The Great Land of the North Americans is a place full of opportunities for tourism, so to cover the top places to visit in this charming country that’s worth visiting, I’ll guide you with my top tips on planning your perfect trip to the world’s capital city.
1. Toronto (Ontario)
Toronto is known for its vibrant nightlife and urban setting, which will give you many unforgettable experiences to look forward to once you are settled into your hotel or hostel bed. There are many things to do in this big city, including being the home of baseball great Jackie Robinson, shopping along The Magnificent Mile and St. Lawrence Street, dining at one of the finest restaurants, exploring the historic Art Deco architecture and enjoying art galleries all over the area, while also spending time with friends by staying at some amazing hotels or resorts. You can experience these attractions from year round, as there is plenty of light pollution and low temperatures that make this city ideal for summer travel. A good idea would be to take advantage of any warm months after October and November, when most people are able to enjoy their winter vacations from the Ontario beaches.
2. Calgary (Alberta)
Calgary is an excellent destination from the Canadian Rockies and has been ranked as number 1 due to its location, climate, arts attractions, recreation facilities and more. Calgary is recognized worldwide for it’s cultural and sporting excellence and boasts spectacular landscapes that attract tourists from far and wide. Calgary has also been featured in “The 100 Best Countries to Travel to” because of its unique culture, incredible cuisine, and fantastic outdoor activities perfect for travelers of all ages. This large international airport is located near the downtown core of Calgary where you can grab your luggage and head off to any part of the city you like. If you’re traveling to Alberta, you can find Calgary as a popular destination. Visiting Calgary can easily be done without leaving the country. However, if you plan on traveling further out of Calgary, we suggest renting a car to get around the city.
3. Ottawa/Ottawa (Ontario)
If you want to stay closer to Canada’s beautiful northern provinces, you could choose to go to Ottawa. It’s the first province in Canada to be named among the “Best Small Cities in Canada” by Lonely Planet. With lush green parks, natural beauty, museums and fun entertainment options, Ottawa has something to serve everyone. Not to mention Ottawa offers the best food in the nation! You can easily fit your entire vacation here! The national stadium hosts quite a few sporting events each season such as MLS soccer matches. You can see what games are played or catch up with other fans in our awesome Facebook event page. Many famous musicians or actors have homes in this provincial town, including Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift. Also, consider taking a tour of the Rideau Canal Waterway for an authentic waterfront experience in Ottawa! Another reason why this is one of the best cities to experience in Canada is that it’s so close to Niagara Falls. Other scenic mountain sites include Mount Snow, Canmore and Banff National Park. Ottawa is truly a magical place for every visitor to take note of the various landmarks found throughout the city of Ottawa. One thing to keep in mind that should make visiting Ottawa one of the most enjoyable trips possible is that the average temperature stays slightly below zero degrees Fahrenheit from June to September. Winters can get even cooler in the colder seasons but still make sure to pack a jacket. For those who don’t like cold weather, Ottawa boasts several parks and gardens where you can bring picnic meals with you to have delicious treats while you relax on park benches and stroll through nature untouched by human beings. Just remember, Ottawa isn’t just about walking through greenery and visiting lakes. In addition to the countless nature features, you can buy tickets to any number of musical concerts here, including Hamilton! From the famed statues of Alexander McQueen and Audrey Hepburn, to live music, theatre performances and festivals!
4. Vancouver (British Columbia)
Vancouver has the third largest population density in British Columbia, making it one of the best destinations of the north American continent. Since it’s also the second-largest city in the province, Vancouver is full of history and culture and offers a variety of accommodations and events designed to provide visitors with a memorable experience. Although not an iconic tourist spot, this city still makes an appearance in ‘best small towns in Canada’ lists! Some highlights here include the Olympic Aquatics Centre, Fraser Island, Whistler Mountain Resort, Chinatown and Victoria. As the city is internationally recognized, Canada Day celebrations are held in the fall when thousands of Canadians come together for festivities. Another major attraction is the Vancouver Zoo, the oldest zoo in the world and home to three different species of bears, lions, polar bears and gazelle. Don’t miss the Viceroy Gardens for your next outing here too! Besides the plethora of historical buildings and monuments here, you can expect to witness the breathtaking scenery of Montréal and the Pacific Coast Line. In addition to shopping in Queen Victoria Square, you’ll certainly discover interesting shops like Gucci, Rolex, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Versace, Burberry and Prada. There are many local cuisines, including French, Italian and Asian fare that are sure to please anyone coming to Vancouver. Finally, this city boasts a wealth of recreational opportunities! These range from sports to adventure. Take pride in going hiking at Smith Rock Park, catching up with your mates over a beer at the West Coaster Bar before heading to the beach at Cape Point Beach or soaking it up at Okanagan Lake. There is much more to Vancouver than meets the eye here, but we hope this little overview of our top list of top places in Canada will help you make plans for your long-awaited travel adventure!
