From the Canadian Rockies to some of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, the best places to visit in Canada will quite literally take your breath away. A trip to Canada means adventures, no matter what time of year you travel or where you choose to go. In the summer, it’s the perfect destination for your hiking and biking experiences, while in the winter, there’s a lot of skiing to be had.
All these come in some of the best resorts around so you can lay back and relax in luxury after your adventures. It’s packed with unique experiences in a varied landscape that can be both serene and shocking. If you didn’t already know, it’s also one of the best places in the world to spot the elusive Northern Lights.
The best places to visit in Canada: Alberta
Home to Canada’s first national park, Banff National Park, Alberta is bordered by the Rockies to the west and Waterton Glacier International Peace Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, in the southwest. With over 600 lakes, free-standing peaks, glaciers, and a quaint Swiss-like alpine town, it’s one of the best places to holiday in Canada all year round.
Edmonton, the capital city, is one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada. It’s also one of the sunniest places Canada boasts, along with Calgary. The main draw, however, is the thriving food scene. Take a food tour to discover the best places to eat in town, which is also one of the best ways of learning about the city and its regions.
Banff
Nestled at the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, between Mt Rundle and Mt Cascade, Banff is your quintessential Swiss village in Canada. One of the most popular holiday destinations in Canada, it’s located on the southeastern border of Banff National Park. This makes it an ideal outdoor adventure holiday spot in the summer.
Your choices here include hiking up Stoney Squaw Mountain or tackling the Hoodoos, the ginormous free-standing lime peaks of Mt Norquay. If biking is more your thing, then head to Healy Creek for a scenic cycling route. While here, a day trip to the Columbia Icefields should be on the cards; it is like a journey back in time. You will board a very cool ice explorer for your expedition, which includes a visit to the Athabasca Glacier. Located in the Athabasca Valley, you get the chance to walk on a 10,000-year-old sheet of ice and even drink from a glacier.
Otherwise, marvel at the pristine turquoise waters of Moraine Lake and its many waterfalls in the enchanting Valley of the Ten Peaks. It’s the ideal place to take a dip on warm summer days or go canoeing down the Bow River. Winter transforms this resort town into an alpine ski resort with luxury chateau-style spa hotels, spot on after a hard day down the slopes of Mt Norquay, now covered in snow. The main street is lined with independent boutiques and lots of trendy cafes and restaurants. You will be spoilt for choice with plenty of options perfect for a long stay.
British Columbia
Whereas on the other side of the Rocky Mountains, tucked in by the Pacific Ocean, British Columbia is the nicest place in Canada if you’re looking to combine a city holiday with nature and beaches. The opportunities are endless. The scenic drive along the Sea to Sky Highway, connecting Vancouver to Whistler, is a must-do in the area.
Hugging the edge of the coast mountains on one side and the ocean on the other, it’s one of the most picturesque drives in Canada, if not the world. Apart from the scenery, it’s also the perfect opportunity to connect and learn more about the Indigenous people that occupied these lands for thousands of years. Stop at any one of the Cultural Journey kiosks dotted along the highway that provide fascinating learning material. One of the most popular detours along the route is Porteau Cove, while Squamish is where you’ll find the stunning Shannon Falls.
Vancouver
Vancouver is where to visit in Canada if you’re looking to soak in some culture and throw in adventure sports before chilling out on a beach. Though relatively young, you’ll find museums, boutiques, and historical sites where you can pick up all you need to know about the First Nations. The Vancouver Maritime Museum is the perfect place to soak up the maritime history of British Columbia and the Canadian Arctic as a whole. For some fabulous skiing, Whistler Blackcomb is one of the best and largest resorts in North America. Its pedestrianised village is the beating hub of the resort and is packed with upscale accommodations, shops and restaurants.
Stanley Park
One of the top places to visit while in Vancouver is Stanley Park. Once home to a large First Nations village of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Burrard, the park is Vancouver’s largest and Canada’s most famous. Located downtown, it’s a beautiful oasis in the city, with a city forest where cyclists can peddle around, three gorgeous beaches, and a lagoon. It is one of the most famous places in Canada. Take a guided tour to truly appreciate and understand its importance or relax your way around on the legendary Stanley Park train.
There’s a choice of restaurants and tea houses to pick from in the park, many with the stunning backdrops of the lakes and waterfalls within the park. The Teahouse restaurant, located at Ferguson Point has some of the best views and is just the place to be at sunset.
Gastown
A visit to Vancouver isn’t complete without calling in at Gastown, the original settlement at the centre of what the city has become today. Now a charming neighbourhood that effortlessly combines the old and the new, it was declared a National Historic Site of Canada in 2009. At the core of its being was a Yorkshire sea captain who arrived here in 1867 to set up the area’s first saloon, leading to the growth and prosperity of the city.
Thanks to the hard work of concerned citizens (and the help of a Dutch immigrant, Henrik Venderhorst) when it almost fell derelict during the great depression, it conserved its very distinct and historic architecture. It’s also the place to go in town for great restaurants and bars.
