If you’re planning a vacation in Canada, you’ve probably already considered the cities. While these cities may be amazing, there’s no shortage of places that are equally beautiful and intriguing. Here, we’ve listed some of the best places to visit in Canada. From Vancouver to Whitehorse, we’ll cover everything from quaint little towns to world-renowned cities. From the most famous to the least, here are the 17 best places to visit in Canada.
Vancouver
When it comes to sightseeing in Vancouver, there are many things to do. The city’s iconic suspension bridge, the Capilano Suspension Bridge, is at the heart of the city’s history and culture. Thousands of lights illuminate the bridge, which is best viewed during winter. Visitors can also explore treetop activities, including rappelling and hiking. A day trip to the city is also possible.
The city is close to both ski slopes and beaches, making it perfect for people who love being active. Many residents spend their days on rollerblades or jogging along the Seawall. Many also play volleyball on Kitsilano Beach. If you love the outdoors, Vancouver is the right place for you. Although it can be wet most of the year, summer and early fall are the best times to visit the city.
The city is famous for its rugged and pristine nature, including towering old-growth forests and snow-capped mountains. While Vancouver has become synonymous with the great outdoors, the city has much to offer those seeking good food, fitness, and fun cultural events. For more information, read our Vancouver travel guide. There are plenty of things to do in Vancouver, from shopping to visiting galleries. Vancouver is also home to a vibrant art scene, so you can enjoy the city’s culture in any way.
Whitehorse
You might be wondering, “Why Whitehorse?” This little city is the gateway to Alaska and the Yukon. The Alaska Highway was built in 1942 as a military defence, but it was never used. Instead, it served as a stop for gold-seeking prospectors during the Klondike Gold Rush in 1898. While the Klondike Gold Rush is most well-known for Dawson City, Whitehorse is the capital of Yukon. This city is just 15 minutes away from the wilderness. This location is ideal for families and travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path travel destination.
In the summer, you can take a leisurely cruise on the Yukon River in Whitehorse. Or, take a ride on the Whitehorse Waterfront Trolley, a trolley that traces the routes taken by Klondike gold-rush prospectors. The city is also renowned as the best place to see the Midnight Sun and Northern Lights. In fact, the city has two of these phenomena.
Toronto
The Art Gallery of Ontario is one of the best things to do in Toronto. The Art Gallery of Ontario was opened in 1900 and is the largest art museum in North America. You can take pictures by the incredibly detailed mural displays and doorways. You can also enjoy talks, tours and workshops while you’re there. The museum is free to enter and open daily. Listed below are some of the best things to do in Toronto.
CN Tower is an awe-inspiring attraction for all ages. The CN Tower’s glass floor, rotating restaurant and adrenaline-pumping EdgeWalk make it a must-see attraction. While few tourists venture north of the CN Tower, those who do can enjoy some of the most stunning views of the city. From the CN Tower, you can also hike the Pukaskwa Trail, one of the most difficult hikes in Canada.
Montreal
A visit to Montreal is never complete without visiting the Musee des Beaux-Arts, the city’s oldest museum. This museum houses more than 10,000 items, from Rembrandts to Canalettos. You’ll also be able to find the tombs of famous artists and writers in this museum, which is located on the city’s Golden Square Mile. You can also visit the city’s renowned Jewish and Catholic schools, as well as the museums and galleries dedicated to the arts.
The Museum of History is another highlight. Located downtown, this museum is home to rotating exhibits and interactive displays. You can also spend an afternoon strolling the streets of Old Montreal. For art lovers, there are also several galleries to peruse. If you’re a history buff, you can explore the Holocaust Museum and the Jewish quarter. This museum also features an art collection from the Holocaust, which is unique to Montreal.
Banff National Park
You’ve probably already heard about Banff’s world-famous glaciers and its surrounding Canadian Rockies. But did you know that Banff is also home to a wide variety of animals, including black bears and grizzly bears? Not to mention wolves and cougars! These elusive, dangerous animals can be spotted in Banff National Park – but don’t get too close, or you’ll end up in the wrong place!
