Introduction
You may be wondering what are the top places you should visit if you are traveling to Canada. As the second largest country in the world, Canada has a lot to offer visitors. From beautiful national parks to vibrant multicultural cities, there are many great options to consider when planning your next Canadian vacation. Here is an overview of the 10 most popular tourist destinations that you should add to your Canada travel bucket list.
1. Banff National Park (Alberta)
About: Banff National Park is Canada's oldest and most famous national park. Located in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta, Banff is known for its gorgeous mountain scenery, glaciers, lakes, hiking trails, hot springs and abundant wildlife.
What to See & Do: While in Banff National Park, you can take in the views of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, walk on the Athabasca Glacier, soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs, spot elk and bighorn sheep, and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, climbing, skiing and camping. The town of Banff also offers great restaurants, shops and museums.
2. Niagara Falls (Ontario)
About: Situated along the U.S.-Canada border between Ontario and New York, Niagara Falls is arguably the most famous waterfall in the world. Comprised of 3 different waterfalls - American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and Horseshoe Falls, it sees millions of visitors every year.
What to See & Do: The top attractions are seeing the thundering falls up close on boat tours, enjoying panoramic views from observation towers, walking through tunnels behind the falls, visiting botanical gardens, casinos, wineries and numerous family-friendly museums and amusement parks in the area. You can also take a helicopter ride over thefalls for awesome aerial views.
3. Vancouver (British Columbia)
About: Perched along Canada's scenic Pacific coastline, Vancouver has a magnificent natural harbor, beaches, parks and woodlands that make it one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It also boasts amazing cultural diversity, cuisine and a vibrant arts scene.
What to See & Do: Top things to do include exploring Stanley Park's forests and seawall trails, visiting Granville Island Public Market, observing sea lions and orcas from Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, checking out Vancouver Aquarium and enjoying Chinese food and shops in bustling Chinatown.
4. Toronto (Ontario)
About: As Canada's largest city and capital of Ontario province, Toronto is a major economic and cultural hub known for its incredible diversity of neighborhoods, cultures, food, arts and entertainment.
What to See & Do: Must-see places include the iconic CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum, Ripley's Aquarium, Hockey Hall of Fame, Casa Loma castle, Distillery Historic District, vibrant Eaton Centre mall, St. Lawrence Market, Toronto Zoo and taking in a show or concert on Broadway-style theater strip.
5. Montreal (Quebec)
About: Montreal exudes old-world European charm combined with modern North American swagger. As Quebec's cultural epicenter and biggest city, it offers fantastic food, arts, culture and nightlife with a romantic flair.
What to See & Do: Sightseeing highlights include wandering cobblestone streets in Old Montreal, enjoying views from Mount Royal Park, seeing Notre-Dame Basilica, exploring Montreal Botanical Garden, browsing museums and checking out free festivals and shows at Quartier des Spectacles entertainment district.
6. Whistler (British Columbia)
About: Nestled in British Columbia's breathtaking Coast Mountains, Whistler is consistently ranked as the #1 ski resort in North America. But there are also tons of things to enjoy in Whistler during the warmer months too.
What to See & Do: Whistler Blackcomb ski slopes offer premier downhill and cross country skiing from November to June. In summer, popular activities shift to hiking trails, zip lines, golf courses, alpine slides, cliff walks, bear viewing, ginormous farmers market and even Canada's largest Pride Parade.
7. Quebec City (Quebec)
About: With its 17th century walls, cobblestone streets, charming cafes andEuropean vibe, Quebec City oozes history, Gallic charm and romance that makes it exceptionally unique in North America. It's also the capital of Canada's French-speaking Quebec province.
What to See & Do: Must-see attractions include visiting the historic Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac hotel, walking along Old Quebec's walls, browsing art galleries and boutiques, seeing the impressive Montmorency Falls and enjoying outstanding French cuisine and decadent maple treats.
8. Ottawa (Ontario)
About: Ottawa serves as Canada's scenic capital and seat of Parliament. It borders Quebec province and straddles the Ottawa River which adds to its unique bilingual and cultural blend.Ottawa boasts beautiful green spaces and landmarks too.
What to See & Do: Top things to check out are touring Canada's magnificent Parliament Hill buildings, seeing prime ministers' homes, visiting the National Gallery of Canada, Canadian Museum of History and Science & Technology Museum, skating along the UNESCO-designated Rideau Canal (world's largest skating rink) and joining in on Canada Day (July 1st) celebrations.
9. Canadian Rockies
About: Spanning British Columbia and Alberta provinces, the mighty Canadian Rockies feature the Continental Divide and some of Canada's most rugged, pristine and spectacular mountain scenery complete with alpine lakes, glaciers, forests and abundance of wildlife.
What to See & Do: Aside from Banff National Park and adjoining Jasper, Yoho and Kootenay parks, must-visit places here include scenic Icefields Parkway drive, Columbia Icefield glacier walks and Glacier Skywalk, crystal blue Lake Louise, Emerald Lake, Takakkaw Falls, hot springs, ski resorts and world-renowned hiking trails that deliver non-stop beautiful views.
10. Halifax (Nova Scotia)
About: As the largest city on Canada's East Coast and capital of Nova Scotia, colorful waterfront Halifax combines small town charm, fresh seafood and metropolitan culture with plenty of maritime history and coastal natural beauty.
What to See & Do: Top attractions are strolling the historic downtown and lively waterfront boardwalk, visiting the star-shaped Citadel fort, checking out museums and shops at the Quartier Maritime Historic District, enjoying coastal views from Peggy's Cove lighthouse and eating fresh Atlantic lobster rolls from roadside food trucks.
Conclusion
Canada's enormous size holds countless places that are well worth visiting for travelers - from magnificent mountains, thundering waterfalls and glassy lakes to vibrant multicultural cities, quaint maritime villages and French-infused Quebec. Whether your interests include outdoor adventures, incredible wildlife, historical sites or indulging in world-class food, wine and entertainment, Canada has an array of destinations that cater to every tourist taste, budget and checklist. Use this list of the 10 most popular places to visit in Canada to help start planning an unforgettable Canadian vacation.