Are you looking for the perfect place to explore and experience Canadian culture? Look no further! We have compiled a list of the best places to visit and things to do in Canada – from quaint fishing towns to bustling metropolitan cities.
Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or a unique cultural experience, we’ve got something for everyone!
So get ready to discover the hidden gems of this beautiful country – let’s explore Canada!
About Canada
Canada is a wonderfully diverse and beautiful country located in North America. It has the longest coastline in the world, 10 provinces and 3 territories, numerous national parks and many historical sites.
From the vibrant cities of Vancouver and Toronto to the spectacular scenery of the Rocky Mountains, Canada offers something for everyone – from skiing and snowboarding to hiking, whale-watching, golfing or simply exploring its cities. With its diverse culture, breathtaking landscapes and ample opportunities for outdoor activities, it’s no wonder that Canada attracts millions of visitors each year.
Whether you’re looking for an urban adventure in one of Canada’s major cities or an outdoor excursion in some of its remote regions, you are sure to find experiences that will suit your style while visiting this diverse country.
Top 10 Destinations to Visit in Canada
Canada is a diverse country that offers plenty of exciting places to visit. From lively urban centers to magnificent natural wonders, here’s our list of the 10 best places to explore while in Canada:
- Niagara Falls: No trip to Canada is complete without visiting the world-renowned Niagara Falls, which are located just outside of Toronto. The thunderous roar of the falls, majestic rainbows and wild attractions provide an experience that’s hard-to-forget.
- Banff National Park: Located in Alberta, this Canadian Rocky Mountain park offers breathtaking views and plenty of outdoor activities like hiking, biking and skiing for nature enthusiasts.
- Quebec City: Take a step back in time when visiting the old French city that stands on the St Lawrence River in Eastern Canada – cobbled streets full of boutiques selling local goodies make for a pleasant wander around Le Petit Champlain – with Frontenac castle presiding overhead!
- Vancouver Island: Sitting off British Columbia’s west coast, Vancouver Island is home to quaint fishing villages full of charming character and picturesque forests – many Canadians describe it as being one of the most beautiful places on earth!
- Montreal: A combination of European charm and North American spirit provides a unique atmosphere as you explore traditional culture before joining locals in bustling al fresco restaurants or modern boutique stores nearby!
- Edmonton: Stroll around Alberta’s capital for museums and maple syruped festivals before exploring underground at Edmonton Mall with activities such as skating rinks plus much more!
- Calgary: Known as ‘Cowtown’, Calgary shares buildings with vast prairies inhabited by bison roaming around vast national parks full with coniferous trees perfect for outdoor adventure seekers alike!
- Whistler Mountains: The snow-capped peaks near Whistler offer some truly amazing views while giving skiers and snowboarders something to look forward too during wintertime months!
- Ottawa/Hull (national capital): Ottawa is Ottawa/Hull’s bi-cultural capital boasting museums art galleries splendid riverviews offering impressive walks around its heritage sites!
- Churchill Manitoba: Situated close over 8100 kilometres above Manitoba, Churchill will offer its famous Beluga whale watching tours particularly special during summer months!
Exploring Canada’s Natural Wonders
Canada is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, filled with breathtaking natural wonders.
From the towering mountains of British Columbia to the rolling hills of Alberta; from the sea-swept beaches of Nova Scotia to the crystal-clear lakes of Ontario; Canada’s natural beauty is a major draw for visitors and home-grown alike.
Whether you’re seeking an active adventure or simply a tranquil setting for peaceful reflection, Canada’s diverse nature ensures there is something for everyone.
Here are some of the most unique and captivating places to visit if you want to experience Canada’s stunning outdoors:
- Banff National Park – Located in Alberta, Banff National Park offers one of Canada’s best scenic experiences. Visitors can explore glaciers, waterfalls, and hot springs hidden in its river valleys; cruise along its idyllic alpine lakes; and take in mountain meadows that are alive with colorful wildflowers during summer months.
- Gros Morne National Park – Set amid sweeping fjords and immense mountain plateaus on Newfoundland’s west coast, Gros Morne National Park provides a dramatic topographical contrast between land and sea that can be best appreciated by land or boat cruise excursions.
- Cape Breton Highlands National Park – Located on Cape Breton Island at the northeastern edge of Nova Scotia’s mainland coast, this picturesque park features glittering seascapes along with trails that wind through lush forests boasting a variety of species like ospreys, moose, lynx, bald eagles and coyotes.
