Canada is a very well-known tourist destination known for its welcoming atmosphere, vibrant cities, and breathtaking scenery. Located in North America, Canada is a large country and is home to the Arctic tundra, spacious prairies, awe-inspiring coastlines, beautiful mountains, and green, virgin forests.
Despite the majority of the population being French and British, the country is home to various multicultural communities.
Now that you’ve got your bags ready for Canada, or are still in the planning phase, make sure that you include the following places and activities in your travel itinerary:
Calgary
Situated in Alberta, Calgary is the largest city and is located between the Canadian Rockies and the Canadian Prairies. After oil was discovered back in the 1900s, Calgary changed to being the largest metropolitan area of the country that attracts hundreds of tourists every year.
The city is well-known for its rodeo event called the Calgary Stampede. The event takes place in July, lasts for 10 days and includes food, crafts, competitions, parades, rodeos, and chuck wagon races.
Ottawa
The capital of Canada is home to two breathtaking rivers; the Rideau River and the Gatineau River in the South. In Ottawa, you will also find numerous federal, commercial, and financial establishments such as the Parliament Hill.
In the summer, you can also witness the ceremony of the Changing of the Guard. Perhaps, the main attraction is the Rideau Canal which becomes the largest ice skating rink in the world in the winter.
Toronto
Toronto is ranked, by many, as the second best place that tourists should visit in Canada. Located in Ontario, this is a huge city, and there’s a lot to do there.
With shops and cuisines from all around the world like Koreatown, Little India, and Greektown, you will never get tired of this place. Since there is so much of diversity, you can get the taste of the world with just one visit to Toronto.
Whistler
Whistler, a resort, is a famous and the largest alpine ski destination and is located in Blackcomb and Whistler. The resort is located two hours away from Vancouver and is in the Coast Mountains of the British Columbia.
Situated at the base of the mountains are many quaint villages including the Upper Village, Creekside, and the Whistler Village. The gondola peak-to-peak transports the visitors up to the mountains.
Montreal
After Toronto, Montreal is the second largest city and is the financial and cultural hub of Quebec. The city is home to the biggest French-speaking community after Paris. The bustling metropolis of Montreal features numerous distinctive neighborhoods, entertainment districts, historic quarters, and a downtown district.
Montreal is a place suitable for all; families, history enthusiasts, couples, and friends. You can view the numerous downtown skyscrapers such as the Olympic Tower, visit theme parks and water parks, or tour the historic buildings located in Old Montreal.
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls has been the subject of various movies and is widely known around the globe. Located in Ontario, this is a series of three mind-blowing and beautiful waterfalls and shares its border with New York.
The part of the Niagara fall which is in Ontario is called the Horseshoe Falls and provides the most attractions and as well as the most mesmerizing view. The area that surrounds the waterfall is a top-end tourist spot consisting of high-rise hotels, casinos, souvenir shops, restaurants, and observation towers.
The best spot for viewing the waterfall is from the Queen Victoria Park. Each night during the summer there is a firework display.
Banff National Park
Not only is this the national park of Canada, but the Banff National Park is also considered as one of the most visited and largest national parks. Located in Alberta, the wildlife and the scenery is what attract thousands of tourists each year.
This park contains a variety of wildlife and includes mammals such as bald eagles, wolves, bighorn sheep, moose, bison, black bears, and grizzly bears.
The Yukon
In the northwestern corner of Canada, there is an expanse of adventure, wildlife, and peaks. Mount Logan which is the highest peak of Canada is located in The Yukon and is the epitome of beauty and nature.
The Yukon is the perfect place for sports enthusiasts as they can paddle through rivers and lakes in kayaks and canoes, walk beautiful trails, snowboard, ski, dog sled, and give ice climbing a try.
Prince Edward Island
The island is home to mouthwatering seafood oriented cuisines, red sandstone cliffs, and rolling green hills. While many of the other destinations in Canada are adventure driven, this island is perfect for relaxing.
If you want to take a break from your hectic work life, Prince Edward Island is the perfect place to go. You can either hit the beach boasting pristine sands, or you can try and become an expert in golf by practicing at one of the many golf courses of the island.
While you are on the island, make sure you try to look out for the adorable harp seals.
Jasper National Park
While Banff is an excellent national park, the Jasper National Park is also another great option. Located in the Rocky Mountains, this is the largest park in Canada and is almost 80 miles north of Banff National Park.
There is a lot to do here like exploring the Maligne Canyon, whitewater rafting, and hiking. Alternatively, you can also enjoy a bird’s eye view of the breathtaking view from the Jasper Skytram.
Kelowna
Kelowna is a resort town of the British Columbia and offers a number of things to do. In the summer, the Okanagan Lake becomes the biggest attraction, and in winters, tourists fill the ski resorts. The wine and the food available here is enticing and exceptionally delicious.
What else can you do in Canada?
You can visit the CN tower which is the iconic tower measuring around 553-metres. The tower features a revolving restaurant and a glass floor. Or, you can visit the Capilano suspension bridge which is perched within the treetops. Measuring 137 meters, the bridge promises a scenic view.
