Top 10 Destinations in Canada
From cosmopolitan centers to mountain resorts, Canada's landscapes and culture inspire adventure. Soak in the city vibes of Vancouver and Victoria, or immerse yourself in the Rocky Mountains’ electric-blue glacial lakes, waterfalls, and wildlife in Banff and Lake Louise.
Wine lovers will love a swank escape to Okanagan. The vineyards here are a feast for the eyes as well as taste buds.
1. Vancouver
Vancouver is a natural playground, famous for gracing the list of ‘world’s most livable cities' in recent years. With beaches flanking the coast, and skiable mountains in easy reach, the city is a harmonious blend of sea-to-sky beauty. Go whale watching or hiking, or take in the sights of Victoria Island and its lush gardens.
Located on the edge of the Prairies, Winnipeg is a dynamic city that straddles the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers. Known for its thriving farmers market and family-friendly activities, the city is home to a number of museums, including Canada’s premier human rights museum.
The Niagara Falls, a world-famous natural attraction, is also nearby and draws millions of visitors each year. It’s the perfect place for a day trip or a longer stay. Toronto is Canada’s cultural hot spot, offering ballet, opera, symphony, Broadway shows and more.
2. Toronto
Whether you’re a design buff, a foodie, a music lover, or a cultural explorer, Toronto has something to interest everyone. It’s the country’s cultural hot spot, with ballet, opera, and symphony performances, plus world-class museums.
A stroll through a historic neighbourhood is a great way to learn about the city’s multifaceted heritage. You’ll also find top-notch dining and shopping.
Outside the city, a drive through the classic Badlands landscape offers eerie mushroom-like rock columns and spectacular views. Dinosaur lovers get weak in the knees at dust-blown Drumheller, where paleontological civic pride is evident at the Royal Tyrrell Museum’s collection of fecal matter from some of the world’s most important dinosaur fossils. Thrill seekers will be in heaven at Canada’s Wonderland, an incredible four-season amusement park with plenty of exhilarating rides. Then there are city parks like High Park, which is a lovely oasis for hiking and outdoor recreation.
3. Quebec
The quaint city of Quebec feels like a European village with its French heritage, architecture and language. Stroll its streets to discover countless works of art, historic points of interest and restaurants and cafes lining the narrow lanes.
The Citadel—called the "Gibraltar of the Americas" by Samuel de Champlain—is one of the must-see sites in the Old Quarter. Other highlights include the eerie rock columns known as the hoodoos and the famous Umbrella Alley art installation. Learn a few phrases of French to get the most out of your trip.
Dinosaur fans will go weak-kneed in Drumheller, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to the Royal Tyrrell Museum’s collection of prehistoric specimens. The geological wonder of Gros Morne National Park is another top draw, revealing how continental drift has formed this stunning landscape of rocky lowlands, soaring peaks and untouched lakes.
4. Okanagan
Often dubbed Canada’s Napa Valley, Okanagan is a prime wine-producing region and an outdoor adventure hotspot. During summer, visitors can rent a boat to explore Okanagan Lake or hike in the surrounding mountains. In winter, Big White is a popular ski resort.
Quebec City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a French flavor that will make you feel like you’re in Europe. It’s where Samuel de Champlain established the only walled city in North America.
The rugged peaks and glaciers of Kluane National Park are another highlight. The spectacular Wapta and Takakkaw Falls are a photographer’s dream. Dinosaur lovers will be weak-kneed at dust-blown Drumheller, where paleontological civic pride is on full display in the Royal Tyrrell Museum. The area’s classic Badlands scenery and eerie mushroom-like rock columns are also a draw.
5. Niagara Falls
The top destinations in Canada range from wild wilderness to gastronomic delights and cultural gems. Watch polar bears roam the open tundra in Churchill or chow down on five-star fusion cuisine in Toronto.
One of the most iconic attractions in Canada, Niagara Falls straddles the border between Ontario and New York State. The Canadian side boasts better vistas of the Horseshoe Falls, but it’s also a tourist trap teeming with observation towers, restaurants, souvenir shops and casinos.
