Canada, which covers more land than any country except one, has many different types of land and cultures. It offers both the stunning Rocky Mountains and vibrant cities, making it a top destination for all kinds of travelers.Every area changes its character and there is a special sight to enjoy throughout the year.In this guide to Canada’s 15 Best Places to Visit, we’ll help you uncover the most stunning destinations across the country—complete with ideal times to go and must-see attractions you won’t want to miss.
Niagara Falls, Ontario
Millions of visitors come to see this impressive natural place every year. Featuring top Canada destinations like Niagara Falls, should be at the top of your travel list. Because the gardens on Niagara Parkway are in full bloom in May to September, this is the ideal time to go for a Niagara City Cruise boat tour.
Summer draws crowds for boat trips, exciting displays of fireworks, and the hustle at Clifton Hill. September through November gives you a chance to see gorgeous fall leaves and a decrease in visitors. Festival of Lights dazzles Niagara during the winter and in spring, it becomes known for misty mornings and colorful gardens.
A little farther along, Niagara-on-the-Lake gives guests chances to stroll its old streets and discover famous local wineries. If you want to view the waterfalls above it all, sign up for a helicopter trip, take a zipline ride or look from the observation deck of the Skylon Tower.
Read More: Hornblower Niagara Cruises vs. Maid of the Mist
Toronto, Ontario
Toronto, Canada’s biggest city and a world-class place, deserves a spot among the 15 best destinations in Canada. It’s lively, full of different groups and brimming with places to visit. From March through the end of fall, Toronto is alive with activity, with two particularly busy times being TIFF in September and street festivals in Kensington Market during summer.
The winter brings bright lights, enjoyable markets and wonderful indoor spaces, ensuring the city keeps you jolly all season. This time of year brings fresh beginnings in High Park with cherry blossoms and patio season on Queen Street West.If you love food, Toronto is definitely a place to visit in Canada, since it has both expensive fine dining and dishes from many countries.
You can catch a ride on the ferry bound for Toronto Islands for beaches and amazing skyline views or enjoy artisan shopping and music performances in the Distillery Historic District.Its amazing entertainment, easy to walk areas and thriving diversity make it a highlight of Canada to visit in Canada at any time.
Vancouver Island, British Columbia
The wild coastline, quiet forests and friendliness of the people are some of the reasons Vancouver Island comes among pretty places to go in canada. The best season for kayaking and beachcombing in Parksville and Tofino is from June to August. Both spring and fall are good times to hike, surf or investigate tide pools since it’s not as hot and the crowding is less.
Storm-watching is popular in winter on the west coast in Ucluelet, where the water smashes against the rocks. As the island’s capital, Victoria charms visitors all year, thanks to Butchart Gardens, Inner Harbour and whale watching tours.Visitors to Canada will find that Vancouver Island is a popular place for both adventurers and travelers who want a calm escape.
Meat lovers look forward to enjoying the area’s wine and fresh seafood, but wildlife lovers mostly visit to spot bears, whales and eagles.Travel through Vancouver Island’s natural surroundings in Pacific Rim National Park or its cozy towns, as the island features some of Canada’s top destinations, all with a wonderful, relaxed West Coast mood.
Prince Edward Island (PEI)
Due to being peaceful, beautiful and full of history, Prince Edward Island is a top pick among Canada’s 15 best places to see. Its red cliffs, beautiful beaches and perfect scenes from storybooks attract visitors in the summer (June–September). Festivals, seafood celebrations and warm weather for the beach at this time help the island come alive.
Offering colorful landscapes and desolate trails for hiking and biking during fall and with spring, there are lupin flowers and the chance to visit farms. It’s easy to enjoy a chill and thoughtful stay in winter, looking out on the sea from your room.You should look into Cavendish Beach, Green Gables Heritage Place and the Confederation Trail. Because it’s not so big and the drive is beautiful, PEI is an ideal place in Canada to see by car.
It’s an appealing spot for people going solo, with their families or on a couple’s retreat.You may not have heard of it yet, but courtesy of its fine dining, landmarks like lighthouses and kind locals, Prince Edward Island is truly worth a visit.
