Canada, the second-largest country in the world, is a land of breathtaking contrasts and stunning beauty. From towering mountains and vast wilderness to vibrant multicultural cities, Canada offers an unparalleled travel experience. Whether you’re drawn to wildlife encounters, outdoor adventures, rich cultural scenes, or culinary delights, Canada has something to captivate every traveler. Planning a trip to this expansive country requires careful consideration, as its sheer size means you’ll need to prioritize the destinations that best match your interests. For first-time visitors and seasoned travelers alike, exploring the Best Places To Travel In Canada promises unforgettable memories and unique adventures.
Ontario
1. Toronto
Best for Cultural Diversity and Urban Exploration
Toronto, a dynamic metropolis in Ontario, is a melting pot of cultures and a testament to urban diversity. This cosmopolitan city boasts a rich tapestry of neighborhoods, each offering distinct experiences. Explore the bustling streets of Chinatown, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Greektown, or indulge in world-class fusion cuisine. Toronto’s art galleries, theaters, and passionate hockey culture solidify its position as Ontario’s most exciting urban center. As Canada’s most diverse city, nearly half of Toronto’s residents were born outside of Canada, contributing to its global and inclusive atmosphere.
Local Tip: No visit to Toronto is complete without capturing a photo of the iconic CN Tower, one of the city’s top attractions. For thrill-seekers, the EdgeWalk experience offers an exhilarating opportunity to walk hands-free around the tower’s perimeter, providing breathtaking panoramic city views.
CN Tower and Toronto Skyline at Dusk
2. Niagara Falls
Best for Iconic Natural Wonders and Thrilling Experiences
Niagara Falls, Canada’s number one tourist attraction, is renowned for its awe-inspiring and powerful waterfalls. Experience the raw power of nature aboard the legendary Maid of the Mist boat tour, where you’ll be enveloped in the thunderous spray of the falls. For those seeking a different perspective, the Niagara Glen hiking trail provides a serene escape through ancient forests and rugged terrain, offering a tranquil contrast to the falls’ roaring cascade.
Extend your adventure with a scenic bike ride along the Greater Niagara Circle Route, or elevate your experience with Wildplay Zipline, offering unparalleled aerial views directly overlooking Niagara Falls.
3. Manitoulin Island
Best for Indigenous Culture and Lakeside Serenity
Manitoulin Island, the world’s largest freshwater island, offers a tranquil escape with its relaxed pace, charming summer cottages, and inviting lakeside beaches. The island’s shoreline is characterized by dramatic expanses of white quartzite and granite outcroppings, leading to stunning, shimmering vistas. Manitoulin Island is also a vibrant hub of First Nations culture, with eight distinct communities offering authentic local foods and immersive eco-adventures. Experience the rich traditions of Powwows, filled with captivating drumming, dancing, and storytelling, providing a deep connection to the land and the Indigenous peoples of Canada.
Two People Ice Skating on Rideau Canal in Ottawa
4. Rideau Canal
Best for Winter Ice Skating and Historical Waterways
The Rideau Canal, a historic 200 km waterway inaugurated in 1832, links Ottawa and Kingston through a network of canals, rivers, and lakes, featuring 47 locks. The canal reaches its peak charm in wintertime Ottawa when a significant section transforms into the Rideau Canal Skateway – the world’s largest naturally frozen ice rink.
Glide across 7.8km of meticulously groomed ice, pausing for comforting hot chocolate and delectable beavertails, a quintessential Canadian pastry. The annual Winterlude festival in February amplifies the winter magic, showcasing impressive ice sculptures and festive town activities.
Local Tip: As the ice thaws, the Rideau Canal becomes a haven for boating enthusiasts, ensuring its appeal throughout the year.
British Columbia
5. Vancouver
Best for Urban Sophistication Meets Natural Beauty
Vancouver, a laid-back and stylish metropolis nestled between the sea and mountains, is renowned for its breathtaking “sea-to-sky” scenery. With skiable mountains just a short drive away, beaches lining the coast, and the lush rainforest of Stanley Park steps from the city center’s modern skyscrapers, Vancouver perfectly blends urban life with access to nature.
Pack a picnic and take advantage of Vancouver’s relaxed park drinking regulations during summer. Wander through diverse and charming neighborhoods, and you might even spot a celebrity, as Vancouver, often called “Hollywood North,” is a prominent filming location for numerous TV and film productions year-round.
Planning Tip: Vancouver’s mild climate and stunning beaches make it a prime destination in Canada to visit during the summer months.
Vancouver Cityscape with Mountains and Water
6. Vancouver Island
Best for Wilderness Exploration and Boutique Foodie Trails
Victoria, the picturesque capital of British Columbia, serves as the heart of Vancouver Island. This charming city is filled with bohemian shops, cozy coffee bars with wooden interiors, and a rich heritage rooted in English tea culture dating back to the 1840s. While Victoria exudes charm, it’s just the gateway to Vancouver Island’s vast natural wonders.
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, with its iconic West Coast Trail, offers misty wilderness landscapes and the renowned surf waves of Tofino. With countless outdoor adventures available, Vancouver Island stands out as a favorite among Canada’s national parks for nature enthusiasts.
Detour: Food lovers should explore the Cowichan Valley, dotted with welcoming local farms and boutique wineries, offering a delightful culinary escape.
Campfire on Vancouver Island Beach at Sunset
7. Whistler
Best for Year-Round Mountain Adventures
Whistler, a celebrated venue of the 2010 Winter Olympics, is globally recognized as a premier ski resort, conveniently located just 90 minutes from Vancouver. Featuring over 200 marked trails cascading down Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, this alpine village is a true skier’s paradise.
