Canada is a vast and diverse country with a plethora of breathtaking destinations to explore. From the rugged mountains in the west to the charming coastal towns in the east, Canada has something for everyone. With so many incredible places to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to visit first. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the 12 best places to visit in Canada. Whether you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, a cultural experience, or a relaxing getaway, these destinations are sure to impress. So pack your bags and get ready to explore the natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture of Canada.
1. Toronto, Ontario
Toronto, Ontario is a vibrant and dynamic city in Canada that offers visitors a diverse range of attractions, activities, and experiences. Here are some reasons why Toronto is a great place to visit:
- Cultural Diversity: Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, with over 200 ethnic groups and languages spoken throughout the city. Visitors can experience a wide range of cultural events, festivals, and food from around the world.
- Iconic Landmarks: Toronto is home to some of Canada’s most famous landmarks, including the CN Tower, the Royal Ontario Museum, and the Art Gallery of Ontario. These landmarks offer visitors a glimpse into the city’s history and culture.
- Great Food: Toronto is a food lover’s paradise, with a diverse range of restaurants, cafes, and food markets that offer everything from street food to fine dining. Visitors can sample a wide range of international cuisine, as well as local specialties like poutine and butter tarts.
- Natural Beauty: Toronto is located on the shores of Lake Ontario and is home to several beautiful parks and natural areas, including High Park, the Toronto Islands, and the Rouge Valley. These areas offer visitors a chance to escape the city and enjoy nature.
- Sports and Entertainment: Toronto is home to several professional sports teams, including the Toronto Raptors, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Toronto Blue Jays. The city also has a vibrant entertainment scene, with theaters, concert halls, and comedy clubs that offer a wide range of performances and shows.
Overall, Toronto is a great place to visit in Canada, with something to offer for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history and culture, food and drink, or nature and outdoor activities, Toronto has something to offer.
2. Whistler, British Columbia
Whistler is a resort town located in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, Canada. It is best known for its world-class skiing and snowboarding facilities, as well as its beautiful natural surroundings.
Whistler is situated about 120 kilometers north of Vancouver, and is accessible by car, bus, or train. The town is located at the base of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, which are both part of the Whistler Blackcomb ski resort.
In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Whistler offers a wide range of outdoor activities throughout the year, including hiking, mountain biking, golfing, fishing, and white-water rafting. The town itself also has a lively arts and culture scene, with galleries, museums, and music festivals.
3. Niagara Falls, Ontario
Niagara Falls is a must-see destination located in Ontario, Canada, about 130 km southeast of Toronto. It is one of the world’s most famous natural wonders and attracts millions of visitors each year.
There are three waterfalls that make up Niagara Falls – the Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. The Horseshoe Falls is the largest and most well-known of the three, and is located on the Canadian side of the Niagara River.
Visitors can take in the breathtaking views of the falls from various vantage points, such as the observation decks at Table Rock Centre, Journey Behind the Falls, and Niagara SkyWheel. Boat tours, such as Maid of the Mist, Hornblower Niagara Cruises, and Niagara Jet Adventures, also offer a unique perspective and a thrilling experience.
In addition to the falls, there are many other attractions in Niagara Falls, including Clifton Hill, a street filled with restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues, as well as Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort, which offers gaming, shows, and fine dining. Other popular activities include visiting Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, exploring Niagara-on-the-Lake, and sampling local wines at Niagara’s many wineries.
4. Montreal, Quebec
Montreal is the largest city in the province of Quebec, Canada, and one of the country’s most vibrant and culturally diverse cities. It is located on an island in the St. Lawrence River and is known for its historic architecture, world-class museums, and culinary scene.
One of the most popular attractions in Montreal is Old Montreal, a charming district filled with cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and picturesque squares. Here, visitors can explore famous landmarks like the Notre-Dame Basilica and the Old Port, which offer stunning views of the city’s skyline and river.
Montreal is also home to many world-class museums and galleries, including the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the Pointe-à -Callière Museum, and the McCord Museum. The city’s vibrant cultural scene is also on display in its many festivals, such as the Montreal International Jazz Festival and the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival.
