Canada, the world’s second-largest country, has no shortage of beautiful landscapes and fascinating sights for visitors to explore. The country is home to vibrant and culturally rich cities and incredible natural wonders from coast to coast.
The Rocky Mountains, the Okanagan Valley, and the cities of Vancouver, Victoria, and Calgary are among the best places to visit in Western Canada and frequently dominate itineraries. Niagara Falls, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City are among the most popular tourist destinations in Central Canada.
The beauty of Gros Morne National Park and the cities of Halifax and St. John’s provide their distinct character to those who venture out to Canada’s Atlantic Provinces in the east.
There are so many unique places to explore in Canada. If you’re planning on visiting, you’re in luck! We’ve compiled this list, so you don’t have to. Here are 19 unique places you must see in Canada
19 Places You Should See When Visiting Canada
Canada is now enormous and impossible to see in a single trip. However, with a bit of forethought, you can get a taste of what Canada is all about, including natural wonders and, of course, mountains of poutine!
Without further ado, add these places to your Canada itinerary;
Banff National Park & the Rocky Mountains
Banff National Park is located in Alberta’s majestic Rocky Mountains and features some of the country’s most beautiful scenery. The park’s turquoise lakes, snowcapped peaks, and glaciers are easily accessible. Take a scenic drive or go on one of Banff’s best hikes.
The park’s crown jewel is Lake Louise, whose green waters reflect the surrounding mountains and glaciers and where visitors can easily stroll around the shores. Moraine Lake, another impressive alpine lake with an even more dramatic setting, is only a short distance away.
The Icefields Parkway, which connects Lake Louise and Jasper, is another popular attraction in Banff. At the park’s southern end, Banff offers a wide range of accommodations, shopping, dining, and nightlife options.
Banff is also a major winter sports destination, with two of Canada’s best ski resorts, Lake Louise Ski Resort and Sunshine Village.
Pacific Rim Highway, Cathedral Grove
When exploring Canada’s west, seeing the best spots in British Columbia is a given. Furthermore, BC Highway 4 is a sight in and of itself and an easy route to take if you’re already in the province.
This completely scenic coastal drive takes you through some of the Pacific Northwest’s most beautiful wilderness areas. And while the weather can be erratic, it is much milder than in some of the other inland provinces. This makes it a great region to visit at any time of year.
Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park is a great place to stop after exploring the rest of British Columbia.
Perched on the shores of Cameron Lake, it truly is one of the best places in Canada. Furthermore, the Grove is home to massive Douglas fir trees that are well worth seeing. Finally, it is located just northwest of Nanaimo and is ideal for stretching your legs after a long day of sitting.
St. John’s: An Artist’s Retreat
When visiting Canada, the number of places to visit can be overwhelming. St. John’s is a miniature San Francisco, known for its jelly bean and crayon-colored houses and as an artist’s retreat. However, you can explore the city with an open heart because it is regarded as one of Canada’s best cities to visit. Despite being the oldest city, the vibe here is as refreshing as any metropolis, making it ideal for any of your vacations. Also, don’t forget to visit Water Street while you’re here!
Best months to visit: April–May, September–October.
The nearest airport is St. John’s International Airport, from which you can take a cab to the destination.
You Can:
- Explore the Cape Spear Lighthouse.
- Learn about local culture and history at The Rooms Shop and eat at the famous Water Street Restaurant.
Old Quebec City (Vieux-Quebec)
Old Quebec is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a historical treasure of Canada. This area contains the city’s most historic buildings and is spread across Quebec’s Upper and Lower Towns. The Lower Town, located along the St. Lawrence River, is the original settlement and home to the magnificent Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, among other treasures. The Citadel, the Plains of Abraham, Place d’Armes, and the Parque Historique de l’Artillerie are all located in the Upper Town, perched on 100-meter-high cliffs.
Old Quebec is one of Canada’s most famous historical areas, and it has a thriving tourism industry. Other highlights include artists displaying their works on Rue du Trésor, exciting museums such as the Musée de la Civilisation, and unique shops and restaurants.
Tofino: a water lover’s dream.
Tofino is the place to go if you can’t imagine a vacation without a beach! It’s a water lover’s paradise and a haven for people seeking comfort in their cozy hotel rooms after a long day. So have a wonderful time on the beach in Tofino. It is one of the best places to visit in Canada for an exotic beach vacation.
Best months to visit: March-May, September–November.
You Could:
- Visit well-known beaches such as Long Beach and Chesterman Beach.
- Try the well-known fish tacos.
- At Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, you can go kayaking and camping.
Signal Hill National Historic Site in St. John’s
Signal Hill National Historic Site is located at the entrance to St. John’s harbor, overlooking the city and the sea. The first wireless transatlantic signal was received here in 1901. Although the current fortifications were built during the hostilities of 1812, they also played a strategic role in the Seven Years’ War with France.
