Canada is a land where visitors can find almost anything they desire, from cosmopolitan cities and bustling sea harbors to untouched wilderness and awe-inspiring mountain peaks. With thousands of miles to cover and hundreds of tourist destinations, it’s hard to narrow down what to see in this incredible country. Read on to discover some of the best places to visit in Canada and the top attractions in each area!
Key Considerations for Choosing Your Canadian Adventure
Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, urban explorer, or history buff, Canada has something you’ll love! Here are some key things to keep in mind when you’re planning to visit Canada:
Seasonality
Weather and climate divide the seasons into a high season (June to mid-September), shoulder seasons (April to May and mid-September to October), and a low season (November to March). The high season is ideal for hiking, biking, wildlife tours, and boating on the lakes, while the low season is perfect for winter activities like skiing. Though short, shoulder seasons draw in thousands of travelers for extraordinary foliage in the fall and flowers and wildlife in the spring.
Budget
Seasons also greatly impact how much you’ll spend when you visit Canada. For example, ski resorts are more expensive in the winter months but may cut prices in shoulder seasons. Look at a range of accommodations beyond hotels and resorts, such as campsites in national parks. Speaking of national parks, many with entry fees may offer discounts for students, seniors, or the military. Extra excursions or activities can quickly add up, so look into package deals or discounts for early booking.
Western Canada: Alberta and British Columbia
Known for its many national parks, Vancouver Island, and the incredible Canadian Rockies mountain range, Western Canada has the best of both coast and mountain climates. This part of the country is great for a ski trip in the winter, a winery tour of Okanagan Valley in the summer, and city exploration any time of year!
Banff National Park
Eighty miles west of Calgary, Banff National Park is 2,564 square miles of iconic mountain peaks, glacial lakes, and world-class ski resorts. The town of Banff is tucked against the foot of the Canadian Rocky Mountains and appeals to both adventure-seekers and luxury enthusiasts.
Tourists looking for a year-round destination find Banff to be the perfect location. In the summer, visitors enjoy 1,000 miles of hiking trails, canoeing on Bow River, and riding the Banff Gondola up to the mountain summits for spectacular views. Excellent snowfall for winter sports makes Banff one of the best national parks to visit for skiing and soaking in the hot springs at one of the many resorts.
Also in Banff National Park is the famous Moraine Lake, a glacier-fed lake that is crystal clear and reflects the surrounding wilderness. Other outdoor activities include mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and whitewater rafting through the glacier-carved canyons. If you’re up for a drive, the Columbia Icefield, Lake Louise, and Yoho National Park are day trips that will have you back to town in time to walk through Banff’s charming downtown.
Jasper National Park
The largest of the national parks in the Canadian Rockies, Jasper National Park is a rugged wilderness filled with stunning scenery. Travelers often begin their trip in Jasper, a gateway to outdoor adventures in eastern Alberta. Unlike Banff, you should not expect spas or nightlife when you visit. Jasper is about the great outdoors, from hiking in Maligne Canyon to whitewater rafting on the Athabasca River. Furthermore, its designation as the world’s second-largest Dark Sky Preserve ensures you see plenty of nighttime stars.
No trip to Jasper is complete without taking the Jasper SkyTram, which offers incredible panoramic views of one of the wildest places in Canada. Then, get an up-close look at the wilderness with wildlife tours at Medicine Lake or driving along Icefields Parkway.
Vancouver
Vancouver is a cosmopolitan city in British Columbia surrounded by nature. It is perfect for visitors who want a taste of the outdoors and an urban hotspot.
As the largest city in the British Columbia province, it is also one of the most diverse in Canada. Gastown, Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood, showcases eclectic shops in restored Victorian buildings on cobblestone streets. In Chinatown, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is an oasis among the bustling city around it. Granville Island, one of the city’s most loved neighborhoods, features the Granville Island Public Market and trendy galleries and eateries housed in old industrial factories.
For tourists who’d like nature with their culture, Stanley Park has almost 1,000 acres with a 20-mile seawall, 17 miles of biking and hiking trails, and a protected forest. For swimming, the Kitsilano neighborhood features Kitsilano (“Kit”) Beach on the shores of English Bay, one of the city’s most popular places to swim.
The well-known Capilano Suspension Bridge is outside Vancouver proper, perched 230 feet above the Capilano River, and not an attraction for the faint of heart. In winter, skiing on Grouse Mountain is a local favorite, but the mountain has activities all year.
