16 popular places to visit in Canada

The vast country of Canada is a land of windswept prairies, towering mountains, fields of glaciers, pristine lakes, and rocky coastlines. Filled with diverse wildlife and equally diverse landscapes, the Canadian great outdoors is its greatest draw card as a travel destination. Canada’s wild allure is magnetic for nature lovers and sports enthusiasts, with ample opportunity for activities like hiking, canoeing, fishing, skiing, snowmobiling, and even dog sledding.

While the image of Canada in most people’s minds is one of untouched wilderness, Canada’s cities are also extremely worthwhile and the country’s urban destinations are attracting ever more attention. Whether you’d like to attend a rodeo in Calgary, marvel at the museums in Ottawa, browse the restaurants and art galleries of Toronto’s Distillery District or have a picnic in Vancouver’s Stanley Park, the cosmopolitan cities spread across Canada offer a high quality of life and a range of sightseeing attractions that will please any traveler.

Banff, Alberta

Nestled amid the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, this tiny mountain town in Alberta appeals to both nature enthusiasts and luxury-seekers. Visitors can spend their days skiing or hiking at Banff National Park and floating down the Bow River before retiring to one of the several opulent hotels for some spa therapy. Daytrips to popular attractions like the Columbia Icefield and Moraine Lake cannot be left off of your itinerary.

Calgary, Alberta

From rags to riches, Calgary has experienced its very own Cinderella story. First founded as a Rocky Mountain outpost for the mounted police, this Canadian cow town went from honky-tonk to high-end with the discovery of oil in the early 1900s. Over the next century, shimmering office buildings replaced mom-and-pop businesses. By 1988, the city’s reputation as a commercial powerhouse (along with its ideal location near the snowy Rocky peaks) earned it the honor of hosting the Winter Olympics. Since then, Calgary has been riding high.

Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia

The star of this national park on Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton Island is the world-famous Cabot Trail – one-third of which runs through the park. As you drive the winding highway – considered one of the world’s most scenic drives – you’ll pass forested river canyons, rural fishing villages and plenty of lookout points for admiring the landscape. Prefer to explore the park on your own two feet? There are 26 hiking trails to choose from.

Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland and Labrador

This UNESCO World Heritage Site encompasses nearly 458,000 acres on Newfoundland’s west coast. Its top activity is undoubtedly hiking the Tablelands. Here, you’ll traverse exposed earth mantle, a rust-colored landscape that was created millions of years ago by a collision of tectonic plates. Equally impressive: a boat ride through Western Brook Pond, which is a glacier-carved, landlocked fjord that features cascading waterfalls measuring 2,000 feet.

Jasper National Park, Alberta

As the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, Jasper is ripe for exploration. When you’re not hiking through Maligne Canyon, whitewater rafting down the Athabasca River or snapping photos of Spirit Island, you can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the beautiful scenery from the Jasper SkyTram. Keep your eyes peeled for the 53 species of mammals that call this Alberta park home, including black bears, cougars and bighorn sheep.

Mont-Tremblant, Quebec

Located northwest of Montreal in Quebec’s Laurentian Mountains, Mont-Tremblant is best known for its skiing, specifically Mont Tremblant Ski Resort, which occupies the highest peak in the mountain range. But warm-weather visitors are equally enchanted thanks to the Parc national du Mont-Tremblant, which boasts six rivers and 400 lakes and streams, not to mention countless hiking trails and beaches. Horseback riding, fishing and mountain biking are all popular here thanks to the area’s diverse landscape.

Montreal, Quebec

Montreal is a city of juxtaposition: Skyscrapers rub elbows with Old Montreal’s 17th-century architecture, while the familiar sounds of English intermingle with the foreign buzz of French. Visit Old Montreal to get a taste of Europe (think: beautiful architecture and cobblestone streets), then head to modern attractions, such as the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. If you’re visiting during the warmer months, don’t miss out on the Montreal Botanical Garden or panoramic views of the city from atop Parc du Mont-Royal.

