23 Best Places to Visit in Canada
A country in North America, Canada is known for its pristine natural beauty and incredible culture. It is rich in its heritage, complemented by the hustle-bustle of modern cities. If you plan a vacation to Canada, it is important to know the best tourist destinations here and plan your journey accordingly.
Read this article to find out the top tourist places in Canada, including the best scenic attractions, national parks, landmarks, historic sites, and cities.
Currency in Canada: The official currency of Canada is the Canadian Dollar. 1 CAD equals 60.90 Indian Rupees as of 27th February 2023.
Currency rates change are subject to the market exchange rate.
Best Tourist Places to Visit in Canada
There are several tourist places in Canada that people around the world flock to visit. Some of them are listed below.
Famous Natural Attractions to Visit in Canada
The majority of tourist places in Canada are brimming with natural beauty. Here are the ones you should not miss:
1. Niagara Falls, Ontario
One of the most enchanting and mighty waterfalls, Niagara Falls is shared by Canada and the United States. You can witness the three waterfalls in all their glory on this side of the border.
Be it the massive Horseshoe waterfall or the distant Bridal and American waterfalls, you are guaranteed a breathtaking panoramic view from any vantage point.
- Location: Niagara Falls, south-east Ontario
- Entry Fees: Free
- Popular Tourist Attractions: Horseshoe Falls, Bridal Falls, and American Falls
- Things to Do: Enjoy the panoramic views, take a cruise, or visit museums and a plethora of local shops.
- How to Reach: Disembark at the Buffalo-Niagara International Airport and take a short cab ride to reach the attraction.
2. Hornby Island, Vancouver
For avid nature lovers, Hornby Island in British Columbia is a dream come true. This quaint and sparsely populated island is home to lush forests, beautiful beaches, and hiking and biking trails.
Enjoy the awe-inspiring views from Heron Rocks, or immerse yourself in the serenity of Tribune Bay Provincial Park.
- Location: North Central Vancouver Island
- Entry Fees: Free
- Popular Tourist Attractions: Heron Rocks, Ford Cove, Tribune Bay Provincial Park, Whaling Station Bay, and Helliwell Provincial Park.
- Things to Do: Hiking, biking, kayaking, and engaging in other water sports
- How to Reach: Comox Valley Airport is the closest airstrip to Hornby Island. Take a ferry to Vancouver Island's Buckley Bay to reach the island. Continue your journey from Buckley Bay by car to reach your destination.
3. Whistler Park, British Columbia
Home to the massive Olympic Park and the Whistler Mountain Bike Park, this scenic town is the ultimate destination for sports lovers and adventure enthusiasts. The town is also known for its luxurious resorts, traditional restaurants, and historic charm.
- Location: Squamish, British Columbia
- Entry Fees: Free
- Popular Tourist Attractions: Whistler Mountain Bike Park, Olympic Park, and Brandywine Falls Provincial Park
- Things to Do: Hiking, biking, skiing, engaging in adventure sports, and taking gondola rides
- How to Reach: The nearest airstrip is the Vancouver International Airport, from where you have to travel for 5 hours by road to reach Whistler.
4. The Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
A beautiful onshore landmark, Okanagan can be a perfect destination if you enjoy visiting wine hubs. It is surrounded by exotic pine trees and forested parks, further enhancing tourist attraction. Additionally, you can find stunning beaches here. Along the beaches, there are multiple farms growing fruits like cherries, peaches, pears, etc.
- Location: South-central British Columbia, north of the American border
- Entry Fees: Free
- Popular Tourist Attractions: Beaches, forested parks, wine hubs, fruit farms, ski resorts, etc.
- Things to Do: Canoeing, pleasure boating, sailing, skiing, picnics, etc.
- How to Reach: Take a cab from Kelowna International Airport
5. Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia
Located in Eastern Canada, the Bay of Fundy can be a good choice if you are a beach lover. It is known for having enormous tides, especially if you visit New Brunswick’s Hopewell Rocks. Its stunning shoreline cliffs and beaches help you witness vibrant ecosystems. Moreover, you can make some interesting marine life discoveries here as well.
- Location: Between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, the inlet of the Atlantic Ocean
- Entry Fees: Free
- Popular Tourist Attractions: Huge tides, marine life, beaches, cliffs, Hopewell Cape, Fundy National Park, etc.
- Things to Do: Sightseeing, kayaking, taking photographs, hiking, exploring fossils, etc.