Manitoba
Of all the places to view the Northern Lights in Canada, Manitoba ranks top, more specifically Churchill; it’s the biggest draw to the area. October and November see the arrival of polar bears, so it’s a great time to be here if you want to catch sight of any. Given its location in the sub-Arctic circle, near Hudson Bay, the winters are incredibly cold. That, however, means they’ve come up with exciting and innovative ways to chase the lights. Think heated Tundra buggies that come fully kitted with mini bars to provide further warmth.
In the warmer months, between June and September, Hudson Bay is the perfect place for whale watching. Pods of beluga whales, whole families of them, seem to come out to play. If you’re looking to spend some time in the wilderness, you can’t go wrong with its 80 protected parks where you can camp, fish and even canoe.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Meanwhile, travelling to the most easterly corner of Canada brings you to the Newfoundland and Labrador province, home to the most beautiful colourful houses perched on rocky shores. Amongst its many attractions are the glacial fjords, waterfalls, and cliffs located in Gros Morne National Park. There’s also a Viking settlement worth visiting, believed to be that of the Dutch explorer Leif Erikson, at L’Anise aux Meadows. This is another great location for a walking or hiking holiday. Whale watching and iceberg spotting are a couple of the other things you could do in the summer months here.
St John’s
The harbour town of St John’s is the province’s capital city. One of the main attractions is the row of colourful houses lining the streets around the harbour area. A tradition that started decades ago when fishermen would use paint leftover from refurbishing their boats to paint their houses continues to this day. The result is a delightful row of mish-mashed coloured houses up and down the street.
That’s not the only colourful thing about this part of the harbour, it also has a bustling nightlife with endless restaurants and raucous pubs dating back years. You’ll often find live folk music in many of them. I can’t think of a better way to wind down after a day climbing Signal Hill, which, by the way, offers the most incredible views of the city and its coastline.
St John’s is just the spot to base yourself while you explore Cape Spear, the most northerly point in North America. Nearby is the historic and quaint village of Quidi Vidi, lined with idyllic cottages by Lake Quidi Vidi; it’s also worth a trip while on these shores. A trip here is like a journey down memory lane to times long gone.
Ontario
Moving to the central parts of Canada, we find Ontario, on the border of the US; it’s bordered by the Great Lakes and tops Canada holiday destinations. With a landscape formed predominately of water, it has over 250,000 freshwater lakes, waterways, rivers, and the seasons bring a dramatic change to the scenery. Quite simply, it is the most beautiful place in Canada at any time of year. With over 15 regions, it offers unique experiences, from vibrant cosmopolitan cities to quaint historic towns – it is massive.
Toronto
On Lake Ontario, in the southern part of Ontario, the capital city is a vibrant metropolitan city where you don’t have to work too hard to find something to do. It’s a foodie’s paradise with urban and trendy choices to pick from. Head to the diverse and bohemian neighbourhood of Kensington Market to grab your drink or coffee and indulge in a spot of people-watching or vintage shopping.
Some of the best restaurants in town can be found here too. The world-famous St Lawrence Market, a market that’s been trading since 1803 with stalls passed down generations, is an interesting place to browse.
Toronto packs a punch of holiday experiences, and in the centre of town is the Gothic-style Casa Lomo. However, one of the biggest attractions is located just outside town: Niagara Falls.
Niagara Falls
Roughly a 1h 30min drive from Toronto city, you’ll come to Queen Victoria Park, home to the mighty Niagara Falls, one of the highlights of Canada. Made up of a group of three waterfalls down the Niagara Gorge, the Horseshoe Falls is the largest and also the one located on the Canadian side. Yes, the falls span the borders of Canada and the US.
You can hear the might of the waterfall even before you see it. There are lots of adventures available at the falls, including a boat cruise that can get you as close to the cascading sprays as it’s possibly safe to. To fully appreciate its mighty force, take to the skies on a helicopter cruise; it’s awe inspiring. Otherwise, dine at the rotating restaurant at the Skylon Tower for views you won’t forget in a long time.
Ottawa
Canada’s capital city of Ottawa is quite easily one of the most beautiful capital cities of the world. It comes crammed with grand Victorian architecture, most notably the parliament buildings. Aside from world-class galleries and museums, Little Italy has interesting murals worth seeing, not to mention some of the best Italian food in town. One of its best attractions must be the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rideau Canal. In the summer, it’s the perfect place to take a river cruise to explore the city. In the winter, it transforms into the world’s largest skate rink.
About a 45min drive from town will have you exploring a heritage village with haunted mills and historic houses. It’s also home to one of Canada’s prettiest villages, Merrickville, a Victorian town on a section of the Rideau Canal.
Prince Edward County
Easily Ontario’s most popular summer holiday spot, Prince Edward County is an idyllic lakeside town on Lake Ontario. Dotted with world-class beaches and resorts, it has a laid-back atmosphere where towns are graced with art galleries, independent boutiques and antique shops to rummage through. For some of the best accommodation and beaches in the area, Sandbanks is where to go. Head to Wellington and Hillier if you like your wines, as it’s where some of the country’s best wineries and distilleries can be found, many of which offer tours.
