From bustling Toronto to untouched national parks, and breathtaking Niagara Falls to charming French charmed communities, and the northern lights, there is nothing short of spectacular in Canada. So, let’s look at the 10 best places to visit in Canada on your next trip.
Banff National Park
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Banff National Park, the first national park in Canada, is one of the best places to visit in Canada. With unspoiled natural beauty wrapped in the Rocky Mountains, it is home to many more attractions, including Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, both popular for paddling and canoeing. Don’t miss the spectacular views from the Banff Gondola, which takes you to the Sulphur mountain’s summit. However, if you are traveling to Canada during the winter months, the Sunshine Village and Lake Louise Ski Resort are must-visit destinations for skiing and snowboarding.
Jasper National Park
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As a UNESCO Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage site, Jasper National Park is an escape for adventure and wildlife enthusiasts. Spreading for about 11,000 square kilometers, its highlights include Athabasca Falls, Spirit Island and Maligne Canyon. Spirit Island is one of Canada’s most photographed locations; with various hiking paths, beautiful glaciers, and canoeing and boating activities, it is perfect for thrill seekers. Jasper is also one of the best places to visit in Canada to see wildlife as it is home to various animals, including elk, bighorn sheep, bears, and wolves.
Toronto
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Toronto, Ontario’s vibrant capital, is a bustling metropolis with many attractions, recreational activities, and breathtaking scenery. Highlights include the CN Tower, offering panoramic views of Toronto’s skyline, particularly from the observation deck. Or you can take the EdgeWalk for a memorable experience. Apart from that, strolling through Kensington Market, visiting the Casa Loma (a Gothic Revival castle-style palace and garden), exploring High Park and museums like the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) and the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) are also must-do activities in Toronto, Canada.
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls, located on the border of Ontario, Canada, and New York, USA, has three waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls (on the Canadian side), American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. It is one of the top 10 places to visit in Canada, attracting millions of visitors each year. There are many viewpoints to try, the most popular being the Journey Behind the Falls and the Skylon Tower, which offers a panoramic 360° view of Niagara Falls and the surrounding landscapes. The Prospect Point Observation Tower on the American side is the place to go if you want to watch all three falls without anything blocking your view.
Vancouver
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Vancouver is renowned for its lively neighborhoods, varied outdoor activities, and breathtaking coastal scenery. Stanley Park, a 1000-acre park with walking, cycling, jogging, and other activities surrounding the Vancouver seawall, is a good place to start. You can also visit Granville Island, a rich neighborhood with artisan markets, chic restaurants, galleries, and charming boutiques. Grouse Mountain is popular among adventure seekers visiting Canada, offering winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. Other highlights in Vancouver include Kitsilano Beach (Kits Beach), VanDusen Botanical Garden, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, and the Vancouver Art Gallery.
Montreal
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Montreal, Canada features a mix of French and North American cultures. The most popular attraction in Montreal, nevertheless, is the Notre Dame Basilica. Walking into the Basilica feels like stepping back in time; with its spectacular Gothic Revival-style architecture, admission includes a 20-minute guided tour. Other must-see attractions include Old Montreal (the oldest neighborhood in the city), Mount Royal Park, St. Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal, Montreal Botanical Garden, Biodôme De Montreal, and Jean-Talon Market.
Quebec City
The French charm of Quebec City makes it one of the best places to visit in Canada. Begin by visiting Old Quebec, which was founded in 1608 by French explorer Samuel de Champlain and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. There are many things to see in this historic neighborhood, including Cathedral-Basilica of Notre-Dame de Québec, the Citadel, and Quartier Petit-Champlain. Other attractions include Montmorency Falls Park, the Plains of Abraham, the National Museum of Fine Arts of Quebec, and Terrasse Dufferin. Île d’Orléans, known for its delicious strawberries, wineries, and maple syrup, is another of the top places to visit in Canada in summer.
Whistler
Whistler is well-known for winter sports such as skiing, and snowboarding and summer activities such as mountain biking, and hiking. The Whistler-Blackcomb Mountains are especially popular with adventurers; it is also North America’s largest ski resort, spanning over 8171 acres! That’s not all; it has a laid-back ambiance with attractions including the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, Peak 2 Peak Gondola, Audain Art Museum, and Shannon Falls.
Prince Edward Island
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Imagine a place with lush farmlands, beautiful sandy beaches, crimson cliffs, and historic lighthouses. This is Canada’s hidden treasure, Prince Edward Island, or PEI. The setting of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s well-known book Anne of Green Gables was inspired by Prince Edward Island and its Green Gables Heritage Place. You can also visit Charlottetown, PEI’s capital, which is home to the Confederation Centre of the Arts and Province House, as well as one or two of the island’s 63 lighthouses, the most popular of which are Point Prim Lighthouse, West Point Lighthouse, and Cape Bear Lighthouse. If you are more of a beachgoer, don’t forget to visit Cavendish Beach or Brackley Beach.
Whitehorse, Yukon
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