused by Canada’s language situation. Officially, Canada has two official languages , French and English. However, this is mostly just a matter of government policy. The vast majority of Canadians only speak English, and lack even basic skills in French. French-speaking tourists should not expect to speak French in cities like Vancouver, Toronto, or Calgary.

The capital city of Ottawa is more functionally bilingual than most Canadian cities, and all museums and government-related attractions will feature signs and brochures in both French and English. Staff at popular attractions will likely be fluently bilingual as well, as will many employees of popular stores and restaurants. It helps to ask, however.

The famous city of Montreal , in the province of Quebec , is the most bilingual city in Canada and most residents, particularly those who live and work in the downtown core, can speak fluent French and English. It is not considered controversial in Montreal to speak either French or English to a stranger and assume the other person will understand. In other parts of Quebec, however, rates of English fluency are much lower and it may be considered offensive to speak English to a stranger without first asking for permission.

Downsides of Canada

To avoid unhappy surprises, would-be tourists to Canada should be aware of the following potential disappointments before they go:

Bad weather — Unless you are specifically traveling to enjoy winter activities (see above), there are generally only a few months of the year (usually around June to September) in which Canada’s weather will be mild enough to enjoy. Canadian winters, and even parts of spring and fall, are often cold, dark, snowy, and wet, which can make tourist activities difficult or unpleasant.

Long travel distances — Canada is an enormous country and its main cities are all spread quite far apart from each other. Tourists, particularly European tourists unfamiliar with the vastness of North America, are sometimes disappointed to learn that they will probably only be able to see a rather small part of Canada on their trip. Visiting multiple major Canadian cities on a single vacation — for example, Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal — would be extremely time-consuming and likely cost thousands of dollars in domestic travel alone.

“America Jr.” — Some tourists are disappointed to discover that Canada is extremely similar to the United States . Travelers familiar with America should not expect to encounter a strikingly different culture in Canada. Stores, brands, food, entertainment and so on will be overwhelmingly American. Though the international press likes to emphasize Canada as being a more “liberal” country than the US, Canadians will probably not seem very different from Americans in day-to-day encounters.

Security checkpoint at Toronto's Pearson International Airport. Serjio74/Shutterstock

Sick travelers.

Travelers from certain countries will need to be cleared by a medical exam as part of their application process before they can visit Canada. During times when there's a global panic over the spread of a particular infectious disease, such as the SARS scare of 2003 or the Ebola scare of 2014, visitors who display worrying symptoms may be detained by border authorities and sent to a hospital for quarantining.

How to Visit Canada

Customs and visas.

Canada does not treat all international visitors the same; citizens of certain countries will have an easier time entering Canada than others. All foreign visitors to Canada, however, must bring a valid passport from their home country.

Residents of the United States have the easiest entry to Canada, and don’t require anything other than a passport to get in. Residents of Great Britain, western Europe, and a few other countries have to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization ( ETA ) before they can enter. This is a very easy process that only takes a couple of minutes and should be done online  before you leave. Once completed, an ETA lasts for five years or until you get a new passport.

• Find out if you need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a visitor visa

Residents of countries not covered by the ETA program can only visit Canada after obtaining a short-term visitor’s visa . Applications can be done online, through the mail, or at an overseas Canadian consulate. They take a couple weeks to process and usually cost around $200. For more information, see the Government of Canada’s visitor eligibility questionnaire .

It is illegal for anyone, from any country, to enter Canada to work or live without first obtaining a long-term visa , which are much more complicated to apply for, and take many months to be approved.

Canada's land border crossing stations operate as drive-throughs. Visitors who arrive by air cross the border at the Canadian airport.

Crossing the Canadian Border

Anyone entering Canada from a foreign country by land, sea, or air — including Canadians themselves — are required to have an interview with a Canadian border guard at their point of entry so it can be determined they are a safe and legal visitor. Exactly how long and invasive this interview will be depends very much on where you are coming from, why you want to visit, whether you have completed any authorizations you may need, and how clearly you communicate these facts. It pays to be honest, cooperative, and informed.

• Canada Border Services Agency
• Wait Times Now, estimated wait times for major Canadian border crossings

It should be remembered that while foreigners enjoy various legal rights after they enter Canada (see below), no foreigner has the right to get into Canada just because they want to. Canadian border guards have the power to deny anyone entry to Canada for any reason. Possessing a criminal record, a history of subversive political activity, dangerous diseases, suspicions of drug trafficking, or just broadly suspicious behavior are all common grounds for refusal of entry to Canada.

Ever since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 Canadian security forces have been extra vigilant about terrorist threats, particularly from the Islamic world. Would-be visitors from the Middle East or parts of Africa, or those with a history of visiting such places, may find themselves subject to increased scrutiny.

• Visiting Canada Help Centre and FAQ, Government of Canada

Visitors to Canada are expected to hand a completed Declaration Card to a border guard in order to cross the border. These cards, which ask basic questions about the visitor and their trip, are usually handed out on airplanes or trains. Visitors who cross a land border usually have to just tell the information to the guard.

Bringing Goods to Canada

It is illegal for foreigners to bring products into Canada to sell without first going through the complex procedures for engaging in international commerce . If you cross the border with more stuff than a reasonable person would assume you need for a trip, the authorities may conclude you are probably intending to illegally sell goods. The only exception is a maximum  $60 worth of “ gifts .”

Tobacco and liquor products are counted separately, and foreigners can bring a fair bit of both into Canada. The current tobacco limit is quite generous; you can bring up to 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, and 200 grams of tobacco, if you so choose. The liquor limit is stricter: you can only bring 1.5 litres of wine, 1.13 litres of another liquor, or a 24-pack of beer. Bringing food products into Canada is generally a hassle, as there are very specific rules and limitations for just about every type.

Dangerous goods, like guns , other weapons , and fireworks can be imported, but have their own particular rules. A few very specific things are likewise banned in Canada for safety reasons and are thus illegal to bring into the country, such as certain kinds of kites and baby products. A complete list can be found on the Canadian Government’s official prohibited consumer products list . It’s also illegal to import what the government describes as  “obscenity and hate propaganda ” which includes any movies, books, comics, or magazines that contain, in the opinion of the border guard, overly hateful, perverted, gory, terroristic, or violent content.

• Alcohol and Tobacco Limits, Government of Canada
• Restricted and Prohibited Goods, Government of Canada

Traveling Inside Canada

Laws for foreigners.

This should hopefully go without saying, but foreigners have to obey Canadian laws while in Canada. Those who do otherwise can be charged, arrested, sentenced, and imprisoned just like Canadians. At the same time, the legal protections granted to Canadians by the Canadian Constitution also apply to foreigners visiting the country. This includes the right to avoid self-incrimination, the right to consult a lawyer, and the right to dispute before a judge any charges or fines imposed by a police officer.

Canada has extradition treaties with more than half the world’s countries , meaning foreigners who commit a crime in Canada but leave the country before they are caught or punished can be caught by local police and forced to return to Canada to face justice (and vice-versa). Only in very rare situations will a foreigner accused of a crime in Canada be tried and punished for it by their own country’s justice system.

Getting Around in Canada

Flights within Canada are notoriously expensive, with the average domestic flight costing at least $300, plus airport fees and taxes which usually add an additional $40 or so. The country has three national airlines, Air Canada  (airline codes: 014, AC or ACA, part of the Star Alliance airline coalition) and  WestJet  (838, WS, WJA, part of its own 16-airline alliance ) which are largely domestic, and  Air Transat   (649, TS, TSC) which is mostly international. Canada does not have a major discount or budget airline, though in recent years the major airlines have been experimenting with budget spin-offs, such as Air Canada Rouge and Westjet’s Swoop . Flights to northern Canada , and especially within northern Canada, are extremely expensive, often a thousand dollars or more, and to get to certain remote regions travelers must use a special northern airline or a chartered flight.

Every major Canadian city has its own international airport , and many smaller cities too. There are also several considerably smaller regional or domestic airports that exclusively service flights between Canadian cities. Most of Canada’s big city airports are located around 20 kilometers from their city’s downtown core, or about a 30 minute drive. Vancouver and Toronto have trains that go directly from the airport to downtown.

• Security Screening at Canadian Airports, Canadian Air Transport Security Authority

The railroad played an important role in Canadian  history , but trains have now become among the slowest, most expensive ways to travel the country. While trains can be a somewhat convenient way for tourists to travel between large Canadian cities located relatively close to each other, air travel or driving remains much more popular, and may even be cheaper.

VIA Rail is Canada’s primary passenger train service, offering direct service from Vancouver to Toronto (at over 4,000 km, one of the longest train trips in the entire world!), Toronto to Montreal, and Montreal to Atlantic Canada, with stops in all significant cities along the way. Traveling between the axis of Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal is a popular route. A cross-country Canadian train ride, from one end of the country to the other, will take about four days and cost around $500-$800.

VIA Rail’s Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal stations also offer connecting trips to the United States, via Amtrak . Several provinces also have limited train service to some of their more remote areas. Cruise-like luxury train services are provided by Royal Canadian Pacific  for those willing to pay.

A Via Rail passenger train takes a break in Blue River, British Columbia. joseph s l tan matt/Shutterstock

Driving in canada.

Anyone driving a car or motorcycle in Canada must possess a valid driver’s license . A foreign driver’s license will generally be recognized as valid by the police if it can be read by them, which is to say, if it has English text on it. Don't forget to check if your car insurance applies in Canada!

Car and Bus Travel

Canada is united by a massive cross-country highway known as the Trans-Canada Highway  that extends 7,821 km from the farthest western portion of British Columbia to the farthest eastern part of Newfoundland. It is primarily a west-east corridor, however. Though the Trans-Canada highway does have some northern forks, these do not go very far and none reach Canada’s  northern territories . Every province has its own highway system as well, and these often merge into portions of the Trans-Canada highway. Through a combination of national and provincial highways, virtually every part of Canada is reachable by road travel, though in many cases drive times will be incredibly long.

• Trans-CanadaHighway map, Transport Canada

Many tourists enjoy traveling between Canadian cities by charter buses , which are large, comfortable buses featuring modern amenities such as bathrooms and WiFi. In eastern Canada, Greyhound is the dominant charter bus line. Other provinces are serviced by various regional bus companies.

Public Transportation

Most large Canadian cities have relatively sophisticated public transportation systems, with some combination of bus, light-rail train, monorail, subway, street car, and ferry services that can be used to navigate most of the downtown core and surrounding areas. The exact combination of services will vary from city to city (as will the cost of tickets and passes). In most cases, public transportation does not travel to rural areas, though some rural communities may have their own public transportation system.

Shopping in Canada

Canadians use the Canadian dollar (symbol: $ ) to pay for goods and services, which can be obtained at any ATM machine, which can be found at banks, shopping centres, corner stores, and many other public places. Most Canadian ATMs will accept foreign bank cards, though withdrawal fees can be high. Some smaller, independently-run shops will have a strict “cash only” policy, but these days, most Canadian business will actually prefer to do transactions through credit or debit cards . Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly-used credit card brands in Canada, and many shops will not accept other kinds — though some will, making it a good idea to ask ahead of time.

US dollars are often accepted at Canadian stores, particularly in tourist-heavy areas. Some places may have a policy of accepting US dollars “at face value,” however, meaning American money will not be accepted at its exchange rate worth, but rather treated as if it was worth as much as Canadian money, which is a bad deal.

Foreigners will be charged sales tax on every purchase they make in Canada, through special “value-added tax” known as GST and either PST or HST . Canada does not have a rebate program allowing foreigners to get a refund for the GST, PST, or HST they spend in Canada.

Challenges, dangers and annoyances when visiting Canada

Medical costs.

Though Canada offers generous public healthcare insurance, you have to be some form of long-term, legal Canadian resident before the government will pay for your hospital visits or operations. Non-residents will be billed full cost for any medical service performed while in Canada, which is why it always pays to get travelers’ medical insurance .

Canada has some of the world’s cleanest tap water and strict laws to ensure the cleanliness and safety of any meat, dairy, or poultry products sold at restaurants or grocery stores.

No foreigner will be denied emergency medical service in Canada, though if they have no insurance they will later face a hefty bill. In addition to hospital admittance and treatment, the uninsured should be prepared to pay full cost for things like ambulance rides and hospital beds. Seen here, a sign in a Vancouver hospital emergency room.

Staying Safe in Canada

Canada is generally a safe country, but it has some dangerous places. Every large Canadian city will have a couple of “bad neighborhoods” where criminals tend to congregate and locals generally avoid — particularly after dark — for fear of being harassed, robbed, or assaulted. Unfortunately, these neighborhoods can often be located close to tourist areas, and may seek to take advantage of the obviously confused or foreign. At the same time, most serious, violent crime in Canada tends to occur between people who know each other. Visitors who act confident and use caution and common sense should have little to fear.

Leaving belongings unattended in any public place is generally considered a high-risk activity, and though some businesses may store forgotten items in a “ lost and found ” collection of lost property, the police — and indeed, most Canadians — will generally be unsympathetic to victims of theft caused by inattentive behavior. People generally lock up their homes, cars, and bicycles before leaving them unsupervised. In rare cases, tourists and locals may be targeted by scam artists looking to cheat them out of money. In big cities, most scams are quite brazen, and usually take the form of a stranger asking for money on some sympathetic pretext, such as a phony personal emergency or phony charity. In some cases, a thief may attempt to quietly sell stolen goods to a stranger. Beggars can be common in some large Canadian cities as well. Many Canadians regard them with indifference, believing them to be scam artists.

