From cool views to crazy adventures, Canada is a country of nice people which makes it one of the best places to visit if you love traveling. Many travelers are now heading there to experience all that Canada has to offer them. Indeed, it is no surprise that Canada is among the most popular travel destinations because of its incredible diversity and natural beauty.
In fact, Canada’s tourism industry has been doing well in the past years, with total tourism expenditure peaking at almost 100 billion Canadian dollars in 2019. The trend continues up to this day, as tourism spending in Canada has been increasing by 0.7% in the second quarter of 2024, after increasing by 1.4% in the first quarter.
There are so many cool spots, such as mountains, prairies, and coastlines that you will be taking pictures all the time. Adventure is basically around every corner, and no two places are ever alike. What is wild is that you do not need to have a thick wallet to explore it all. Yup, even on a tight budget, you can get a taste of everything cool about Canada.
With so much to see and do, it’s time to begin planning your Canadian adventure! Below are the top 12 places to visit in Canada for every type of traveler, from bustling cities to quiet national parks that are perfect for traveling with family or enjoying a solo vacation.
Best Places To Visit in Canada
Is it your first trip to Canada? That’s exciting! With the abundance of spots to see, choosing where to go can be tricky. You might feel overwhelmed by all the options, but don’t worry! We’ve got some great tips for first-timers. Make sure you pack your bag properly and get ready to find some of the most beautiful and relaxing places. Whether you like busy cities full of life or prefer the calm of nature, Canada has a bit of everything. There’re so many unique things just waiting for you!
1. Tofino, British Columbia
Tofino is a small, quaint coastal town on Vancouver Island and a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. This place has beaches that are to die for, ancient forests, and a thriving surf culture. Come to Long Beach, one of the longest beaches in Canada, and walk along the shoreline, watch the sunset, and enjoy the sound of the waves crashing against the shore. Explore the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, which provides endless opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife watching, including spotting black bears, wolves, and over 270 species of birds.
Explore ancient forests with a guided hike to see towering trees such as giant spruce and cedar grow up towards the sky or enjoy the tranquil waters of Clayoquot Sound while paddling there with opportunities to view whales, sea otters, and many other marine animals. With its relaxed atmosphere, Tofino is an excellent place for solo travelers looking to take time for themselves in nature. The amazing and wondrous nature beckons.
2. Churchill, Manitoba
If you want to see Polar bears in their natural habitat, then Churchill should figure prominently on your list. The town of Churchill is located on the shores of Hudson Bay. It will not be an exaggeration if we term Churchill as the Polar Bear capital of the world. The numbers are so high that sometimes polar bears wander into the town. As a result, there are holding facilities in the town called “Polar Bear Jail” where these bears are held and then released into the wild. Various local tour companies can arrange for a boat tour into the mouth of Churchill River in Zodiacs which will enable you to see a polar bear in its natural habitat up close. They can also be viewed on foot or from air as well. Overall, it will be an out-of-the-world experience.
3. Quebec/Quebec City & Montreal
If you are a fan of the countryside then Quebec (the largest province of Canada with Quebec city as its capital) is your dream place to be. This is the home of the famous nineteenth-century hotel called the Château Frontenac, which influences the city’s skyline. Outside of Paris, Montreal situated in Quebec province has a huge population of French-speaking people. After Toronto, this is the second-largest city in Canada. Montreal is a city full of historic quarters with vibrant city space and a downtown district full of life. You might notice some skyscrapers like the Olympic Tower, Old Montreal historic building, theme park, etc.
4. Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick
Freshly included in the list of seven wonders of the natural world, the big bay which splits Nova Scotia from New Brunswick generates tides that are an astonishing sight to behold. In some places, they fall and rise to more than 50 feet in height. Extraordinary stone creations at Hopewell Rocks can give you the experience of a lifetime during low tide and on the other hand, it becomes an island in itself when the water rises.
5. The Canadian Rockies (Banff and Lake Louise, Alberta)
The Canadian Rockies stretches from Alberta to British Columbia. It is an imposing stretch of mountain ranges filled with dazzling sceneries and some of the highest peaks in Canada. It is an ideal spot for hikers and trekkers. It also boasts of a number of ski resorts, Banff being the most famous of them. The towns of Banff and Lake Louise are located within Banff National Park. Banff national park is full of crystal clear lakes filled with blue waters, wildlife (grizzly bears, elk, bighorn sheep, etc.), waterfalls, and spectacular sceneries. You can book your stay in the historic Fairmont Banff Springs hotel or in scheduled cabins of Lake Louise with miles and miles of beautiful hiking trails. As you explore, you’ll discover that there are plenty of swimmable lakes in Alberta, perfect for a refreshing dip during the summer months.
6. Niagara Falls
Located on the Canada-US border, it is very close to Toronto. The combination of 3 falls, the American Falls, Horseshoe Falls & Bridal Veil Falls, it has the greatest flow-rated waterfall in the world (per second around 2,400 m3). After taking the Maid of the Mist tour, and exploring the surrounding areas you will feel the excitement that goes with these wonderful falls.
7. Vancouver
Established on one of the coastlines of the Pacific Ocean in British Columbia & Coast Mountains, this area is famous for its fascinating landscapes, extraordinary natural beauty & Ski Mountains. Billed as one of the main attractions in Canada, Vancouver is the 3rd biggest metropolitan city in the country. Major attractions of Vancouver include Stanley Park which is a heaven for woodlands, green areas, etc. Their extraordinary Chinatown and food market also needs to be mentioned.
8. Toronto
This is one of the largest as well as one of the most crowded cities in North America. It is also the capital of Ontario. Toronto is also popular for its diverse culture. It has several specific districts like Little Italy, Little India, Chinatown, etc. Along with outdoor activities and beaches, its main attractions are Casa Loma (fairy tale castle), CN tower, etc.
9. Whistler
Whistler the host of the 2010 winter Olympics, is a very popular ski resort in North America. It has ski areas across the Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. With an average enjoyable snowfall, people can relish this area from the months of November to May.
10. Nova Scotia and Halifax
Nova Scotia is famous for its nautical heritage, seafood, and pleasant climate. The capital of Nova Scotia is Halifax. Halifax is stepped into history with its role in rescuing survivors of the Titanic and also as the terminating point of the voyage of Royal Mail Ship Britannica which in 1840 reached its shores from Liverpool after just 12 days in the sea.
11. St. John’s Newfoundland
Designated as one of the most fascinating natural harbors in the whole world, St, Johns is also the capital of Newfoundland. It is one of the earliest European towns in North America, the entry to the harbor “The Narrows” is a narrow 200 feet wide passage surrounded by cliffs. After passing through the entryway you will reach a wide basin protected on the sides with cliffs. When you all are about seeing icebergs, then this is just the most ideal place to experience the beauty of the icebergs. You can see these 10,000-year-old giant glacial phenomena in every size & shape from various points of the eastern & the northern coast on sunny days. You can get fascinated by the color range of these icebergs from snow white to even aquamarine blue.
12. Ottawa, Ontario
Ottawa, the capital city of Canada, is a must-visit destination that seamlessly blends history, culture, and natural beauty. Visit Parliament Hill, the seat of Canada’s federal government, and explore the historic Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Canadian War Museum showcases the country’s military history, while vibrant neighborhoods like Byward Market offer a mix of shops, restaurants, and entertainment. With its rich history, cultural attractions, and scenic beauty, Ottawa has something for everyone.