Canada, the world’s second-largest country, is a land of breathtaking diversity and stunning landscapes. From towering mountains and vast wilderness to vibrant multicultural cities and charming coastal towns, Canada captivates every traveler. Whether you are seeking thrilling outdoor adventures, rich cultural experiences, or simply a relaxing escape amidst nature, Canada offers an array of destinations to explore. Planning a trip to this expansive country can be exciting, but also a bit overwhelming. To help you navigate the options, we’ve curated a guide to the Best Places To Travel In Canada, ensuring an unforgettable journey.
Ontario
1. Toronto
Best for diversity and urban exploration
Toronto, a dynamic metropolis in Ontario, pulsates with cultural energy and urban sophistication. This is Canada’s most populous city, a melting pot of cultures reflected in its diverse neighborhoods. Explore the bustling streets of Chinatown, experience the vibrant atmosphere of Greektown, or indulge in world-class fusion cuisine. Toronto’s art galleries, theaters, and passionate hockey fans all contribute to its reputation as Ontario’s coolest urban center. Nearly half of Toronto’s residents were born outside of Canada, adding to its international vibe.
Local tip: No visit to Toronto is complete without seeing the iconic CN Tower. Capture stunning panoramic city views from the top, or for the truly adventurous, try the Edgewalk, a thrilling hands-on experience around the tower’s circumference.
CN Tower and Toronto skyline at dusk, showcasing the city's urban landscape
2. Niagara Falls
Best for an iconic and awe-inspiring experience
Niagara Falls, Canada’s number one tourist attraction, is renowned for its sheer power and breathtaking beauty. Witness the majestic waterfalls up close on the legendary Maid of the Mist boat tour, feeling the thunderous roar and refreshing spray. For nature enthusiasts, the Niagara Glen hiking trail offers a tranquil escape through ancient forests and rugged terrain, a serene contrast to the falls’ energetic display.
Extend your adventure with a scenic bike ride along the Greater Niagara Circle Route, or for an adrenaline rush, experience the Wildplay Zipline, delivering unparalleled views directly overlooking the falls.
3. Manitoulin Island
Best for immersing yourself in Canada’s First Nations culture
Manitoulin Island, the world’s largest freshwater island, offers a tranquil escape with its laid-back atmosphere, charming summer cottages, and picturesque lakeside beaches. The island’s shoreline is characterized by dramatic white quartzite and granite formations, leading to breathtaking vistas. Manitoulin Island is also a vibrant hub of First Nations culture, with eight communities offering authentic local food experiences and eco-adventures. Immerse yourself in the rich traditions through Powwows, featuring captivating drumming, dancing, and storytelling, connecting you deeply with the history and spirit of the land now known as Canada.
Two people ice skating on the frozen Rideau Canal in Ottawa, highlighting winter activities in Canada
4. Rideau Canal
Best for a unique ice skating adventure in winter
The historic Rideau Canal, opened in 1832, stretches 200 km (124 miles), connecting Ottawa and Kingston through a network of canals, rivers, and lakes, featuring 47 locks. In winter, the Rideau Canal in Ottawa transforms into the Rideau Canal Skateway, the world’s largest naturally frozen ice rink.
Glide along 7.8km (4.8 miles) of meticulously groomed ice, pausing for delightful hot chocolate and Beavertails, a quintessential Canadian pastry. February’s Winterlude festival amplifies the winter charm, showcasing impressive ice sculptures crafted by talented artists.
Local tip: As the weather warms, the canal transforms into a boater’s paradise, offering year-round enjoyment and diverse perspectives depending on the season.
British Columbia
5. Vancouver
Best for combining urban living with stunning natural beauty
Vancouver, a cosmopolitan city nestled between the sea and the mountains, offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and outdoor adventure. Surrounded by skiable mountains, beautiful beaches, and the lush rainforest of Stanley Park just moments from downtown skyscrapers, Vancouver is a haven for nature lovers and city dwellers alike.
Pack a picnic and take advantage of Vancouver’s relaxed park drinking laws during summer. Explore the diverse and charming neighborhoods, and you might even spot a celebrity – Vancouver, often called “Hollywood North,” is a popular filming location for numerous movies and TV shows.
Planning tip: Vancouver’s mild climate and stunning beaches make it an ideal destination to visit in Canada during the summer months.
Vancouver downtown skyline with snow-capped mountains in the background, showcasing the city's natural setting
6. Vancouver Island
Best for experiencing nature, surfing, and gourmet food discoveries
Victoria, the charming capital of British Columbia, is located on Vancouver Island. Known for its bohemian atmosphere, inviting coffee shops, and a rich English tea culture dating back to the 1840s, Victoria is a delightful city to explore. However, it’s just the gateway to the island’s vast natural wonders.
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, with its iconic West Coast Trail, offers misty wilderness and the renowned surf beaches of Tofino. Vancouver Island is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and a highlight among Canada’s national parks.
Detour: Food lovers should venture to the Cowichan Valley, a region dotted with welcoming small farms and boutique wineries, offering a taste of local gourmet delights.
7. Whistler
Best for year-round mountain adventures and outdoor sports
Whistler, host of the 2010 Winter Olympics, is globally recognized as a premier ski resort, located just 90 minutes from Vancouver. With over 200 marked runs across Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, it’s a skier’s dream destination.
