Canada is a vast country that spans nearly 10 million square kilometres, making it the second-largest country in the world. With its wildlife and wilderness, cultural and culinary offering and jaw-dropping landscapes, Canada is a must-visit destination for travellers. Whether you choose to search for polar bears on the arctic tundra of Churchill, cruise Vancouver’s curvy coastline in a kayak, tuck into five-star fusion cuisine in Toronto, or enjoy a street-side jazz session in Montreal, there is no shortage of breathtaking sights and experiences to be had in Canada.
Here are the 10 best places to visit in Canada.
No. 10 - Jasper National Park
Jasper National Park is a vast wilderness area located in the Canadian Rockies in the province of Alberta. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, including towering mountains, glaciers, lakes, and rivers.
One of the most popular attractions in Jasper National Park is the Columbia Icefield, a massive ice sheet covering over 200 square kilometres. Visitors can take a guided tour onto the icefield or walk along the glass-bottomed Skywalk, which offers spectacular views of the surrounding glaciers and mountains.
Another popular attraction in Jasper National Park is Maligne Lake, a crystal-clear lake surrounded by mountains and forests. Visitors can take a boat tour of the lake, which includes a stop at Spirit Island, a small island with a lone tree that has become an iconic symbol of the park.
Jasper National Park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, elk, moose, and mountain goats. Visitors can take guided wildlife tours or hike the many trails in the park to observe these animals in their natural habitat.
The park is also a great place for outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and skiing. The park has numerous campgrounds, backcountry trails, and ski resorts, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts year-round.
No. 9 - Victoria
Victoria is the capital city of the province of British Columbia, located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. One of the most popular attractions in Victoria is the Butchart Gardens, a 55-acre park featuring a variety of gardens and floral displays, including a rose garden, Japanese garden, and Italian garden. Visitors can also enjoy a high tea service at the on-site restaurant.
Another popular attraction in Victoria is the Royal BC Museum, which showcases the natural and human history of British Columbia through exhibits and interactive displays. The museum features collections of First Nations artefacts, natural history specimens, and items related to the province's colonial history.
If you're an architecture enthusiast, be sure to add Victoria to your list. Home to historic architecture, the city boasts numerous buildings and landmarks dating back to the city's founding in the mid-19th century. The city's downtown area features many boutique shops, restaurants, and cafes, as well as landmarks such as the British Columbia Parliament Buildings and the Empress Hotel.
Victoria is great for outdoor activities, including hiking and biking trails, whale watching tours, and kayaking in the nearby waters. The city is also a popular destination for boating and sailing, with several marinas and yacht clubs in the area.
No. 8 - Churchill
Churchill is a small town located on the western shore of Hudson Bay in Manitoba. It is known as the "Polar Bear Capital of the World" due to its location on a major polar bear migration route and the opportunities for viewing these magnificent animals.
As well as polar bears, Churchill is also known for its beluga whales, which can be seen in the waters of the Churchill River and Hudson Bay during the summer months. Visitors can take a boat tour to get up close to the whales and learn more about their behaviour and habitat.
Churchill is also a popular destination for bird watching, with over 200 species of birds found in the surrounding area. Visitors can take guided birding tours or explore the Churchill Wildlife Management Area, which is home to a variety of bird species and other wildlife.
If you're more of an adrenaline junky, don't worry - Churchill has you covered. Visitors can partake in a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, kayaking, and fishing.
The town is also known for its rich history and culture, with several museums and historic sites showcasing the area's Indigenous heritage and the role it played in Canada's fur trade.
Due to its remote location, Churchill is only accessible by plane or train, adding to its sense of adventure and exploration.
No. 7 - Halifax
Halifax is a port city located in the province of Nova Scotia. It is the largest city in Atlantic Canada and is known for its maritime history, vibrant arts and culture scene, and scenic coastal location.
One of the most famous landmarks in Halifax is the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, a 19th-century fortress located in the heart of the city. Visitors can explore the fort's ramparts, barracks, and artillery, as well as attend re-enactments and other events.
Another popular attraction in Halifax is the Halifax Waterfront, a lively boardwalk that offers views of the harbour and features a variety of restaurants, shops, and galleries. Visitors can also take a harbour cruise or visit the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, which showcases the city's seafaring history and artefacts from the Titanic.
Home to a vibrant arts and culture scene, Halifax boasts numerous theatres, galleries, and museums. The city hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Halifax Jazz Festival, the Halifax Pop Explosion, and the Atlantic Film Festival.
Halifax is also one for the foodies, particularly because of its excellent seafood. Restaurants offer fresh lobster, scallops, and other local delicacies. Visitors can also explore the city's many craft breweries and distilleries, which offer tours and tastings.
No. 6 - Whistler
Whistler is a resort town located in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia. It is known for its world-class skiing and snowboarding, as well as its beautiful natural scenery and outdoor activities.
Whistler is home to two mountains, Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain, which are connected by the Peak 2 Peak Gondola. The two mountains offer over 200 marked runs, 16 alpine bowls, and three glaciers, making it one of the largest ski resorts in North America. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, visitors can also enjoy other winter activities such as snowshoeing, ice skating, and dog sledding.