Niagara Falls, Ontario

Travel to this Ontario destination to see and capture photos of its iconic natural attraction. Hop on a Maid of the Mist boat to admire (and feel) the power of the falls up close. After you’ve gotten thoroughly soaked, explore the area’s other top attractions, such as the Niagara Glen Nature Reserve, which offers a variety of hiking trails. When you’ve had your fill of nature, head to nearby wineries or test Lady Luck at the casinos.

Ottawa, Ontario

Ottawa is a political and cultural hub that particularly caters to the out-of-towner. Its downtown overflows with jaw-dropping architecture, state-of-the-art museums, funky boutiques and fantastic snack joints that are all easy for you to explore on foot. Plus, this is a city that loves to celebrate, hosting dozens of festivals throughout the year. And while cold weather may seem like a deterrent, a few hours ice skating (or sipping hot chocolate) along the Rideau Canal will transform even the most stubborn summer-lover into a winter buff.

Prince Edward Island

Home to rolling green hills, red sandstone cliffs and a delicious bounty of seafood, Prince Edward Island is the place to travel for a relaxing respite from Canada’s more adventure-driven destinations. When you’re not enjoying the beach, perfect your swing at one of the island’s golf courses. And be sure to keep an eye out for PEI’s seal population (four kinds call the island home either full- or part-time).

Quebec City, Quebec

A trip to Europe may not be in your budget, but a visit to Québec City could be. This Canadian city charms its visitors with its picturesque centuries-old buildings that make up Old Québec – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meanwhile, the aromas of freshly baked bread and brewing espresso fill the cobblestone streets of the Quartier Petit-Champlain with the essence of Paris. Once you’ve gotten your fill of the city, take a trip to Montmorency Falls Park to marvel at its 272-foot-tall waterfall.

Toronto, Ontario

“Big” doesn’t even begin to describe this Ontario city. With cultural pockets like Greektown, Little India and Koreatown all within city limits, Toronto has the ability to transport visitors around the globe. Take it all in with a ride up the 1,815-foot-tall CN Tower or enjoy a quintessentially Canadian experience at the Hockey Hall of Fame. Then, head to the St. Lawrence Market to sample gourmet goodies, and if the weather is right, visit the Toronto Islands.

Vancouver, British Columbia

A trip to Vancouver is all about embracing the outdoors. Vancouverites spend their days skiing on Grouse Mountain, swimming at Kitsilano Beach and strolling through sprawling Stanley Park. Plus, this British Columbia city offers plenty of cultural attractions, including museums and outdoor markets (Granville Island is a must-see). If you’re not afraid of heights, head about 5 miles north of the city center to the Capilano Suspension Bridge, which straddles 230 feet above the Capilano River.

Victoria, British Columbia

While Montreal and Québec City honor Canada’s French roots, Victoria pays tribute to the country’s British heritage. Many visit British Columbia’s capital for afternoon tea, a tour of the beautiful Parliament Buildings or a history lesson at the Royal British Columbia Museum. Others are interested in sampling Vancouver Island’s wineries. Meanwhile, animal lovers enjoy the abundance of marine wildlife that call the waters surrounding Victoria home. In fact, there are more than 80 orca whales in Victoria’s waters.

Whistler, British Columbia

Take adventure travel up a notch with a visit to Whistler. This resort town in British Columbia boasts everything from skiing and snowboarding to bobsled rides and bungee jumping. Travelers can spend their downtime in Whistler Village enjoying the après-ski scene or strolling through Whistler Olympic Plaza. Meanwhile, warm-weather visitors can explore Brandywine Falls Provincial Park, home to the 230-foot-tall waterfall from which the park gets its name.

Whitehorse, Yukon

Billed as the “small city with a big backyard,” Whitehorse – the capital of Canada’s Yukon territory – shines with all of its outdoor activities. Explore Miles Canyon, which is accessible from Whitehorse by foot (a nearly 10-mile loop trail connects the city directly to this natural wonder). After, head north to the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, where you’ll find all kinds of animals, including arctic foxes, elk, muskox and bison, to name a few. Even though this region gets notoriously cold, you might want to time your visit around the first couple of weeks of winter to witness the northern lights.