You can hike around the area, take a float plane ride, or even scuba dive in the turquoise-blue waters of Lake Minnewanka. A visit to the Cliffhouse Bistro, which overlooks the mountains, is a fantastic way to appreciate the 7,000-foot view from a height that’s both breathtaking and calming. Visiting Lake Louise is another great way to explore the area, and you can even enjoy a mountain biking tour.
While you’re here, take the time to tour the nearby Whyte Museum, where you can see some of the local history. This museum has interactive displays, as well as a library and an archive. You can even take an hour-long guided tour of the area, which will give you a unique perspective on the area. If you’d prefer to spend a bit more money, consider exploring downtown Banff, which offers an excellent overview of the area. madisonsdish.com
Kelowna
If you’re looking for a fun place to visit in Canada, then you’ve come to the right place. Kelowna is located on the beautiful Okanagan Lake, and during the winter months the city turns into an ice ring, complete with a skating park. The picturesque valleys and majestic mountains offer many thrill-seeking activities. During the summer, there are many options for outdoor recreation and water sports, including hiking and boating.
A trip to Kelowna is an ideal way to experience the Okanagan Valley’s wine-growing history. The city has numerous parks, hiking trails, lakes, and mountains to explore. If you enjoy hiking, you can try your hand at rock climbing. The city also has excellent ski slopes and nearby mountain biking and hiking trails. There are also plenty of outdoor activities in Kelowna, so you can spend some time on the slopes.
Travelers who love to spend time outdoors may want to take up kayaking. This activity offers an entirely different perspective on the landscape and surrounding waters. You can then take advantage of the picturesque backdrop by paddling along the shores or enjoying a beachside picnic. In addition to kayaking, you might want to check out Kelowna’s art gallery. The gallery is located in the city’s cultural district, and showcases local artists.
Ottawa
There are so many things to do in Ottawa, Canada. If you’re visiting the country’s capital, make sure to take time to visit the Canadian Museum of Civilization, which is reminiscent of the Houses of Parliament in London and Budapest. You can see historical artifacts, hear the stories of some of the country’s founding fathers, and visit a kids’ museum.
BeaverTails are a must-try food while you’re in Ottawa. Whether you’re a beer lover or you prefer French fare, you’ll love BeaverTails. The famous French Canadian dish of chips, cheese curds, and gravy is one of the most popular foods in Ottawa. You can also sample Vietnamese and Lebanese cuisines. Another must-see attraction in Ottawa is the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, a 660,000-square-foot castle located at Rideau Street and Sussex Drive.
The Canadian National Gallery of Art is another must-see. It is home to the country’s largest collection of Indigenous art. The Ottawa Art Gallery exhibits international, contemporary, and First Nation art. The collection of artwork changes monthly. You can also try a class of yoga at the National Gallery of Canada. Whether you like to go for a stroll in the park or enjoy a cup of coffee and a pastry, you’ll find a great place to do so. https://myspace.com/madisonsdish
Victoria
If you are looking for a great place to spend a day, Victoria, Canada should be on your list. Its waterfront location is spectacular, and you can walk from Fisherman’s Wharf to the city center. The city’s Art Gallery of Greater Victoria is also a great place to visit. This museum is adjacent to a beautiful 1889 mansion. You’ll find plenty of signs to direct you to the gallery.
There is also plenty of green space in Victoria. You can sit on the lawn of the Parliament building on a warm day. You can also buy tea by the pound from places like Murchies Tea Room. If you love tea, you can try Canadian Breakfast, a black tea with a hint of maple, or the milder Lady Grey. The city also has a great bookstore, Munro’s.
If you’d rather walk, Victoria offers numerous short hiking trails. Whether you’re in the mood for a challenging hike or a relaxed stroll, there’s something for everyone. You can even take a bike tour, which is easy to arrange with many local businesses. If you’re not into hiking, there are plenty of paved paths in Victoria, making it easy to find one that’s just right for you.