The 20 Best Places to Visit in Canada
There are so many amazing places to visit in Canada that it can be tough to choose just 20. Canada has something for everyone, from rocky coastlines and snow-capped mountains to charming small towns and pulsing cities. But if you’re looking for the ultimate Canadian adventure, this article has you covered. You need to check out some of these twenty amazing places that Canada has to offer. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey.
20. Old Montreal
Old Montreal is one of the oldest and most historic areas of the city of Montreal. According to Travel Channel, founded in 1642, it was the site of the first French settlement in North America. Today, Old Montreal is a bustling tourist destination, with its cobbled streets, historic buildings, and horse-drawn carriages. It is also home to many restaurants, cafes, and bars, as well as several art galleries and museums. It is a perfect place to spend a day exploring Canada’s rich history and culture.
19. The Bay of Fundy
It is a popular tourist destination in Canada, known for its dramatic tides and spectacular scenery. According to Ocean Service, the bay is home to the world’s highest tides, reaching up to 16 meters in height. As a result, it is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of hiking, camping, and kayaking opportunities. The bay also homes various wildlife, including seals, dolphins, and whales. In addition to its natural beauty, it also has a rich history. The bay was the site of the first European settlement in Canada, and humans have inhabited it for over 10,000 years. Today, it is an important part of Canadian culture and identity.
18. Toronto Islands
The Toronto Islands are a chain of small islands in Lake Ontario, Canada. They form the westernmost point of the city of Toronto and are a popular recreation area. The islands are home to several parks, including Algonquin Island Park and Hanlan’s Point Park. There are also several beaches, including the popular Centre Island Beach. The islands are accessible by ferry from the city center and offer stunning skyline views. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, swimming, fishing, and windsurfing. The islands are a popular destination for cross-country skiing and ice fishing in winter. The Toronto Islands are a beautiful natural escape from the busy city and a perfect place to enjoy the outdoors.
17. Algonquin Provincial Park
It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Canada. Known for its stunning scenery and diverse wildlife, the park attracts visitors from all over the world. Located in Ontario, the park covers a vast area of 7,630 square kilometers. Within its borders are more than 1,500 lakes and countless streams, rivers, and wetlands. The landscape is unique, with forests, meadows, and even bogs. Also, the Algonquin is home to an abundant variety of wildlife, including moose, squirrels, beavers, and loons. Visitors can explore the park on foot, by canoe, or on horseback. There are also numerous campgrounds and lodges where visitors can stay.
16. Granville Island
Granville Island is one of Vancouver’s most popular tourist destinations. According to Vancouver Best Places, Granville is home to a vibrant public market, numerous shops and galleries, and various restaurants. Visitors can also enjoy views of the city skyline and the nearby mountains. Thanks to its central location and wide range of attractions, Granville Island is a great place to spend a day or two exploring.
15. Peyto Lake
It is a glacier-fed lake located in the Canadian Rockies. The lake is named after Bill Peyto, an early explorer of the region. It is well known for its bright blue color, created by sunlight reflecting off of particles of glacial rock flour suspended in the water. Peyto is also a popular destination for hiking and wildlife viewing. Visitors can hike to Bow Summit, the highest point on the Icefields Parkway, or explore one of the many trails that wind through the surrounding forest. Wildlife enthusiasts can search for bighorn sheep, elk, and other animals that make their home in the Rockies. Peyto Lake is an iconic destination in the Canadian Rockies and a must-see for anyone visiting the area.
14. Casa Loma
Casa Loma is a Gothic Revival style house and gardens in midtown Toronto, Canada, now a museum and landmark. The developer of this project was Sir Henry Pellatt, a very successful businessman in the early 1900s. The house took 300 men three years to build and contained over 100 rooms, including an opera hall, stables, secret passages, and an 800-foot long tunnel connecting the castle to the stables. Today, visitors can take guided tours of the castle, stroll through the gardens, and enjoy afternoon tea in the Oak Room. Casa Loma is truly a Canadian treasure and well worth a visit.
13. Jasper National Park of Canada
Jasper National Park is a Canadian Rocky Mountain national park located in Alberta’s westernmost province, Alberta. The park has the glaciers of the Columbia Icefield, lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, and mountains. It is Canada’s largest national park and the world’s second-largest Dark Sky Preserve. Established in 1907, it is also one of the world’s oldest national parks. Jasper National Park is slightly larger than Switzerland, with an area of 10,878 km2 (4,200 sq. mi).
It is north of Banff National Park, and its southern boundary lies along the Great Divide. The park straddles the Yellowhead Highway, which passes through its southwest corner from Edmonton to Kamloops in British Columbia. Jasper is about 362 kilometers (225 mi) west of Calgary. Jasper townsite is located in the heart of “Jasper Dark Sky Preserve,” with planetarium shows at night to inform visitors about astronomy topics like stars and special astronomical events like meteor showers or eclipses that can be seen at different locations on Earth.
12. Whistler Blackcomb
According to Whistler, Whistler Blackcomb is a world-renowned ski resort located in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, Canada. The resort, which Vail Resorts and Nippon Cable jointly own, is consistently ranked as one of the best ski resorts in North America. With over 8,000 acres of skiable terrain, Whistler offers something for everyone, from beginner to expert. In addition to its exceptional skiing and snowboarding, the resort is also home to various shops, restaurants, and nightlife.
