Explore Canada’s 10 Best Travel Destinations

Canada, the second-largest country in the world, has no shortage of beautiful landscapes, world-class sceneries, and unique sights for travelers all around the world.

There are limitless travel destinations in Canada to explore, which allows the visitors to get to know about the culture, nature parks, and adventure and, at the same time, offers them amazing views on a budget.

Tourists traversing the country will come across insanely gorgeous natural beauty, diverse landscapes, a mix of cultural influences, interesting cities, and many attractive travel destinations.

Along with its natural beauty, Canada’s cities also seem to have a very alluring and exciting urban culture. You can tour a number of malls, many of which are home to well-known worldwide businesses.

Anything you can think of is available in Canada.

Top 10 Travel Destinations In Canada

Here is a list of the top 10 travel destinations in Canada for tourists – we have mixed up the list with the best provinces for tourists to visit and the top places you cannot miss!

Let’s get started!

10. Calgary

The largest cosmopolitan Alberta city, with numerous skyscrapers, is tenth on our list of top Canadian travel destinations.

Calgary is surrounded on one side by the Canadian prairies, while the Canadian Rockies foothills cover the other side. It is a great travel destination for tourists on a budget as it offers a humongous variety of free and low-cost activities to do.

What are the Top Things to Do in Calgary?

• Start the local sightseeing with Heritage Park

This is a great place to visit and learn about some of Canada’s history. There’s a steam train, an old-fashioned amusement park, and a variety of heritage buildings that you can browse.

• The next destination to explore is the National Music Center

Get to learn all of  Canada’s music icons and can even play some instruments yourself at the Canada Music hall of fame.

• Visit the Calgary Tower

A trip to the Calgary Tower will provide great views of the city, and help you overcome the fear of heights. And it is also Canada’s Eiffel tower, filling your heart with warmth.

• Other places to visit in Calgary

Another favorite spot of tourists is the Calgary Zoo, which is home to over 800 animals from all over the world, including North America, Africa, and even the tropics. Downtown Calgary is a beautiful area to explore.

The Peace Bridge, built in 2012,  is a sight to see. The red color of the magnificent bridge which shines upon the Bow river is an award-winning scenery to me.

The Glenbow Museum in Downtown Calgary is one of the top art galleries in Canada. It provides a presentation of a large variety of world-class art and historical artifacts.

What are Popular Events in Calgary?

The famous Calgary Stampede, also known as the greatest outdoor show on earth, is the biggest rodeo event and parade. It brings more than a million people every year to Calgary.

Held for ten days in July, this event is full of rodeos, chuckwagon races, parades, competitions, and arts and crafts.

Apart from this, Canada Olympic Park is a multipurpose athletic park where you can go skiing, snowboarding, and some other exciting ice sports. An adventurous traveler will find their paradise right here.

9. Ottawa

Ottawa, the Capital city, is next on the list of travel destinations. It is actually a mixture of both natural greenery and city life. Over 11 million tourists visit Ottawa every year.

What are the Top Things to Do in Ottawa?

• The National Gallery of Canada

Ottawa is home to many national museums. The National Gallery of Canada, an art gallery, is where you can view some amazing art exhibits. Canadian Museum of Nature looks like a giant castle; you can learn about all nature-related things here.

• Rideau Canal

Ottawa is also home to the Rideau Canal, which in the wintertime turns into the longest skating rink in the world, and during the summertime, you can also rent canoes and enjoy a day on the water.

• ByWard Market

While exploring downtown, you cannot miss the ByWard market. Elgin Street and Bank street are two such streets where the world-class street arts and glorious shopping will win your heart.

• Major’s Hill Park

Major’s Hill Park is a nice place to enjoy the sunset. A trip to Ottawa is incomplete without Parliament Hills. If you want a little break from the city, then Gatineau Park is within walking distance.

The historical and cultural city that specializes in serving visitors is Ottawa. Its lanes are filled with amazing architecture, cutting-edge museums, one-of-a-kind shops, and delicious restaurants that are all easily accessible and can be explored on foot.