5. Québec City / Quebec City (Quebec)
Not only are you getting to hear the language spoken here, you can experience real Canada by strolling down Père Lachaise Boulevard, checking out the stunning old churches, visiting some really nice museums, watching the locals pass the customs on occasion as well as admiring some gorgeous waterfalls and mountains in Lac Ste Anne – you name it! Make the trip to Saint-Sulpice Castle for a day of luxurious colonial life that includes tours of the castle gardens and the stone labyrinths and walkways within the walls. Enjoy lunch and dinner surrounded by the views of the impressive Notre Dame cathedral. Then, head to the city’s rich heritage museum where you can learn about the history of the early settlers, then continue your shopping spree and experience the wonderful boutiques inside and outside the palace. The nearby Île de la Cité is the site of medieval pilgrimage meetings where pilgrims, monks and priests gather regularly to pray in peace. If you don’t want to deal with crowds, simply book a room in Hotel Du Haut de Robineau or d’Orléans nearby. Alternatively, you can spend the evening relaxing at the Le Petit Châtelet Café overlooking Saint Sulpice and having brunch with fresh seafood.
6. Quebec & Atlantic Canada
As the land of maple leaves and whale sharks, there is no denying that this region of west Canada is one of most visited locations in North America. Here you can find everything from quaint boutique cafés, to high-speed rails and the worlds oldest amusement parks. The province is also home to several ports which offer international cruise ships to visit. Of course, this doesn’t mean that Montreal is only a port city in this section of Canada, since there is much to see and do in Quebec City. Amongst the very exciting things to check out here is the Laurentians’ village, the city’s biggest draw, which is nestled between two snow-covered hills. Here you’ll find numerous historic structures, as well as fascinating new architectural pieces. Most of our recommendations would focus on Paris, Montreal and the United States of America. In summary, if you’re interested in travelling to Canada, Quebec certainly deserves your attention.
7. Yukon Territory – Whitehorse
There is no doubt about it, Whitehorse is one of the best places to visit in Canada for a grand safari. While visiting the territory, expect to view deer roaming wild through forests, wildlife spotting including cougars and bear, fishing adventures and lots of camping. Be sure to stop by the Grand Passage National Historic Site for a glimpse of how the First Nation people lived. The landscape is reminiscent of Western frontier settlements in the U.S., such as Fort William Henry or Wounded Knee. The white colouring of the environment can be seen in some sections of the landscape. Along with the dramatic views, the presence of grizzly bears makes this area one of the most dangerous in the whole of Canada! During the winters, you may also encounter moose here. On the plus side, driving from Whitehorse to Churchill was included in World Drives’ top ten best short drives. It was made up of a total of 7 days, allowing you enough time to visit five separate destinations. Plus, you’ll need to take care of your health when camping in the wild! Another aspect of Whitehorse to enjoy during your excursion was visiting Black Bear Lodge. An important landmark in the wilderness, this lodge was built in 1904 and used as a retreat for explorers during expeditions. The following photos are taken during those initial nights spent in the cabin, sitting on leather chairs.
8. Portland, Oregon OR
Portland has become known for its artistic scenes, diverse food and lively atmosphere. And although it’s relatively smaller than San Francisco, it definitely does a better job attracting travellers as compared to that larger metropolis. That means you’ll probably find less crowds at retail stores, bars and pubs in Portland.