11. Lake Louise
Lake Louise is a stunning glacial lake located in Banff National Park, Canada. Surrounded by towering mountains and pristine forests, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. The lake gets its beautiful turquoise color from the rock flour suspended in the water, and visitors can enjoy views of the surrounding peaks reflected in the calm waters. There are many hiking trails in the area and opportunities for canoeing, camping, and horseback riding. In the winter, the lake freezes and becomes a popular spot for ice skating and cross-country skiing.
10. Banff National Park
Banff National Park is one of Canada’s most popular tourist destinations, and it’s not hard to see why. Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, the park offers breathtaking scenery, an abundance of wildlife, and endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Whether hiking through alpine meadows or skiing down snow-capped peaks, Banff is sure to dazzle and delight. And don’t forget to explore the world-famous hot springs. Soak in the mineral-rich waters and let all your worries float away.
9. The Butchart Gardens
The Butchart Gardens is a must-see for any nature lover visiting Canada. Located on Vancouver Island, according to the Butchart Gardens Website, the gardens are spread over 55 acres and feature an impressive array of plant life, from towering trees to delicate flowers. In addition to the stunning visuals, the gardens also boast an impressive array of birds, bees, and other wildlife. Visitors can stroll along the many paths, relax in the scenic gazebo, or take a boat ride in the inlet and bay surrounding the gardens.
8. Art Gallery of Ontario
The Art Gallery of Ontario is one of the most visited museums in Canada. The gallery has many art collections, from Canadian and European paintings to contemporary works. The AGO also has an extensive education program, which offers classes and workshops for children and adults. Visitors can also take advantage of the gallery’s many public events, which include concerts, films, and lectures. As one of the largest art museums in North America, the Art Gallery of Ontario is an essential stop for any art lover.
7. Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac
It is a historic hotel in Quebec City, Canada. Originally built in 1893, the hotel has been meticulously restored and now offers modern amenities while retaining its old-world charm. The hotel overlooks the St. Lawrence River and is steps away from many of Quebec City’s most popular attractions, including the Citadelle, Place Royale, and the Petit Champlain district. Guests can enjoy world-class dining, luxurious accommodations, and stunning city views.
6. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Vancouver, British Columbia. The park is home to the Capilano Suspension Bridge, which stretches 450 feet (137 meters) across and 230 feet (70 meters) above the Capilano River. The bridge is made of steel and hemp and is suspended by cables anchored into the cliff walls on either side of the canyon. Visitors to the park can also take a scenic walk through the rainforest, go on a nature hike, or visit the adorable rescued animals at the Capilano Salmon Hatchery.
5. Fairmont Banff Spring
The Fairmont Banff Springs hotel is a magnificent castle-like structure located in Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. The hotel was built in 1888 by the Canadian Pacific Railway Company as a luxury resort for wealthy travelers. Today, Fairmont Banff Springs is a popular destination for tourists and locals. The hotel offers a variety of amenities, including an indoor pool, a spa, and several restaurants. The Fairmont Banff Springs is also home to a championship golf course, which has hosted several professional tournaments.
4. Royal Ontario Museum
It is one of the largest museums in North America, and it is considered one of the most important museums in the world. The museum was founded in 1912 and houses more than six million artifacts from around the globe. The museum’s collections include Canadian history, world cultures, dinosaurs, minerals, and animals. The Royal Ontario Museum is also home to several unique exhibits, including the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Egyptian mummy of Queen Nefertari. The museum is in Toronto, one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. More than 1.5 million people visit the Royal Ontario Museum each year.
3. Moraine Lake
It is a glacially-fed lake in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada. It is located in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, at approximately 6,183 feet (1,883 m). The lake has a surface area of 0.5 square miles (1.3 km2) and is drained by Moraine Creek. The lake gets its name from the moraine that forms its eastern shore. The moraine consists of rocks and other debris carried down from the nearby mountains by glaciers. The serene blue waters of Moraine Lake are a popular destination for hikers, photographers, and nature lovers worldwide. In addition to its natural beauty, the lake is also home to various wildlife, including beavers, otters, and ospreys.
2. Stanley Park
Nestled in the heart of Vancouver, Stanley Park is one of the largest urban parks in North America. Spanning more than 1000 acres, the park is home to pristine beaches, towering forests, and wildlife. Visitors can stroll along the seawall, explore the lush gardens, or ride on the historic miniature railway.
1. CN Towers
The CN Tower is one of Canada’s most recognizable landmarks. Located in downtown Toronto, according to Britannica, it stands 553 meters tall and offers panoramic views of the city. Built in 1976, the CN Tower was originally designed as a communication tower for radio and television signals. Today, it is a major tourist attraction, with an observation deck, glass-enclosed elevators, and a restaurant. The CN Tower is also home to the world’s highest outdoor elevator, which takes visitors to the SkyPod observation deck. For those looking for a thrill, the Edge Walk allows visitors to walk around the tower’s perimeter, 116 stories above the ground.
Visiting Canada
No matter what time of year you visit, Canada is breathtakingly beautiful, with plenty to offer tourists. Canada has something for everyone, from the cosmopolitan city life in Toronto and Vancouver to the stunning mountain ranges and glaciers of the west. So, if you want an unforgettable Canadian vacation, consider visiting one (or all) of these 20 amazing places.