Opt for a Maid of the Mist or Hornblower Cruise to see the falls from the water or stroll the boardwalk for sweeping views over the raging river and swirling Niagara Whirlpool. Don’t miss the Upside Down House, where furniture and appliances are hung from the ceiling, and snap some hilarious photos. Also, visit the spooky 19th-century Cave of the Winds.
6. Tofino
Tofino, on rugged Vancouver Island, is a surfer’s paradise. Surfers and nature lovers flock to the town for its crashing waves, mist-shrouded wilderness, and wildlife adventures.
During the summer, visitors can kayak the tranquil waters of Clayoquot Sound (a bucket list experience for paddlers the world over). Other marine wildlife highlights include lunge-feeding grey whales and rafts of sea otters.
Winter storm watching is big here, too. The town is a popular base for viewing giant waves, some up to 20-feet (6 metres) high, from Radar Hill, a former Cold War radar station. Foodies can refuel in cafes and restaurants like the elegant Pointe Restaurant at the Wickaninnish Inn. Art and shopping enthusiasts will enjoy browsing boutique galleries and home studios. There’s even a public market that runs from Victoria Day weekend through September. This is one of the most unique destinations in Canada.
7. Banff
Stunning mountain peaks and glaciers, mirror-like lakes, and awe-inspiring wildlife surround this western Canadian resort town. Banff became Canada’s first national park and its peaks, forests, and lakes have inspired artists and outdoor enthusiasts for generations.
Take the Banff Gondola for spectacular views and photo opportunities of the area. Definitely make a stop at Moraine Lake to see the ten peaks reflecting on its electric blue waters. It’s a must-see, especially at sunrise when the mountains are painted with an orange glow.
Cave and Basin National Historic Site is one of the most fascinating stops in Banff, as it’s where the park’s history began. While the cave itself is short and small, the historic site has a lot to offer to travelers interested in learning about the region’s history. Visit with a guide to get the most out of your experience!
8. Fundy
Located in the heart of Canada, Winnipeg is a bustling, dynamic city, bursting with culture and set along the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers. Wander through the vibrant Forks Market, or visit the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.
The Bay of Fundy is an incredible natural phenomenon, with stunning coastal landscapes and record-breaking tides. Twice a day, 160 billion tonnes of water flow in and out.
Take in the awe-inspiring sights on foot (along one of the park’s 19 hiking trails) or by bike. A stroll across the Point Wolfe covered bridge is a highlight, while the rocky headland of Cape Enrage offers some of the best views of the epic tidal surges. For whale-watching, summer is the time to visit – thanks to abundant krill, sightings are almost guaranteed. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Joggins Fossil Cliffs is another top attraction.
9. Whistler
Over two million people visit Whistler in winter to ski and snowboard on snow-capped peaks at world-renowned Whistler Blackcomb. The resort town embodies the ski-chic lifestyle, hosting dozens of alpine and Nordic events and competitions each year, along with mountain biking and hiking trails.
In summer, families love rollerblading or jogging along Vancouver’s seawall or playing volleyball on Kitsilano Beach. And visitors can swim in Canada’s largest pool, almost three times as long as a normal Olympic pool.
The thriving prairie city of Winnipeg might not be at the top of your list, but it’s worth a stop for its dynamic culture and its spectacular setting. Its parks glow yellow with canola and sunflower fields and its Forks Market, at the junction of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers, has restaurants and outdoor walking trails (a skating rink in winter).
10. Baffin Island
The fifth largest island in the world, Baffin Island is a grand wild landscape and spectacular homeland of the Inuit. It is also an Arctic playground for adventurous travelers. Explore fjords and kilometre-high mountains with glaciers, or on an arctic safari spot polar bears, beluga whales and narwhals in their natural habitat.
Located in the Maritime province of Nova Scotia, Halifax has many attractions to explore including Peggy’s Cove and Lunenburg. Take a walking tour of historic streets or head out into the wilderness for a birding excursion in Point Pleasant Park. Those interested in art can visit the Yellowknife Art Gallery. Then relax at the local mineral water pool. It's a great place to unwind after a day of exploration. Then you can catch a hockey game at Rogers Centre. There are also a number of restaurants and shops to choose from.
