Have you thought about a trip to the Great White North? You might be surprised to hear that Canada is actually the second largest country in the world — and it boasts a huge number of natural wonders, bustling cities and stunning views in its nearly 10,000,000 sq km. Let’s be honest for a moment: you’re probably not going to see all of that. However, if you’ve got the time to explore Canada, you’ll find that it’s packed with excitement and surprises — and it’s so much more than just America’s hat, as some people call it! Let’s explore the best places to visit in Canada.
Niagara Falls
We just have to kick off our list with this natural wonder. It’s actually located right on the border between the US and Canada, so you can visit from either country, but on the Canadian side, you’ll find the largest of the three falls, along with stunning panoramic views. At a jaw-dropping height of 99 metres, Niagara is sure to impress you, but you may want to keep your distance from the falls if you’re scared of heights.
Most visitors like to take a boat trip to admire the falls and explore the stunning scenery of the Thousand Islands archipelago, but there are plenty more things to do here, too. Try ziplining over the water if you’re an adrenaline junkie, or relax in an upscale spa if you prefer something a little more sedate. Either way, Niagara Falls should definitely be on your list of the best places to see in Canada.
Toronto
Next, let’s turn to Canada’s biggest city. Toronto may not be the capital, but with a population of over 5.5 million, it’s a metropolis that’s well worth a visit. For many, it may even be the best city to travel in Canada. Toronto is where you’ll find some of the most famous places of interest in Canada, like the dizzying CN Tower or the bustling St Lawrence Market.
Toronto’s spectacular melting pot of cultures comes alive in its diverse neighborhoods, which boast an array of food, shops, and entertainment. You’ll find communities from countries as diverse as China, Jamaica and Portugal, making this one of the best places to visit in Canada if you like variety.
Banff National Park
Many visitors come to Canada to see the great, untamed wilderness: roaring rivers, dense pine forests and maybe even a wild bear or two. Well, that’s exactly what you’ll find in Alberta’s Banff National Park. This is the perfect tourist destination in Canada for anyone who loves the great outdoors, with its rugged, untamed beauty and great hiking trails.
Visit in summer for trekking, kayaking and other outdoor fun, or come in winter if you want to experience the ski season. In fact, fans of cold-weather sports will be in heaven here. Banff offers far more than just skiing and snowboarding, with snow tubing, ice walks and more, all available to thrill seekers.
Vancouver
While Toronto is the most famous city in Canada’s east, Vancouver is where you should go if you want that laid-back west coast vibe. Discover bohemian boutiques and quirky stores as you explore the downtown area, or lose yourself in the surprisingly big Stanley Park, which boasts more than 27 km of forest trails to enjoy.
Summer is a good time to visit Canada, and that’s particularly true if you’re heading to the west coast. Vancouver’s colourful rose gardens and sandy beaches are ripe for exploration in the warmer months, although you may not want to actually go for a swim. In fact, even at the height of summer, the ocean is still going to be pretty chilly.
Victoria
We’re staying in British Columbia for the next entry on our list of the best places to visit in Canada. The capital of BC boasts picturesque, colorful houses built right on the water, offering gorgeous views. This waterside city has the same charming, laid-back vibe that you’ll find in Vancouver, but as it’s quite a bit smaller, it’s ideal for those who want to relax and enjoy some peace and quiet.
Another reason we love Victoria is simple: it’s the warmest town in Canada! Okay, we’ll admit that the winter temperatures still get down to about 6°C, but in a country where other locations regularly see -20°C, that’s positively tropical. Make sure to bring your shorts and flip-flops!
Whistler
Every year, thousands of ski bunnies flock to Whistler. This is the granddaddy of Canada’s winter sports destinations, with the largest ski resort in North America. There’s something for everyone here: newcomers can learn to ski on the gentler slopes, while serious skiers will enjoy plenty of thrills. With 20 double black ski runs, Whistler is sure to keep even the most dedicated ski enthusiast happy.
Whistler is definitely one of the best places to visit in Canada if you’re into winter sports, but what about the rest of us? Can non-skiers enjoy Whistler? For sure! There’s a First Nations Cultural Centre where you can learn more about Canada’s indigenous people, and there are dozens of relaxing spas where you can chill out. However, when you see people around you zipping down those slopes, you might just be tempted to strap on a pair of skis and join them!
Montreal
Grab your French phrasebook and try to remember if it’s le poutine or la poutine — because we’re heading to Quebec! Montreal offers a totally different side of Canada. It goes deeper than just the language; French Canada has its own particular culture, cuisine and charm, and you might just fall in love with it. For many people, Quebec is the best part of Canada to visit — and that’s particularly true if you’re a culture vulture.
Stroll along the Saint Charles River, taking in the gorgeous old buildings that wouldn’t be out of place in Europe. Enjoy sophisticated cultural events like the annual jazz festival and feast on some of the best food in Canada. Don’t miss out on the world-famous maple syrup. 78% of Canada’s liquid gold comes from Quebec. It’s now considered Canada’s national food, but you’ll have it at its very best here in Montreal.
Quebec City
Montreal often overshadows the provincial capital, yet it remains one of the best cities in Quebec — and in all of Canada. This is where you’ll find the oldest streets in North America. As you stroll along them, it’s impossible to escape the sense of history.