Montreal, Quebec
Montreal has the European feel of a big city plus the North American vibe. Summer gives Montreal a lot of energy, as its streets come alive once festivals like Just for Laughs and the International Jazz Festival arrive. Local people and tourists are found in abundance on patios.
Fewer people visit during spring and fall, so both are wonderful for exploring the city’s parks, easy-to-travel streets and bars and restaurants.
The leaves of the trees in Mount Royal Park change color every autumn.Although it’s chilly, winter makes Montreal enjoyable, because of icy winter rinks, winter festivals and plenty of warm shops inside.
Tour Notre-Dame Basilica, walk along Old Montreal’s paths or sample a typical smoked meat sandwich in Mile End. This location is sure to impress for its striking architecture, unique art and wonderful cuisine.Since the city is bilingual, Montreal provides an experience that’s very different from anywhere else, whether you love its unique music, style or French-style pastries.
Halifax, Nova Scotia
The combination of ocean views, a seafaring tradition and warm eastern hospitality make Halifax amongst the best places to go in canada. The city’s harborfront, seafood stands and beaches are most enjoyable from spring to summer (May–August). You’ll notice plenty of live music, sailboat rides and exciting festivals such as the Halifax Jazz Festival in the city.
Fall makes the Cabot Trail’s colors truly special. Although it’s not as active in winter, you can enjoy fun activities such as curling, snug pubs and nearby museums. You can easily find the best of town and outdoor nature while traveling in Halifax.Saint John is an excellent choice for anyone who loves good food, history or the welcoming feeling of Atlantic Canada.
Banff National Park, Alberta
Its many lakes, high mountains and rich wildlife are constant reasons why people are drawn to Banff.when you visit Banff, you’ll see lots of charming cafes, distinct shops, cozy lodges and art galleries that reflect what the area is all about. You can hike, bike or canoe around Lake Minnewanka or Moraine Lake in the summer, to enjoy their beautiful turquoise water and impressive mountain scenery.
In the fall, the park turns beautiful with larch trees making the trails sparkle like Larch Valley.Sunshine Village and Lake Louise Ski Resort help turn Banff into a premier ski destination each winter. Once you’re done skiing for the day, head to the Banff Upper Hot Springs for a rest surrounded by snow peaked mountains.Spring is quiet in most parks because the weather and flowers are perfect for people who want time alone and to watch animals coming back. Because it’s warmer outside, the number of visitors to the Icefields Parkway is lower now.
CN Tower, Toronto, Ontario
If you want to get a great view of Toronto and Lake Ontario, visiting the CN Tower should be very high on your list of things to do in Canada. Walking the EdgeWalk, hanging onto the outside of the tower with only a harness, is something visitors look forward to in the summer. You’ll find that the glass floor and SkyPod deliver stunning city views all year long, but they look particularly amazing at sunset or when the city is lit up.
Don’t miss winter as the Distillery District becomes lively with market stalls and sparkling lights. During these seasons, it’s easier for guests to get around and enjoy a better experience. Because the CN Tower is in the middle of downtown Toronto, it is simple to visit with nearby destinations like Ripley’s Aquarium, Rogers Centre and Harbourfront.this Toronto icon is one of the boldest places to see in Canada.
Ottawa, Ontario
Since Ottawa is known for its politics and beautiful seasons, it is counted among the best cities in Canada. Besides Parliament Hill, the capital city has the Rideau Canal and a collection of national museums, all attractive year-round. During winter, the city turns into a place covered in snow and the Rideau Canal Skateway brings many visitors. Spring marks Canada’s Tulip Festival and beautiful gardens in Commissioners Park.
Community members enjoy cultural traditions in summer during Canada Day events and Jazz Fest. Across Gatineau Park and along the Ottawa River, you can find beautiful colors in fall. Visit ByWard Market regularly to find food, art and attractions from the local community all year. Whether you love history, nature or city culture, Ottawa presents everything you need to see why it is unjustly overlooked as a Canadian destination.
Lake Louise, Alberta
Its otherworldly beauty makes Lake Louise one of Canada’s best tourist destinations. The lake is hidden in the Rockies near Banff National Park and its emerald water is surrounded on all sides by snowy mountains and the Victoria Glacier. Summer is a great time to walk the Lake Agnes Tea House trail and explore the lake by renting a canoe. Fall is peaceful because there are fewer visitors than at other times.