The police can be called anytime in Canada by dialing 9-1-1 on the telephone. Canadian police are obligated to treat crimes committed against foreigners exactly the same as crimes against Canadians.

• Scams in Canada, TravelScams

More About Canadian Tourism

• Destination Canada, the Government of Canada's Official Tourism Department
• Explore Canada Instagram Account
• Lonely Planet Canada

Exchange Rate for one Canadian dollar (as of April 2019)

• $0.75 U.S. Dollar
• £0.57 U.K. Pound
• $1 Australian Dollar
• ¥5.02 Chinese Yuan
• ¥83.5 Japanese Yen

Canadian Travel Visas are special holographic stickers that are attached to a blank page of the passport.

Touropia Travel

Discover the World

12 Best Places to Visit in Canada

By Becky Griswold · Last updated on June 17, 2024

This Commonwealth country is actually the world’s second largest. Most of that land area, however, is complete wilderness. That is certainly one of the draws of Canada: the utterly vast expanses of nature to really and truly get lost in. Its national parks are truly massive, offering picture-perfect vistas.

Mountaineering, hiking, boating, swimming, cycling – there’s a lot of rewards here if you’re a fan of the great outdoors. Spot grizzly bears in Banff National Park, hit the powdered slopes of Whistler, or taste your way through some of Vancouver’s freshest wild salmon. There’s something in Canada for everyone.

Away from the stunning nature of Canada – also including the Great Lakes Region – you can explore its culture and history. Get stuck into the Francophone region of Quebec, the sparkling skyscrapers and East Asian culture pockets in Vancouver, Toronto’s elegant Victorian architecture, and Canada’s ‘château style’ grand railway hotels and neo-gothic public buildings in Ottawa. Plan your trip to this wonderful travel destination in North America with our list of the best places to visit in Canada.:

12. Calgary [SEE MAP]

The largest city in Alberta, Calgary is situated between the Canadian Prairies and the foothills of the Canadian Rockies . After oil was discovered nearby in the early 1900s, Calgary boomed into what is now one of Canada’s largest metropolitan areas, attracting thousands every year to its world-famous rodeo event, the Calgary Stampede.

While Calgary is comprised of several neighborhoods, the downtown core is where the commercial, entertainment and shopping districts are located. Stephen Avenue Walk and Barclay Mall are two popular pedestrian zones.

Calgary is home to a large number of skyscrapers with observation decks offering incredible views of the city and Rocky Mountains. The most notable of these are The Bow and Calgary Tower . There are also many family attractions including a world-class zoo, amusement parks, botanical gardens, a hands-on science center.

While the city plays host to several annual festivals of music, film and dance, the most famous is the Calgary Stampede , an Old West celebration held over ten days in July with rodeos, chuckwagon races, parades and competitions.

11. Churchill [SEE MAP]

It may only be a small town of 1,000 residents, but Churchill draws huge crowds every year to see its most famous inhabitants, the polar bears . Nicknamed the “Polar Bear Capital of the World,” Churchill is located in the Manitoba province on the Hudson Bay shore. In addition to polar bears, Churchill is also the place to go for viewing beluga whales, birds and the aurora borealis.

The best time to see polar bears in Churchill is October and November when the bears migrate to the shores, hunting for marine food. The tourism industry here provides tours and vehicles called tundra buggies for the safety of both tourists and the bears.

In the summer months, tour operations take people out on the water to see the beluga whales , which migrate here by the thousands. Some tourists even don swimsuits and swim with the whales. With more than 270 species of birds, Churchill is also a birdwatcher’s paradise . Thousands of birders visit the area every summer to glimpse species like snowy owls, gyrfalcons, stilt sandpipers and tundra swans.

Churchill also presents an excellent spot to see the aurora borealis, or northern lights. Normally, the peak time to see this natural marvel is between January and March. The primary ways of reaching Churchill are by airplane and train. Train connections are from Winnipeg and Thompson.

10. Cape Breton Island [SEE MAP]

While it’s located in north-eastern Nova Scotia, Cape Breton Island was once its own independent colony until it was forced to merge in 1820. As it welcomed thousands of Scottish expats in the early 19th-century, it remains the only place in North America where you’ll hear Gaelic spoken, with a host of traditional Scottish music concerts on offer.

In addition to the Scots, Cape Breton also has a healthy French population , with the 18th-century Fortress of Louisbourg a major highlight. A fascinating Mi’kmaq community adds to the pleasant mixture of cultural influences.

Whale watching here is unforgettable. Sightings are just about guaranteed at the northern tip (the top of the island), which you can reach with a boat or kayak tour – the scenery alone makes it worth the trip.

Among its spectacular landscapes, the highlight is undoubtedly Cape Breton Highlands National Park with its phenomenal Cabot Trail and gorgeous lookout points. Don’t forget the scenic fishing villages such as Bay St. Lawrence, where you’ll find some excellent seafood.

9. Ottawa [SEE MAP]

Located at the meeting point of three rivers, Ottawa is Canada’s capital city, home to the sixth-largest population in the country – and growing. Unusually, the city is bilingual. Don’t be surprised to hear people speaking a mix of English and French ; both are first languages here.

Previously known as Bytown, Ottawa was once a lumber town, with many mills built along the Ottawa River in the middle of the 19th century. Today, it’s a beautiful green city filled with blissful parks and waterways. Biking is popular in the summer months, and these trails are converted to ski trails come winter. Running right through the heart of the city, the Rideau Canal is a must visit. In winter the canal becomes the world’s largest ice skating ring.

One of the main things to do is visit the Byward Market. But if you’re interested in history, you’re in for a treat. While it may not be Canada’s official cultural capital, Ottawa is home to some spectacular historic buildings, such as the National Library and Archives – the fourth largest library in the world.

As the nation’s capital, Ottawa is home to many federal establishments including Parliament Hill , the government seat where the ceremonial Changing of the Guard takes place daily during the summer.

8. Whistler [SEE MAP]

Thanks to a couple of spectacular mountains called Whistler and Blackcomb, the Whistler resort is the largest and most famous alpine ski destination in North America. Located in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia in western Canada, Whistler is a two-hour trip from Vancouver along Canada’s most scenic drive, the Sea-to-Sky Highway.

At the base of the two mountains are three quaint villages, Whistler Village , Creekside and Upper Village. The Peak 2 Peak gondola transports visitors from the villages to the mountains.

Whistler had humble beginnings as a logging town. After the 1960 Olympics in Squaw Valley, a ski resort was built on London Mountain as a potential destination for the 1968 Winter Olympics. However, this wasn’t achieved until the 2010 Winter Olympics . In an attempt to steer away from its misleading name, London Mountain was renamed Whistler Mountain because of the whistle-like sound made by the native hoary marmots living in the mountains here.

Today, Whistler has many world-class ski resorts and offers extraordinary views from its mountain slopes that bring adventurers back year after year. Aside from snow sports, the mountains also make for great hiking and rock climbing opportunities.

7. Vancouver Island [SEE MAP]

Vancouver Island, named after the British explorer George Vancouver, is the largest island off the West Coast of the North American continent. Surrounded by the waters of the Pacific, it’s a truly photogenic island filled with glistening lakes, impressive waterfalls, magical fjords, and glacial mountains that are popularly explored by hikers. Outdoorsy travelers are attracted by the weather; it has the mildest climate in Canada.

The island is best known for the gorgeous Butchart Gardens , the surf town of Tofino and the wilderness in the north, where one can catch a ferry to Prince Rupert, and another to Alaska from there. Vancouver Island is also a wildlife hotspot.

Not only does it offer some of the best whale watching in the world – you can even kayak with orca – but it’s also a great spot for bird watching and grizzly bear sightings. As the island is sparsely populated, with most of the population living in Victoria – the capital of BC – you can really soak up the magic of the outdoors.

One of the best places for a walk in nature is in Strathcona Provincial Park , where you’ll find most of the spectacular scenery on the island. Visit Cathedral Grove with its ancient forest, or tee off on one of the many fantastic golf courses.

6. Quebec City [SEE MAP]

Quebec City may be the capital of the Quebec province in eastern Canada , but its French heritage, architecture and language make it appear more like a charming European village.

Perched on a hill overlooking the St. Lawrence River is Vieux Quebec , the city’s historic district, which is the only North American city still retaining its original walls. A walk along the cobblestone streets of the Old City offers encounters with old buildings like the Citadel and historic sites like the Place-Royale, the area where explorer, Samuel de Camplain, established the first North American-French settlement. Cafes, shops and bars are peppered throughout the Old City.

The city’s icon, the stunning Chateau Frontenac , is regarded as the most photographed hotel in North America and offers tours even without an overnight stay. Another impressive hotel is the Ice Hotel. Open from January to April, this unique hotel features rooms with beautiful ice sculptures.

Outside the city center are several beautiful and historic parks like Montgomery Falls and Plains of Abraham, which offer breathtaking waterfalls, outdoor recreation and history of the area.

5. Toronto [SEE MAP]

The sprawling city of Toronto is the most densely populated city in Canada, with nearly three million residents. Located on the shores of Lake Ontario , Toronto forms part of the Golden Horseshoe region, which encompasses the area from the lake to Niagara Falls.

As the provincial capital of the Ontario province, Toronto is also one of the most multicultural cities in the world, with just shy of 100 ethnic communities calling it home. It’s one of the only places in Canada where more than half of the residents were not born in the country. But it’s this melting pot that makes Toronto what it is. Some of the street signs are written in different languages, and diverse neighborhoods have their own distinctive cuisine.

There’s so much culture to be found in the inner city proper amongst its towering skyscrapers and thousands of multi-cultural restaurants.

One of the most popular attractions on the tourist trail is the CN Tower , the tallest free-standing structure in the world (until it was trumped by the Burj Khalifa in Dubai). It offers an extraordinary uninterrupted view of the city from its observation deck, skypod, and the 360 Restaurant. But it’s worth it for a ride up in the glass-enclosed elevator alone!

4. Montreal [SEE MAP]

Montreal is the second-largest city in the Quebec province, located where the St Lawrence and Ottawa Rivers meet. Montreal is Canada’s capital of culture. It’s also one of the most diverse, energetic, welcoming, and forward-thinking cities in North America, with modern street art, an energetic breed of musicians, and a great party scene in its newer parts.

While English is spoken, it’s not the most common language; it’s actually the second-largest city in the world to speak French as a first language outside of France. So it’s easy to see why it’s earned its nickname as the ‘ Paris of North America .’

Montreal’s cityscape is a pleasure to visit all year round. It’s especially beautiful in autumn when the trees turn burnt orange around the iconic cityscape. Old Montreal is the highlight with its cobbled streets, quaint museums, and historical buildings, some of which date back to the 17th-century. Don’t miss the chance to climb up the clock tower in the Quai de l’Horloge for some exceptional views over the St. Laurence River and the city in the distance.

Exciting shopping districts include the downtown underground complex, the Carrefour Laval mall and the colorful Bonsecours Market.

3. Niagara Falls [SEE MAP]

Niagara Falls is a series of three awe-inspiring waterfalls situated on the border of Canada’s Ontario and the United States’ New York. The Ontario side of the Falls is called Horseshoe Falls and offers the best views and most attractions. The immediate area surrounding the Falls is a premier tourist spot teeming in observation towers, restaurants, souvenir shops, casinos and high-rise hotels.

Its sister city in New York is known as the ‘honeymoon capital of the world,’ and one of the only places where you can get a marriage license without a waiting period. Those looking for both romance and adventure will find it here, with a long list of exciting things to see and do.

One of the best places to view the Niagara Falls on the Ontario side is from Queen Victoria Park where the Falls are illuminated and fireworks are displayed nightly during the summer. See them from above or below – it’s your choice – with helicopter tours, jet boat tours, an observation deck next to Skylon Tower , and elevators that take you down behind the falls.

2. Vancouver [SEE MAP]

The massive city of Vancouver is one of the largest in Canada. Located in south-western British Columbia , it’s a famous foodie hotspot – especially for seafood, like its celebrated freshly caught prawns and wild salmon. Because of its melting pot of cultures, you’ll find no shortage of mixed cuisine here, making dining out one of the city’s simple, but by no means underrated, pleasures.

Vancouver’s star attraction is Stanley Park . Covering 1,000 acres of woodlands, gardens and green spaces, this park features an aquarium, water park and the picturesque Seawall. Some of Vancouver’s other top sites include Granville Island’s remarkable food market and Canada Place’s waterfront complex housing the Vancouver Convention Center. One of Vancouver’s most popular neighborhood is Chinatown with it’s vibrant array of shops, restaurants and stunning gardens.

Nicknamed the ‘Hollywood of the North’ because of its huge TV and film industry, Vancouver is also home to the fourth-largest cruise ship terminal in the world. As many as 900,000 passengers pass through the terminal every year, with many cruises making their way onwards to Alaska .

With both beaches and ski slopes within easy reach, Vancouver has been rated as one of the world’s best cities to live in. Home to happy and active people who spend their days rollerblading, jogging, and dog walking along in the Seawall or playing a game of volleyball on Kitsilano Beach, Vancouver is a big destination for outdoorsy activities. Don’t leave without the chance to take a dip in Canada’s longest pool – it’s almost three times the size of a normal Olympic swimming pool!

1. Banff National Park [SEE MAP]

Tucked away in the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park is the oldest national park in Canada , and also one of its largest. Because of its sheer size and remote location, many people are drawn to this untouched piece of the globe for the isolation alone – outside of Banff and Lake Louise – the park’s two points of civilization – that is.