Central Canada: Urban Centers and Great Lakes
Canada’s central province is a blend of busy cities and out-of-the-way destinations. Make a trip here for the famous Niagara Falls, check out Canada’s capital city of Ottawa or busier Toronto, and enjoy the mix of city life and stunning nature.
Toronto
Toronto is a dynamic metropolis with multicultural flavors. One of the world’s most diverse cities, it’s home to over 200 ethnic groups. Many settle in neighborhoods throughout the city, like Greektown, Little India, and Koreatown. If you’re looking for a destination where diverse food and culture shine, Toronto is one of the best places to visit in Canada.
In addition to being one of the most multicultural cities in the world, Toronto also has one of the largest freestanding towers. Check out the 1,815-foot-tall CN Tower, which overlooks Lake Ontario. A package deal has discounted tickets to the CN Tower and Ripley’s Aquarium, another must-see.
For eclectic shopping, local art, and bohemian coffee shops, wander through the Kensington Market neighborhood or pedestrian-only Distillery District. Check out the art galleries or visit the Royal Ontario Museum for its incredible architecture and exhibits.
When you’re ready for a break from the city’s energy, a 15-minute ferry ride will take you to the Toronto Islands. There, you can explore the various outdoor recreational activities, get some sun on one of the beaches, or play at the theme park.
Niagara Falls
This southeastern Ontario icon is more than an incredible waterfall. It is an awe-inspiring natural wonder and tourist attraction. To understand the scope of Niagara Falls, you should take a helicopter or boat tour. If you want an up-close-and-personal encounter, Journey Behind the Falls is a self-guided tour behind the waterfalls.
Although the warmer months are the busiest times to visit Niagara Falls, more attractions are open in the summer than in cooler seasons. A 15-minute drive from the falls is Niagara-On-The-Lake, a 19th-century town featuring historic buildings, wineries, art galleries, and spas. Niagara Glen Nature Centre is a peaceful place to escape the noise and crowds, with hiking trails, daily guided hikes, and a beautiful forest.
Ottawa
Canada’s capital is smaller than cities like Toronto or Montreal, but it still has all the history and culture of Canada’s larger destinations. Located near the border of Quebec, Ottawa is equally shaped by its indigenous heritage and settlers from Europe. While here, visit Parliament Hill’s historic architecture and take a guided tour of the Canadian government buildings. Nearby, walk along Rideau Canal, a preserved “slackwater canal” from the 19th century and the site of several city festivals during the year.
East of Parliament Hill is ByWard Market, a neighborhood known for its historic farmer’s market with shopping, dining, and nighttime clubbing. To get in a dose of culture, visit the National Gallery of Canada, the Canadian War Museum, or the National Arts Centre.
Eastern Canada: Atlantic Coast and Maritime Heritage
Scenic coastlines and rich historic culture make the Atlantic coast one of the best places to visit in Canada for incredible seafood and charming fishing villages. From the charming town of Charlottetown to bustling Halifax, the coast has a lot to offer.
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia has an incredible array of activities for year-round visitors. In the summer, Cape Breton Highlands National Park draws visitors to the famous Cabot Trail, a breathtaking coastal drive past river canyons, rural fishing villages, and scenic stopping points. Many tourists also come in October to celebrate Celtic culture in the region at the Celtic Colours Festival.
Any time of year is good to see Halifax, Nova Scotia’s historic capital city with a bustling waterfront. While there, visit the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, which showcases Nova Scotia’s oceanic history, or Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market, one of North America’s oldest farmers’ markets. History buffs will want to tour Citadel Hill and its historic fort from 1749.
One of the largest draws in Nova Scotia is whale watching, and tourists can choose from many boat tours to take them close to the action. Summer and fall are the best times of year for the most whale activity.
And no matter when you go, festivals abound in Nova Scotia. From watching sailboats at the Chester Race Week to plenty of Christmas celebrations, the province loves a good party.
Prince Edward Island
Known to many readers as the home of Anne of Green Gables, Prince Edward Island (PEI) is a must-visit for anyone drawn to quaint island life. Experience the wide, sandy beaches and red sea cliffs while hiking at Prince Edward Island National Park. Afterward, cut inland to hike or bike in the Acadian forest.
Visitors shouldn’t miss the opportunity to explore Charlottetown, the island’s quaint capital city filled with Victorian architecture. Then, head north to Green Gables Heritage Place, which inspired the 1908 novel Anne of Green Gables.