Every winter, Lake Louise looks exactly like a snow globe. Skating, taking a sleigh ride and skiing are some of the pleasures available to visitors near Lake Louise. Spring brings about melted ice, so the water becomes still and provides impressive views. The luxury and atmosphere at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise turn this region into one of the best spots. Travelers, nature lovers and shutterbugs can all confirm that this national park is a true Canadian classic.
Tofino, British Columbia
If you like surfing and nature, Tofino on Vancouver Island’s west coast cannot be missed. Due to beaches, lush rainforests and rich culture of Canadian natives, Tofino is among Canada’s top places to visit for eco-friendly trips. The summer season has clear days and provides good waves for surfing and kayaking. There is no better time than fall to watch the weather from Chesterman Beach.
Those who visit in winter can stay in a lodge, enjoy a spa session or see moody sights along the coast. In spring, visitors can join whales watching adventures and hikes along the coast in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. The community is peaceful and features many artisan businesses, great places for seafood and local art shows. Cultural tours are available to visitors, so is an opportunity to soak in the hot springs or watch bears on a boat trip. This destination is a gem partly because its unspoiled landscape reflects the Pacific Northwest.
St. John’s, Newfoundland
A strikingly colored selection of houses, cliffs once kissed by fog and a strong maritime heritage attract tourists to St. John’s as a top destination in Canada. North America’s oldest city combines a history-filled past with outdoor rugged beauty. It’s best to visit in summer, when you can watch whales, see puffins and explore the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve by boat. Brightly colored leaves and a brisk climate define the peninsula during this season.
Although St. John’s is peaceful at this time, there’s a pleasant feeling to walking on snowy streets to enter warm restaurants and pubs. Spring is when you’ll spot icebergs passing along the coastline, a sight few others ever see. People should definitely walk the Signal Hill hike and see Cape Spear, where North America reaches its eastern end. You could visit St. John’s for its seafood, its view or its culture—and you’ll find it’s a colorful place to explore.
Blue Mountain, Ontario
If you head just two hours from Toronto, Blue Mountain is one of the leading Canadian spots for winter activities. Even so, this place, which welcomes visitors in four seasons, has many more attractions than just skiing. Between December and March, the area is popular for skiing, snowboarding and tubing, made even better by places to have warm food and cozy shelters.
In the spring, hiking routes across the state become accessible, taking visitors to waterfalls as well as fine scenic viewpoints. Summer brings ziplining, mountain biking and the chance to spend time at Georgian Bay.
A cool red and gold landscape appears in autumn, making autumn best for gondola rides and to pick apples. The Blue Mountain Village attracts visitors with its arrays of shops, relaxation centers and various restaurants. If you’re in the area for skiing or hiking, Blue Mountain has something to please all kinds of travelers.
Jasper National Park, Alberta
Jasper is a less crowded and bolder choice than Banff and is certainly one of the 15 top destinations in Canada. In the Canadian Rockies, it is home to lakes filled by glaciers, grand forests and loads of wildlife. Hiking among the Five Lakes, canoeing at Pyramid Lake and searching for elk as you drive the Icefields Parkway is best in the summer.
In the fall, there are lots of lovely colors and better weather for travelers, with fewer tour groups to share the attractions. If you want peace, come in winter: enjoy snowshoeing, find quiet moments at the frozen waterfalls and observe the stars under the Dark Sky Preserve.
The freshwater falls become loud and bears begin to reappear once spring arrives.People who prefer an undisturbed connection with nature will appreciate Jasper. The beautiful wilderness and dazzling night sky keep Jasper as one of the most visited areas in Canada.
Icefields Parkway, Alberta
Referred to as a beautiful drive, the Icefields Parkway runs between Banff and Jasper National Parks, showing off stunning alpine views all along the way. Summer and early fall allow you to drive the Parkway without worry and many stunning features such as Peyto Lake and Athabasca Glacier are simple to see.
There are less people when you visit in spring and the snowy mountains make for a beautiful, quiet time. Winter travel should not be attempted unless you and your gear are trained and equipped for serious risks including avalanches. While traveling, visit Columbia Icefield or walk on the brand new glass Skywalk above the Sunwapta Valley.