Quebec
For one of the most unique experiences in Canada, head to Quebec. This province, the largest in Canada, is like nowhere else in North America. Known as New France, it still retains strong ties to France, where many of the immigrants who settled here came from. The Old Town in Quebec City especially is like stepping into a painting of France, whilst the official language spoken is French. A highlight of your visit will be the Montreal International Jazz Festival, held over 10 days every year in October, the brainchild of the one and only Ray Charles.
Quebec City
If you’re looking for a truly magical, authentic experience in Canada, you don’t have to look further than Quebec City. Here, you’ll feel like you are in France, especially in the Old Town. Behind an 18th-century UNESCO Heritage site fortified wall is a charming town with cobblestoned streets adorned with towering cathedrals.
Walking along these ancient streets is like walking into a bakery, with smells of freshly baked bread wafting from boulangeries housed in 17th-century buildings. The best thing to do is take a pew at the many squares lined with cafes selling the most delicious coffees and tear into a buttery croissant as you watch the world go by. Once done, head to the Aux Anciens Canadiens, a restaurant housed in Quebec’s oldest house, to sample some local specialities.
One of the highlights of a winter visit to Quebec is witnessing the Carnaval du Quebec. Dating back to 1894, it was held intermittently until 1955, after which it’s now held annually. In celebration of its unique history, you’ll find events and activities all over town for a period of 17 days, generally from the end of January to mid-February. This is what to see in Canada on a winter holiday, which makes a change from simply skiing. Take part in tobogganing, get drawn on a dog sleigh or just mull around enjoying everything that’s on offer.
Montreal
Set on an island on the Saint Lawrence River, Montreal, Canada’s second-largest city, is also one of its most cosmopolitan. It’s one of the best places to stay in Canada to explore Quebec and its surrounds. This urban city that derives its name from Mont Royal, which dominates its city centre, is packed with trendy streets and some of the best restaurants in Canada. From Rue Wellington, named the coolest street, to sandy beaches, it offers plenty to do on a break. Don’t miss the opportunity to go up the mountain; Mount Royal Chalet is a perfect viewpoint from which to appreciate the city spread out below.
Old Montreal is the city’s ode to its past. You’ll find cobblestoned alleyways flanked by plazas and charming cafes. It’s also where the Notre Dame Basilica and the 100-year-old Bonsecours Market are located. Enjoy free entertainment at the lively Place De La Dauveriere, which also offers stunning views of the Old Port.
Prince Edward Island
Travelling further east from Quebec will bring you to Prince Edward Island, located in the Gulf of St Lawrence. This is your mecca for good seafood, coupled with remarkable red beaches. The area is dotted with lighthouses, charming fishing villages and quaint towns. Lobster on the Wharf, with its outdoor terrace in Charlottetown, is popular with the locals and is always packed.
Charlottetown, the capital city of Prince Edward Island and dominated by the spires of a French Gothic-style cathedral built in 1913, is as charming as they come. Head to the cobblestoned streets of Victoria Row, where you’ll find a variety of trendy eateries and boutiques for a shopping indulgence. Meanwhile, the Victoria Park boardwalk is perfect to take a stroll with stunning views of boats bobbing on the water. Don’t miss the cannons and the remains of an old fort found near the entrance.
Nova Scotia
If you’ve ever dreamt of seeing the full glory of autumn colours, nowhere presents a better opportunity than Nova Scotia. It’s a near island, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the east and south, and one of three Canadian maritime provinces in North America. Cape Breton Highlands and Kejimkujik National Parks are some of the best places to witness this phenomenal natural change in the season before winter. At the Bay of Fundy, you can actually walk on the floor of the ocean, an experience so unique to Nova Scotia. The bay can be found between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.
Although, what you are really down here for is the seafood, of course; Nova Scotia lobster roll anyone? To truly indulge in some of the best, the Nova Scotia Lobster Trail has your back. It features a whole range of places to get the best rolls throughout the province and is a fun way to explore the area too.
Yukon
One of Canada’s northernmost provinces, Yukon is also one of the smallest. This sparsely populated region is also one of the best places to view the Northern Lights because of its tranquillity and isolation. Avoid the more populated areas which can cause light pollution and head out to the mountains if this is what you are after. Whitehorse offers great hiking opportunities at Miles Canyon, which leads to Yukon Wildlife Reserve. The reserve is home to incredible Canadian wildlife, including bison, arctic foxes, and elk.
Kluane National Park
Home to Canada’s largest peak, Mount Logan, Kluane National Park also has the world’s largest non-polar icefields. Within its valleys is a lush expanse of woodland and foliage, where wolves, grizzlies, and moose roam free. For the twitcher in you, it’s the perfect location to spot arctic terns or peregrine falcons. You’ll also find the stunning Lake Kluane located on the border with Alaska. This is one of the best places to stay in Canada if you love nature, it has various choices close to the park.
Caught by the wanderlust this article has inspired in you? Then check out the best places to visit in Germany, or if you’re planning a trip to Italy, then read the best places to visit in Italy. Turkey has some incredible adventures too; find out more about the best places to visit in Turkey. Alternatively, if frolicking in sand dunes is more your thing, then the best places to visit in Dubai is an ideal read for you.