There are two popular routes through the park, but it doesn’t matter too much which you choose. Both are filled with jaw-dropping scenery, from glistening multi-colored lakes and dramatic canyons to beautiful viewpoints and majestic waterfalls. Whether you have your own car is not important, as shuttles service most of the key attractions in the park .

Active travelers will be in their element here with the chance to snowshoe or paddle the lake, while wildlife watchers will have an adventure all of their own. Banff National Park is filled with animals – the most eagerly anticipated sighting being, of course, the grizzly bear.

The town of Banff is the park’s primary settlement, offering the most variety of lodging, shopping and dining. Accessed by the Icefields Parkway , Lake Louise offers luxurious accommodation in a gorgeous setting of turquoise lakes and majestic mountains. Lake Minnewanka and Sunshine Meadows are other smaller villages.

Map of Canada

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Reader interactions.

April 11, 2018 at 5:30 am

actually i prefer calgary. to me its one of the best places in canada. and also one of the biggest and beautiful

June 28, 2017 at 11:19 pm

I have visit Vancouver twice, really a very beautiful country. People there are nice, places are clean, scenery is awesome.

April 21, 2017 at 8:24 am

Canada is soo beautiful place. i would like to visit atleast once.

February 21, 2017 at 3:15 pm

I think your list should include the great outdoor. Canada has some lovely cities but almost anywhere can take you outdoors. The maritimes for short trips and the Rocky Mountains for the longer trips. But Ontario is beautiful as well.

November 24, 2016 at 7:51 am

I will visit canada soon,its one of my bucketlist in north america.

May 9, 2016 at 9:19 pm

Victoria Island was amazing! It’s not on the list, but it is still a great place to check out! Parts of it reminded me of Europe

March 22, 2016 at 5:06 pm

Calgary is a boring place. Just fly into it and head to Banff. Nothing worth seeing in Calgary unless you are there during the Stampede which is a 10 day period in early July. The Rockies and Vancouver are better places to go to visit.

January 9, 2016 at 6:51 am

My son resides and works in Toronto. He has posted lovely pictures of places he had visited in Canada, thus awakening a desire in me to visit that country. Also, the story of Anne of Green Gables in Prince Edward Island aroused an interest in me to see that part of the world.

December 26, 2015 at 4:15 pm

I would love to live and work in Ottawa Canada.i just love it

August 25, 2015 at 7:33 am

Oh, all these spots are amazing to be seen, but I give it to Toronto!!! Diverse ethnic presence, you can’t be fed up of fun can you? Different people to learn their ways of live and all that.

May 8, 2015 at 5:19 am

I would like to visit Canada!

December 8, 2014 at 8:25 am

It’s incredibly beautiful. I would like to visit these places of Canada once in my life.

February 14, 2014 at 11:21 pm

I’d also recommend PEI if you want something less urbanized and more cozy, country. Whitehorse/Yellowknife between Sept-Mar for the northern lights!!

October 31, 2013 at 8:21 am

These Places Are Beautiful

October 12, 2013 at 12:50 am

Banff is one place in Canada that captured my heart. It is so beautiful, peaceful and something like there’s a magical feeling when you’re there. Canada is really a must visit country. Thanks

August 13, 2013 at 2:04 am

You should check out Nova Scotia next time you head to Canada! Halifax is great, of course, but we have some amazing rural areas. Hiking the highlands and having a run-in with a moose, shopping in Lunenburg (a UNESCO world heritage site) and then stopping into The Ovens, winery and craft beer tours, rafting, tubing, wakeboarding, and more!

This is a great list. I love the polar bear pic, too! Thanks for sharing!

August 7, 2013 at 12:15 am

The Banff National Park looks simply amazing, at least on this picture. Makes me willing to visit Canada even more. One day, one day…

July 31, 2013 at 10:30 am

I have wanted to visit Calgary ever since the hosted the Olympics. And although it’s kinda embarrassing to admit it, I got a first had look at Whistler on a couple of episodes of Real Housewives of Orange County. It looked exquisite. Canada is one of my bucket list places to visit.

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Canada's 10 Most Famous Cities

Radu Negrean / EyeEm / Getty Images

The best-known cities in Canada cover a range of destination types that reflect the diversity of the inhabitants and range from sophisticated urban locales to more laid-back municipalities. As each city has its own unique personality, Canada offers something for every type of visitor to explore.  

Toronto, Ontario

Toronto , is the country's financial center, with large swaths of distinct populations and neighborhoods that include Greek, Italian, and Korean and the second-largest Chinatown in North America. 

Toronto is likely Canada's best-known city due to the hubbub around the Toronto International Film Festival, the sky-high  CN Tower , and major sports franchises like the Blue Jays, the Toronto Maple Leafs, and the Raptors.

In addition to all the urban finery of a major city ( museums , great shopping , and  live theater ), Toronto has ready access to miles of Lake Ontario waterfront and the three rivers that intersect the city provide a respite by way of trails and parks. 

Toronto is less than two hours from the U.S. border by way of Niagara Falls. 

Vancouver, British Columbia

Vancouver is where the ocean meets the mountains. Aside from spectacular natural beauty, this British Columbia coastal metropolis has a relaxed charm that makes it one of the most popular Canadian cities to visit.

Vancouver is also a gateway to all sorts of nearby adventures , including Whistler/Blackcomb ski resort , and numerous islands off the coast. The city also acts as a port stop for cruise ships that are most often headed to Alaska.

The city is less than three hours from Seattle and boasts an exceptional public transportation system that can take visitors from the Vancouver International Airport  to downtown in about twenty minutes. 

Montreal, Quebec

Though Montreal  is officially a French-speaking city, as is the province of Quebec, many of its residents, especially those in the retail and hospitality industries, also speak English. 

Until the 1970s, Montreal was Canada's economic center and still hosts many important landmarks including 50 National Historic Sites of Canada. 

The biggest draw in Montreal is Old Town , a central neighborhood close to the water that has preserved much of its original 17th-century architecture and cobblestone streets and reflects the city's French influence.  

Niagara Falls, Ontario

Niagara Falls , Ontario, on the Canadian side (Niagara Falls, N.Y., is on the U.S. side) has been historically known as a honeymoon destination, attracting millions of newlyweds or just plain passionate couples each year. 

In the 2000s, Niagara Falls saw the addition of a new casino resort, which in turn brought more hotels, finer restaurants, shops, and child-friendly attractions as well as big-name stage acts. 

There are two main kitschy tourist areas: Fallsview at the mouth of Canada's Horseshoe Falls and Clifton Hill about a mile away. The two are connected by a promenade that runs along the brink of the Niagara Gorge, featuring tourist stores, a mini-putt, haunted house, Ferris wheel, and more than one water park. 

While the promenade is geared towards more garish attractions, the falls themselves are a natural wonder and the  Hornblower Boat Cruise  brings visitors right into the spray to get a sense of the water's intense power.

Although the main draw to Niagara Falls, is the waterfalls, the surrounding area also has much to offer. The Niagara wine region, the Shaw Festival, and  Niagara-on-the-Lake  in the surrounding region all offer a more local, authentic experience.

Victoria, British Columbia

TripSavvy / Kathleen Messmer

Victoria , the capital city of British Columbia, is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island and is a charming harbor city that's a gateway to all the wonderful towns, inlets, coves, and Pacific Ocean scenery of Vancouver Island. 

Dating back to the 1840s when the city was established as a trading port, Victoria also has provenance as an aboriginal community, a mining town, and an economic hub. Tourists can still enjoy well-preserved 19th- and early 20th-century architecture, like the Parliament Buildings and the Fairmont Empress Hotel, both of which overlook the city's iconic Inner Harbor. 

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia's capital city has the amenities of a big city but the charm of a smaller town. The Maritime region is famous for the hospitality of the people, with Halifax rumored to have more bars per capita than any other Canadian city.  

Much of the city's allure can be attributed to an oceanside location, rugged shorelines, sandy beaches, nearby fishing villages, and historic architecture. 

Quebec City, Quebec

Quebec City  is situated at the most narrow point of the St. Lawrence River and has been awarded status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to the historic Old Town section of the metropolis.

Much of the Old Town sits high above the water, capped by the famous Chateau Frontenac, and the area hosts cobblestone walkways, well-preserved 17th-century architecture, and a thriving cafe culture. The section is home to the only North American fortress walls that still exist north of Mexico.

Quebec is a jovial city and manageable in size, especially, for those that stick to exploring the Old Town, though there is plenty more to see. The fun continues year-round with events like Winter Carnival , Summer Festival, and New France Festival luring both locals and tourists. 

French is still the prevalent language spoken in Quebec. 

Calgary, Alberta

The Old West spirit is alive and well in Calgary , where cowboy hats and line dancing are always in fashion. The Calgary Stampede festival put this Alberta city on the map, but the city's role as the first Canadian host of the Winter Olympics in 1988 has solidified its place as one of Canada's top destinations. 

Calgary is Alberta's biggest city and has all the hospitality options such as hotels, restaurants, and other niceties that accompany a flush urban center and has enjoyed great prosperity since the 1990s. Calgary's proximity to Banff, the Rocky Mountains, ice fields, and other natural sensations are also a big draw to the region.  

Ottawa, Ontario

Though Toronto and Montreal are better known, Ottawa is Canada's capital city. Much of Ottawa’s allure is because it is a thoughtfully designed and pedestrian-friendly city. 

The many historic buildings, most prominently the Parliament Building and the Chateau Laurier, are lovingly preserved. One of the most famous landmarks in Ottawa is the Rideau Canal, which cuts through the city and in below-freezing temperatures turns into the world's biggest skating rink. 

Edmonton, Alberta

Edmonton has made a name for itself as a city of festivals, the two most famous being the Edmonton Folk Music Festival and the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival.

The city also has the distinction of being home to the world's largest shopping mall, the West Edmonton Mall, a massive structure that houses a hotel, roller coaster, and water park. 

Edmonton is also known as the Gateway to the North, with ready access to Jasper and the Rocky Mountains as well as Canada's northern territories, Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, and the Yukon. 

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• 40 Best Places To Visit In Canada In 2024 That Will Leave You Spellbound

22 Feb 2024

The best places to visit in Canada are proof that the country has a heart bigger than its size when it comes to satiating the wanderlust of every type of traveller. You would happily agree with us once you see them with your own eyes. Be it the lakes, the gardens, or the cities as a whole, Canada has got it all that would make your holiday worthwhile! Explore the cosmopolitan Toronto streets and the mountains of the Canadian Rockies. There are a whole lot of destinations that you can visit in this second-largest country in the world. Canada will mesmerize you with its vibrant landscapes, raw nature, and soul-filling culture. No wonder, people often flock to Canada for a dose of adventure and exuberance. Take a look at these places in Canada so that you know which ones you need to put on the top of your list!

40 Best Places To Visit In Canada In 2024

Canada is a country that has half of its land covered in forests, which should come as no surprise as one-tenth of the total forests of the world are in Canada. Thinking about exploring Canada? Here is the perfect list of the great places to visit in Canada on your trip. Take a look at the best places in Canada and choose which ones are you going to explore on your trip!

• Niagara Falls : An Elegant View
• Whistler : Your Perfect Ski Resort
• Quebec City : Explore The French Influence
• St. John’s : An Artist’s Retreat
• Tofino : A Water Lover’s Paradise
• Churchill : Seek Tons Of Adventure
• Old Montreal : Discover An Old-World Charm
• Banff National Park : A Popular Destination
• Stanley Park : The French Connection
• Butchart Gardens : A Picture-Perfect Land
• Okanagan Valley : A Paradise For Tourists
• Gros Morne National Park : Explore The Geological Diversity
• Algonquin Provincial Park : A Perfect Spot For Tourists
• Yoho National Park : A Must Visit Destination
• CN Tower, Toronto : For A Remarkable Time
• Lake Louise : Perfect For Adventure Sports
• Bay Of Fundy : Witness The Oceanic Experience
• The Yukon : A Magical Delight
• Garibaldi Lake : With Wondrous Sights
• Pyramid Lake : A Picturesque Water Resource
• Cheakamus Lake : For Stunning Views
• Maligne Lake : Paradise For Photographers
• Hornby Island : A Simple Slice Of Land
• Cape Breton : An Unexplored Land
• Forillon National Park : Hike The Untamed Trails
• Moraine Lake : Witness The Clear Reflection Of Mountains
• Perce Rock : Admire The Natural Beauty
• Mingan Monoliths : Gape At The Oldest Monoliths
• Jasper National Park : Get Ready For Adventure
• Peggy’s Cove : Explore The Hidden Gem
• Mount Logan : Stand On The Highest Peak In Canada
• Osoyoos : Taste Wine & Get The Best Views
• Columbia Icefield Skywalk : Watch The Beauty From Up Top
• The Grotto : Haven For Adventure Fanatics
• Montmorency Falls : Explore The Highest Falls
• Capilano Suspension Bridge : Lap Of Nature Calls You
• Waterton Lakes National Park : Bags All The Titles
• Prince Edward Island:  For A Splendid Game Of Golf
• Kluane National Park and Reserve:  For Wildlife Enthusiasts
• Mont Tremblant:  For Skiing Activities

1. Niagara Falls: An Elegant View

If there is one destination you’d find in every ‘best places to visit in Canada during summers’ list, it is Niagara Falls. Built along the spellbinding waterfalls of the same name, this famous city is an ideal place to explore if you’re looking for a magical experience. It is indeed one of the most iconic and best places to visit in Canada. Have a great time enjoying the views and clicking pictures of the cascading falls. You’ll have an unparalleled sightseeing experience when you visit Niagara Falls at night. Counted among the best places to visit in Canada in the summer, Niagara Falls is worth exploring on your next trip to this amazing country. 