Popular Events in Ottawa

An adventurous traveler can check out the hiking trail of Ottawa in the fall time. Also, if you decide to visit Ottawa in spring, don’t miss The Tulip Festival.

In addition, this is a city noted for its love of festivities, as numerous festivals are held yearly. Even the most obstinate summer fans may change their minds after spending a few hours ice skating and drinking hot chocolate along the Rideau Canal.

8. Whistler

Photo by Jess Aston on Unsplash

The largest ski destination in all of Canada and the United States is the next on the list of Canadian travel destinations. A two-hour drive from Vancouver, Whistler is a natural beauty.

Apart from the winters, Whistler can be enjoyed in the summer too.

What are the Top Things to Do in Whistler?

Whether you are an adventurous traveler, a foodie, or an art lover- there is something for everyone here. Get ready to experience affordable sightseeing trips here in Whistler.

• Explore Whistler’s Parks and Lakes

Buses or private SUVs depart from the Gondola Transit Exchange and take you on a breathtaking tour of Whistler, covering lakes like Green lake, Nita lake, Rainbow Park, Whistler sliding center, and many more. Apart from this, a walking tour from Whistler village provides you with a large group of tourists and a guide costing only $50.

• Go skiing on Whistler-Blackcomb

Whistler-Blackcomb continues to be the city’s most visited attraction. The enormous resort is situated across more than 8,100 acres of terrain, receives around 40 feet of snowfall annually, and is home to some of the busiest après-ski areas in the nation.

In addition, bobsledding, biking, and hiking are available to tourists in the highlands.

Popular Events in Whistler

The entire community, which is roughly 75 miles north of Vancouver, has a ski-chic vibe and annually hosts a number of festivals and competitions for snowboarding and skiing.

Festivals such as Whistler Pride and Ski Festival and Whistler World Ski & Snowboard Festival take place during the snowy months, but carnivals and festivals such as Red Bull 400, Whistler Village Beer Festival, and Writers Festival keep you entertained all year.

7. Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island is one of my favorites among the top travel destinations in Canada.

What are the Top Things to Do on Vancouver Island?

Vancouver Island is known for its vast, untamed beaches, which provide an exquisite summer retreat and a winter hotspot for storm-watching and surfing.

In addition to camping, hiking, and paddling excursions, the Island provides plenty of opportunities to relax on its picturesque golf courses and luscious vineyards.

Catch a ferry or seaplane from Vancouver, and arrive right in the heart of Victoria Harbour, the picturesque gateway of Canada. Small spots and towns here are solely for relaxation, where you can sit in the sun and soak up the natural beauty.

• Whale watching

This island is famous for its whale-watching tours. Nanaimo and Tofino are famous for this activity. With a variety of whales, like Gray whales and Humpback whales, tourists are drawn to this spot all around the year.

• Surfing

While surfers visit the island around summer to try out their luck in the waves of the island’s western coast. One of the most common species of reptiles is the leatherback sea turtle, commonly located off Vancouver Island.

Popular Events on Vancouver Island

Carnivals, events, annual festivals, and outdoor leisure competitions are held on Vancouver Island.

Plan your trip to Vancouver Island to connect with some amazing natural animal spectacles, outdoor music performances, local art festivals, and natural as well as historical exhibitions.

Summer events include the Victoria Film Festival and Jazz International Fest, while the Victoria Classic Boat Festival and Victoria Fringe Festival take place throughout the year.

6. Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia, the most exciting Canadian province in the east, is next on our list of travel destinations.

What are the Top Things to Do in Nova Scotia?

Go for a visit to Peggy’s Cove, Mahone Bay, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lunenburg.

• Lunenburg UNESCO World Heritage Monument

You will definitely fall in love with the beautiful town of Lunenburg. It is surrounded by farmland, lakes, rolling seas, and beautiful green forests, all add to its natural splendor.

• Sable Island

The island is known for its lobster, fish, blueberries, and apples, as well as for its high tides. Additionally, Sable Island is infamous for having an extremely high number of shipwrecks.

• Cape Breton Highlands national park

If you are someone who loves nature as well as an adventurous traveler, Cape Breton Highlands national park will stand out to you. Not only is it home to one of the most beautiful scenic drives in the world but also it is a great place to go hiking and explore the outdoors.