There are plenty of restaurants where you can sample the famous PEI mussels, fresh lobster, and oysters. For another type of sea life, look for seals on the red sand beaches, as four different species make Prince Edward Island home.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Rugged coastlines, looming icebergs, and unique wildlife are a sampling of the attractions in the Newfoundland and Labrador Province. Encompassing 700 square miles on Newfoundland’s west coast, Gros Morne National Park is one of the best places to visit in Canada. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for incredible hiking through Tablelands, an earth mantle exposed thousands of years ago during a tectonic plate collision.
Other activities in the National Park include a boat ride on Western Brook Pond, a landlocked fjord carved out by glaciers with 2,000-foot waterfalls, and a visit to Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse. Throughout the region, join the locals in whale watching, boat tours of the incredible coastline, and Witless Bay’s puffin colony.
St. John’s, the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador, has a rich history and culture. One of the oldest cities in North America, St. John’s is known for its colorful row houses, award-winning chefs who highlight local fare, and stunning views. Explore the coast with views from the city’s most popular landmark, Signal Hill.
Northern Canada: Arctic Adventures and Natural Wonders
If you’re craving true wilderness adventures in your Canada trip, look north to the three territories that make up Northern Canada. Sparsely populated and filled with mountains, tundra, and untouched wildlife, this is also one of the best places to visit in Canada to view the northern lights.
Yukon Territory
Anyone who has “dog sledding” on their life bucket list should head to Yukon, where the grueling Yukon Quest sled dog race runs 1,000 miles between Whitehorse and Fairbanks, Alaska, annually. Yukon is also known for its role in the Klondike Gold Rush. Today, visitors can still pan for gold, visit the historic gold rush capital, Dawson City, and tour Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park.
Yukon’s capital city, Whitehorse, owes much of its early growth to the gold rush. Nicknamed the “small city with a big backyard,” its proximity to vast wilderness means that most residents enjoy year-round outdoor activities. Hiking, skiing, fishing, and mountain climbing are just a sampling of what Yukon and Whitehorse offer.
Twenty-five minutes northwest of Whitehorse is Yukon Wildlife Preserve, where visitors can see arctic foxes, elk, muskox, and bison roaming through 700 protected acres. Staff host workshops and teach classes about animal and wildlife preservation.
No trip to the Yukon is complete without the Aurora Borealis. The northern lights are visible from mid-August to mid-April, and the Yukon has resorts, spas, and cabins dedicated to the phenomenon.
Northwest Territories
The Northwest Territories are located between Yukon and Nunavut. The majority of its scattered population consists of indigenous tribes, so traditional subsistence activities like fishing, hunting, and trapping are both hobbies and ways of life.
Yellowknife, the capital city on the north side of Great Slave Lake, is perfectly situated for viewing the northern lights in early fall through late winter. With 20 hours of sunlight per day in the summer, locals take advantage of everything the outdoors offers: fishing on Great Slave Lake, fat bike tours around the city, the farmers’ market, outdoor music festivals, hiking in or out of the city, and more!
When you’re ready to escape the city lights, Nahanni National Park Reserve is an astounding remote wilderness protecting part of the Mackenzie Mountains natural region. Central to the Reserve is the South Nahanni River, lined by four massive canyons measuring 3,300 feet deep. The Park includes sulfur hot springs, vast tundra, and widespread forests.
Nunavut
Once part of the Northwest Territories, Nunavut separated in 1999 and became a territory representative of its traditional Inuit culture. Nunavut makes up most of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, consisting of multiple islands accessible only by plane or boat.
The capital city of Iqaluit is on Baffin Island. As the northernmost city in Canada, Iqaluit has a tundra climate where temperatures stay below freezing during the long, dark winter and remain cool in the short summer. Although the city is small, both in size and population, traditional Inuit culture can be seen throughout. The Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum exhibits historic Inuit and Arctic collections, including artwork, tools, documents, and photographs.
Nunavut is home to incredible arctic wildlife that draws travelers worldwide. You can see polar bears, musk oxs, belugas, walruses, and narwhals. Local guides know the best places to catch sightings and offer tours year-round. You can also book an Arctic cruise to get a closer look or cross the rolling hills, fjords, and glacial troughs on a dog sled. A must-see is Auyuittuq National Park, a beautiful place to ski, hike, and mountain climb.
Visit Canada and Its Diverse Regions
Canada’s varied geography, climates, and cultures make it an outstanding destination no matter your interests. Whether you’re in the mood for the modern and historic blend of architecture in Montreal or love sleeping beneath the Aurora Borealis, you will find your perfect vacation!