Best time to visit: June – August How to reach: The nearest airport is Buffalo-Niagara International Airport which is just 30-40 minutes away from Niagara Falls. You can take a cab and reach the falls easily. Things To Do:

• Witness the gorgeous waterfalls
• Get your game on at the Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort
• Spend time at the MarineLand

Location: Ontario, Canada

Must Read: 10 Vancouver Hotels 

2. Whistler: Your Perfect Ski Resort

Home to one of the largest ski resorts in North America, Whistler is one of the best places in Canada for winter holidays! Skiing, snowshoeing, and tobogganing are a few of the thrilling sports to indulge in for enjoying this captivating snow land. So, if you are a thrill seeker, then Whistler is one of the best places to visit in Canada for you! If you’re travelling from Vancouver to Whistler, then you can call a cab that will make you reach in about 1 hour 30 minutes. You can choose from the best hotels in Edmonton for a lavish stay in Canada.

Best time to visit: June – August, December – March How to reach: The nearest airport is Vancouver International Airport which is 2.5 hours away from Whistler. You can take a cab and reach Whistler easily. 

Things To Do:

• Indulge in snowmobiling
• Witness the town’s vibrant culture by visiting the art museums and cultural centres
• Dine at 21 Steps or Alta Bistro

Location: British Columbia, Canada

3. Quebec City: Explore The French Influence

Renowned as North America’s oldest walled city, and the most beautiful city in Canada and considered top Canada tourist places, which you must visit with your partner if magic, romance, and all things French are what tickles your fancy the most. Have an amazing time with your partner in the magical Quebec City. It is one of the most enchanting and the cool places to see in Canada because of the art and cultural scenes.

Best time to visit: June, September – December How to reach: The nearest airport is Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport. You can take a cab from the airport to reach the city easily.

• Visit historic attractions like The Citadel
• Relax at the Battlefields Park
• Walk along the scenic Terrasse Dufferin

Location: Québec, Canada

Suggested Read:  10 Chinese Restaurants In Toronto 

4. St. John’s: An Artist’s Retreat

When in Canada places to visit can be abundant and spoil you with its choices. One of the best places to visit in Canada with family which is popular for its jelly-beaned & crayon-colored houses, and being an artist’s retreat, St. John’s is like a mini San Francisco. Considered as one of the best cities to visit in Canada, you can explore the city with an open heart. Despite being the oldest city, the vibe of this place is as refreshing as that of any metro town, which is perfect for any of your holidays. Also, do not miss the Water Street when you are here!

Best time to visit: April – May, September – October How to reach: The nearest airport is St. John’s International Airport from where you can take a cab and reach the destination. 

• Visit the Cape Spear Lighthouse
• Learn about the local culture and history at The Rooms
• Shop and eat at the famous Water Street

Location: Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

5. Tofino: A Water Lover’s Paradi

Image Source

If you can’t imagine a holiday without a beach, Tofino is the place for you! It’s a paradise for water lovers and a haven for people seeking comfort in their cosy hotel rooms after spending a long day out in the town. Have a great time by the beach in Tofino. It is one of the places to go in Canada for an exotic beach time.

Best time to visit: March-May, September – November How to reach: The nearest airport is Tofino-Ucluelet Airport from where you can take a cab and reach Tofino easily.  Things To Do:

• Explore the famous beaches like Long Beach and Chesterman Beach
• Try the popular fish tacos
• Indulge in kayaking and camping at Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

Location: Vancouver Island, Canada

Suggested Read: Niagara Falls in Canada

6. Churchill: Seek Tons Of Adventure

If you are looking for Canada tourist places, this is the one you must check out. This small town located on Hudson Bay definitely counts as one of the top places to visit in Canada. Known as the polar bear capital of the world, Churchills is the perfect hotspot for travellers who love having a close encounter with wildlife. It is also a great destination for adventure seekers and one can enjoy underwater activities here.

Best time to visit: October – November How to reach: The nearest airport is Churchill Airport from where you can take a cab and reach Churchill.  Things To Do:

• Swim or snorkel with Beluga whales
• Explore Fort Prince of Wales
• Take a Tundra Buggy tour

Location: Manitoba, Canada

7. Old Montreal: Discover An Old-World Charm

If you are wondering where to go in Canada, then make sure Montreal comes to your mind. Old-world charm, spectacular buildings, and horse-drawn carriages are pretty much what describe the fascinating aura of this oldest area in Montreal. For travellers in pursuit of a peaceful & unique experience, this is the perfect place to be! Have a great time with your folks in one of the best places to visit in Canada.

Best time to visit: March-May, September-November How to reach: The best way to reach Old Montreal is by opting for a ride in the metro stations. There are three metro stations on the orange line – Square-Victoria, Place-d’Armes, and Champ-de-Mars. You can get down at any of these stations to reach Old Montreal.  Things To Do In Montreal:

• Explore the underground city
• Rejuvenate at the Spa Scandinave
• Take the Old Montreal food tour

Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Suggested Read: 10 Budget-Friendly Hostels In Canada 

8. Banff National Park: A Popular Destination

Chances are, you have already heard of Banff National Park in Canada a lot of times. And why not, it is among the top Canada destinations every traveller must visit and among the best things to do in Alberta , Canada. Turquoise-colored lakes, spectacular glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and mesmerizing landscapes, everything beautiful can be witnessed here at once. Excited to visit? You should be since it is one of the best places to visit in Canada.

Best time to visit: June-August, December-March How to reach: The nearest airport is Calgary International Airport from where you can take a cab and reach the national park easily.  Things To Do:

• Capture the beauty of Lake Louise and Bow Lake
• Take a ride in the Banff Gondola
• Go for hiking or whitewater rafting

Timings: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM every day Location: 224 Banff Avenue, Town of Banff, Alberta, Canada

9. Stanley Park: The French Connection

Vancouver is one of the most famous French cities in Canada which is a popular destination among travelers. If the red-orange coloured trees shown in movies have always tickled your fancy, Stanley Park is one place you have to visit in Canada. The red cedar and Douglas fir trees around with a gorgeous view of the city would not only leave you spellbound but also make you fall for nature again. Do visit the park, especially when searching for some of the famous places in Canada.Among the top 10 tourist attractions in Canada, Stanley Park offers a wholesome experience to all.

Best time to visit: Late-March, April, June-October How to reach: To reach Stanley Park, you can either take a bus or opt for a car ride in the city and reach the destination within a few minutes. Things To Do:

• Walk through the majestic cedars and firs
• Indulge in biking or rollerblading
• Take a ride in the Miniature Train

Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day Location: Vancouver, BC V6G 1Z4, Canada

Suggested Read: Canada Travel Tips

10. Butchart Gardens: A Picture-Perfect Land

Of all the top tourist attractions in Canada, Butchart Gardens is the best place to explore with a camera in hand. With an enchanting display of flowers around, fun boat tours, night illuminations & more, there’s a lot to see and do here that will make your holiday vibrant! Ready to capture some Instagram-worthy pictures? Gear up to explore every corner of this one of the best spots to visit in Canada. 

Best time to visit: July & August How to reach: One of the best ways to reach here is by taking bus number 75 which takes around an hour from downtown Victoria to the Butchart Gardens. Things To Do:

• Capture the gorgeous flowers around
• Witness the fireworks show designed by Disney
• Indulge in ice skating

Timings: 8:45 AM to 10:00 PM Location: 800 Benvenuto Ave, Brentwood Bay, BC V8M 1J8, Canada

11. Okanagan Valley: A Paradise For Tourists

Known for its wineries and fruit orchards, the Okanagan is one of the best places in Canada to visit. A walk into the region here makes you feel like you have stepped right into heaven. So, try and savor the beauty around not just with your eyes, but also with your camera. Book yourself a wine tour at one of its wineries!

Best time to visit: June-September How to reach: The nearest airport is Kelowna International Airport from where you can take a cab and reach the destination easily.  Things To Do:

• Visit the Sperling Vineyards or Mission Hill Winery
• Spend time at the Okanagan Lake
• Take a tour of the Kelowna region

Suggested Read: Festivals of Canada

12. Gros Morne National Park: Explore The Geological Diversity

This national park is one of the Canada points of interest you must visit and explore. Geologically diverse and beautiful, it is a part of Long Range Mountains , which makes it the best place to visit in Canada for the first time for a nature admirer like you! Enjoy nature walks and stroll into the wild at this stunning national park.

Best time to visit: late May  to mid-October How to reach: The nearest airport is located at Deer Lake which is just 30 minutes away from the park. From there, you can take a cab and reach the Gros Morne National Park easily.  Things To Do:

• Walk through the Tablelands
• Enjoy mesmerizing views from the Western Brook Pond Cruise
• Go on a wilderness hike in the Long Range Mountains

13. Algonquin Provincial Park: A Perfect Spot For Tourists

With lush green forests, enchanting rivers & lakes, this place makes for the best tourist places in Canada for anyone who loves nature. You can indulge in wildlife spotting, camping, canoeing, and more activities during your visit, which ensures you take back home more than just pictures. What more can you ask for on a vacation?

Best time to visit: Mid-September to early October How to reach: Take a taxi from any part of the city to reach Algonquin Provincial Park in just a few minutes.  Things to do:

• Experience backcountry camping
• Enjoy dog sledging, fishing, and whitewater canoeing
• Indulge in wildlife spotting

Location: Ontario 60, Ontario K0J 2M0, Canada

Suggested Read: Temples in Canada

14. Yoho National Park: A Must Visit Destination

Of all the Canada tourist places, Yoho National Park located in the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountains falls under nature lovers’ visit places in Canada. Its gorgeously massive Wapta and Takakkaw Falls make it ideal for your Canada holiday pictures. Enjoy the sight of the cascading falls.

Best time to visit: Mid-May to early October How to reach: The best way to reach Yoho National Park is by taking a cab from your hotel to this place as there is no other service that you can avail of.  Things To Do:

• Enjoy a serene drive up to Takakkaw Falls
• Stroll along the Emerald Lake
• Take a bike ride on the Yoho Valley Road

Location: Field, BC V0A 1G0, Canada

15. CN Tower, Toronto: For A Remarkable Time

Looking for the best places to visit in Canada Toronto? Touching and beautifying the Toronto skyline, CN Tower will be the perfect destination for you. Be it dining at the 360 Restaurant, indulging in edge walking on the glass outside, or just admiring the views of the city from the top, this iconic landmark is the most apt place to visit. Do add it to your amazing list of best places to visit in Canada for couples. You can choose from the best hotels in Toronto and explore the city’s best attractions and views on your holiday.

Best time to visit: late-April to May & mid-September to mid-October How to reach: There are several ways to reach CN Tower and the best one is to take a ride in the local bus and reach one of these stations – St West at Blue Jays Way, Queens Quay West at Rees St., and Adelaide St West at John St East Side.   Things To Do In Toronto:

• Indulge in the world’s highest ‘hands-free’ walk
• Eat at the award-winning 360 Restaurant
• Capture the beauty of Toronto from the top of the tower

Timings: 8:30 AM to 10:30 PM Location: 301 Front St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2T6, Canada

Suggested Read: 11 Best Canadian Rivers 

16. Lake Louise: Perfect For Adventure Sports

There is no doubt that this lake is one of the most beautiful places in Canada. Apart from admiring the turquoise lakes , the Victoria Glacier, and spectacular mountains in the backdrop, you can also indulge in kayaking or fishing in the summer which makes it an awesome places to visit in Canada in April, and snowshoeing & skiing in the winters amongst the best things to do in Victoria for an exciting vacation in Canada. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready to lose yourself by visiting Lake Louise in Canada.

Best time to visit: late-June to mid-September How to reach: The nearest airport is Calgary International Airport which is about 2 hours away from Lake Louise.  Things To Do:

• Indulge in snowboarding at Lake Louise Ski Resort
• Explore the village of Lake Louise
• Attend the Ice Magic Festival

Location: Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

17. Bay Of Fundy: Witness The Oceanic Experience

Popular for offering the famous ‘walk on the ocean’ experience, this is one of the most heartwarming Canada tourist attractions. You can witness the highest tides in the world here, and also various species of whales at the same time. This is undeniably one of the most famous places in Canada that you must explore. Excited to visit the Bay of Fundy?

Best time to visit: June – August How to reach: The best way to reach the Bay of Fundy is by opting for the railway’s services as it is the only way available. Things To Do:

• Enjoy the tidal bore rafting
• Take pictures of the whales
• Go for golfing in the Canadian Maritimes

Location: New Brunswick, Canada

Suggested Read: 6 Surreal Lakes In Calgary 

18. The Yukon: A Magical Delight

Sometimes a gorgeous sight is all you need to make your holiday magical. The dance of the northern lights in the sky easily visible from Whitehorse or Dempster Highway makes Yukon one of the best places to travel in Canada, especially during winter. So, do make sure you put this on your list and have a magical trip.

