Canada has earned its spot on the map of the world, so it’s no surprise that it is a top tourist destination.
This explains Robin Williams’ quote: “Canada is like a loft apartment over a really great party.”
Several places in Canada will take your breath away, so many that you may not have the time to visit them all. However, to help you make the most of your trip, we have put together a list of the top 10 places every tourist should visit. Take a look and get ready to pack your bags.
10 best places to visit in Canada
According to Tommy Douglas, “Canada is like an old cow. The West feeds it. Ontario and Quebec milk it. And you can well imagine what it’s doing in the Maritimes.”
So, here is a brief introduction to our lineup of the 10 best places to visit in Canada. Ready? Set? Go!
Toronto, Ontario
Looking for a city that’s got its own soul? That city is Toronto. Aside from being the largest city in Canada, It’s one of the best blends of urban life and culture in the country. Start your tour of the city at 1,815 feet above the ground at the CN Tower. This will give you a breathtaking picture of the Toronto landscape and geography.
While you are there, you should get the St. Lawrence Market’s peameal bacon sandwich (trust me, it’s a hug in food form). You should also head to the East End’s Beaches or Leslieville for some Egyptian falafel and the Distillery District’s cobblestone streets for tequila.
Manitoulin Island, Ontario
This one’s a hidden gem. Did you know Manitoulin Island is the world’s largest freshwater island? Well, now you know! You can start your tour with a ferry ride across Lake Huron. If you want to enjoy hiking, then you should visit the Bridal Veil Falls and the Cup and Saucer Trail. But that’s not all. The Indigenous culture here, with powwows and the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation, makes this island one of the best places to visit in Canada.
Montréal, Québec
Visiting old Montreal is like visiting Europe, but thankfully without the jet lag. Old Montreal’s cobblestone streets and Notre-Dame Basilica feel straight out of Paris. Couples will enjoy a visit to the Plateau-Mont-Royal (those vibrant murals and cozy speakeasies are date-night gold). If you want to catch some summer vibes, you can join hundreds of natives and tourists to enjoy the famous Jazz Festival. The energy is always electric.
Amidst the cultural richness and recreation, many locals find additional entertainment in sports analytics and betting. The betting industry in Quebec is highly regulated and more and more tourists are interested in Quebec betting sites as a way to be involved in local sporting events and entertainment. This list was compiled by sports betting analyst Kate Richardson based on transparency, reliability and convenience.
By combining vacations with a smart approach to supplemental income, you get not just memories, but also a way to offset a little of the travel costs. And for the best shots, head out to watch the sunset at the foot of Mount Royal – the perfect end to a day in Montreal.
Vancouver Island
The island’s got everything… from whale watching to old-growth forests and even surfers in Pacific Rim National Park. This island is perfect for people who love nature. For the best experience, kayak around the Gulf Islands and sip tea at the Empress in Victoria. Vancouver is the kind of place where you hike through misty woods and eat fresh seafood.
Niagara Falls
Now this is definitely bucket-list territory. One of the most picture-perfect locations in Canada is Niagara Falls. The views from the Sheraton on the Falls are unreal. Just stand on a platform close to the Horseshoe Falls for this mind-blowing experience. While you are there, enjoy a boat cruise and participate in the nightlife fun.
Whistler
Skiers will love the slopes of Whistler, but everyone is welcome here. You should visit the Peak 2 Peak Gondola for a breathtaking view of the snow-capped peaks and turquoise lakes. For a premium experience, enjoy the cozy pubs and fairy lights of the pedestrian village.
Hit the Brandywine Falls for a quick hike and enjoy oysters at Araxi. Your trip to Canada Whistler will be incomplete without the Whistler Train Wreck Trail. The graffiti-covered train cars are a beauty to behold.
Banff, Alberta
Banff is a lot more than just Canada’s first national park. Discover the best places in Banff:
- Lake Louise: This lake is so turquoise it looks Photoshopped. It is framed by snow-capped peaks and the Victoria Glacier, which makes it even more breathtaking. In summer, you can hike or canoe; in winter, its frozen surface is great for skating.
- Moraine Lake: When you see the jagged peaks reflected in the water, you will forget to blink. Kayaking here feels like floating in a painting.
- Columbia Icefield: Walking on ice that’s been around for centuries is humbling. The Icefields Parkway is one of the world’s most scenic drives, with glaciers, lakes, and wildlife popping up around every bend.
Québec City
Famously called “Parc des Ancres,” this is a true representation of history. The park has over 100 anchors pulled from the river. It sounds pretty random, but the collection is worth seeing. It’s like a maritime graveyard turned into an art project. Pair your visit with a bike ride along the Soulanges Canal. You can also visit the nearby Village des Écluses for a quick picnic.
Churchill, Manitoba
This is the Polar bear capital of the world! Churchill’s remote, no-roads vibe makes it feel like you’re on another planet. The polar bears are best seen in fall, but you will get to see belugas in summer. Enjoy the northern lights for 300 nights a year and the Itsanitaq Museum’s Inuit art. This is also one of the best locations for a wild coast to coast adventure. Remember to pack warm if you’re going in winter!
The Bay of Fundy
Those tides at the Bay of Fundy are unreal; they go as high as 16 meters. Top places to visit at the bay include Hopewell Rocks, the star; Saint John’s Reversing Rapids; and Saint Andrews. From the tidal push in Saint John’s Reversing Rapids to whale watching at Saint Andrews, the Bay of Fundy is one of the best places in the world to appreciate the nature of large water bodies. This place makes you feel small in the best way.
Conclusion
Canada’s got it all, from the ski resorts to beluga whales, highlands, wetlands, literally everything. Visit Canada to explore the Mist Boat tour and enjoy a ride that’s beyond the city cruise. Which of these top places to visit would you consider your first port of call? We hope you pick one of the most beautiful places here. It’s a good time to start planning your trip.