O Canada is the country’s national anthem, and so ideal
considering the immense beauty of this oh-so-spectacular destination.
Canada is the second-largest country in the world by land
area, spanning nearly 3.85 million square miles across North
America and known for its diverse landscapes that include vast forests,
mountainous regions, prairies and even an Arctic tundra.
Larger cities like Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver
are major cultural and economic hubs, while the country’s rural and natural
areas offer a rich biodiversity and unlimited outdoor opportunities.
With a country so vast and diverse, how does one choose
where and what to visit on vacation? Let this guide help point you in the right
direction.
PHOTO: Moraine Lake, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada. (photo via Unsplash/Matt Thomason)
Best Destinations in Canada
One of the most iconic natural destinations in Canada, Banff
National Park, Alberta, in the Canadian Rockies, offers stunning landscapes, the
crystal-clear waters of Lake Louise and an abundance of wildlife.
If you’re into the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis), the
Yukon and Northwest Territories are the best places to witness this breathtaking
natural phenomenon. Prince Edward Island, the setting for the Anne of Green
Gables series is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, rolling verdant hills
and red-sand beaches.
Whistler, British Columbia is a top destination for outdoor
enthusiasts, known for its winter world-class skiing and snowboarding. In
Canada’s easternmost city St. John’s sports the Cape Spear lighthouse, rugged
coastlines, massive icebergs and adorable puffins.
Best of Eastern Canada (Photo Credit: Provided by Collette)
Niagara Falls, Canada’s most famous natural attraction in
Ontario, has been luring visitors to its edge for well over a century. Banff,
another incredibly beautiful town in the heart of the Rocky Mountains in
Alberta offers tourmaline-colored lakes, snowcapped peaks and glaciers.
Old Quebec, one of Canada’s historic gems is a UNESCO World
Heritage Site located in charming Québec
City. Its cobblestoned streets lined with historic architectural gems are
impressive and the renowned Fairmont Le Château Frontenac looms on a cliff high
above Old Town.
Canada is one of the best places in the world to witness the
mesmerizing Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis), particularly in its northern
regions (Northwest Territories, Yukon and Churchill in Manitoba). If you’re
into train travel, one of the most memorable trips you’ll ever take is on
Canada’s luxury scenic train, the Rocky Mountaineer.
Calgary Stampede is known as “The Greatest Outdoor Show on
Earth,” a major rodeo and exhibition event celebrating Western Heritage held
every July. The Montreal Jazz Festival takes place late June to early July as
one of the largest jazz festivals in the world, showcasing top artists from
around the globe.
If you’re into the movies, each September, the Toronto Film
Festival attracts celebrities, filmmakers and cinephiles while showcasing the
latest in world cinema. Vancouver is home to the Honda Celebration of Light,
the largest fireworks competition in the world. Held over several nights each
summer, the event features concerts, food stalls and adventure challenges.Though the temperatures may plummet accompanied by
waist-high snowdrifts, Ottawa’s Winterlude is one of the great winter festivals
held every February and featuring ice-skating on the world’s longest outdoor
rink, ice sculptures, a snow playground and more “icy” adventures.Best Places for Families in CanadaJust add water and the kids are attracted like moths to a
flame. Niagara Falls is a popular place for families due to the awe-inspiring waterfalls
and exciting boat tours to the base of the falls, along with Niagara’s
Butterfly Conservatory and the Niagara Sky Wheel.Banff National Park offers stunning mountain scenery,
crystal-clear lakes, family-friendly hikes, gondola rides and lots of outdoor
mountain adventures. Likewise, Whistler is a great place for winter skiing and
snowboarding and summer hiking, biking and zip-lining. Family-friendly resorts
offer a myriad of kid-friendly activities.Green Gables on Prince Edward Island is the setting of the
famous “Anne of Green Gables” series and a great destination for relaxation,
outdoor fun and literary history. Vancouver offers an array of outdoor activities
with biking trails along Stanley Park and the waterfront, the Granville Island Public
Market and the interactive exhibits for children at Science World.Montague, Prince Edward Island (Photo Credit: Jim Byers/TravelPulse Canada)Best Places for Couples in CanadaQuebec City is a wonderful place for a couples’ visit with