- How to Reach: Take a train to Montreal and then a cab to the Bay of Fundy
6. St. John's Signal Hill, Newfoundland
You can find the famous Signal Hill National Historic Site at the entrance to St. John's harbour. It gets its name from the first wireless transatlantic signal which took place in this area. One of the most popular sites here is the Cabot Tower, built in honour of Newfoundland. You can enjoy the panoramic views of the city from this hill.
- Location: To the west of Newfoundland and Labrador
- Entry Fees: Free
- Popular Tourist Attractions: Cabot Tower, crayon-coloured houses, Water Street, Cape Spear Lighthouse, etc.
- Things to Do: Sightseeing, exploring local culture, trying delicious cuisines, shopping, etc.
- How to Reach: Take a cab from the St. John's International Airport.
7. Rideau Canal, Kingston
It is a four-season playground, attracting visitors from across Europe. Suppose you are visiting Canada in summer when families go on boat rides for pleasant journeys across the lake. On the other hand, you can enjoy skiing if you are visiting Canada in winter. A portion of the canal transforms into an ice-skating rink in winter.
- Location: Between Ottawa and Lake Ontario at Kingston, Ontario
- Entry Fees: Free
- Popular Tourist Attractions: Locks, BYTOWN MUSEUM, Kingston Ontario, parks, gardens, hockey rinks, etc.
- Things to Do: Sightseeing, boat riding, ice skating, exploring, taking photographs, etc.
- How to Reach: Reach Ottawa or Kingston and take a bus to Rideau Canal
Most Popular National Parks to Visit in Canada
In the national parks of Canada, flora and fauna are found in their best form, and the area is covered with rocky mountains, rivers, and lakes. Here are some Canadian national parks with the most stunning views:
8. Banff National Park, Calgary
Internationally recognized for its pristine beauty and the turquoise-hued Lake Louise, Banff National Park is a whopping 6,641 square km of unspoiled wilderness. The park is home to massive mountains, ethereal glaciers, lush meadows, dense forests, and roaring rivers. However, Lake Louise remains the crown jewel of this natural wonderland.
- Location: Alberta's Rocky Mountains, west of Calgary.
- Entry Fees: Adults - 10.50 CAD, senior citizens - 9 CAD, youth (below 17 years) - free, groups - 21 CAD, commercial groups - 9 CAD per person.
- Popular Tourist Attractions: Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Sulphur Mountain, and Johnston Canyon
- Things to Do: Hiking, biking, camping, fishing, kayaking, and snowshoeing.
- How to Reach: Deplane at Calgary International Airport and take a cab to your destination.
9. Jasper National Park, Edmonton
For the adventurous souls that love the outdoors, this UNESCO World Heritage Site features some of the tallest peaks of the Canadian Rockies, along with countless lakes, meadows, forests, and trails. Traverse this wild landscape from March to May or September to November to capture the best scenic vistas on camera.
- Location: Alberta’s Rocky Mountain, west of Edmonton
- Entry Fees: Adults - 10.50 CAD, senior citizens - 9 CAD, youth (below 17 years) - free, groups - 21 CAD, commercial groups - 9 CAD per person.
- Popular Tourist Attractions: Icefields Parkway, Athabasca Glacier, and Jasper town.
- Things to Do: Hiking, photography, wildlife watching, and camping.
- How to Reach: Disembark at Edmonton International Airport or Calgary International Airport and take a car or public transport to reach the park.
10. Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland
It is one of the most remote national parks in Canada and has recently received the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tourists are attracted to its mountains, steep cliff walls, waterfalls, rock formations, and fjords. Walks along the mountain will allow you to explore the exotic floras and faunas while getting a panoramic view of the surroundings.
- Location: Newfoundland, Canada
- Entry Fees: 8.50-10.50 CAD for adults, 7.25-9 CAD for senior citizens, 16.75-21 CAD for groups or families and free for youths under 17
- Popular Tourist Attractions: Tropical forests, mountains, glaciers, flora and fauna, parks, beaches, etc.,
- Things to Do: Hiking, kayaking, sightseeing, skiing, boat riding, etc.
- How to Reach: Go to the Marine Atlantic ferry service from Nova Scotia and take a bus.
Major Landmarks & Unique Sites to Visit in Canada
Here are some of the most incredible landmarks and unique sites that you must visit if you are traveling to Canada:
11. Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto
It is among the largest and most popular museums in North America. You can find art, history, and culture here in a beautiful blend. Tourists come here to explore the galleries and natural history and art. Moreover, it displays the culture and traditions of the indigenous peoples of North America. There are free visits every third Monday of the month.
- Location: 100 Queens Park, Toronto, Ontario
- Entry Fees: 23-27 CAD for adults, 18.50-22 CAD for senior citizens, 14-17 CAD for students and free for children
- Popular Tourist Attractions: Art gallery, natural history, culture, and traditions of indigenous people, etc.