- Riding Mountain National Park – Strategically situated between Saskatchewan’s grasslands and Manitoba’s boreal forest region is Riding Mountain Park–a stunningly diverse landscape offering abundant wildlife viewing opportunities ranging from moose to white tailed deer. With its wildflower meadows covering marshlands as far as the eye can see this park will take your breath away!
Exploring Canada’s Historic Sites
Canada is home to a wide variety of historic sites, from UNESCO World Heritage sites to national historic sites. Exploring Canada’s historic places is an excellent way to discover the country’s past and understand the people and events that shaped it.
If you’re looking for places that will provide an unforgettable cultural experience, here are some of Canada’s best-known, most impressive historical sites:
- Fort Langley National Historic Site (British Columbia) – Located in British Columbia’s Fraser Valley, this fort served as a significant trading post between 1827 and 1846. It was a site of intense negotiation between Aboriginal peoples and European settlers.
- Signal Hill National Historic Site (Newfoundland & Labrador) – This site overlooking St John’s Harbour has incredible views as well as heritage significance. Established in 1704, Signal Hill was once used by mariners as a landmark while they were navigating into the harbour. During WWI this location was also important for its strategic defensive importance during battles with German U-boats and ships offshore.
- L’Anse Aux Meadows National Historic Site (Newfoundland & Labrador) – This breathtakingly beautiful area is believed to be the location of North America’s first European settlers from around 1000 A.D..L’anse aux Meadows survived over 1000 years due to its ancient sod walls which have been kept in exceptional condition through preservation efforts.
- Old Ottawa South Neighborhood (Ontario) – Ottawa’s south side is full of wonderful 19th century architecture that reflects its roots as an early industrial center beside the Rideau Canal where you can explore both parts at once with wonderful history walks throughout Old Ottawa South.
- Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump (Alberta) – One of Canada’s most iconic First Nations Heritage Sites is located north of Calgary near Fort Macleod Alberta, Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump displays how generations used cliffs as a means to hunt buffalo by stampeding them off cliffs as they were approaching them allowing them an ornate hunting approach used for centuries by indigenous people in this area.
- Cave And Basin National Historic Site (Alberta) – This cave served both culturally significant purposes such as spiritual rites for aboriginal peoples but also environmentally significant purposes when Banff became Canada’s first national park due in part to Cave And Basin at the time being one is source of fresh water surrounded by now three connected parks.
Exploring Canada’s Cultural Hotspots
Canada is a vast country with diverse landscapes that range from modern cities to expansive mountain ranges.
But, it’s much more than the breathtaking scenery; there are plenty of cultural hotspots and must-visit attractions that make Canada one of the world’s most sought after travel destinations.
From big bustling cities to quaint coastal villages, explore Canada’s art, culture and culinary offerings.
- Start in Toronto and get an overview of Canadian culture at the Royal Ontario Museum which showcases artifacts from cultures around the world. Delve into Toronto’s contemporary art scene at The Art Gallery of Ontario, or take a stroll along Queen Street West to experience the city’s DIY arts movement. There are other artistic hubs too like Montreal where street musicians perform live jazz on cobbled streets, and music festivals like Osheaga bring together some of the best international artists around each year.
- Glide past snowcapped peaks on a Rocky Mountaineer tour in British Columbia or cruise into Alaskan waters on an Alaska tour from Vancouver – take in breathtaking views from your seat on deck or as you explore towns like Juneau or Ketchikan by foot and discover unique gifts for loved ones back home. While you may not be able to visit all 4300 islands off Nova Scotia this summer, you can still enjoy local seafood dishes in Lunenburg at two famed seafood restaurants – The Knot Pub and Fleur de Sel restaurant – nominated among Canada’s “100 Best Restaurants 2017” list.
- Plus, there’s plenty to explore in Canada year-round for outdoor adventurers – out east create an unforgettable ski trip itinerary by hitting slopes of Marmot Basin located in Jasper National Park or enjoy hours spent skiing along mountain views at Whistler Blackcomb located just 2 hours north of Vancouver; while out west ensure a spot with whitecaps at surfing spots on Vancouver Island – head over to Tofino come springtime or make way over mid-summer months when waves usually start rolling in. Offering something for everyone year-round, come see why Canada deserves its place among top cultural hotspots worldwide – plan your trip now!
Exploring Canada’s Outdoor Adventures
Canada is an outstanding choice for a range of outdoor adventure activities due to its expansive and diverse terrain. From sea kayaking in British Columbia, to hiking the Nova Scotia Highlands, to backpacking through Manitoba’s boreal forests, Canada has something for everyone. Discover some of the must-visit locations across the country with this exploration of Canada’s Outdoor Adventures.
