The thought of travel in 2020 might seem a bit impossible and scary right now. But what’s the harm in prior planning?
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, adventure and at the same time, offers them amazing views on a budget.
As tourists traverse the country, they will come across insanely gorgeous natural beauty and diverse landscapes, a mix of cultural influences, interesting cities and lots of attractive travel destinations.
Here is a list of the top 10 travel destinations in Canada for the tourists out there – we have mixed up the list with the best provinces for tourists to visit as well as 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.
The famous Calgary Stampede, also known as the greatest outdoor show on earth, is the biggest rodeo event and a 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, 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 his paradise right here.
One should 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. You get to learn all of Canada’s music icons and can even play some instruments yourself at the Canada Music hall of fame.
A trip to the Calgary Tower will provide great views of the city and the presence of the glass door there will also help you face your fear of heights if any. It is Canada’s Eiffel tower and being up there fills your heart with warmth.
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 large varieties of world-class art and historical artifacts.
9. OTTAWA
Ottawa, the Capital city is next in the list of travel destinations. It is actually a mixture of both natural greenery and city life.
Ottawa is home to many national museums. The National Gallery of Canada, an art gallery is where you can go view some amazing art exhibits. Canadian Museum of Nature looks like a giant castle and here you can learn about all things nature-related. 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 just enjoy a day on the water.
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 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. An adventurous traveler can check out its hiking trail in the fall time. Also, if you decide to visit Ottawa in spring, don’t miss The Tulip Festival.
8. WHISTLER
The largest ski destination in all of Canada, as well as 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.
You can be an adventurous traveler, a foodie, or an art lover- there is something for everyone here.
There are various affordable sightseeing trips done here in Whistler. Buses or private SUVs depart from the Gondola Transit Exchange and take you on a breath-taking tour of Whistler covering all the spots of lakes like the Green lake, Nita lake, Rainbow Park, Whistler sliding center, and many more. Apart from this, there is also a walking tour from Whistler village that provides you with a large group of tourists and a guide costing only $50.
7. VANCOUVER ISLAND
Vancouver Island is one of my favorites in the top travel destinations of Canada. 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.
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. While surfers visit the island around summer to try out their luck in the waves of the western coast of the island.
6. NOVA SCOTIA
Nova Scotia, the most exciting Canadian province in the east, is next on our list of travel destinations. It is famous for Peggy’s Cove, Mahone Bay, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lunenburg. You will definitely fall in love with the beautiful town of Lunenburg.
If you are someone who loves nature as well as an adventurous traveler, Cape Breton Highlands national park will really 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. 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.
Tidal bore rafting here on River Run is one of the best adventures and the most unique thing you can do here. A two-day kayaking trip is available on the Bay of Fundy because you can see the landscape at both low tide and high tide. A day at Seal Cove can help you experience weather change 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.
5. QUEBEC CITY
This Canadian travel destination will undoubtedly give you Paris feels. Cobblestone lanes with Parisian-style flairs, cafes and the 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.
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.
Continue your time travels and stroll past the fortifications and cannons on the panoramic Dufferin Terrace. You can’t miss Château Frontenac, which towers over the broad Saint Lawrence River. The river plays a major part in Quebéc’s story. Sunset is a perfect time to roam around Rue St. Paul’s delightful sidewalk. With a rich French history, Quebec city really is unique.
4. TORONTO
Toronto, the largest city of 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.
Architecture meets art in the Art Gallery of Ontario. The elegant hill-top castle Casa Lorna is a must-watch. 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 some peaceful time here.
One of the most striking contemporary twists to a historic building is the design of the Royal Ontario Museum. Overlooking Lake Ontario is modern Canada Square, a cultural hub in the heart of the award-winning Harbourfront Centre.
3. NIAGARA FALLS
The 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. Less than a 2-hour drive from Toronto or only a taxi ride away from Buffalo airport, getting to Niagara is easy.
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.
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 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 makes Niagara Falls one of the best travel destinations in the entire world.
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.
The food scenes are endless here and you can enjoy a hearty meal and beer in one of the several pubs.
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, for more than a century, travelers have relaxed in the historic hot spa – are all located on the snow-covered Canadian Rockies. Sunshine Village ski resort is a 10-minute car drive from Banff.
Click here to know more about BANFF NATIONAL PARK!
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.
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. Experience this interweaving of cultures at the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Park and Classical Chinese Garden, the first garden of its kind created outside of China. The Hotel Vancouver stands as a symbol of the city’s growing prestige.
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 other hundreds of things to do, this adventure playground is simply magic all year round.
What will be on your list of top 10 travel destinations of Canada? Let us know!
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