its French heritage, European atmosphere, colonial-era buildings, cobblestone
streets and landmarks like Château Frontenac and the Citadel.A stunning garden located on Vancouver Island/Victoria; The
Butchart Gardens feature magnificent floral displays all year-long. It’s ideal
for a peaceful stroll or a romantic escape. While in Vancouver, don’t miss the
adventure of the 450-foot Capilano Suspension Bridge spanning the picturesque Capilano
River with incredible views.Charlottetown, the capital of Prince Edward Island (PEI), is
a charming and historic city that offers the perfect blend of natural beauty,
rich history and small-town charm. It’s known for its picturesque streets,
vibrant arts scene and significant role in the founding of Canada.Those who love the beauty of Niagara Falls but need a break
from the crowds can head to the charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake on the
shores of Lake Ontario. The town lies in the heart of the Niagara wine region
with lovely restaurants, horse-drawn carriage rides and scenic beauty
everywhere.As one of the most popular mountain resorts in Canada,
Whistler offers year-round activities. Even if you’re not into skiing, how does
an après-ski at a cozy lodge, a soak in a steamy outdoor hot tub, or a romantic
sleigh ride through the snow-covered wilderness sound? The Best of Eastern Canada featuring Niagara Falls, Ottawa, Quebec City & MontrealBest Places for Group Travel in Canada Vancouver offers many group-friendly accommodations and
activities with easy access to nature, making it ideal for those seeking both
outdoor adventure and urban exploration. Montreal, Quebec is a culturally rich
city with a mix of French and English influences, blending art, food and
festivals and culture making it ideal for group travel.Ottawa, Ontario, features historical sites, museums, outdoor
activities and a wide range of hotels catering to groups. The Cabot Trail in
Nova Scotia offers breathtaking coastal views, outdoor adventures such as
hiking, whale watching and exploring Cape Breton Highlands National Park.Wine tasting groups will love visiting the Niagara Wine
Region with its stunning countryside views, lovely wineries and vineyard
hotels. And a visit to Niagara Falls is only a 20-minute drive away.Best Places for Solo Travel in Canada Halifax, Canada. Photo by Doug Kerr / flickr. (Photo Credit: Photo by Doug Kerr / flickr.)Quebec City has a magical allure that leads visitors into
what looks like France. Even though French is the first language here, the city
is mostly bilingual. It’s friendly, safe and easily navigable.Vancouver is one of the few places in the world that has
everything: beach, mountains, nature and a big city feel. The city center is
easily accessible by public transport, the city is easily walkable and offers
a myriad of accommodations to choose from.St. John’s, Newfoundland, may be small, but it’s packed with
enough things to do to keep the solo traveler entertained. From outdoor trails
to its charming downtown filled with kitschy shops and restaurants, St. John’s
is an ideal solo destination.Halifax, Nova Scotia, another walkable city known for its
maritime and Scottish history, colorful waterfront and lovely boutique
shopping. Located in Southeastern Ontario, Ottawa is brimming with culture,
history and big-city attractions with a friendly, small-town welcoming feel.Best Foodie Destinations in CanadaGiven it boasts the highest number of restaurants per capita
in Canada, Victoria is popular with foodies, especially with its
Pacific-Rim-inspired seafood dishes and five varieties of salmon. No city does French-Canadian food better than Quebec City,
popular for its poutine, cretons (pork pate) and local cheese. Prince Edward
Island has to make the list if only for its famous and beloved mussels and
oysters.Because of its diverse cultural influences, Montreal is a
hotspot for unique eats. Poutine, smoked meat sandwiches, bagels and
maple-infused dishes reign supreme here. Vancouver is a favorite not only for
its famous Granville Island Public Market but its multi-cultural eateries, food
festivals, wineries, microbreweries and food trucks.Best Places for Adventure Travel in Canada Whistler, British Columbia, Canada, Feb 2007 (photo via Thomas Northcut / DigitalVision)Banff is a premier destination for outdoor activities with
hiking, mountain climbing, skiing and snowboarding along with its two iconic
lakes. There’s no doubt that Whistler is the most popular Canadian destination
for skiing, but it also offers a wide range of outdoor adventure year-round
including mountain biking, zip-lining and hiking.Travelers can practically do it all on Vancouver Island.