- Things to Do: Exploring the galleries, taking photographs, sightseeing, etc.
- How to Reach: Take a bus from Toronto to the museum.
12. CN Tower, Toronto
It is a must-visit landmark in Toronto, being one of the tallest structures. Standing at 553 meters, it towers over the city. You can get a panoramic view of Toronto from the observation deck. Moreover, the restaurants here will give you a unique experience, like eating on the glass floor. Finally, you can also get an adrenaline rush by standing on the edge of the tower.
- Location: 290 Bremner Boulevard, Toronto
- Entry Fees: 43-58 CAD for adults, 39-53 CAD for senior citizens, and 30-43 CAD for youth (below 17)
- Popular Tourist Attractions: Glass floor, 360 restaurant, EdgeWalk, panoramic view of the city, etc.
- Things to Do: Taking photographs, enjoying food, going to the top, sightseeing, etc.
- How to Reach: Take a cab from Toronto Pearson International Airport or Union Station to reach the CN Tower.
13. Capilano Suspension Bridge, Vancouver
You can visit this majestic bridge which is one of the oldest tourist attractions in Vancouver. It is a 137-meter-long bridge built over the Capilano River. When you walk along the bridge, you can get a panoramic view of the lush green forest and witness the beauty of the Capilano River.
- Location: 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver, British Columbia
- Entry Fees: 73.95 CAD for adults, 68.95 CAD for senior citizens, 54.95 CAD for students, 48.95 CAD for youth (17 years and below), 30.95 CAD for children (6-12), and free for toddlers.
- Popular Tourist Attractions: Cliffwalk, Treetops Adventure, Raptors Ridge Birds of Prey, etc.
- Things to Do: Walking along the bridge, taking photographs, hiking, sightseeing, etc.
- How to Reach: Take a cab from Vancouver International Airport or Waterfront Station to reach the bridge.
14. The Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Winnipeg
Another exciting and educational landmark in Canada, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg, is a must-visit. The museum is dedicated to human rights education and awareness, displaying powerful exhibits on various human rights issues from around the world. Its unique architectural design is also worth admiring.
- Location: 85 Israel Asper Way, Winnipeg, Manitoba
- Entry Fees: 21 CAD for adults, 16 CAD for senior citizens, 8 CAD for youth (7-17), and free for children.
- Popular Tourist Attractions: Tower of Hope, human rights exhibits, Indigenous Perspectives gallery, etc.
- Things to Do: Exploring exhibits, learning about human rights, taking photographs, etc.
- How to Reach: Take a cab from Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport or Union Station to reach the museum.
15. Quebec City
One of the most charming and historic cities in Canada, Quebec City, is a must-visit destination. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and beautiful architecture. You can explore the iconic Château Frontenac, stroll along the Quartier Petit-Champlain, or visit the impressive Montmorency Falls.
- Location: Quebec, Canada
- Entry Fees: Free
- Popular Tourist Attractions: Old Quebec, Château Frontenac, Quartier Petit-Champlain, Montmorency Falls, etc.
- Things to Do: Sightseeing, exploring historic sites, taking photographs, enjoying local cuisine, etc.
- How to Reach: Take a cab from Jean Lesage International Airport or Gare du Palais to reach the city.
Cities to Visit in Canada
When you plan your vacation to Canada, be sure to spend some time in its iconic cities. Here are some of the best cities you must visit when you are here:
16. Vancouver, British Columbia
Known for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant city life, Vancouver is a must-visit destination in Canada. Surrounded by mountains and ocean, the city offers a perfect blend of outdoor activities and urban attractions. You can explore Stanley Park, visit Granville Island, or enjoy the bustling nightlife in downtown Vancouver.
- Location: British Columbia, Canada
- Entry Fees: Free
- Popular Tourist Attractions: Stanley Park, Granville Island, Vancouver Aquarium, Grouse Mountain, etc.
- Things to Do: Sightseeing, hiking, biking, shopping, dining, etc.
- How to Reach: Take a cab from Vancouver International Airport or Pacific Central Station to reach the city.
17. Toronto, Ontario
As the largest city in Canada, Toronto is a bustling metropolis with a diverse cultural scene. You can explore the iconic CN Tower, visit the Royal Ontario Museum, or enjoy a stroll along the waterfront. The city is also home to numerous theaters, galleries, and restaurants, offering a vibrant arts and culinary scene.
- Location: Ontario, Canada
- Entry Fees: Free
- Popular Tourist Attractions: CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto Islands, St. Lawrence Market, etc.