While skiing is Whistler’s main attraction, it transforms into a year-round destination with summer activities like mountain biking and paddleboarding. Beyond sports, Whistler has cultivated a thriving arts and culture scene, featuring attractions like the Audain Art Museum and the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, offering enriching experiences alongside the famed slopes.
Mountain bikers on a snowy trail by a lake in the Canadian Rockies, highlighting outdoor adventures
Alberta
8. The Canadian Rockies
Best for breathtaking mountain scenery and outdoor activities
The Canadian Rockies, often cited as the most beautiful region in Canada, span across British Columbia and Alberta, offering awe-inspiring landscapes and adventures within five national parks. Enjoy activities like hiking, whitewater rafting, and skiing amidst stunning mountain vistas.
For a unique perspective, consider a train journey through the Rockies. The scenic Rocky Mountaineer offers comfortable seating and panoramic views of luminous lakes, vibrant wildflowers, and majestic glaciers as you traverse mountain passes and river valleys.
9. Drumheller
Best for dinosaur enthusiasts and paleontological discoveries
Drumheller, Alberta, is a must-visit destination for dinosaur enthusiasts. This town boasts the Royal Tyrrell Museum, home to one of the world’s leading fossil collections, making it a paleontological treasure trove. Don’t miss the World’s Largest Dinosaur, a giant fiberglass T-rex that you can climb and peer out from its mouth. Beyond dinosaurs, Drumheller showcases classic Badlands scenery, including the unique “hoodoos,” striking rock spires sculpted by erosion.
Planning tip: Explore the scenic driving loops around Drumheller to fully appreciate the Badlands landscape and dinosaur attractions.
Quebec
10. Old Québec City
Best place to visit in Canada for romance and historical charm
Québec City, with over 400 years of history, is a romantic and charming destination. Its stone walls, soaring cathedrals, and cozy jazz cafes evoke the atmosphere of enchanting European cities. Wander through the narrow, winding streets of the old town, discovering street performers, charming inns, and the inviting aroma of café au lait and fresh pastries.
To explore beyond the city, embark on a scenic drive along Québec’s Rte 132. This route winds along the coast, passing mountains and picturesque towns, showcasing the region’s natural beauty and maritime charm.
People enjoying a summer concert at Place des Arts in Montreal, capturing the city's vibrant cultural scene
11. Montréal
Best for vibrant music festivals and cultural experiences
Montréal, Canada’s second-largest city and cultural heart, is a haven for music lovers. From June to August, the city buzzes with energy as parks, beaches, and streets come alive with festivals, rooftop bars, and artistic expressions. The renowned Montréal International Jazz Festival attracts world-class musicians and enthusiastic crowds, featuring over 500 performances, many of which are free. Explore the diverse range of things to do in Montreal to make the most of your visit to this dynamic city.
Planning tip: Check Tourisme Montréal for the latest schedule of live music events, both large and small, happening throughout the city.
Prairies (Manitoba, Saskatchewan)
12. The Prairies
Best for wide-open road trips and big sky landscapes
Experience solitude and vastness in Canada’s Prairie provinces. Drive through Manitoba’s expansive landscapes and Saskatchewan’s seemingly endless golden wheat fields stretching to the horizon. As the wind sweeps across the prairies, the wheat sways like ocean waves, punctuated by iconic grain elevators standing tall against the sky.
The Prairies are known for their dramatic “big skies,” where impressive storms can be seen approaching from miles away. Discover unique towns like artistic Winnipeg, historic Moose Jaw, and Regina, home of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, along with charming Ukrainian and Scandinavian influenced villages.
13. Churchill
Best for unforgettable polar bear and wildlife encounters
Encountering a polar bear in its natural habitat is an awe-inspiring experience, and Churchill, Manitoba, is the premier destination for this. Situated directly on the polar bears’ migration path, Churchill offers unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities. From late September to early November, tundra vehicles provide safe and close-up encounters with these magnificent creatures. Summer in Churchill offers different wildlife experiences, including kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding alongside beluga whales.
Polar bear in arctic tundra near Churchill, Manitoba, illustrating Canadian wildlife encounters
Atlantic Canada
14. Bay of Fundy
Best place to spot whales and witness incredible tides
The Bay of Fundy, with its picturesque lighthouses, fishing villages, and maritime scenery, is more than just a beautiful Canadian bay. Its extreme tides, the highest in the world, attract a variety of whales, including fin, humpback, and the endangered North Atlantic right whales, making it a prime location for whale watching. Explore further maritime adventures in Nova Scotia, another gem of Atlantic Canada.
Northern Canada
15. Baffin Island
Best for experiencing Inuit art and dramatic arctic landscapes
Baffin Island’s rugged terrain features towering mountains and is home to a significant portion of Nunavut’s population. Canada’s largest island is perfect for an arctic safari to spot unique wildlife like narwhals, belugas, and bears. The crown jewel is Auyuittuq National Park, meaning “the land that never melts” in Inuktitut. Glaciers, fjords, and towering cliffs define this eastern region, attracting experienced hikers and climbers, along with, of course, polar bears.
Local tip: Baffin Island is also a significant center for Inuit art. Explore studios in small towns to find high-quality carvings, prints, and weavings, reflecting the rich culture of the region.
Keep planning your trip to Canada:
Discover how to see Canada by train and by road.
Find out the best time to visit Canada and explore the top things to do in Canada.
Learn about getting around Canada and tips for budget travel in Canada.
Get essential information on visa requirements for visiting Canada.