Best time to visit: May – October How to reach: To reach The Yukon, you will have to reach Vancouver first from where you can take a boat cruise to The Yukon. Things To Do:

• Witness the northern lights in Whitehorse or Dempster Highway
• Fly over the Kluane National Park
• Explore the Takhini Hot Springs

Location: Yukon, NW, Canada

19. Garibaldi Lake: With Wondrous Sights

The turquoise waters and the snowy Canada mountains make this place a postcard-perfect beauty. While you can indulge in hiking and a lot of activities here, leaving your camera alone is something you wouldn’t want to do even for a second. Try to capture all the wondrous sights that this park has to offer. Make sure that you include it in your list and it is one of the must-visit places in Canada.

Best time to visit: July – September How to reach: The best way to reach Garibaldi Lake is by taking a taxi from your destination.  Things To Do:

• Enjoy overnight camping
• Experience the fun of snowshoeing
• Relax by the lake and capture the picturesque beauty as memories

Location: Garibaldi Provincial Park, British Columbia, Canada

Suggested Read: 9 Best Beaches Near Toronto 

20. Pyramid Lake: A Picturesque Water Resource

If you’re looking for the best tourist places in Canada, this lake should definitely be on your list. Apart from experiences like windsurfing, canoeing, and ice skating, the picturesque beauty of this place makes it a famous tourist spot and a paradise for photographers. Do not forget your camera behind! You can choose from the best guest houses in Ottawa for a comfortable stay in Canada.

Best time to visit: October – June How to reach: The nearest airport is Reno-Tahoe International Airport from where you can take a taxi to reach the destination.  Things To Do:

• Admire the beauty of the lake with the Pyramid Mountain in the background
• Indulge in kayaking, canoeing, or sailing
• Spot birds like herons, loons, and chickadee

Location: Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada

21. Cheakamus Lake: For Stunning Views

One of the best places to visit in Canada, the Cheakamus lake is famous among travelers due to the beautiful hike it offers. It is one of the best hikes that leads to stunning mountain views. The hike is relatively easy and one can enjoy lakeside picnics. It is one of the best places to visit in Canada during the summer.

Best time to visit: July – August How to reach: The best way to reach Cheakamus Lake is by driving west along Highway 1 towards Horseshoe Bay and then take Highway 99 towards Whistler. If you continue driving, you will reach the lake.  Things To Do:

• Go hiking in Garibaldi Provincial Park along the Cheakamus lake.
• Enjoy mountain biking on the scenic trails
• Have a peaceful lakeside picnic with your friends and folks

Location: Garibaldi Provincial Park

Suggested Read: 10 Essential Vancouver Travel Tips

22. Maligne Lake: Paradise For Photographers

One can enjoy Canada sightseeing by enjoying the scenic views the country offers to its travellers. One of the unique places to visit in Canada is Maligne Lake which is situated at the centre of the Jasper National Park. It is a stunning turquoise-coloured jewel, amidst lush green environs.

Best time to visit: May – October How to reach: The best way to reach the lake by taking a car or taxi ride as it is the only way available.  Things To Do:

• Experience camping by the lakeside here
• Adventure seekers can try glacier kayaking in Canada
• Try your luck at fishing

Location: Jasper National Park

23. Hornby Island: A Simple Slice Of Land

Hornby Island is a rural, simple, relaxed and incredibly beautiful island located in the calm waters of Georgia Strait in the Salish Sea between Vancouver Island and the mainland. The island has lots of calm waters, sandy beaches, lush forests, and miles of hiking trails bringing a huge number of tourists as it is one of the best places to visit in Canada. Visiting the island is just one of the exciting things to do in British Columbia .

Best time to visit: May – June How to reach: The nearest airport is Comox International Airport from where you can reach the destination easily.  Things To Do:

• Visit the beaches and parks
• Swim and sunbathe at Helliwell Park, Whaling Station Bay and Little Tribune Bay
• Shop at the Isla de Lerena Vineyard, and Middle Mountain Mead
• Take part in the Hornby Festival

Location : British Columbia

Suggested Read: 11 Resorts In British Columbia 

24. Cape Breton: An Unexplored Land

Image Source One of the best places to visit in Canada, Cape Breton, located in the eastern end of Nova Scotia has a rich heritage with French, aboriginal, Scottish, Irish, and English origins of the people who live here. This piece of land is undisturbed and unexplored through centuries. This is one of the best places to visit in Canada. The Cabot Trail is a roadway is the backbone of travel around Cape Breton which passes through forests and a rugged coastline. You can also visit one of the popular National Parks of Canada i.e. the Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

Best time to visit: July – August How to reach: Drive from mainland Nova Scotia through the Canso Causeway and reach Cape Breton Island.  Things To Do:

• Enjoy the Celtic Colours festival in mid-October
• Play golf at the Cabot Links or Highland Links
• Hike along the Celtic Shores Coastal Trail

Location:  Nova Scotia

25. Forillon National Park: Hike The Untamed Trails

One of the best places to see in Canada, is it tucked between the Gulf of St. Lawrence in Quebec and the Bay of Gaspe, Forillon National Park is home to several untamed hiking trails which has attracted several trekkers from not only Canada but from all around. While exploring the park, you will find several beaches, fishing villages, and steep cliffs. Moreover, there are more than 700 species of plants in the park including white and yellow birch, maple, and fir. There is no doubt in the fact that it is one of the best places in Canada for nature lovers.

Best time to visit: August How to reach: The nearest airport is Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport or Montreal or Jean Lesage International Airport from where you can take a cab and reach the National Park.  Things to do: 

• Explore the trekking trails of this park.
• Witness the wildlife in their natural habitat

Location:  2286 Bd de Grande Greve, Gaspé, QC G4X 6L7, Canada

Suggested Read: 8 Fun Things To Do In Winter 

26. Moraine Lake: Witness The Clear Reflection Of Mountains

Wondering where to go in Canada? Settled in the heart of Banff National Park, Moraine Lake is around nine miles long and probably one of the most beautiful places to see in Canada . The lake is filled with fresh glacial waters and is a popular spot for fishermen. The best part about this tourist spot is that you will get to see several sceneries which you can capture for memories. It is probably the best spot for photographers as the place offers mesmerizing landscapes. 

Best time to visit: Mid-June – July How to reach: The nearest airport is Calgary Airport from where you can take a cab to reach the lake. 

• Things to do: 
• Opt for kayaking and canoeing.
• Explore the hiking trails.

Location:  Moraine Lake, Improvement District No. 9, AB, Canada

27. Perce Rock: Admire The Natural Beauty

While exploring the majestic St. Laurence River, you will find an enormous rock which is rising out of the sea in the middle of the river. The rock is named Perce Rock and is one of the top places to go in Canada for exploring natural beauty. You can also visit the nearby Perce village and hear stories about a sea monster. It is believed that the mood of the sea when the colour of the eyes of the monster changed. A trip to Canada is incomplete without exploring this place. 

Best time to visit: July – August How to reach: The nearest Canada airport is Michel-Pouliot Gaspé Airport from where you can take a cab and reach the destination.  Things to do: 

• Mingle with the locals and get to know about the traditional stories.
• Capture picturesque views. 

Location:  Percé, Quebec, Canada

Suggested Read: Christmas In Canada

28. Mingan Monoliths: Gape At The Oldest Monoliths

Created 450 million years ago by nature, the Mingan Islands is a group of 40 islands that are explored by true nature lovers. The most striking features of these islands are majestic limestone monoliths are rising out of the sea, making it one of the best travel spots in Canada. Some of these structures are bare and others are covered with vegetation. If you are planning a vacation to Canada then make sure that you include Mingan Monoliths in your itinerary as it is one of the tourist attractions in Canada .

Best time to visit: July – early-September How to reach: The nearest airport is Riviere Au Tonnerre Airport which is just 40 km away. You can take a cab and reach your destination. Things to do: 

• Explore the nearby places at your own pace. 

Location:  1010 Promenade Des Anciens, Havre-Saint-Pierre, QC G0G 1P0, Canada

29. Jasper National Park: Get Ready For Adventure

Looking for adventurous and the best places to visit in Canada? Well, head to Jasper National Park which will not only offer amazing sceneries to capture but also various activities to indulge in. The park is home to many turquoise lakes and peaks that are worth capturing for your social media accounts. The views will appease your adventurous soul as well as put you into a state of euphoria. 

Best time to visit: March-May, September-November How to reach: <span style=The nearest airports are Edmonton International Airport (YEG) and Calgary International Airport (YYC) which are four to five hours away from the national park.  Things to do: 

• Hike and traverse through the national park.
• Capture amazing pictures.

Location:  Jasper, AB T0E 1E0, Canada

Suggested Read: Montreal Festivals 

30. Peggy’s Cove: Explore The Hidden Gem

Wondering where to visit in Canada ? Here is a picturesque place for you which is famous for its lighthouse. The lighthouse was built in the year 1915. Despite being a small place to explore, millions of travellers come to explore this place every year and spend some time unwinding. Peggy’s Cove is popular among locals and travellers due to its delicious seafood, fishing villages and beautiful sceneries. 

Best time to visit: November – April How to reach: The nearest airport is Halifax Stanfield International Airport from where you can take a cab to reach the destination. Location:  Peggys Cove, NS, Canada Things to do:  Explore the famous lighthouse. Relish tasty seafood and visit the nearby village.

31. Mount Logan: Stand On The Highest Peak In Canada

Want to get higher? Obviously altitude-wise! Then, head to Mount Logan which is the highest peak in the whole of Canada. There is doubt in the fact that it is one of the best places to go in Canada to savour some amazing views from up top. The mountain was named after Sir William Edmond Logan who was a Canadian geologist as well as the founder of the Geological Survey of Canada.

Things To Do: Trekking Location: Yukon, Canada

Suggested Read: 15 Best Places To Visit In Canada In Winter 

32. Osoyoos: Taste Wine & Get The Best Views

If you want to witness the warmest welcome in Canada then you must visit Osoyoos. It is the most beautiful stretch in the Okanagan Valley where you get the best views of Canada. In addition to this, it is one of the major wine-producing regions of Canada so you can go for a wine tasting tour. Due to all these factors, Osoyoos is always counted among the top Canada tourist spots.If you want to witness the warmest welcome in Canada then you must visit Osoyoos. It is the most beautiful stretch in the Okanagan Valley where you get the best views of Canada. In addition to this, it is one of the major wine-producing regions of Canada so you can go for a wine tasting tour. Due to all these factors, Osoyoos is always counted among the top Canada tourist spots. Among the spectacular tourist sites in Canada , Osoyoos offers an amazing experience to food lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Best time to visit: May – August How to reach: You can easily reach the destination by arriving at ANC Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport and from there grab a cab. Best time to visit: June – August How to reach: There are several ways to reach Osoyoos and they include car, bus or airplane. When in Osoyoos, you can hire a taxi to explore the tourist attractions. Things To Do: Sightseeing, wine tour, paddle boat Location: British Columbia, Canada

33. Columbia Icefield Skywalk: Watch The Beauty From Up Top

If you want to feel more alive than ever then Canada is just the right place for you. Gear up to walk on the Columbia Icefield Skywalk which is located 280 meters above Sunwapta Canyon. This one-kilometre walkway is stretched 35 meters ahead to give an amazing view of nature. This glass floor is almost as high as the CN Tower so, get ready to get this experience. This is one of the top places to see in Canada for all adventure junkies!Also, if you are looking for cool places to visit in Canada, explore Columbia Icefield Skywalk.

Best time to visit: Any time of the year How to reach: To reach this place you will first have to reach Columbia Icefield Discovery Center from where you can avail of free shuttle services to the skywalk. Things To Do: Photography and exploring nature Location: Icefields Pkwy, Jasper, AB T0E 1E0, Canada

Suggested Read: Go Glacier Kayaking In Canada 

34. The Grotto: Haven For Adventure Fanatics

Wondering where to visit in Canada for diving into water then here is a perfect solution for you. The Grotto in Bruce Peninsula National Park is the perfect place for adventure seekers as this spot gives a chance to cliff jump into crystal clear water. You will first have to hike to the cliff and then plan a jump for a thrilling experience. You will find a few adventure junkies here as it is one of the best places in Canada for a fun activity.

Best time to visit: mid-May – late-October How to reach: Hire a car to reach Bruce Peninsula National Park if you want to explore the Gotto. Things To Do: Sightseeing and nature walks Location: Northern Bruce Peninsula, ON N0H 2R0, Canada

35. Montmorency Falls: Explore The Highest Falls

If you are planning a vacation to Quebec, then you must head to Montmorency Falls which is located just 12 kilometres away from the heart of the city. They are the highest falls in the country being 100 feet higher than the famous Niagara Falls. The best part of these falls is that you can take a good look at these falls by going for a walk over the suspension bridge. In addition to this, there are several staircases to witness the true beauty of the falls.

Best time to visit: June – September and December – February How to reach: You can reach these falls either by taking a car or bus ride from any part of Quebec. Things To Do: Sightseeing Location: 5300 Boulevard Sainte-Anne, Québec, QC G1C 1S1, Canada

Suggested Read: Christmas In Chicago

36. Capilano Suspension Bridge: Lap Of Nature Calls You

Wondering what places to explore in Canada in Canada to challenge yourself? Then, head to this suspension bridge in British Columbia! It is 140 meters long and 70 meters high above the river and taking a stroll through the thick green forest will make you fall in love with this place. If you have a fear of heights then you might want to skip this place. But if not then make sure that you take a walk here as it is one of the top tourist places in Canada.