One of Signal Hill’s most important landmarks is the Cabot Tower. It was built in 1897 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the discovery of Newfoundland. It also celebrates Guglielmo Marconi’s reception of the first transatlantic radio telegraphy signal here in 1901, transmitted over 2,700 kilometers from Poldhu in England.
Exhibitions on the history of Signal Hill and communications are housed in the tower (with a special section on Marconi). You can see panoramic views of the city and the coast to Cape Spear, North America’s most easterly point, from the top.
Churchill: For Adventurers
If you’re looking for tourist attractions in Canada, this is where to go. This small town on Hudson Bay is unquestionably one of Canada’s best places to visit. Churchills, known as the world’s polar bear capital, is the ideal destination for visitors who enjoy getting up close and personal with wildlife. It is also a great destination for those looking for adventure, as one can enjoy underwater activities here.
The best months to visit are October and November.
You Could:
- Swim or snorkel alongside Beluga whales.
- Investigate Fort Prince of Wales.
- Go on a Tundra Buggy tour.
Parliament Hill in Ottawa
Ottawa’s Parliament Hill rises high above the Ottawa River and is dominated by Neo-Gothic-style Parliament buildings constructed in the latter half of the nineteenth century. The Peace Tower, which divides the House of Commons and the Senate on either side, is the most visible feature. The Centennial Flame, lit in 1966 to commemorate the centennial of the Canadian Confederation, stands in front of the Parliament buildings, and a sculpture garden lies behind them.
Weather permitting, the Changing of the Guard takes place on the front lawn of the Houses of Parliament during the summer. In addition, a lovely walk runs alongside the Ottawa River beneath Parliament Hill.
National Park of the Saguenay Fjords, Quebec
The Saguenay Fjords National Park is one of the best places in Canada to see these incredible fjord areas.
This is a great road trip if you’re coming from Quebec City and want to explore the ‘wilder’ surroundings. It’s accessible via Quebec’s 170. On that note, the city of Quebec should not be overlooked. It’s completely historic, and it’s a fantastic place to spend a long weekend exploring.
The entire area is ideal for hiking and is stunning to explore if you enjoy the great outdoors.
Also, beyond the Saguenay Fjords, there are places like Saracomie and camping in the woods (with beavers, as we did) near Saint-Pierre Lake.
Plus, there are small towns like Saint-Félix-d’Otis that are beautiful to visit while driving through Quebec.
Squamish Sea-to-Sky Gondola
The Sea-to-Sky Highway, officially known as BC Highway 99, is a popular route from Vancouver to Whistler due to the breathtaking views. The entire region is stunning, and it is easily one of the best places in Canada to explore.
Take the Sea-to-Sky Gondola in Squamish and go for a hike at the top of the mountains if you want to stop for a few hours. The Gondola travels for 10 minutes to an elevation of 2,900 feet (885 m), stopping at the Summit Lodge. It’s stunning.
However, if you live in Whistler, you can take the seaplane to Vancouver, still one of the most incredible flights. The views are breathtaking.
The Island of Vancouver
Despite only a two-hour ferry ride from the mainland, Vancouver Island can feel like a world away. Most people visit Victoria, British Columbia’s capital city, for sightseeing and culture. Still, if you travel north into the Island’s wild and remote landscapes, you will encounter some unexpected and unforgettable experiences.
Nature lovers can explore the best hiking trails on Vancouver Island and camp in some stunning locations. Those seeking greater comfort can stay at one of the Island’s lodges or resorts.
The old-growth forests of giant trees, some over 1,000 years old, are one of the Island’s most incredible sights.
The ancient trees of Eden Grove, near the town of Port Renfrew, are a day trip from Victoria. If you’re heading up the Island, you can also visit Cathedral Grove, which is near the town of Port Alberni, or travel to Tofino to see even more massive trees.
As you drive up to Tofino on the rugged west coast, a magnificent scene of sandy coves and dramatic rocky shores unfolds. In the nearby Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, you can find incredible hiking trails, some of Canada’s largest trees, endless beaches, great surfing spots, camping, and places to soak up nature in peace.
Tofino is a year-round destination, though, during the storm season, many visitors come to admire the massive waves crashing ashore; some come to surf, while others come to cozy up next to a fire in one of Tofino’s lovely resorts overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
On the Island, other places to visit include Nanaimo, Parksville, and Qualicum Beach, all on the eastern shore and looking out onto the Salish Sea. If you want to get away from it all, visit Cape Scott Provincial Park in the Island’s far north.
Churchill, Manitoba Polar Bears
The polar bear migration, which takes place in Hudson Bay near the town of Churchill in Northern Manitoba, is one of Canada’s most unique attractions.
