Best Places to Visit in Canada: Must-See Destinations and Sights

What images come to mind when you think of Canada? Depending on how well you know the country, it can be some of its natural wonders, historic sites or colorful cultural events.

If you’re about to embark on a journey to refresh your knowledge, our list of the best places to visit in Canada will give you a couple of suggestions.

Vancouver: The Vibrant West Coast City

The most densely-populated city in Canada, Vancouver has been consistently ranked among cities with the highest quality of living on Earth. Its charm lies in the combination of bustling urban life with rich nature.

If you feel like spending time outdoors, head to one of the parks: Stanley Park, Bloedel Conservatory, VanDusen Botanical Garden or Queen Elizabeth Park. We should also mention Victoria Butterfly Gardens and Victoria Butchart Gardens located on Vancouver Island.

During the colder months, you can go skiing and snowboarding in the mountains on the outskirts, while in summer, beaches await. After all, the stunning nature and the diversity of outdoor activities are part of the answer to the question “What is Canada known for?”

And what about those ugly days when the very thought of staying outside seems unbearable? Such weather can’t spoil your trip to Canada! The time has come to savor the seafood caught in local waters or explore ethnic foods.

Those in the mood to immerse themselves in the beauty of man-made objects will appreciate Vancouver Art Gallery, Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery or Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art.

Roedde House Museum (1893) is a chance to get the feel of what it was like to live more than a century ago. For a scientific edge, opt for Beaty Biodiversity Museum, Museum of Anthropology, Vancouver Lookout or Space Center. Science World is a science showcase combining galleries with an outdoor park.

Niagara Falls: Nature’s Majestic Wonder

Visiting Niagara Falls from the Canadian side means you can get close to the largest of all the three falls, Horseshoe Falls.

One way to appreciate what this place has to offer is through the nighttime experience called Power Station at Night. Through the power station’s 2,200-foot-long tunnel and the generator hall, you get to an observation platform at the very edge of the Niagara River. Or you can try the Journey Behind the Falls, where you can walk through bedrock and tunnels 120+ feet below the ground to reach the point where you can see the cascading curtain of water from behind. For a different perspective, go for the incline railway, the zipline, an aero car, a jet boat or even a helicopter.

Astounding as it is, the natural beauty of this area isn’t its only appeal. There are historic sites, most prominent of them being the forts from the 18th and 19th centuries. We should mention the Butterfly Conservatory with over 2,000 free-flying butterflies, Skylon Tower, and Floral Showhouse among other things making Niagara Falls one of the best places to visit in Canada.

Banff National Park: Alpine Beauty

Seeking outdoor adventure? With its forest trails, glacial lakes, and mountainous landscapes, Banff National Park is a logical choice. It’s the country’s first national park and the flagship of Canada’s park system.

During the colder months, skiing becomes the most popular activity. The local ski season is among the longest in North America, it lasts from mid-November through April. In addition to the cross-country skiing trails, there are also a lot of winter walking trails. You may try the hot springs to enhance the experience.

When it’s warm, tourists come to Banff National Park to hike, swim in its lake, and ride a horseback. Given Banff National Park is one of the most beautiful places in Canada, such activities are immensely rewarding.

Whistler: Skiing and Mountain Adventures

A fabulous destination for nature lovers, Whistler has something to offer all the year round.

What makes it stand out among other places in Canada is the so-called Peak 2 Peak Gondola. The gondola rides you high above the ground between Blackcomb Mountain and Whistler Mountain. The 4.4-kilometer (2.7 miles) ride gives a chance to get a bird’s-eye view of the village, the mountain peaks, lakes, glaciers, and forests. The special glass-bottom gondola is an option for those who want to make the most of the experience.

Zip lining is another way to tickle your nerves. In Whistler, you can try one of the longest ziplines of North America and gain 100 kilometers/hour speed. Those who’d rather stay closer to the ground may go skiing and snowboarding. When summer comes, tourists flock to hike on Whistler Mountain or Musical Bumps or play golf.

The place is especially loved by bikers, and for a reason. The Whistler Bike Park alone boasts 200 kilometers of trails. Other popular choices include paths around Lost Lake and Green Lake, as well as the Valley Trail.

Toronto: Canada’s Urban Hub

CN Tower is a great way to get the feel of the city. Known as the tallest freestanding structure on land outside of Asia, it gives you a bird’s-eye view of Toronto and its vicinity, with all the skyscrapers and high-rise buildings.

Longing for a rush of adrenaline? Then you might consider EdgeWalk, where you will walk around the perimeter of CN Tower hands-free with nothing but a harness holding you.