Best time to visit: November How to reach: You can either take a car to reach the destination or take bus number 236 to reach the bridge. Things To Do: Cliff walk, adventure activities, and sightseeing Location: 3735 Capilano Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7R 4J1, Canada

37. Waterton Lakes National Park: Bags All The Titles

One look at it and the scene might look unreal to you at first! Yes, Waterton Lakes National Park is one of the most beautiful Canadian National Parks which is why it is the only park in the whole world that has received all three designations – UNESCO World Heritage Site, Biosphere Reserve, and International Peace Park. This means that you might get to see a glimpse of cougars, bison, and wolves. Another amazing part about this place is that you can kayak your way over the border to reach Montana. If you’re still where to visit in Canada, this is the place to be.

Best time to visit: May – September How to reach: The place is located at the end of Highway 5 so you will have to drive to this highway as there are no bus services to the lake. Things To Do: Explore lakes and go for trek trails Location: AB-5, Waterton Park, AB T0K 2M0, Canada

Suggested Read: 5 Best Spots For Scuba Diving In Canada 

38. Prince Edward Island: For A Splendid Game Of Golf

One of the best places to go in Canada, this island is home to some brilliant golf courses where you can practice your swing or play a game amidst serene surroundings. The breathtaking landscape of this island will rejuvenate your soul and recharge you after an exhausting trip of several adventures in Canada. The lush green hills and the delicious seafood are a major attraction for this island. Look out for the adorable harp seal while you’re at it. It is also one of the best places to visit in Canada . 

Best time to visit: July – August How to reach: Whether you drive across the Confederation Bridge from New Brunswick, take a ride on the ferry from Nova Scotia, or fly into the Charlottetown airport, you’ll find our Island easy to navigate. Visit charming towns, vibrant cities, and quaint villages. A new adventure around every turn. Things To Do: Visit scenic beaches, hiking trails, historic homes and golf Location: Prince Edward Island, Canadian Province

39. Kluane National Park and Reserve: For Wildlife Enthusiasts

Home to Canada’s highest peaks, the country’s largest ice field and diverse flora and fauna, the Kluane National Park and Reserve is one of the best places in Canada to visit for adventure travellers, explorers and wildlife enthusiasts. Situated in the southwest corner of the Yukon, this park has some beautiful trekking trails on the icefield ranges of the St. Elias Mountains making it one of the best Canada tourist attractions.

Best time to visit: June – September How to reach: You can reach Kluane by driving 160 km west from Whitehorse on the Alaska Highway. Whitehorse is serviced by regular commercial flights. Take the Alaska Marine Highway ferry system to Haines or Skagway, Alaska. Things To Do: Skiing, Trekking, Hiking, Mountaineering, Bird Watching Location: Unorganized Yukon, YT Y0B 1H0, Canada

Suggested Read : 7 Places To Visit Near Abbotsford 

40. Mont Tremblant: For Skiing Activities

Tucked away in the Laurentian Mountains of Montreal, the Mont-Tremblant is known for skiing activities, it’s most famous for its ski resort which is situated in the foothills of Mont-Tremblant mountain known to be amongst the best Canadian tourist places. Mont-Tremblant also has a racing track called Circuit Mont-Tremblant making it one of the must-see places in Canada.

Best time to visit: November to February; June to August How to reach: Drive highway 93 North, then 89 North to U.S./Canada border. Follow route 133 North to 10 West towards Montreal. Follow signs to highway 15 North. Take autoroute 15 North to Saint-Jerome and Sainte-Agathe. Things To Do: Skiing Location: Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, Canada

Further Read: Top Beaches In Canada 

So, which of these places in Canada are you planning to visit during your holiday? Don’t think much, pack your bags and book your trip to Canada and try visiting each of the above-listed best places to visit in Canada! Do not forget to share this amazing list with your friends!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Canada

What is the most beautiful part of Canada?

North America's oldest walled city doesn’t just boast a single destination abound with beauty but there are countless places to visit where you will find nature and people come together to create some stunning experiences. Some of these places are Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Ontario.

Where should I go in Canada for the first time?

If you are visiting Canada for the first time, we would recommend an itinerary focused on three key attractions: Banff National Park, Whistler, and Niagara Falls.

Where should I spend my vacation in Canada?

If you are travelling to Canada on a vacation, assuming that the duration of your travel is longer than a week, some of the top contenders are Banff, Vancouver, and Prince Edward Island.

Which are some of the must-visit places in Canada for couples?

Jasper National Park, Banff, Niagara Falls, Vancouver, Montreal, Quebec City, Victoria & Vancouver Island, Prince Edwards Island, Yoho National Park, and Pyramid Lake are amongst the must-visit places in Canada. The mentioned places are ideal for nature lovers.

What is the best time to visit Canada?

While Canada can be visited any time during the year, the best time depends on your budget and for what you are going. While September and October offer pleasant weather & reasonable holiday expenses, the wintertime is the best for experiencing the beauty of the snow. However, if you wish to have a value-for-money holiday, the springtime, i.e. mid-March to mid-May is the best time to plan your vacation.

What is Canada known for?

The country of Canada is mostly known for maple syrup. The country is the producer of 80% of maple syrup in the world.

What is famous in Canada to buy?

Apart from the maple syrup, there are several things in Canada that you should consider buying. Some of them are 1. Canadian Ice Wine 2. Canadian sports gear 3. Woolen blanket 4. Canadian Smoked Salmon 5. Canadian sports gear

What are 3 things Canada is famous for?

Canada is an awesome place for enjoying the scenic views, winter sports like Ice Hockey, etc., and maple syrup.

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The 7 Most Underrated Cities in Canada

By Kaitlyn McInnis

There’s a lot to see and do within the limits of Canada ’s major cities. From sampling local wine and charcuterie in Montreal to catching a basketball game or exploring the art scene in Toronto —the options for exploration and cultural enrichment are endless. And although you could spend a lifetime exploring every nook and cranny of the biggest and most populous cities to the north, there’s something to be said about the up-and-coming mid-sized cities and stand-out towns across the Canadian landscape.

Looking to experience a new level of oceanfront luxury and hospitality—or curious to explore the latest in Indigenous-led art galleries and museums? We’ve rounded up some of the coolest cities in Canada that don’t always get the limelight they deserve and some big names that have a whole lot more to offer than what’s written in the guidebooks. Whether you’re hoping to see a new side to a familiar city or you’re curious to venture into a whole new province altogether, here are some of the best cities in Canada to visit in 2023.

All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Halifax has always been known as an oceanside escape with ample seafood and kind locals—but the city has recently undergone a renaissance of sorts putting it at the forefront of sophistication in Eastern Canada. The downtown core recently went through a two-hundred-million-dollar renovation and the resulting Queen’s Marque neighborhood brings with it world-class art galleries and public art installations, modern dining options like Drift and Bar Sofia , and the new Muir Halifax hotel. The new crown jewel of the city’s hotel portfolio, the Muir Halifax serves as the first real five-star experience in the city without straying away from what makes the city so well-loved. Here you’ll find elevated but friendly east coast service, fine art and decor from local Nova Scotian artists in each of the 109 rooms and suites, and a halo-therapy room with Atlantic sea salt to bring the ocean indoors.

Winnipeg, Manitoba

There’s a lot to love about Winnipeg that most Canadians—let alone international travelers—can fail to see. The former flyover city is home to over forty museums with new galleries and art installations popping up on a regular basis—especially within the Indigenous space. The recently opened Qaumajuq is a first-of-its-kind museum boasting the largest public collection of contemporary Inuit art in the world. The city is also home to the Urban Shaman Contemporary Aboriginal Art , a nationally-recognized leader in Indigenous artwork and culture as well as Canadian Plains Gallery , where you’ll find both rare and contemporary Indigenous artwork from local artists.

Banff, Alberta

Banff National Park is one of the most-visited tourist destinations in all of Canada and it’s easy to see why. The sparkling turquoise blue waters of Bow River set against the Rocky Mountains dotted along the peripheral landscape looks like it was stolen straight out of a technicolor oil painting—but there’s so much more to the city of Banff than meets the eye (although we won’t lie—the landscape is pretty spectacular). The park has been a tourist hot spot for so long that it has seen cyclical trends in activities and dining since it began receiving guests in the 1880s. From the revival of the 1930s-inspired open-top touring that cuts through the mountains in a custom-made roofless bus to the enduring trend of soaking in the natural salt water at the Fairmont Banff Springs ’ Willow Stream Spa, the seemingly over-the-top tourist destination has plenty of vintage-inspired attractions set on making a case for what’s old is new again.

Quebec City, Quebec

Québec City has always been high on our list of must-visit destinations within Canada—and for good reason. The only fortified city in North America, with its castles and cobble-stoned streets, instantly transports visitors back in time to seventeenth-century Europe… but the historic city is certainly not stuck in the past. Vieux-Québec is home to some of the best and brightest restaurants in Canada with a brand-new local eatery concept opening up right around the corner from the infamous Le Château Frontenac . Helmed by former Le Champlain chef, Stéphane Modat, Restaurant Le Clan reinvents what fine dining can look like in Quebec City. The stunning regional- and seasonal-focused restaurant places emphasis on what Quebec does best, including everything from foraged vegetables and local wine to fresh seafood from the Gaspé and locally sourced meats and game—all presented in a sophisticated but unpretentious multiple-course tasting menu.

Victoria, British Columbia

Victoria is only about a half hour from Vancouver by seaplane—but the charming capital of British Columbia marches to a totally different beat than its big city neighbor. The population of Victoria is less than a hundred thousand people which gives the compact city distinctly small-town energy but the proximity to Vancouver also allows for a metropolitan influence softened slightly by the natural landscape of the greater Vancouver Island. The city is currently going through a wellness-focused renaissance thanks to new post-pandemic businesses like the Ritual Nordic Spa —an indoor/outdoor Scandinavian water circuit in the middle of the downtown core complete with a halotherapy salt room and private infrared sauna boxes. There’s also an abundance of wildlife watching right off the coast of the city (think: orcas, humpbacks, and gray whales) and classic luxury like the afternoon tea experience at the infamous Fairmont Empress Hotel which dates back to 1908.

Ottawa, Ontario

Let’s just say that Ottawa has seen its fair share of activity this year. The capital city of Canada made international headlines earlier this year for its uninvited “Freedom Convoy” protests against the COVID-19 vaccine mandates and stay-at-home orders, causing many businesses and restaurants to shutter entirely or temporarily close down. The small but sophisticated city center managed to bounce back stronger and more resilient than ever—with a handful of new additions popping up within its highly-walkable downtown core. Arlo Wine & Restaurant showcases the best in local Ontario wine and cocktails in a cozy dining space that almost feels like walking into a friend of a friend’s house party. Looking for something that highlights the best in seafood within Central Canada? Head to Le Poisson Bleu —a sophisticated seafood bar that opened—quite brazenly—in February of 2022.

Moncton, New Brunswick

New Brunswick garnered a reputation for being sleepy or strait-laced somewhere along the way—but the largest city in the province is doing its part to change the unfair reputation for good. Moncton might be a quarter the size of Halifax but it’s giving its neighboring big city a run for its money when it comes to its lively downtown core and craft beer scene. The city of Moncton is home to nearly a dozen craft breweries—from Happy Craft Brewing to Tire Shack Brewing Co —within its compact and highly walkable city limits and you’ll also find more than thirty restaurants within a five-minute walk from the center of town that range from high-end local sharing plates at Black Rabbit to casual neighborhood beer gardens like Euston Park Social .

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Top Tourist Attractions in Canada: 25 Must-Visit Places

Canada is a paradise of natural wonders, wildlife, and outdoor adventures where every turn is like a feast to the senses.

From the smoking Niagara waterfalls and breathtaking landscapes of Cape Breton to culturally rich European flairs of Old Montreal and Old Quebec.

Prepare to be spellbound by the breathtaking sceneries from the 25 top tourist attractions in Canada!

Key Takeaways

• Some of the top tourist attractions in Canada include Niagara Falls, CN Tower, Old Quebec, Old Montreal, Okanagan Valley, etc.
• Some of the Canadian places best to visit during summer are Banff National Park, Rocky Mountains, Vancouver Island, Hornby Island, Cape Breton, etc.
• The best Canadian places to visit during winter are Churchill, Rideau Canal, and Hotel De Glacé.

Top Tourist Attractions in Canada

1. niagara falls.

If you think all you can do in Niagara Falls is to sightsee and take pictures of the magical falls, you are mistaken! You can hop on many fun adventures in Niagara Falls more than you think.

There’s the Niagara City Cruise, Whirlpool Aero Car, Incline Railway, Niagara Helicopters, and the 360 Skylon Tower, all to get the best view of the falls.

If you’re seeking thrill and challenge, try the Journey Behind the Falls, the haunted house Nightmares Fear Factory, Niagara FreeFall, WildPlay zipline, and skydiving.

2. Banff National Park

Banff National Park is one of the top 10 tourist attractions in Canada, boasting its majestic mountains and lakes, perfect for mountaineering, hiking, and climbing.

You can engage in many activities, like paddling on the turquoise waters of Lake Louise, hiking Banff National Park Trails, mountain biking at Banff National Park, gondola trips, and swimming in hot springs.

3. The Rocky Mountains

If you want to feel like you’re at the peak of the Earth, the Rocky Mountains are where you should climb! This geological wonder is very iconic because of the extraordinary rock formations.

The mountain is perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers, where you can enjoy nature’s tranquillity. Try hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, and soaking in the hot spring resorts.

4. Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island is an island treat for all beach-goers as there are a lot of exciting activities to engage in, like sunbathing and swimming on beaches, kayaking in the Pacific Ocean, and whale watching.

