Niagara falls in Canada

Canada

Your Complete Guide to Exploring the Best of Canada

Canada, a land of vast wilderness and cultural diversity, captivates with its stunning natural beauty, vibrant cities, and welcoming atmosphere. From the multicultural mosaic of Toronto to the historic charm of Quebec City, Canada offers a blend of tradition and modernity. Explore majestic national parks, savour delicious poutine and maple syrup, and experience lively cultural festivals. The country’s rugged coastlines, pristine lakes, and outdoor adventures make it a top destination for travellers seeking both relaxation and exploration. Canada’s unique charm ensures an unforgettable travel experience.

When to visit

Temp Range

Currency

Min Budget

Jun – Aug

-30 – 25°C
-22 – 77°F

Canadian Dollar (CAD)

$60-80/day

  1. Your Complete Guide to Exploring the Best of Canada
    1. Top Attractions
    2. Map
    3. Transport
    4. Budget
    5. Seasonality and Weather
    6. Must Try Dishes
    7. Language
    8. Top Cities in Canada
    9. Other Destinations in North America
    10. Useful Pages

Top Attractions

See below for a selection of the top attractions in Canada, review the map to see where these are located to help plan your trip.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls, straddling the US-Canada border, is renowned for its majestic waterfalls and breath-taking natural beauty. Visitors can take boat tours such as the Maid of the Mist to experience the falls up close, explore nearby attractions like Niagara-on-the-Lake’s wineries, and enjoy panoramic views from observation points like Skylon Tower.

Access from – Niagara Falls, Ontario

Banff National Park

Canada’s oldest national park, is located in the Canadian Rockies and known for its stunning mountain scenery, turquoise lakes, and diverse wildlife. Visitors can explore iconic landmarks like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, hike scenic trails, soak in natural hot springs, and experience outdoor activities year-round in this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Access from – Banff, Alberta

Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park, adjacent to Banff, offers rugged mountain landscapes, glaciers, and vast wilderness areas. Visitors can explore the Columbia Icefield, hike to Athabasca Falls, and spot wildlife such as elk and bears. Jasper’s Dark Sky Preserve provides stargazing opportunities, while the scenic Icefields Parkway offers breath-taking views and access to outdoor adventures.

Access from – Jasper, Alberta

CN Tower

The CN Tower, an iconic symbol of Toronto’s skyline, offers panoramic views of the city and Lake Ontario from its observation decks. Visitors can experience the EdgeWalk, a hands-free outdoor walk on the tower’s ledge, dine at its revolving restaurant, and learn about its engineering and architectural significance in Canada’s largest city.

Access from – Toronto, Ontario

Stanley Park

Stanley Park, in downtown Vancouver, is a sprawling urban park known for its natural beauty, scenic views, and recreational opportunities. Visitors can walk or cycle along the seawall, visit the Vancouver Aquarium, and explore gardens and landmarks like Totem Poles and Prospect Point. Stanley Park’s forests, beaches, and cultural attractions make it a beloved destination in Vancouver.

Access from – Vancouver, BC

Whistler Blackcomb

Whistler Blackcomb, located north of Vancouver, is North America’s largest ski resort and a premier destination for winter sports enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing on over 8,000 acres of terrain, experience scenic gondola rides, and explore the pedestrian village’s shops, restaurants, and après-ski nightlife.

Access from – Whistler, BC

Old Quebec

Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a charming district in Quebec City known for its cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and European charm. Visitors can explore landmarks like Château Frontenac, stroll along Dufferin Terrace overlooking the St. Lawrence River, and visit museums, art galleries, and boutiques in this vibrant cultural hub.

Access from – Quebec City, QC

Columbia Icefield

The Columbia Icefield, located in Jasper National Park, is one of the largest icefields in the Rocky Mountains. Visitors can take guided tours onto the Athabasca Glacier aboard specially designed Ice Explorers, learn about glaciology at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, and marvel at panoramic views from the Glacier Skywalk.

Access from – Jasper, Alberta

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park offers a thrilling experience with its suspension bridge spanning the Capilano River. Visitors can walk through temperate rainforest on elevated walkways, brave the Cliffwalk, and learn about indigenous culture at Kia’palano. The park provides a blend of natural beauty, adrenaline-pumping attractions, and cultural insights near Vancouver.