Surfing, kayaking, whale watching, hiking and bear-watching are just a few of
the amazing outdoor offerings. The Niagara Escarpment is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve with
plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun. You can try rock climbing in areas
like Glen Eden, enjoy breathtaking views while hiking, or tackle mountain
biking trails. Jasper National Park,
Alberta is a paradise for outdoor lovers and one of the best places for
stargazing due to its status as a Dark Sky Preserve. Hiking, canoeing and
wildlife spotting are adventurist favorites. PHOTO: Marriott Hotels has partnered with the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs in a multi-year partnership. (Photo courtesy of Marriott Hotels and Resorts Canada)Best Places for Sports Enthusiasts in Canada Montreal has a proud sporting heritage with a deep passion
for hockey and home to the legendary Montreal Canadiens who have won 24 Stanley
Cup finals. As Canada’s largest city, Toronto is a sports mecca with
professional teams to include the Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL), Toronto Raptors
(NBA) and the Toronto Blue Jays (MLB). Additionally, the city will be one of
the hosts for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.The Calgary Stampede, first held in 1886, is one of Canada’s
most iconic events and the most renowned rodeo in the world. The massive
cultural and sporting event celebrates Western heritage, the cowboy culture and
rodeo sports lasting for 10 days.Whistler/Blackcomb is a ski and snowboarder’s paradise
boasting 200 marked runs for every level of winter adventurer with 31 lifts and
gondolas. In the summer, the area is a mecca for mountain biking and hiking.The Edmonton Oilers (NHL) are a major draw for fans though
the sports-centric city also offers Canadian football, soccer and rugby.Unique to Canada PHOTO: Polar bears in Churchill, Manitoba. (photo via Flickr/Emma)There’s nothing like Niagara Falls, Canada. Horseshoe Falls
is the largest and most iconic of its three cascades with a height of 188 feet
and known for its sheer size, power and awe-inspiring beauty.The Yukon is one of the best places in the world to see the
Aurora Borealis. Dog sledding is an exciting way to explore this remote
snow-covered wilderness. And if you’re into history, the territory offers
Klondike Gold Rush glimpses into the past and yes, you can still pan for gold.Churchill, Manitoba, is known as the polar bear capital of
the world where these lovely creatures playfully romp in the frozen tundra and
visitors can enjoy watching them in their natural habitat.Manitoulin Island is home to Indigenous peoples,
specifically the Anishinaabe and Odawa First Nations. This sacred place is
still home to many First Nation communities, contributing to its rich and
fascinating history and cultural heritage.For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
DestinationsCanadaNorth AmericaTravel Guides
If you’re into the movies, each September, the Toronto Film
Festival attracts celebrities, filmmakers and cinephiles while showcasing the
latest in world cinema. Vancouver is home to the Honda Celebration of Light,
the largest fireworks competition in the world. Held over several nights each
summer, the event features concerts, food stalls and adventure challenges.
Though the temperatures may plummet accompanied by
waist-high snowdrifts, Ottawa’s Winterlude is one of the great winter festivals
held every February and featuring ice-skating on the world’s longest outdoor
rink, ice sculptures, a snow playground and more “icy” adventures.
Just add water and the kids are attracted like moths to a
flame. Niagara Falls is a popular place for families due to the awe-inspiring waterfalls
and exciting boat tours to the base of the falls, along with Niagara’s
Butterfly Conservatory and the Niagara Sky Wheel.
Banff National Park offers stunning mountain scenery,
crystal-clear lakes, family-friendly hikes, gondola rides and lots of outdoor
mountain adventures. Likewise, Whistler is a great place for winter skiing and
snowboarding and summer hiking, biking and zip-lining. Family-friendly resorts
offer a myriad of kid-friendly activities.
Green Gables on Prince Edward Island is the setting of the
famous “Anne of Green Gables” series and a great destination for relaxation,
outdoor fun and literary history. Vancouver offers an array of outdoor activities
with biking trails along Stanley Park and the waterfront, the Granville Island Public
Market and the interactive exhibits for children at Science World.
Montague, Prince Edward Island (Photo Credit: Jim Byers/TravelPulse Canada)
Quebec City is a wonderful place for a couples’ visit with
its French heritage, European atmosphere, colonial-era buildings, cobblestone
streets and landmarks like Château Frontenac and the Citadel.
A stunning garden located on Vancouver Island/Victoria; The
Butchart Gardens feature magnificent floral displays all year-long. It’s ideal
for a peaceful stroll or a romantic escape. While in Vancouver, don’t miss the
adventure of the 450-foot Capilano Suspension Bridge spanning the picturesque Capilano
River with incredible views.
Charlottetown, the capital of Prince Edward Island (PEI), is
a charming and historic city that offers the perfect blend of natural beauty,
rich history and small-town charm. It’s known for its picturesque streets,
vibrant arts scene and significant role in the founding of Canada.
Those who love the beauty of Niagara Falls but need a break
from the crowds can head to the charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake on the
shores of Lake Ontario. The town lies in the heart of the Niagara wine region
with lovely restaurants, horse-drawn carriage rides and scenic beauty
everywhere.
As one of the most popular mountain resorts in Canada,
Whistler offers year-round activities. Even if you’re not into skiing, how does
an après-ski at a cozy lodge, a soak in a steamy outdoor hot tub, or a romantic
sleigh ride through the snow-covered wilderness sound?
The Best of Eastern Canada featuring Niagara Falls, Ottawa, Quebec City & Montreal
Vancouver offers many group-friendly accommodations and
activities with easy access to nature, making it ideal for those seeking both
outdoor adventure and urban exploration. Montreal, Quebec is a culturally rich
city with a mix of French and English influences, blending art, food and
festivals and culture making it ideal for group travel.