Some of the notable landmarks on the island that are worth going to are the capital city of Victoria, Butchart Gardens, Pacific Rim National Park, Tofino, and Hot Springs Cove.

5. CN Tower

Did you know that before Burj Khalifa, Canada had CN Tower as the tallest structure in the world? And now, CN Tower is still one of the most prominent structures in Canada, symbolizing innovation and limitless potentiality.

To get the best 360-degree view of Toronto, avail of the Timed General Admission Tickets and access the main observation deck or Skypod.

If your guts are shouting for something more thrilling, try out their signature Edgewalk where you can walk hands-free around the t

6. Whistler

Whistler in British Columbia is one of the best places to visit in Canada during the summer and winter due to the number of activities available, like biking, hiking, skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and more.

In case you are visiting Whistler, take the opportunity to explore Whistler Blackcomb, the Whistler Village, the Lost Lake Park, and ride the peak 2-peak gondola from Whistler to Blackcomb.

7. Polar Bears of Churchill

With over 15,000 polar bears found in Churchill, it is the world’s polar bear capital! If you like these white fluffy animals, expert tour guides will teach you literally anything about them.

Not only do polar bears you can enjoy looking at, but you can also have a great view of the Aurora Borealis or the Northern Light dancing across the sky.

Moreover, If you want to see some Beluga Whales, you may opt for boat tours available to meet them up close.

8. Parliament Hill

The heartbeat of Canadian democracy, Parliament Hill resonates from the architecture and stunning vistas, and the best way to explore Parliament Hill is to take a guided tour.

There’s no other way to start your Ottawa Parliament Hill adventure to explore the Parliament buildings and areas like Center Block, Confederations Square, National Gallery of Canada, and more. 

9. Old Quebec

Walking around the UNESCO World Heritage Site Old Quebec is like walking around 400 hundred years ago with European charm—from cobblestone pavements to preserved colonial period buildings and fortifications like the Citadel.

You can explore landmarks like Chateau Frontenac, Fortifications of Quebec, Place Royale, and Citadelle of Quebec.

10. Stanley Park

A paradise at the heart of Vancouver City—Stanley Park has been a go-to for city dwellers because of its widely varied scenic and green views, from beautifully-made gardens, mountains, and majestic waters, to famous monuments and tourist landmarks that you can enjoy.

You can take on exciting guided tours around the urban park, ride the Stanley Park train, have a good day picnic, wander along the Seawall, and play some sports at their freedom parks.

I recommend visiting the Vancouver Aquarium and discovering over 60,000 aquatic animals from hundreds of top-notch exhibits available. A few meters away from the Aquarium is the Waterfall Cafe, where you can dine while taking in the subaquatic views of the Aquarium.

11. Old Montreal

Old Montreal is where you can get a taste of Europe! You’ll undoubtedly receive a London or Paris vibe from its architecture and curving cobblestone streets to its traditional restaurants, sidewalk cafes, galleries, and shops.

Some great places in Old Montreal to wander are the Old Port, where the Big Ben-look-alike Clock Tower and the giant Ferris wheel are located, and the Place d’Armes, where you can see the Notre Dame Basilica and the historical bank of Montreal.

Finally, never miss dining at one of the restaurants on the oldest street in Montreal, the Rue Saint-Paul!

12. Bay of Fundy

If you haven’t seen thundering waves reaching 16 meters up in the air, the Bay of Fundy is the place to go! The Bay of Fundy is like a small inlet in the Atlantic Ocean with incredible high tides, the biggest in the world.

More than the high tides, you can try numerous engaging activities, like watching the waves at Hopewell Cape , whale watching, exploring the sea caves, and admiring the waterfalls around the national park. 

13. Gros Morne National Park

Isn’t it awesome to see a freshwater fjord surrounded by sharp green cliffs and waterfalls? Like what they have in Norway, you’ll encounter that when you go to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gros Morne National Park.

This world-class national park lets you experience out-of-this-world scenery with its cruising activities at Western Brook Pond, trekking Gros Morne’s Mountain, and picnicking at the Lobster Cove Head lighthouse with a sight of the rocky beaches.

14. Rideau Canal

Once October begins and water bodies start to freeze, it’s time to wear your best ice skating attire and experience skating at the world’s most iconic and longest rink, the Rideau Canal!

Would you believe me if I told you that Rideau Canal skating is free 24/7? Indeed, many people are flocking to these rinks to practice or enjoy with friends or families.

More than the ice skating activity during winter, the canal provides many activities during other seasons, like cycling, canal cruise, kayaking, dragon racing, hiking, paddling, fishing, and so much more.

15. The Okanagan Valley

The Okanagan Valley in British Columbia is one of the best places to visit in Canada for couples as they produce some of Canada’s award-winning wines! The most famous vineyard you must see, Naramata Bench, has almost 40 wineries you can sample, including the Merlot.

While the premier wines draw tourists into the valley, there is a lot more to appreciate in this place. These include hiking the Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park in Kelowna , cycling the 480-km Kettle Valley Rail Trail, swimming, and river-floating in the Okanagan Lake.

16. Hotel De Glace, Quebec

Hotel de Glace is probably one of the unique places to visit in Canada because it’s not just an ordinary hotel but made of ice and snow!

Your stay at the hotel includes various winter activities like ice skating, snowshoeing, and ice fishing.

17. Athabasca Falls

Typically, waterfalls in Canada are tall in perspective, but it’s not the case for the majestic Athabasca Falls in Alberta. Standing at only 23 meters, the falls are one of the shortest but the most powerful due to the large volume of freshwater.

The Athabasca Falls is one of the best places to visit in Canada with family. You can do many family-friendly activities here, including walking and hiking while enjoying the fall’s scenic view and relaxing sound.

18. St John’s

St. John’s is home to many of Canada’s historical and natural wonders, and one thing the place has become famous for is the “Jellybean Row,” which are colourful row houses.

Some of the most notable locations in St. John’s that you should visit are the Signal Hill National Historic Site with a 360 panoramic view of the city and sea, Cape Spear Lighthouse for hiking and whale watching, the cute Quidi Vidi fishing village, and the Basilica of St.John the Baptist.

Tofino in Vancouver Islands is the best out-and-out surfing spot in Canada! Whether a beginner or a hustler, you’ll surely enjoy surfing here.

Aside from surfing, Tofino is also a prime destination for a couple more water activities like whale watching, kayaking, and sport fishing.

Not only can you engage with the ocean, but hiking trails are pretty popular in Tofino. Take on the most famous Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, with many hiking trails.

20. Algonquin Provincial Park

Algonquin Provincial Park is another natural wonder of Canada in the heart of Ontario. It is famous for its 2000+ pristine lakes, 1000+ km of rivers, and rolling mountains.

As a true backpacker’s paradise, Algonquin provides you with many outdoor activities, like camping, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing.

21. Butchart Gardens

If you love to be hugged by nature, predominantly plants and flowers, I am sure you’ll love the sound of a 22-ha garden, right?

In British Columbia, the Butchart Gardens is a 100+-year-old heritage site of Canada with a whopping 26 greenhouses and 900 plant varieties, all arranged beautifully. Around 50 gardeners you can meet to ask questions and get advice.

At night, you can see these flowers bloom a lot brighter with their night illumination event, displaying a

The garden is open from 9 AM to 10 PM, tickets are commonly purchased online from $20-$40, and discounted rates apply to youth and children.

22. Cabot Trail

If you like the idea of cycling or riding with panoramic coastal views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Cape Breton beaches, then Cabot Trail is something you should consider!

As one of the best trails in Nova Scotia , there are numerous things you can do along these 300-km loops, such as whale watching at various stopping points, fishing, golfing, and so much more.

23. Green Gables

Have you heard of the classic children’s literature “Anne of Green Gables” by Lucy Montgomery? To tell you, the setting of the 20th-century novel is actually a real place in Cavendish, Prince Edward Island, and has become a world landmark!

Not only the green farm heritage house that will keep you in PEI but a lot more! There’s the beautiful Lover’s Lane and Haunted woods you can wander through, Montgomery Park to have a picnic, visit Anne of Green Gables Museum, dress up like Anne at Shop and Play at Gateway Village, and watch the “Anne of Green Gables: The Musical” at Charlottetown.

Don’t forget to get some books or gifts from the Anne of Green Gables Store or try Anne’s favourite raspberry cordial drink at Anne of Green Gables Chocolates!

24. Hornby Island

The “Little Hawaii” of British Columbia, Hornby Island, is one of the best places to visit in Canada during the summer because of its pristine white sandy beaches, cliffs, and lush forests.

Among the famous beaches are Hornby Island Beach, Little Tribune Bay Beach, Whaling Station Bay, Fossil Beach, and Mushroom Beach. On the other hand, you can experience the best hiking or biking places are Geoffrey Escarpment Provincial Park and Helliwell Provincial Park.

25. Cape Breton

Did you know that Cape Breton has been awarded by various travel media for five consecutive years as the #1 island for travel and leisure in Canada and the world?

One way to experience the breathtaking and mystifying landscapes of Cape Breton on a different level is to try their famous hiking trails—Skyline, Franey, Acadian, Fishing Cove, Aspy, and Middle Head Trails are just some of the few.

The tourism of Cape Breton even prepared you for a 7-day hike to the island’s most beautiful and hidden gems, where you can see lighthouses and waterfalls and experience impeccable sunset views. Plus, there is a list of recommended restaurants and hotels for you.

Canada is known to have a multicultural society where people are more open to a safer and more diverse environment promoting inclusivity. Aside from that, Canada is also blessed to have many spectacular landscapes, forests, and crystal-clear lakes.

Visited by millions of tourists worldwide, there is no doubt that Niagara Falls is the number 1 tourist attraction in Canada located on the border between Ontario, Canada, and New York, United States. With its massive size and remarkable beauty, it truly captivates many tourists.

Canada has a lot of unique and beautiful cities that you can visit, but the one that stands out is Vancouver. With its impeccable scenery and the combination of mountains and oceans, it will surely captivate your heart.

Canada has majestic places that offer one-of-a-kind travel experiences with its beautiful mountains and landscapes that keep tourists coming back. Other than natural beauty, Canadian citizens are known for their hospitality and rich cultural diversity that offers inclusivity for all tourists, making them feel safe and welcome.

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Enoch Omololu is a traveller, culinary tourist, and money expert. He is the co-founder of Only Earthlings and established the popular Savvy New Canadians platform. Enoch has been featured in Business Insider, Forbes, Best Life Online, GOBankingRates, Penny Hoarder, Globe and Mail, Yahoo, and CBC News.

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These 7 Canadian Destinations Are 2024's Most Hidden Gems

From hidden islands off the coast to coming face-to-face with Canada’s most serene wildlife. These are 8 of Canada's Greatest Hidden Gems

Alexis Turner • Jun 28, 2024

Canada is home to some of the lesser-known but amazing destination s. These cater to a variety of interests for travelers who prefer to explore off the typical tourist path. We’ve compiled a list of eight of Canada’s greatest hidden gems that are a must-visit in 2024. From hidden islands off the coast to coming face-to-face with Canada’s most serene wildlife . Plan a trip to one, or all , of these breathtaking views on our very own continent.

Haida Gwaii in British Columbia

Haida Gwaii is often referred to as the “Galapagos Islands of the North” due to its rich biodiversity. This place is one of the best to find unique animals, like dolphins, eagles, sea lions, humpback whales, and bears. The Haida Gwaii is a vibrant First Nations community that is dedicated to preserving the environment and heritage of the region. The islands are also home to the Haida Heritage Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that safeguards the remnants of ancient villages and other important archaeological sites.

If you’re planning a trip to Haida Gwaii, be sure to stop by the Haida Heritage Centre and Museum. Here, you can delve into the fascinating cultural history and traditions of the area. Additionally, don’t miss the chance to explore Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site, where you can encounter a diverse range of unique and endangered wildlife.

The Iceberg Nest on Quirpon Island

A true hidden treasure in Canada is The Iceberg Nest, situated on Quirpon Island in Newfoundland and Labrador. This unique glass house sits insanely close on the edge of the cliffs. It is definitely worth the breathtaking view of the majestic icebergs drifting past. The region is renowned for being home to some of Canada’s most impressive and grand icebergs. In addition to marveling at these extraordinary formations, visitors can also catch sight of a diverse array of wildlife. Sea creatures including whales, seabirds, seals, and more! One of the more thrilling destinations, this is definitely one of Canada’s hidden gems that you absolutely must not overlook.

St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador

St. John’s may be a small city, but it has a vibrant and lively atmosphere. Crazy that it’s one of the oldest places in North America and the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador. Here you will see stunning coastal views, a thriving live music scene, and a very friendly community. If you find a friendly local, ask about the unique experience, the “screech in” ceremony. It’s their way of being fun and an informal way to greet visitors. This involves reciting local phrases, sipping on screech rum, and even giving a cod fish a kiss. Yes, you read that correctly.

Moncton, New Brunswick

There are numerous attractions in Moncton, the largest city in New Brunswick, but one of the most intriguing is the city’s tidal bore. This rare occurrence takes place once a day in the Petitcodiac River. The body of water runs through the outskirts of the city center. It’s good to know that the Moncton tidal bore occurs when the tides from the Bay of Fundy clash with the current of the Petitcodiac River.

Without a doubt no trip is complete to Moncton without visiting the Hopewell Rock, located on the Bay of Fundy. It is renowned for having the world’s highest tides, which can rise up to 16 meters. This natural site features unique rock formations shaped by tidal erosion, resembling flowerpots with vegetation on top. You can take part of activities like walking on the ocean floor at low tide and kayaking around the rocks at high tide.