Access from – Vancouver, BC

Hopewell Rocks

The Hopewell Rocks, also known as the Flowerpot Rocks, are iconic formations on the Bay of Fundy coast, known for the world’s highest tides. Visitors can explore the sea caves and towering rock formations during low tide, kayak around the rocks, and experience the dramatic tidal changes that shape this natural wonder.

Access from – Hopewell Cape, New Brunswick

Cabot Trail

The Cabot Trail is a scenic highway that winds through Cape Breton Island’s stunning landscapes, including Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Visitors can drive or cycle along the trail, stop at lookouts for panoramic views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Atlantic Ocean, hike trails like Skyline, and explore quaint coastal villages.

Access from – Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia

Churchill

Churchill, known as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World,” is a remote town on the Hudson Bay. Visitors can observe polar bears in their natural habitat during fall when they gather near the bay, take guided tundra buggy tours, and see beluga whales in the Churchill River during summer. Churchill offers unique wildlife encounters and northern lights viewing opportunities.

Access from – Churchill, Manitoba

Drumheller Hoodoos

The Drumheller Hoodoos are geological formations located in the Canadian Badlands of Alberta. These tall, thin spires of rock, capped with harder stone, are sculpted by erosion over millions of years. Visitors can hike among the hoodoos at Hoodoo Trail, learn about their formation at the nearby visitor centre, and explore dinosaur fossil sites in the area.

Access from – Drumheller, Alberta

Butchart Gardens

Butchart Gardens, near Victoria on Vancouver Island, is a renowned floral paradise spread over 55 acres. Visitors can stroll through themed gardens like the Sunken Garden and Rose Garden, marvel at seasonal displays of flowers and plants, and enjoy evening illuminations during summer. Butchart Gardens offers a tranquil escape and world-class horticultural displays.

Access from – Victoria, BC

Whale Watching Tour

Whale watching tours in British Columbia offer thrilling opportunities to spot orcas, humpback whales, and other marine wildlife in their natural habitat. Visitors can embark on boat excursions from Vancouver Island or the Gulf Islands, guided by marine biologists, to observe whales breaching and feeding. These tours provide educational insights into marine ecosystems and conservation efforts.

Access from – Victoria or Vancouver, BC

Map

See map of Canada to review top attractions. For the best experience save locally to open with google maps/share with your friends to help plan your next adventure! Some locations are hidden behind others, click map to reveal full details:

Transport

Canada’s transport routes cater well to holidaymakers. Major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal are connected by extensive domestic flights. Rail operators offer scenic train routes, such as the cross-country journey from Toronto to Vancouver. Intercity buses by local operators serve regional travel needs. Taxis are readily available in urban centres, with fare structures regulated by municipal governments. Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Lyft operate in larger cities, providing additional options for convenient and reliable transportation, though availability may vary in smaller towns and rural areas.

Budget

Traveling in Canada varies: budget travellers spend $60-$80 per day on hostels and cheap eats; mid-range travellers budget $120-$180 for hotels and dining out; luxury travellers may spend $250+ daily on upscale accommodations, fine dining, and exclusive experiences. Costs can vary widely depending on location and activities.

Seasonality and Weather

Canada’s weather varies significantly across its vast expanse. Coastal regions like Vancouver enjoy mild winters (0–7°C / 32–45°F) and moderate summers (15–25°C / 59–77°F). Central Canada, including Toronto and Montreal, experiences colder winters (-10 to -5°C / 14 to 23°F) and warmer summers (20–30°C / 68–86°F). Northern regions, like Yukon and Northwest Territories, have extreme cold in winter (-30 to -40°C / -22 to -40°F) and short, cool summers (10–20°C / 50–68°F). The best time to visit depends on the region: summer (June–August) is ideal for outdoor activities in most areas, while winter (December–February) offers opportunities for skiing and winter sports in the Rockies and northern regions.

Must Try Dishes

Poutine
Butter Tarts
Nanaimo Bar

Language

The main language spoken is English.

Top Cities in Canada

Other Destinations in North America

Useful Pages

Image Attributions
ImageAuthor, License
Nanaimo BarSheri TerrisCC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Thank you to the authors for allowing their works to be used
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