Ottawa, Ontario, features historical sites, museums, outdoor
activities and a wide range of hotels catering to groups. The Cabot Trail in
Nova Scotia offers breathtaking coastal views, outdoor adventures such as
hiking, whale watching and exploring Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
Wine tasting groups will love visiting the Niagara Wine
Region with its stunning countryside views, lovely wineries and vineyard
hotels. And a visit to Niagara Falls is only a 20-minute drive away.
Halifax, Canada. Photo by Doug Kerr / flickr. (Photo Credit: Photo by Doug Kerr / flickr.)
Quebec City has a magical allure that leads visitors into
what looks like France. Even though French is the first language here, the city
is mostly bilingual. It’s friendly, safe and easily navigable.
Vancouver is one of the few places in the world that has
everything: beach, mountains, nature and a big city feel. The city center is
easily accessible by public transport, the city is easily walkable and offers
a myriad of accommodations to choose from.
St. John’s, Newfoundland, may be small, but it’s packed with
enough things to do to keep the solo traveler entertained. From outdoor trails
to its charming downtown filled with kitschy shops and restaurants, St. John’s
is an ideal solo destination.
Halifax, Nova Scotia, another walkable city known for its
maritime and Scottish history, colorful waterfront and lovely boutique
shopping. Located in Southeastern Ontario, Ottawa is brimming with culture,
history and big-city attractions with a friendly, small-town welcoming feel.
Given it boasts the highest number of restaurants per capita
in Canada, Victoria is popular with foodies, especially with its
Pacific-Rim-inspired seafood dishes and five varieties of salmon.
No city does French-Canadian food better than Quebec City,
popular for its poutine, cretons (pork pate) and local cheese. Prince Edward
Island has to make the list if only for its famous and beloved mussels and
oysters.
Because of its diverse cultural influences, Montreal is a
hotspot for unique eats. Poutine, smoked meat sandwiches, bagels and
maple-infused dishes reign supreme here. Vancouver is a favorite not only for
its famous Granville Island Public Market but its multi-cultural eateries, food
festivals, wineries, microbreweries and food trucks.
Whistler, British Columbia, Canada, Feb 2007 (photo via Thomas Northcut / DigitalVision)
Banff is a premier destination for outdoor activities with
hiking, mountain climbing, skiing and snowboarding along with its two iconic
lakes. There’s no doubt that Whistler is the most popular Canadian destination
for skiing, but it also offers a wide range of outdoor adventure year-round
including mountain biking, zip-lining and hiking.
Travelers can practically do it all on Vancouver Island.
Surfing, kayaking, whale watching, hiking and bear-watching are just a few of
the amazing outdoor offerings.
The Niagara Escarpment is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve with
plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun. You can try rock climbing in areas
like Glen Eden, enjoy breathtaking views while hiking, or tackle mountain
biking trails. Jasper National Park,
Alberta is a paradise for outdoor lovers and one of the best places for
stargazing due to its status as a Dark Sky Preserve. Hiking, canoeing and
wildlife spotting are adventurist favorites.
PHOTO: Marriott Hotels has partnered with the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs in a multi-year partnership. (Photo courtesy of Marriott Hotels and Resorts Canada)
Montreal has a proud sporting heritage with a deep passion
for hockey and home to the legendary Montreal Canadiens who have won 24 Stanley
Cup finals. As Canada’s largest city, Toronto is a sports mecca with
professional teams to include the Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL), Toronto Raptors
(NBA) and the Toronto Blue Jays (MLB). Additionally, the city will be one of
the hosts for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Calgary Stampede, first held in 1886, is one of Canada’s
most iconic events and the most renowned rodeo in the world. The massive
cultural and sporting event celebrates Western heritage, the cowboy culture and
rodeo sports lasting for 10 days.
Whistler/Blackcomb is a ski and snowboarder’s paradise
boasting 200 marked runs for every level of winter adventurer with 31 lifts and
gondolas. In the summer, the area is a mecca for mountain biking and hiking.
The Edmonton Oilers (NHL) are a major draw for fans though
the sports-centric city also offers Canadian football, soccer and rugby.
PHOTO: Polar bears in Churchill, Manitoba. (photo via Flickr/Emma)
There’s nothing like Niagara Falls, Canada. Horseshoe Falls
is the largest and most iconic of its three cascades with a height of 188 feet
and known for its sheer size, power and awe-inspiring beauty.
The Yukon is one of the best places in the world to see the
Aurora Borealis. Dog sledding is an exciting way to explore this remote
snow-covered wilderness. And if you’re into history, the territory offers
Klondike Gold Rush glimpses into the past and yes, you can still pan for gold.
Churchill, Manitoba, is known as the polar bear capital of
the world where these lovely creatures playfully romp in the frozen tundra and
visitors can enjoy watching them in their natural habitat.