While skiing is Whistler’s main attraction, the summer season brings mountain bikers and paddleboarders, making it a vibrant year-round destination. Complementing its outdoor appeal, Whistler has cultivated a thriving arts and culture scene, with attractions like the Audain Art Museum and the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, providing enriching experiences beyond the famous slopes.
Alberta
8. The Canadian Rockies
Best for Majestic Mountain Scenery and Outdoor Activities
Often hailed as the most beautiful place to visit in Canada, the Canadian Rockies straddle British Columbia and Alberta, offering breathtaking landscapes and thrilling adventures across five national parks. Engage in hiking, whitewater rafting, and skiing amidst stunning mountain vistas.
For a unique perspective, consider a train journey through the Rockies, experiencing the grandeur from the comfort of your seat. Marvel at luminous lakes, vibrant wildflower meadows, and glistening glaciers as the train traverses mountain passes and river valleys, heading east or west.
Mountain Biking in the Canadian Rockies Snow
9. Drumheller
Best for Dinosaur Discoveries and Badlands Landscapes
Drumheller, nestled in Alberta’s Badlands, is a haven for dinosaur enthusiasts, fueled by the renowned Royal Tyrrell Museum, home to one of the world’s leading fossil collections. The town proudly displays the world’s largest “dinosaur,” a giant fiberglass T-rex that visitors can climb and peer from its mouth. Beyond dinosaur attractions, explore the classic Badlands scenery, including the unique “hoodoos,” striking rock spires.
Planning Tip: Follow the scenic driving loops to fully experience the dramatic landscapes and key attractions of Drumheller and the surrounding Badlands.
Quebec
10. Old Québec City
Best for Romantic Ambiance and European Charm
Québec City, the historic capital with over 400 years of history, is a treasure of romance and old-world charm. Its stone walls, soaring cathedrals, and inviting jazz cafes evoke the atmosphere of enchanting European cities. Wander through the narrow, winding streets of the old town, discovering street performers, cozy inns, and the enticing aroma of café au lait and fresh pastries.
Extend your exploration with a picturesque drive along Québec’s Route 132, winding along the coast, through mountains, and past charming villages, offering stunning views and a taste of the region’s natural beauty.
11. Montréal
Best for Vibrant Music Scene and Festival Culture
Montréal, Canada’s second-largest city and cultural hub, is a paradise for music lovers. From June to August, Montréal’s parks, waterfronts, and festival venues burst into life with bustling rooftop bars and art-filled streets. The renowned Montréal International Jazz Festival draws top jazz musicians globally, with over 500 performances, many of which are free, for enthusiastic audiences. Explore further and discover more of the exciting things to do in Montreal to maximize your visit.
Planning Tip: Check Tourisme Montréal for up-to-date information on live music events, both large and intimate, happening across the city.
Montreal Summer Festival Scene
Prairies (Manitoba, Saskatchewan)
12. The Prairies
Best for Expansive Landscapes and Road Trip Adventures
Experience the solitude and vastness of Canada’s Prairies. Drive through Manitoba’s expansive landscapes and Saskatchewan’s seemingly endless golden wheat fields that stretch to the horizon. Watch as the wind makes the wheat sway like ocean waves, punctuated by the occasional grain elevator standing tall like a ship.
The big skies of the Prairies bring dramatic storms, visible for miles across the skyline. Discover far-flung towns like artistic Winnipeg, quirky Moose Jaw, and historic Regina, interspersed with villages reflecting Ukrainian and Scandinavian heritage.
13. Churchill
Best for Polar Bear and Beluga Whale Encounters
Witnessing a polar bear up close is an unforgettable experience, and Churchill, Manitoba, is the premier destination for such encounters, situated directly on the bears’ migration path. From late September to early November, tundra vehicles offer safe and close viewing opportunities of polar bears in their natural habitat. Summer in Churchill provides a different wildlife spectacle, with opportunities to kayak or stand-up paddleboard alongside beluga whales.
Polar Bear in Churchill Manitoba Tundra
Atlantic Canada
14. Bay of Fundy
Best for Whale Watching and Maritime Scenery
The Bay of Fundy, with its iconic lighthouses, fishing boats, and charming villages, offers classic maritime scenery, but it’s far from an ordinary Canadian bay. The Bay of Fundy’s extraordinary tides attract a diverse array of whales, including fin, humpback, and the endangered North Atlantic right whales, making it an essential destination for whale watching enthusiasts. For more maritime travel inspiration, explore the best places to visit in Nova Scotia, a neighboring province rich in coastal charm.
Northern Canada
15. Baffin Island
Best for Arctic Landscapes and Inuit Art
Baffin Island’s rugged terrain features towering mountains and is home to a significant portion of Nunavut’s population. As Canada’s largest island, it’s an ideal location for an arctic safari to spot narwhals, beluga whales, and polar bears. The island’s jewel is Auyuittuq National Park, meaning “the land that never melts,” characterized by glaciers, fjords, and dramatic cliffs. The park is a magnet for experienced hikers and climbers—and also a habitat for polar bears.
Local Tip: Baffin Island is also a hub for Inuit art; high-quality carvings, prints, and weavings can be found in studios across many of the island’s small communities.
Plan Your Canadian Adventure Further:
Discover the best ways to see Canada by train and explore scenic road trip routes.
Find the ideal time to visit Canada and explore the top attractions and activities across the country.
Learn about transportation options within Canada and tips for budget-friendly travel.
Get essential information on visa requirements for visiting Canada to ensure a smooth trip.