Every autumn, this small town welcomes visitors. Visitors are taken out in tundra buggies with caged windows for close encounters with polar bears on tours. The best viewing is in October or November, when the bears wait for the water to freeze before venturing onto the ice.
The Inner Harbour of Victoria
Few Canadian cities have done as well as Victoria and its Inner Harbour in developing their waterfront areas. This is an excellent location for strolling, relaxing, shopping, dining, and watching street performers, all while overlooking the harbor.
The historic Empress Hotel, one of the city’s most beautiful structures, serves as the area’s focal point. The Empress has welcomed kings and queens over the years and now offers a traditional high tea, one of the highlights for many visitors to Victoria. While the harbor area is popular all year, it is especially lively in the summer.
Discover Old Montreal’s Old-World Charm
If you’re wondering where to go in Canada, make Montreal your first stop. The fascinating aura of Montreal’s oldest neighborhood is characterized by old-world charm, spectacular buildings, and horse-drawn carriages. This is the ideal location for travelers looking for a peaceful and unique experience! Then, have a great time with your family in one of Canada’s best tourist destinations.
March-May and September-November are the best months to visit.
How to Get There: The best way to get to Old Montreal is to take a ride in one of the metro stations. The orange line has three metro stations: Square-Victoria, Place-d’Armes, and Champ-de-Mars. To get to Old Montreal, you can get off at these stations.
You Could:
- Investigate the underground city.
- Relax and rejuvenate at the Scandinave Spa.
- Take a food tour of Old Montreal.
Stanley Park in Vancouver
The 405-hectare Stanley Park, conveniently located on the west side of the downtown area, is one of Vancouver’s greatest treasures. The park, located on a peninsula, is surrounded by the ocean and is home to massive red cedar and Douglas fir trees. The park’s seawall has a long walking, jogging, and biking path with designated lanes for walkers and bikers. There are some beautiful views of the city and mountains from the seawall. A scenic drive through Stanley Park with numerous pullouts is also available.
The Vancouver Aquarium, Beaver Lake, the Stanley Park Pavilion, and Rose Garden are all located within the park.
There are also numerous totem poles, some of which were built more than a century ago. The cherry trees bloom in a spectacular display in the spring.
River Valley Scenic Drive in Fredericton, New Brunswick
The River Valley Scenic Drive is one of several road trip routes available to visitors in New Brunswick. Make time to visit the territory’s capital city, Fredericton, while driving along the route.
The town is well-known for its arts and crafts, outdoor activities, and history. Stop by the Garrison District and Kings Landing Historical Settlement for top historical sights.
After that, if you’re going to see more of New Brunswick, go kayaking in the Bay of Fundy. We had a great time here, and the views were spectacular.
It also has one of the world’s highest tidal ranges!
Calgary Stampede
This 10-day event is most anticipated in Western Canada, with many locals and summer visitors planning their vacations around the Calgary Stampede. For one week in July, Calgary transforms into a true western town, with people who would normally wear suits to work instead of donning jeans and cowboy boots.
The Stampede Grounds host daily rodeo events that draw spectators from all over North America and thrill rides, games, food, and the nightly Grandstand Show. Throughout town, numerous establishments host free “Stampede Breakfasts,” which usually consist of pancakes and are held indoors or outdoors. Many well-known country music artists typically visit the city for this event.
Butchart Gardens: A Picturesque Setting
Butchart Gardens is the best place to explore with a camera of all the top tourist attractions in Canada. There’s a lot to see and do here that will make your holiday vibrant, with a stunning display of flowers, fun boat tours, night illuminations, and more! So are you ready to take some Instagram-worthy photos?
July and August are the best months to visit.
How to Get There: One of the best ways to get here is to take bus number 75 from downtown Victoria to Butchart Gardens, which takes about an hour.
You Could:
- Capture the beautiful flowers in the area.
- See the Disney-designed fireworks show.
- Take up ice skating.
The Rideau Canal
The historic Rideau Canal is a popular four-season playground for Eastern Ontario residents and visitors. This National Historic Site stretches for 202 kilometers from Kingston on Lake Ontario to Ottawa and has operation since 1832.
In the summer, pleasure boats brimming with families basking in the sun transit the locks and make their way slowly along the route, stopping for ice cream and snacks in small towns.
In the winter, a section of the Ottawa Canal is transformed into a 7.8-kilometer-long ice skating rink. Warming huts, pastry shops (try a Beaver Tail), coffee and hot chocolate vendors, changerooms, and washrooms can be found all along the route.
Depending on the weather, the skating season usually lasts from January to early March, and admission is free.
Hope these make it to your itinerary!
Originally posted 2022-06-07 01:43:07.