Kluane National Park, Southwest Yukon

This park is known as one of the most challenging areas in the country. It is home to Mount Logan, Canada’s highest peak at 5959 meters (19,551 feet). You will also see the largest icefield in Canada and the most genetically diverse grizzly bear population in North America. The Southwest Yukon area gives you an opportunity to experience Canada in a completely new way. Whether you choose to go rafting, camping, hiking, driving, fishing, hunting, or all of the above, it will be an unforgettable experience.

Fogo Island, Newfoundland and Labrador

Visit the side of Canada along the northeastern shore of Newfoundland . Here you will find Fogo Island, a remote sanctuary providing a peaceful retreat from the fast-paced demands of daily life. The rugged shores and a lively arts community make it a hidden treasure for both artists and nature lovers. Take in the distinctive design of the Fogo Island Inn, discover the hiking paths, and engage in the local culture for a truly memorable experience.

Îles de la Madeleine, Quebec

You can find Îles de la Madeleine right in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. This spot is a collection of beautiful islands that are often overlooked by visitors. You’ll see impressive red cliffs, sandy shores, and lively fishing communities. This is the ultimate retreat for those in search of peace and natural splendor. Enjoy delicious fresh seafood , discover the distinct scenery, and engage in the thriving Acadian culture that is present in this undiscovered treasure.

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You haven't truly experienced Ottawa unless you've been to 8 of these 13 tourist spots

Have you been to these iconic spots yet?

The Peace Tower on Parliament Hill. Right: The iconic National Gallery of Canada.

Ottawa is home to some of Canada's most iconic tourist attractions and must-see landmarks. From Parliament Hill to the many iconic museums, there's no shortage of things to see and do in Ottawa .

But how well do you know Canada's capital? Whether you've visited once or twice or you've lived in the city for quite a while, there are some spots you just have to visit to truly experience the city.

Can you really say you've experienced Ottawa to its fullest if you haven't journeyed around to the city's most iconic spots? How many of these emblematic Ottawa tourist spots can you cross off your list?

Here are 13 quintessential tourist spots in Ottawa that are an essential part of your visitor (or local) bucket list.

Parliament Hill

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Price: Free

Address: 111 Wellington St., Ottawa, ON

Why You Need To Go: Parliament Hill is the crown jewel of the capital — the crème de la crème of Ottawa landmarks, if you will. It's on the back of any postcard you've ever sent from the nation's capital.

It's important to note that the Centre Block is undergoing renovations for several years, so the building is closed to visitors and Canada's parliamentarians currently meet in West Block.

Free guided tours of the other buildings are available to the public, which take approximately 40 minutes and can be booked through the Parliament of Canada website. Alternatively, you can explore the Hill on your own, checking out the many statues and monuments scattered across the grounds and taking in the panoramic views of the Ottawa River.

Parliament of Canada website

Rideau Canal

Address: Rideau Canal, Ottawa, ON

Why You Need To Go: Did you know that Ottawa is home to the longest skating rink on Earth? It's true! The Rideau Canal truly is one of the most quintessential tourist spots in the city.

The best part about it is that it connects many key parts of the city through its winter skateway and its adjacent walking paths. Whether it's skating to work, enjoying a picturesque stroll along the water or boating down the long UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Rideau Canal is a hotspot for locals as much as for tourists.

The Rideau Canal is one of those things that makes Ottawa the charming city that it is.

Parks Canada website

Byward Market

Address: Byward Market, Ottawa, ON

Why You Need To Go: Byward Market is Ottawa's oldest public market and was constructed by Lieutenant Colonel John By, who'd originally come to Ottawa to build the Rideau Canal in 1827. In the modern day, the Byward Market is Ottawa's main entertainment district and one of its biggest tourist destinations.

The Market is a great spot to grab some grub or shop through the various farmers-market-style vendors located throughout the space. At night, the location transforms from a tourist spot into the heart of the city's nightlife.

Byward Market website

Rideau Falls

Address: Rideau Falls Park, 50 Sussex Dr., Ottawa, ON

Why You Need To Go: Did you know that Ottawa is home to some majestic, beautiful and elegant waterfalls? The spot where the Rideau River flows into the mighty Ottawa River is marked by the mesmerizing and breathtakingly gorgeous Rideau Falls.

Despite being the eponym of countless destinations in the city — the Rideau Canal, Rideau River, Rideau Street and even Rideau Centre shopping mall — these magnificent falls are a hidden gem to many locals, which makes them even more special. There's nothing quite like feeling the mist of a waterfall on your face. It's a great spot to walk around and take in the views as you can see the Ottawa-Gatineau skyline in the distance.

NCC website

Rideau Hall

Address: 1 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, ON

Why You Need To Go: Rideau Hall is the closest thing Canada has to the United Kingdom's Buckingham Palace. This elegant stone mansion sits on a large acreage embedded within one of Ottawa's wealthiest neighbourhoods and is the official residence of the Governor General.

Take a walk through the beautiful park-like 79-acre property to take in the true beauty of one of Ottawa's most distinguished structures. Free guided tours are available from May to September and can be booked through their website.

If you're a fan of shows like Bridgerton , Downton Abbey or The Crown , this national historic site is a must-see.

Governor General website

Rideau Canal Locks

Address: 3 Canal Ln., Ottawa, ON

Why You Need To Go: Okay, first off, the Rideau Canal is great enough on its own, but take a look at this feat of civic engineering. Wedged between the symbolic Parliament Hill and the elegant Chateau Laurier are Rideau Canal Locks 1-8, which act as the grand entrance to the Rideau Canal.

It's quite possibly Ottawa's most underrated landmark. There's nothing quite like sitting around watching the locks fill up and drain as boats flow through them.

It's a great place to head down to while walking around Ottawa's beautiful downtown. Walking on the little walkways as the lock doors are closed while looking at the Gatineau skyline over the Ottawa River is an experience worth a fortune!

National Gallery of Canada

Price: $20 per adult (free on Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m.)

Address: 380 Sussex Dr., Ottawa, ON

Why You Need To Go: Canada's national art gallery, sat right on the banks of the Ottawa River, is one of the nation's finest art museums.

Walk through each exhibit and take in the bits and pieces of breathtaking and iconic Canadian art. From picturesque depictions of the beautiful Canadian wild by the famous Group of Seven and interrelated displays of Canadian and Indigenous art to mesmerizing sound sculptures in the reconstructed Rideau Chapel, it's a beautiful place to be.

National Gallery of Canada website

Major's Hill Park

Address: Mackenzie Ave, Ottawa, ON

Why You Need To Go: Across the street from the Chateau Laurier and a short walk from the National Gallery, Major's Hill Park is one of the city's most beloved parks.

On a sunny, blue-skied day, Major's Hill Park is jam-packed with picnickers, Frisbee throwers, bench-sitters and simple walk-throughers. Due to the park's popularity, it's a great place to hang out with friends or even meet new ones!

Senate of Canada

Address: 2 Rideau St., Ottawa, ON

Why You Need To Go: Right across from the Chateau Laurier and the Rideau Centre is a tall Romanesque structure standing proud — another incredibly underrated Ottawa landmark.

Before becoming the Senate of Canada , the building was originally Ottawa's Union Station and acted as the opening gates to many visiting tourists, even welcoming Elvis Presley in 2019. When Parliament Hill's Centre Block, the historic meeting place for the Senate of Canada, began undergoing its current rehabilitation project, the Senate was temporarily moved into where it is today.

Guided tours through the Senate of Canada are available to members of the public at no cost and can be booked through its website.

Canadian Museum of History

Price: $23 per adult (free on Thursdays from 5 to 7 p.m.)

Address: 100 Laurier St., Gatineau, QC

Why You Need To Go: Located directly across from the breathtaking Parliament Hill on the Quebec side of the Ottawa River is the Canadian Museum of History.

Take a walk-through of one of the largest collections and displays of Canada's vibrant and dark history. This beautiful museum is incredibly worthy of a whole day-long visit to truly take in every exhibit.

If you're already in downtown Ottawa, it is highly recommended to walk across the historic Alexandria Bridge, as it's currently open to pedestrians and cyclists only and is a great way to take in the beauty of both the Ottawa and Gatineau skylines.

Canadian Museum of History Website

Sparks Street

Address: Sparks Street, Ottawa, ON

Why You Need To Go: Sparks Street is Canada's first-ever fully pedestrianized street, originally closed to traffic in 1967.

Nowadays, it's primarily used for festivals such as the iconic Winterlude, when the pedestrian mall is transformed into a winter wonderland filled to the brim with elegant ice sculptures, or various food festivals like RibFest.

Throughout Sparks Street are plenty of small cafes and restaurants spread out among the many government buildings that call the pedestrian mall home.

Sparks Street website

Canadian Museum of Nature

Price: $18 per adult (free on Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m.)

Address: 240 McLeod St., Ottawa, ON

Why You Need To Go: The Canadian Museum of Nature is located directly in the heart of Ottawa's Centretown and it's one of Ottawa's crown jewels in terms of architecture.

You can browse through each carefully curated exhibit, consisting of various dinosaur fossils, ant colony displays and various other displays of Canada's vast natural history.

Canadian Museum of Nature website

Canadian War Museum

Price: $21 per adult (free on Thursdays from 5 to 7 p.m.)

Address: 1 Vimy Pl., Ottawa, ON

Why You Need To Go: The Canadian War Museum is one of Ottawa's newest museums, and one of the most unique, with a one-of-a-kind collection of war artifacts.

You can tour through exhibits filled with a large variety of military artifacts to honour and remember those lost in the various wars Canadian soldiers fought and died in. Every exhibit is built to highlight defining moments of military history in Canada.

Canadian War Museum website

Happy exploring!

• The Narcity Foodie Itinerary: How to spend an epic weekend eating in Ottawa ›
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• We Ranked 8 Of Canada’s Popular Tourist Attractions Based On Price, Experience & More ›
• Here's what grocery stores, malls and attractions are open and closed on Canada Day in Ottawa - Narcity ›

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You're not a true ontarian unless you've been to at least 7 of these 15 iconic attractions, 8 free things to do in ottawa this weekend, april 12 to 14, 10 cheap ottawa date ideas that aren't just dinner and a movie, 12 short and sweet road trips from ottawa that aren't just to montreal, this week in ottawa: fireworks, monster trucks and 'menopause the musical', you haven't truly experienced toronto unless you've been to 8 of these 14 tourist spots, 11 free things to do in ottawa this weekend: june 21 to 23, 11 free things to do in ottawa this weekend: may 31 to june 2, 7 via rail trips to take from toronto this summer for under $200 round trip, this week in ottawa: tulips, bike days, a drone show and a roller skate party, the best places to bike to in ottawa: a guide to the ncc's weekend bike days, this week in ottawa: porchfest, a pride boat party, 'the wizard of oz' and more.

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‘Reason I flash my boobs at tourist hotspots’

A 36-year-old woman has revealed the reason she flashes her breasts at popular tourist sights, adding if people don’t like it they should look away.

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Flashing her breasts on the subway, atop the Brooklyn Bridge and in the heart of Times Square isn’t just a naughty hobby for Eila Adams – it’s an act of advocacy.

“If men can walk around shirtless without fear of reprisal, so too should women,” argued the 36-year-old Canadian content creator.

She’s spent the past six days granting New Yorkers a gander at both her boobs and her bottom, in the name of gender equality.

“It’s normal to be nude,” insisted the blonde. “By flashing folks as I go about my day, I’m just having a bit of cheeky fun and challenging the status quo.”

And the flashing frenzy isn’t just a flash in the pan.

Knockouts, both near and far, have recently taken a liking to showcasing their knockers.

Ava Louise, 25, gave the residents of Ireland an enormous eyeful in May, revealing her ample endowment to virtual audiences of the since-unplugged 24/7 livestream between NYC and Emerald Isle.

“I thought the people of Dublin deserved to see two New York, homegrown potatoes,” said the OnlyFans model following her NSFW spectacle.

And Kait, who flashed her breasts during a May 31 hockey game, recently inked a deal with Playboy as the Oilers’ “Good Luck Charm”.

But Adams, a broadcaster for Naked News from Toronto, claims her titillating displays are deeply rooted in justice.

“For over 30 years, it has been legal for women to go topless in New York City, which many women have embraced as a show of gender equality,” she said, citing a 1992 New York State court decision.

“I think flashing is entertaining,” added Adams. “But it’s also a way of normalising toplessness.

“For me, it’s a way of life.”

She added that all people should proudly publicise their privates.

“Nudity has been such an important part of my life – I do not understand anyone who has negative feelings towards being naked,” Adams groaned.

“We’re all born this way, and we have to embrace our own bodies. And we have to love everyone else’s amazing bodies”.

Her flashings, however, aren’t always so empowered.

“I was flashing on an elevator and a man walked in while I had my leg up on the wall,” recalled Adams, who refuses to boast her bare breats in sacred places like cenotaphs and the 9/11 memorial.

“He was shocked and I was embarrassed the rest of the ride down,” she said of the awkward encounter.

But mortifying moments won’t stop the self-crowned exhibitionist.

“I have had some negative comments but I don’t let the haters get me down,” said Adams.

More Coverage

“Most people don’t even notice I’m doing anything, but if I do get caught I’ll get a smile, a thumbs up, a laugh,” she joked.

“T*ts can light up a person’s day. If you don’t like it, don’t look.”

This article originally appeared on the New York Post and was reproduced with permission

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