This is the only walled city north of Mexico, and it has its own remarkable atmosphere. History buffs will love a visit to the Place Royale and the Plains of Abraham, once the site of a battle between the British and French forces as they struggled for control of Canada. Oh, and that’s before we even mention Montmorency Falls, a hidden gem of a waterfall that’s 30 metres higher than Niagara.
Ottawa
Can you believe we’ve made it this far without mentioning the nation’s capital? The truth is that there are just so many great things to see across the country — but yes, Ottawa has definitely earned its spot on our list of the best places to visit in Canada. Most travellers pay a visit to Parliament Hill, home of the Canadian government. You’ll also find some of the country’s best museums, including the National Gallery, Museum of History and the heartbreaking Canadian War Museum.
One of the main attractions in Ottawa is the Rideau Canal, an engineering marvel that runs for a massive 200 km. In the summer, it’s ideal for a boating excursion, and you’ll find dozens of options, from all-day sightseeing cruises to romantic sunsets. Come in winter, and you’ll find that the river is completely transformed: it becomes the world’s largest outdoor skating rink, so make sure to bring your skates!
Prince Edward Island
We could debate for hours about the best city to visit in Canada, but sticking just to cities means you’ll miss out on some of the coolest places in the country. Take Prince Edward Island, for example. This is the smallest province in Canada, but it packs a serious punch. Its colourful buildings, lush landscapes and fresh sea air will all help you relax on your holiday.
What makes Prince Edward Island one of the best places to visit in Canada? We love its relaxed island vibe, but it’s also great for top-quality seafood. In particular, its lobsters and oysters are famous well beyond Canada’s national borders. You can also enjoy some epic hiking trails. In fact, there’s a well-signposted route that runs all the way around the island, giving you the chance to really discover PEI for yourself. At 700 km long, it’s a pretty serious undertaking, but you can just do a couple of short sections if you prefer.
Fundy National Park
It may not be as famous as Banff, but Fundy is one of the best national parks in Canada — especially if you’re into extreme sports. Travellers who want to get their heart rate up should try tidal bore rafting, which feels like whitewater rafting on steroids. You can also enjoy kayaking and off-roading as you explore this beautiful coastal park.
Prefer something more sedate? We’ve got you covered. There are plenty of gentle walking trails that offer you spectacular views of Fundy’s biggest attraction: the world’s highest tides. At certain times, they can reach a jaw-dropping 16 metres. Some daredevils head out to surf on those waters, but you can always stay safe on dry land and admire the scenery.
Haida Gwaii
Our list of the best places to visit in Canada wouldn’t be complete without paying some tribute to the country’s indigenous people. Haida Gwaii is one of the best spots in Canada to meet the First Nations, whose traditional way of life stretches back thousands of years. This island in British Columbia is a world away from Canada’s big cities, but it’s well worth visiting.
The Haida people specialise in wood carving and fill their island with intricate wooden decorations, ranging from enormous totem poles to incredibly detailed miniatures. Visitors to Haida Gwaii can learn more about this ancient art, but if your carving skills aren’t up to scratch, you can always pick up some souvenirs crafted by the experts. This is also a great spot for nature. It has earned the nickname of the Galapagos of Canada thanks to its incredible biodiversity, and in the right season, you’ll see humpback whales, orcas and seals frolicking in the surrounding waters.
Annapolis Valley
Canadian wine? Yes, it’s a thing — and if you’re not convinced, you can try it for yourself. The best place to enjoy a glass of the local vintage is in Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia. With its rolling hills and lush vineyards, it might look more like Tuscany than Canada, and it’s quickly becoming a hotspot for travelling gourmets.
You can visit the vineyards on a tour, but for the best experience, head there in late May, in time for the Apple Blossom Festival. During this celebration of Canadian agriculture, local producers show off their finest crops. Foodies flock from far and wide to join in the fun.
Golden
Many visitors pass through this small town in British Columbia on their way to big-name destinations like Banff or Whistler. We reckon it’s worth stopping for a day or two, though. Just as beautiful as its name suggests, Golden boasts attractions like the Golden Skybridge, a walkway that lets you take a stroll 130 metres above the ground, surrounded by lush forests. There are also zipline adventures and alpine rafting tours, making this one of the best places to visit in Canada for thrillseekers.
Several rivers and lakes surround Golden, each offering its own adventurous activities. We should also mention its thriving brewery scene. If you want to indulge in a pint or two of the local craft beer, this is one of the best spots in Canada. You might not want to risk the Skybridge after a few drinks, though!
Wood Buffalo National Park
Last but not least, let’s pay a visit to Canada’s largest national park. This is where you’ll find the largest herds of free-roaming bison in the world. These majestic beasts were once found all across North America’s prairies but were hunted to the point of extinction. Here they’re thriving, and a herd of hundreds of big, shaggy animals in motion is an awe-inspiring sight.
This park is a true wilderness paradise. If you want to get away from it all and lose yourself in the might of the Great White North, this is the place to go. Hundreds of hiking trails let you explore the park. Keep your eyes peeled, and not just for bison — you might also see other endangered animals and birds living in this natural haven.
Are you ready to see the best places to visit in Canada for yourself? We’ve got a group tour of the country, which will show you some of the finest sights. Join us for an eight-day adventure that will take you to Toronto, Montreal and the spectacular Niagara Falls. What are you waiting for?
Do you love North America? Well, then you’ve got to check out the top parks in the USA that are an absolute must-visit!