• Breton Island

You’ll find beautiful beaches, waterfalls, rugged coastlines, and mind-blowing ocean systems. Breton Island, one of the most amazing places, is an excellent option if you wanna go to a quiet place to clear your head.

• Other things to do in Nova Scotia

Tidal bore rafting here on River Run is one of the best adventures and the most unique thing you can do here. You can go for a two-day kayaking trip on the Bay of Fundy – and see the landscape at both low tide and high tide.

A day at Seal Cove can help you experience weather changes from beautiful sunny days to foggy days to a beautiful sunrise. It is a really great way to take in the beauty of the Bay of Fundy.

The skyline trail hike is a special mention where you get both scenic beauties as well as an amazing sunset.

Popular Events in Nova Scotia

There’s always something to rejoice about in Nova Scotia! From lobster to the joie de vivre of the Acadian, music to pumpkins, wine to apples, and everything in between, the holidays and mixing with the people are just a few of the elements that distinguish Nova Scotia.

Nova Scotia’s notable events include the IIHF World Junior Championship, the FIN Atlantic International Film Festival, the Halifax Pride Festival, and Stanfest: Stan Rogers Folk Festival.

5. Quebec City

This Canadian travel destination will undoubtedly give you Paris feels. Cobblestone lanes with Parisian-style flairs, cafes, and French-speaking people will justify that feeling too.

It is generally very cold during the winters, but during the summer months, the city experiences action. Quebéc City combines the “couleur locale” of Europe with the familiarity of North America.

Québec City is renowned for its internationally renowned Château Frontenac and its extensive history, cobblestone streets, great European architecture, and fortifications.

It’s a little bit of Europe here in Canada, and also the seventh-largest metropolitan region and the eleventh-largest city in Canada.

After Montreal, it is the second-largest city in Quebec. Its humid subtropical climate features hot summers and chilly, icy winters. This country’s official language is French.

What are the Top Things to Do in Québec City?

The well-known snowman mascot, Bonhomme, represents the Québec Winter Carnival, one of the world’s biggest occasions of its sort.

• Dufferin Terrace

Continue your time travels and stroll past the fortifications and cannons on the panoramic Dufferin Terrace.

• Château Frontenac

You can’t miss Château Frontenac, which towers over the broad Saint Lawrence River. The river plays a major part in Quebéc’s story.

• Rue St. Paul’s

Sunset is a good time to roam around Rue St. Paul’s delightful sidewalk. With a rich French history, Quebec city is unique.

Popular Events in Québec City

Maple syrup was made in Quebec in gallons. The biggest winter celebration in the world is the Quebec Winter Carnival Festival, or “Carnaval.

The Cathedral Basilica of Notre Dame de Quebec exists alongside Paris’ famed Notre Dame Cathedral.

The heritage-listed city center even has its own mini version of Notre Dame. The basilica stands at the site where it all began: Place Royale. These days the Old Port is a great place to explore on a bicycle.

Drop in at the popular Musée de la Civilisation and take a journey through the history of Quebéc, from the First Nations to modern culture.

4. Toronto

Toronto, the largest city in Canada, ranks fourth in our list of Canadian travel destinations. The English named it York.

The megacity attracts people from all over the world, and neighborhoods such as China Town, Greek town, and Little Italy are just some examples of Toronto’s diversity.

Nearly everywhere you go, you can catch a glimpse of the city’s iconic CN Tower, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.

What are the Top Things to Do in Toronto?

Toronto is as international as one might hope. Toronto could appear to visitors to be simply another large city.

Skyscrapers dominate the city’s downtown, active people are constantly moving through the streets, and the public transit system is well-maintained and provides excellent service.

With 200 different ethnic groups and nearly 140 different languages spoken there, Toronto, Ontario, is like its own little universe.

Given that Greektown, Little Italy, Koreatown, and Chinatown are all located within the city’s boundaries, visitors visiting Toronto could feel as though they have been to other nations following their trip.

• Casa Lorna

Architecture meets art in the Art Gallery of Ontario. The elegant hill-top castle Casa Lorna is a must-watch.