During the summer months, Whistler offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and zip-lining. Visitors can also take a scenic gondola ride to the top of the mountains for panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Whistler's vibrant village offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and nightlife. The village is pedestrian-friendly and features a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels and condos.
No. 5 - Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is a group of three waterfalls located on the Niagara River, which serves as the border between Ontario, Canada, and New York, USA. The three waterfalls are the Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls, and the Bridal Veil Falls.
The Horseshoe Falls, also known as the Canadian Falls, are the largest and most famous of the three, with a height of 57 metres and a width of 790 metres. The American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls are located on the American side of the border and are smaller in size.
Niagara Falls is one of the most popular tourist destinations in North America, attracting millions of visitors each year. Visitors can view the falls from observation decks on both the American and Canadian sides, take boat tours to get up close to the falls, or even take a helicopter tour for a bird's eye view.
In addition to the falls themselves, there are many other attractions in the area, including casinos, museums, and outdoor activities like hiking and biking. The Niagara Falls State Park on the American side and the Niagara Parks on the Canadian side offer a variety of attractions and activities, including hiking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds.
No. 4 - Toronto
Toronto is the largest city in Canada and the capital of the province of Ontario. It is a diverse and multicultural city, with a population of over 2.7 million people.
The city is located on the shore of Lake Ontario and offers a variety of attractions for visitors. One of the most famous landmarks in Toronto is the CN Tower, a 553-metre tall tower that offers stunning views of the city and the lake. Visitors can also take a walk on the EdgeWalk, a thrilling experience where you walk outside the tower on a 1.5-metre wide ledge, 116 stories above the ground.
Another popular attraction in Toronto is the Toronto Islands, a chain of islands located just off the shore of the city. Visitors can take a ferry to the islands and enjoy a variety of activities, including swimming, kayaking, cycling, and picnicking.
If you're looking for culture, Toronto has you covered. There are a number of attractions across the city, including the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Royal Ontario Museum, and the Canadian Broadcasting Centre. The city is also home to a vibrant theatre scene, with a number of theatres and production companies offering a variety of shows and performances.
Toronto is famous for its food scene, with a diverse range of restaurants and cuisines available. Visitors can try traditional Canadian dishes like poutine and butter tarts.
No. 3 - Quebec City
Quebec City is a historic city located in the province of Quebec. It is the capital of the province and one of the oldest cities in North America, having been founded by French explorer Samuel de Champlain in 1608.
The city is renowned for its beautiful old town, which is surrounded by walls and features cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and charming cafés and restaurants. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Canada.
One of the most famous attractions in Quebec City is the Château Frontenac, a grand hotel that overlooks the St. Lawrence River and is considered one of the most iconic buildings in Canada. Visitors can also explore the Citadelle of Quebec, a 19th-century fortress that is still in use today by the Canadian military.
Other popular attractions in Quebec City include the Plains of Abraham, a large park that was the site of a famous battle between the French and British in 1759, and the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec, a museum that features a collection of over 38,000 works of art.
Quebec City is also known for its vibrant French culture, with French being the official language of the city. Visitors can experience the city's unique culture by visiting the many cafés and restaurants that serve French cuisine, attending festivals and events celebrating French culture, or simply exploring the city's historic streets and landmarks.
No. 2 - Vancouver
Vancouver is a coastal city located in the southwestern region of British Columbia. The city is situated on the Pacific Ocean and surrounded by mountains, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can hike in nearby Stanley Park, which features old-growth forests, beaches, and scenic views of the city's skyline. Other popular outdoor attractions include Grouse Mountain, Capilano Suspension Bridge, and Whistler Ski Resort.
Vancouver is also home to a vibrant cultural scene, with a number of museums, galleries, and performing arts venues. The Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia is a popular attraction, as is the Vancouver Art Gallery, which features works by local and international artists.
The city is home to a thriving diverse population, with large communities of Chinese, Indian, and Filipino descent. This has led to a thriving food scene, with a wide variety of cuisines available in the city's many restaurants and food markets.
No. 1 - Banff National Park
Banff National Park is a world-renowned protected area located in the Canadian Rockies in Alberta. It was established in 1885 and is the oldest national park in Canada and the third-oldest in the world.
The park covers an area of 2,564 square miles and is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including grizzly bears, elk, moose, wolves, and cougars. It also contains numerous glaciers, lakes, rivers, and mountains, including the famous peaks of Mount Rundle, Cascade Mountain, and Mount Norquay.
Banff National Park is the perfect place for outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and kayaking. It is also home to several hot springs, including the Banff Upper Hot Springs and the Cave and Basin Hot Springs.
The town of Banff, located within the park, is a popular tourist destination with numerous hotels, restaurants, and shops. It is also home to several cultural attractions, such as the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies and the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity.
Banff National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts millions of visitors every year. It is a stunningly beautiful and unique natural landscape that is beloved by people from all over the world.
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