In addition to its cultural offerings, Montreal is known for its incredible food scene, which features both traditional Quebecois cuisine and international flavors. Popular dishes include poutine (french fries with cheese curds and gravy), smoked meat sandwiches, and bagels.
Overall, Montreal is a vibrant and exciting city that offers something for everyone, from its rich history and culture to its delicious food and lively nightlife.
5. Victoria, British Columbia
Victoria is the capital city of British Columbia, Canada, located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. It is known for its picturesque setting, historic architecture, and charming atmosphere.
One of the top attractions in Victoria is the iconic Parliament Buildings, which overlook the Inner Harbour and offer guided tours. The Inner Harbour is also home to many other popular tourist spots, including the Empress Hotel, the Royal BC Museum, and the famous street performers along the waterfront.
Another must-see attraction in Victoria is Butchart Gardens, a stunning 55-acre garden filled with colorful flowers, sculptures, and water features. Visitors can also take a scenic drive along the coast to see the beautiful beaches, rocky cliffs, and lighthouses.
Victoria is also known for its vibrant food and drink scene, with many top-rated restaurants, cafes, and craft breweries. The city is particularly famous for its afternoon tea service, which can be enjoyed at the historic Empress Hotel or many other tea rooms throughout the city.
6. Calgary, Alberta
Calgary is a city located in the province of Alberta, Canada. It is known for its western heritage, outdoor recreation opportunities, and booming economy.
One of the top attractions in Calgary is the Calgary Stampede, a world-famous rodeo and exhibition held every July. The event features rodeo competitions, chuckwagon races, carnival rides, and live music, among other things.
Another popular attraction in Calgary is the Calgary Tower, which offers panoramic views of the city from its observation deck. Visitors can also explore the nearby Glenbow Museum, which houses a vast collection of art, artifacts, and archives.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Calgary offers many opportunities for hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities in the nearby Rocky Mountains. Popular spots include Banff National Park, Lake Louise, and Kananaskis Country.
In addition to its natural attractions, Calgary also has a vibrant food and drink scene, with many top-rated restaurants, cafes, and bars. The city is particularly famous for its craft beer scene, with many local breweries and brewpubs.
Overall, Calgary is a thriving and dynamic city that offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure, cultural attractions, and economic opportunity. It is a popular destination for travelers seeking a taste of western Canadian culture and natural beauty.
7. Jasper National Park, Alberta
Jasper National Park is a large wilderness area located in the province of Alberta, Canada. It is part of the Canadian Rocky Mountains and is known for its stunning scenery, wildlife, and outdoor recreation opportunities.
One of the top attractions in Jasper National Park is the Columbia Icefield, which features several glaciers, including the Athabasca Glacier, and offers visitors a chance to walk on the ice and explore the area’s unique geology. The Icefield Parkway, a scenic road that winds through the park, is also a must-see attraction.
Another popular activity in Jasper National Park is hiking, with over 1,200 km of trails that range from easy strolls to challenging multi-day treks. Visitors can also go canoeing, fishing, or mountain biking in the park, as well as wildlife watching, with the opportunity to see grizzly bears, elk, moose, and other animals in their natural habitat.
The park is also home to many stunning lakes, including Maligne Lake, which is the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies and features crystal-clear water and scenic views.
8. Ottawa, Ontario
Ottawa is the capital city of Canada, located in the province of Ontario. It is known for its historic architecture, museums, cultural events, and scenic natural surroundings.
One of the top attractions in Ottawa is Parliament Hill, which features the iconic buildings that house the federal government of Canada. Visitors can take guided tours of the buildings, watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony, and enjoy stunning views of the Ottawa River and city skyline.
Another popular attraction in Ottawa is the National Gallery of Canada, which houses an extensive collection of Canadian and international art. Other must-see museums include the Canadian Museum of History, the Canadian War Museum, and the Canadian Museum of Nature.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Ottawa offers many opportunities for hiking, biking, and other activities in the nearby Gatineau Park. Visitors can also explore the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which offers scenic boat tours and ice skating in the winter.