- Things to Do: Sightseeing, shopping, dining, attending cultural events, etc.
- How to Reach: Take a cab from Toronto Pearson International Airport or Union Station to reach the city.
18. Montreal, Quebec
Montreal is a vibrant city known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and lively festivals. You can explore the historic Old Montreal, visit the impressive Notre-Dame Basilica, or enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the Montreal Jazz Festival. The city is also known for its delicious food, with numerous restaurants offering a variety of cuisines.
- Location: Quebec, Canada
- Entry Fees: Free
- Popular Tourist Attractions: Old Montreal, Notre-Dame Basilica, Mount Royal, Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, etc.
- Things to Do: Sightseeing, exploring historic sites, enjoying festivals, dining, etc.
- How to Reach: Take a cab from Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport or Central Station to reach the city.
19. Ottawa, Ontario
As the capital city of Canada, Ottawa is a beautiful city with a rich history and numerous attractions. You can visit the iconic Parliament Hill, explore the Canadian Museum of History, or take a stroll along the Rideau Canal. The city is also known for its beautiful parks and gardens, offering a perfect blend of natural and urban attractions.
- Location: Ontario, Canada
- Entry Fees: Free
- Popular Tourist Attractions: Parliament Hill, Rideau Canal, Canadian Museum of History, ByWard Market, etc.
- Things to Do: Sightseeing, exploring historic sites, taking photographs, enjoying local cuisine, etc.
- How to Reach: Take a cab from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport or VIA Rail Station to reach the city.
20. Calgary, Alberta
Known for its beautiful landscapes and vibrant city life, Calgary is a must-visit destination in Canada. You can explore the stunning Banff National Park, visit the Calgary Zoo, or enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the Calgary Stampede. The city is also known for its delicious food, with numerous restaurants offering a variety of cuisines.
- Location: Alberta, Canada
- Entry Fees: Free
- Popular Tourist Attractions: Banff National Park, Calgary Zoo, Calgary Tower, Heritage Park, etc.
- Things to Do: Sightseeing, hiking, biking, shopping, dining, etc.
- How to Reach: Take a cab from Calgary International Airport or Calgary Transit to reach the city.
21. Halifax, Nova Scotia
Halifax is a charming city known for its beautiful waterfront, historic sites, and vibrant cultural scene. You can explore the iconic Halifax Citadel, visit the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, or enjoy the lively atmosphere of the Halifax Harbour. The city is also known for its delicious seafood, with numerous restaurants offering fresh and local dishes.
- Location: Nova Scotia, Canada
- Entry Fees: Free
- Popular Tourist Attractions: Halifax Citadel, Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, Halifax Harbour, Point Pleasant Park, etc.
- Things to Do: Sightseeing, exploring historic sites, taking photographs, enjoying local cuisine, etc.
- How to Reach: Take a cab from Halifax Stanfield International Airport or Halifax VIA Rail Station to reach the city.
22. Victoria, British Columbia
Victoria is a beautiful city known for its stunning gardens, historic sites, and vibrant cultural scene. You can explore the iconic Butchart Gardens, visit the Royal BC Museum, or enjoy a stroll along the Inner Harbour. The city is also known for its delicious food, with numerous restaurants offering a variety of cuisines.
- Location: British Columbia, Canada
- Entry Fees: Free
- Popular Tourist Attractions: Butchart Gardens, Royal BC Museum, Inner Harbour, Craigdarroch Castle, etc.
- Things to Do: Sightseeing, exploring historic sites, enjoying festivals, dining, etc.
- How to Reach: Take a cab from Victoria International Airport or BC Ferries to reach the city.
23. Quebec City, Quebec
Quebec City is a charming city known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and lively festivals. You can explore the historic Old Quebec, visit the impressive Montmorency Falls, or enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the Quebec Winter Carnival. The city is also known for its delicious food, with numerous restaurants offering a variety of cuisines.
- Location: Quebec, Canada
- Entry Fees: Free
- Popular Tourist Attractions: Old Quebec, Montmorency Falls, Quebec Winter Carnival, Plains of Abraham, etc.
- Things to Do: Sightseeing, exploring historic sites, enjoying festivals, dining, etc.
- How to Reach: Take a cab from Jean Lesage International Airport or Gare du Palais to reach the city.
Conclusion
When planning your trip to Canada, make sure to include these top landmarks and cities in your itinerary. From the stunning natural beauty of Banff National Park to the vibrant city life of Toronto and Vancouver, Canada offers a wide range of attractions and experiences for travelers. Whether you're interested in exploring historic sites, enjoying outdoor activities, or indulging in delicious food, Canada has something for everyone.
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