• Edward Gardens and High Park

You can take a stroll in one of Toronto’s many green spaces, such as the Edward Gardens and High Park. Students and couples enjoy a peaceful time here.

• Royal Ontario Museum

One of the most striking contemporary twists to a historic building is the design of the Royal Ontario Museum. Ontario is also known for its world-class museums.

Overlooking Lake Ontario is modern Canada Square, a cultural hub in the heart of the award-winning Harbourfront Centre.

Popular Events in Toronto

For the falls, fairs, and festivals like Word on the Street Festival, The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair takes place.

Winters are the time to host the city’s original festival, the Toronto Light Festivals.

Spring is full of amusing festival weeks like Canadian Music Week, Hot Docs International Documentary Film Festival, and Scotiabank Contact Photography Festival.

Lastly, Summers hosts annual festivals, carnivals, and sports events consistently. Beaches International Jazz Festival, Salsa in Toronto Festival, The Rogers Cup, Toronto Caribbean Carnival, Jazz Festival, and Outdoor Art Fair are a few of them.

3. Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls, located on the border of Ontario Province, Canada, and the New York City of the United States, is in the top three of the best travel destinations in Canada.

Before connecting Lake Erie with Lake Ontario, the water of the Niagara River plunges down almost 170 feet in a straight drop. Getting to Niagara is easy, less than a 2-hour drive from Toronto or only a taxi ride away from Buffalo airport.

What are the Top Things to Do in Niagara Falls?

It is simple to see why Niagara Falls is regarded as one of the world’s seven natural wonders. Here, one may observe the enormous Niagara River thundering along at 20 to 30 (it can reach 68) mph as it approaches a 188-foot waterfall.

The river falls produce a hazy fog and a thunderous roar that can be heard from kilometers away because of the speed of the fall.

Crowds swarm to the railings at the top in order to feel the fog on their faces. Visitors wearing vibrant ponchos are supported by boats, platforms, and observation decks.

If possible, try to take a tour behind the falls. Here you can both see and hear the whooshing sound of the waterfalls just in front of you.

The waterfalls through a very narrow gorge at a very high speed and thus create rapids at the bottom. These are accessible, too, if you take a jet raft.

• Niagara Skywheel

Apart from all the natural beauty, there are lots of family attractions. Kids especially love the Niagara Skywheel, and there are also many other theme parks and arcades.

• The Rainbow bridge

The Rainbow bridge separates the American side of Niagara falls From the Canadian side.

The American side has the Niagara Aquarium, and the Canadian side has the Niagara Park Botanical garden.  Its breathtaking natural beauty and being so immensely photogenic make Niagara Falls one of the best travel destinations in the entire world.

Popular Events in Niagara Falls

The Niagara area hosts events, special shows, and festivals. From Niagara Falls Illumination to pyrotechnic performances to spectacular comedy acts, this page should be visited frequently while arranging a good night out on the town.

Concerts, Weekend events, arts & cultural events, club events, free events, cinema screenings, and gallery openings take place here.

Niagara Falls Fireworks Events, Canada’s longest-running fireworks series, is a must-see once-in-a-lifetime event.

2. Banff National Park

Banff is a stunningly beautiful town high up in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains that gives you all the fun and excitement of a major travel destination surrounded by pristine Canadian wilderness.

The township is located within Banff National Park.

What are the Top Things to Do in Banff?

This lovely mountain town provides small-town charm, plenty of possibilities to experience the stunning glacier-fed lakes in the area, and an abundance of wildlife.

You may anticipate discovering a bustling arts and cultural scene in Banff itself, which is home to a variety of museums, art galleries, and concert venues, in addition to a selection of upscale eateries and boutiques.

Banff National Park, the country’s first national park, is located in the center of the Canadian Rockies. Traveling here will generally result in shorter flights from the United States and lower travel costs

• Skiing

One can choose from activities like skiing down Mount Norquay.

• Hiking

You can hike to the enormous, free-standing limestone pillars known as the Hoodoos, scale the face of Stoney Squaw Mountain, or ride along Healy Creek.