Royal Ontario Museum, Ripley’s Aquarium, Casa Loma, and Toronto Zoo are also among top tourist destinations. Day tours to Niagara Falls leaving from Toronto are also popular. One way to experience the culinary side of the city is going to St. Lawrence Market.

Toronto is also one of the best cities to visit in Canada for hockey lovers. In addition to the Hall of Fame, they may consider Mattamy Athletic Centre at Maple Leaf Gardens.

Victoria: A Charming Seaside Escape

With its 125-year-old heritage buildings, multiple parks and diverse aquatic fauna, Victoria is undoubtedly one of the best places in Canada for tourists. Here are some of the top spots:

• the Butchart Gardens, where you’ll find fifty-five acres of floral display. It’s a bit of a commute, though.
• Royal BC Museum dedicated to natural and human history. The collections include almost 7 million objects, from natural history specimens to Egyptian artifacts.
• Beacon Hill Park, which is an almost 200-acre urban park with forest and shoreline trails, a waterpark, tennis and pickleball courts, playing fields, ponds, and landscaped gardens. You can find some threatened and endangered species and ecosystems here. The place is loved by kite enthusiasts, paragliders, and sailboarders.
• Hatley Castle with its spectacular Japanese and Italian gardens, as well as peaceful forest trails.

Also, some might consider Victoria the best city to visit in Canada for those interested in marine wildlife. For instance, you can witness whales in their natural habitat.

Quebec City: A Taste of Old Europe

The best-known natural wonder of Quebec is arguably Montmorency Falls. It’s 30 meters higher than Niagara Falls, to begin with, but it also doesn’t hurt that the place is just  15 minutes from downtown.

Another outdoor attraction is Jacques-Cartier National Park with its glacial valleys. You can run across a beaver, a deer, and even a moose. For a gourmet shopping experience, head to Île d’Orléans and enjoy its artisan outlets and farm stands.

Simply strolling around the city is already an experience in itself. Take a picture of Château Frontenac, stroll along Dufferin Terrace for the splendid view of the St. Lawrence River, walk along the walls and gates surrounding the Old City. And of course don’t forget Place Royale. So, if you want to immerse yourself in the old-world charm, Quebec can be the best city to visit in Canada for the first time.

Cape Breton Island: Coastal Beauty and Culture

Due to its unusual rugged coastline, Cape Breton Island has incredible beaches, including Inverness Beach, Black Brook Cove Beach, and Broad Cove Beach, to name just a few.

But there’s so much more to do here than just leisurely lie by the ocean:

• visit Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site to observe the reconstructed section of the French colonial town boasting richly furnished exhibits.
• take a look at Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, which is focused on the great inventor and his works.
• take part in a workshop at Membertou Heritage Park.
• hike The Cabot Trail, which is an almost 300-kilometer spectacular drive passing by quaint fishing villages.
• camp in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, one of the most beautiful places in Canada, where the mountains meet the sea.

Jasper National Park: Wilderness at Its Best

The largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, Jasper occupies over 11,000 square kilometers. Some of the most notable places are:

• Maligne Canyon
• Athabasca Falls
• Maligne Lake
• Mount Edith Cavell
• Athabasca Glacier
• Patricia Lake
• Sunwapta Falls
• Medicine Lake
• Peyto Lake
• Pyramid Lake

In summer, hiking, swimming, and biking are top activities, but you can also opt for boat tours, canoeing, kayaking, golf or horseback riding. During the colder time of the year, the place is alive with those who prefer skiing, ice skating, fat biking, and even snowshoeing in one of the prettiest places in Canada. Many choose the ski resort Marmot Basin.

We can not help but mention such attractions as Jasper SkyTram, Columbia Icefield Skywalk, and the Jasper Planetarium.

Montreal: A Blend of Cultures and Creativity

The question “What is the best city to visit in Canada” doesn’t have a short answer, but Montreal is certainly an option to consider. The second-largest city in the country, Montreal has the reputation of a cultural hub and the fashion capital.

The Old Town is a charming area, where the narrow cobblestoned streets and quaint old buildings take you back in time. You’ll find top-tier restaurants, long promenades of shopping, museums, and historic attractions. This is where the Notre Dame Basilica (1656) is located, the city’s oldest catholic church known for its exquisite interior.

Few visitors can resist the charm of Crew Collective & Café with its 50-foot ceilings and gleaming brass details, or Château Maneki, a Japanese snack bar inside a pink castle. If you’re looking for a family-friendly winter playground, Les Glissades Gamelin can be the right choice.No matter whether you’re looking for the best place to visit in Canada for the first time or you’ve already been here multiple times, the list above gives you some insights into what the country has to offer.