- British Columbia: World-renowned ski resorts, sparkling blue lakes and lush green valleys border the wild western beaches of BC. Hike through majestic mountains or explore inspiring coastlines. Adventure lovers will flip for opportunities to soar above fjords in a zipline or spot whales from a sea kayak or paddleboard in Victoria’s vibrant Inner Harbour.
- Alberta: Rocky Mountain backcountry beckons in Alberta with its spectacular views, abundance of wildlife and outdoor activities like alpine skiing, ice climbing, mountain biking and snowshoeing on glaciers. Or explore historic sites like Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump—one of the world’s oldest and longest continuously used hunting sites—as well as national parks like Banff and Jasper which feature distinctive local wildlife and unique cultural experiences coupled with geologic grandeur.
- Saskatchewan: Take your pick: Explore lakes full of remote islands by canoe; go birdwatching along the Great Sand Hills; traverse the shoreline along sandy beaches; take pictures atop 100-meter bluffs at Cypress Hill National Park; or hike in Australia’s wide open prairies dressed with buffalo grasslands—anything is possible among Saskatchewan’s great outdoors!
- Manitoba: Manitoba offers an incredibly diverse array of outdoor recreational opportunity including mountain biking at Boreal Forest trails around Whiteshell Provincial Park, hiking rainforests along Pukaskwa National Park’s coastal path or canoeing down ancient rivers starting from The Pas. Follow trails along glowing tundras brimming with secret arctic caribou crossings or canoe through wild waterways choking marshlands but brimming beaver lodges—Manitoba is boundless adventure seekers delight!
- Quebec: Come explore enchanted landscapes complete with tumbling waterfalls, rock climbs at Gaspé Peninsula’s Percé Rock formations or test your paddling skills on springs ribboned lakes scattered through La Mauricie National Park. Spot coyote on wild bear population that roams free in Parc des Cedres while cowboying over windy wooded trails before marveling revolutionary Rouges River National Park that features unique blend of waterfowl thriving wetlands to thunderstruck raptor nesting cliffs!
Exploring Canada’s Urban Landscapes
Canada is known as a vast land of national parks and nature conservation areas, but did you know that it is also home to some of the most vibrant cities in the world? The Canadian cities have something for everyone – from stunning natural beauty to vibrant nightlife and culture. From bustling Montreal to historic Quebec City, explore Canada’s diverse urban landscapes today!
- Montreal, QC: Known as “the city of festivals,” Montreal is a blend of old world charm and modern sophistication. Highlights include Old Port (Vieux-Port) with its cobblestoned streets and riverfront promenades; Quartier des Spectacles with its many theaters; Mount Royal Park and Chalet for breathtaking views of the city; trendy St Henri for incredible art galleries and brasseries.
- Toronto, ON: Toronto is an epicenter for food lovers, art connoisseurs, music aficionados, and people who want to experience a unique culture. With plenty of green spaces and urban gems like Lake Ontario waterfront trail or High Park for outdoor lovers, there’s always something new to explore in Toronto! Try different culinary delights at the iconic Kensington Market or enjoy nighlife in one of many amazing bars on Ossington Avenue.
- Vancouver BC: Spend time wandering Cobble Hill’s galleries or experience natural beauty hiking at Grouse Mountain – with over 200 parks across Vancouver you’re sure to find your perfect spot. Vancouver has also earned its nickname “Hollywood North” with numerous production studios located within the city limits – take part in a filming session or catch one of many movie screenings by local cinemas on Granville Island!
Enjoy each destination’s diverse attractions along with sweeping viewscape of mountains or seascape; book your tickets now for an unforgettable getaway!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top 10 places to visit in Canada?
The top 10 places to visit in Canada are Banff National Park in Alberta, Niagara Falls in Ontario, Old Quebec in Quebec, The Canadian Rockies in Alberta, Whistler in British Columbia, The Calgary Stampede in Alberta, The Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia, The CN Tower in Toronto, The Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia, and The Rocky Mountaineer in British Columbia.
What is the most beautiful place in Canada?
The most beautiful place in Canada is widely considered to be Moraine Lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, located in Banff National Park in Alberta.
What is the best time to visit Canada?
The best time to visit Canada depends on what type of experience you are looking for. Generally, the best time to visit Canada is during the summer months (June-August) when the weather is warmest and the days are longest.