Ottawa is also known for its vibrant food and drink scene, with many top-rated restaurants, cafes, and bars. The city is particularly famous for its craft beer scene, with many local breweries and brewpubs.
9. Edmonton, Alberta
Edmonton is the capital city of the province of Alberta, Canada. It is known for its vibrant cultural scene, outdoor recreation opportunities, and booming economy.
One of the top attractions in Edmonton is the West Edmonton Mall, one of the largest malls in the world, which features over 800 stores, an indoor amusement park, a water park, a skating rink, and many other attractions. Other popular attractions in Edmonton include the Edmonton Valley Zoo, the Muttart Conservatory, and the Royal Alberta Museum.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Edmonton offers many opportunities for hiking, biking, and other activities in the nearby river valley, which is one of the largest urban park systems in North America. Visitors can also explore the North Saskatchewan River by canoe or kayak, or take a day trip to Elk Island National Park, which is known for its herds of bison and other wildlife.
Edmonton is also known for its vibrant food and drink scene, with many top-rated restaurants, cafes, and bars. The city is particularly famous for its craft beer scene, with many local breweries and brewpubs.
10. Banff National Park
Banff National Park is a vast protected area located in the Canadian Rockies of Alberta, Canada. It is known for its stunning mountain scenery, crystal-clear lakes, and abundance of wildlife.
One of the top attractions in Banff National Park is Lake Louise, a turquoise-colored lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains that offers breathtaking views and opportunities for hiking, canoeing, and fishing. Another popular attraction is the Banff Gondola, which takes visitors to the top of Sulphur Mountain for panoramic views of the surrounding area.
The park also offers many opportunities for outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, skiing, and snowboarding. Visitors can explore the park’s many trails, from easy strolls to challenging multi-day treks, or take part in guided activities like horseback riding and rock climbing.
In addition to its natural beauty, Banff National Park is home to many cultural and historic attractions, such as the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, and the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies.
11. Whitehorse
Whitehorse is the capital city of the Yukon Territory in northern Canada. It is known for its natural beauty, historic sites, and cultural attractions.
One of the top attractions in Whitehorse is the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, which is home to many of the region’s iconic animals, including moose, bison, and grizzly bears. Visitors can take guided tours of the preserve and learn about the animals’ natural habitats and behaviors.
Another popular attraction is the Takhini Hot Springs, a natural hot springs that offers visitors a chance to relax and unwind in the midst of the rugged northern wilderness.
Whitehorse is also known for its rich history and cultural heritage, which can be explored at sites like the MacBride Museum, the SS Klondike National Historic Site, and the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre. The city also hosts many festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous and the Adäka Cultural Festival.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Whitehorse offers many opportunities for hiking, fishing, and other activities in the nearby mountains and lakes. The city is also a popular destination for dog sledding and northern lights viewing.
12. Halifax
Halifax is the capital city of the province of Nova Scotia in eastern Canada. It is known for its rich maritime history, scenic coastal views, and vibrant cultural scene.
One of the top attractions in Halifax is the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, a restored 19th-century fort that offers guided tours and live demonstrations of military life during the Victorian era. Other popular historic sites include the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, which houses many artifacts related to Nova Scotia’s seafaring heritage, and the Fairview Lawn Cemetery, the final resting place of many of the Titanic’s victims.
Halifax is also known for its beautiful waterfront, which is lined with shops, restaurants, and galleries. Visitors can take a scenic harbor cruise, explore the boardwalk, or visit the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market, which offers a wide variety of locally sourced foods and crafts.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Halifax offers many opportunities for hiking, biking, and other activities in the nearby coastal and wilderness areas. Popular spots include Peggy’s Cove, a picturesque fishing village with a historic lighthouse, and the Bay of Fundy, which is known for its dramatic tides and whale watching tours.
Conclusion
As you can tell, Canada is an amazing place to visit. With its diverse landscape, vibrant cultural scene and unique natural attractions, there’s truly no shortage of things to do, see and experience here. Make the move and discover for yourself what makes Canada such a special place, and don’t forget to bring your friends and family along for the ride!