• Other things to do in Banff

Mirror Lakes’ clear surface reflects the nearby rocky Earl Mountains. Don’t miss out on a trip through the Banff Gondola while you are here.

From up there, you can experience amazing views of the mesmerizing Bow valley and the Bow River. The Banff Upper Hot Springs, where travelers have relaxed in the historic hot spa for more than a century, are all located in the snow-covered Canadian Rockies.

Sunshine Village ski resort is a 10-minute car drive from Banff.

Popular Events

There are carnivals, events, and festivals in Banff National Park every year.

Explore new routes during the Banff Marathon, listen to presentations from international authors and poets who are present at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, world-class snow sculptors creating masterpieces at SnowDays or dance beneath the stars at an outdoor concert.

Have fun and take advantage of the opportunity to try something new.

1. Vancouver

This travel destination is the gateway to the glaciers of Alaska, and it’s also one of the world’s most desirable places to live. The salty sea breeze carries the fresh scents of the forest and the promise of adventures.

Young people live in Vancouver (it was incorporated in 1886). What it lacks in historical significance, it makes up for in cultural significance.

Vancouver is able to seamlessly blend the hustle and bustle of a metropolis with the beauty of a small town or even a lovely village, thanks to its wonderful parks and splendid gardens, as well as museums and art galleries.

With the reasonably priced SkyTrain, one can travel anywhere. You can engage in infinite recreational pursuits, spend time in nature or on the beach, or even go hiking in the Coast Mountains blanketed in snow.

Despite its hectic way of life, Vancouver makes you feel at home as soon as you get there. It is the most lively city in Canada.

What are the Top Things to Do in Vancouver?

The splendor of rich history, like buildings, shops, and museums, allows one to experience Vancouver’s Indigenous culture, which includes that of First Nations, Metis, and Inuit people.

The city is a desirable modern playground because of its high-end boutiques and attention to a healthy dining.

Vancouver has also served as the backdrop for a wealth of popular media content because of its magnificent mountains and beaches.

• Go on an adventure

But there are other visitors to this small community on Canada’s western coast. Your adventurous side will be satisfied by hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, river rafting, and skiing.

• Explore Granville Island

Take a short ferry ride to Granville Island. From Granville Island, head south to Queen Elizabeth Park on Little Mountain, the city’s highest peak. With hundreds of other things to do, this adventure playground is magic all year round.

When it’s cold outside, one can explore one of the amazing museums or bring the family to a kid-friendly place, such as Granville Island or the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

• Stanley Park

Stanley Park, which is spread through thousands of acres, is a breeze of greenery. Cycle along with the century-old Seawall or watch ships from Brockton Point.

The vast Stanley Park is almost totally encircled by the ocean. There are numerous nature trails, beaches, restaurants, and wildlife there.

Within the boundaries of the city, you may golf, walk on hiking trails, ride a bike, and sunbathe on the beach. Taking the Stanley Park train or even a horse-drawn carriage trip is the ideal way to unwind.

• Explore Parks and Gardens

Experience the interweaving of cultures at the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Park and Classical Chinese Garden, the first garden of its kind created outside of China.

Popular Events in Vancouver

Vancouver’s events and festivals showcase every aspect of the city throughout the year and all four seasons. From culinary to cultural, live performances to Pride, and movies to family-friendly entertainment, there’s always a special event or festival to suit your tastes.

Major Festivals like Celebration of Light, Vancouver Folk Music Festival, PuSh Int’l Performing Arts Festival, Vancouver Int’l Wine Festival, and Vancouver Pride Festival take place around the year in Vancouver.

FAQs

Conclusion

The finest travel destinations in Canada are evidence that the nation has a greater heart than its size when it comes to quenching the wanderlust of all types of visitors.

If you were to see them for yourself, you would gladly concur with us. Canada has everything that would make your vacation great, whether it be the lakes, the gardens, or the cities as a whole.

Discover the urban streets of Toronto and the Canadian Rockies’ mountains in the nation.

In this second-largest country in the globe, there is a tonne of places you may travel to. Canada will enchant you with its bright scenery, unspoiled wilderness, and culture.

Last Updated on August 18, 2023 by Priyanshi Sharma