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Top 5 Places to Visit in Canada
Canada, the second largest country in the world, is diverse in that it has mountains and cosmopolitan cities. If you love nature, Canada makes for a dream travel destination. Did you know? You can even see the northern lights from Canada! We listed the top 5 places to visit in Canada!
Fun Facts:
- Canada is bilingual in both English and French.
- Canada has the longest coastline in the world, with 125,567 miles
- More than half of the lakes in the world are in Canada
- Quebec in Canada is the only officially French-speaking province
- The CN Tower in Toronto was the world’s tallest free-standing structure until 2007
- There are more doughnut shops in Canada per capita than in any other country
My Experience:
I traveled to Canada a few times because my sister studied at Plattsburgh State University, an hour from Montreal. I went on a few other occasions to visit Niagara Falls and Toronto. We list the best places to visit in Canada based on my experiences and research that I have done.
#1: Niagara Falls: BOOK THE ALL IN ONE TOUR
Niagara Falls was formed more than 12,000 years ago at the end of the Ice Age. The force of the water wore away the rock layers, and Niagara Falls moved upstream, reaching its present location. Niagara Falls consists of three waterfalls: The Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls, and the Bridal Veil Falls.
My Experience:
I was lucky to see Niagara Falls twice: in America and Canada. The most mesmerizing to me was witnessing the falls in Canada at night because the waterfall lights up after dark. At the American Falls, we went on a tour called The Cave of the Winds, where we walked under the falls.
Fun Facts:
-The second largest waterfall in the world
-The volume creates a natural whirlpool within the river
-The water flow is increased during the summer
Tours:
-The Maid of the Mist is Niagara Falls’ exclusive boat tour on the Canadian side. Book your tour here
-Experience Niagara Falls by helicopter here
-Book the Maid of the Mist Boat Ride and the Cave of the Winds walking tour on the American side here.
What to Bring?
-Underwater Camera- Link here
-Go-Pro – Link here
-Ponchos are provided
#2: Banff National Park – BOOK THE TOUR
Banff National Park has rocky mountain peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, and a picture-perfect mountain town village. There is a scenic drive throughout the entire park. This place has been on my bucket list for years and every time I see a picture, it takes my breath away. The best lakes in the park include Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, Bow Lake, and Peyto Lake. Be sure to check out the city of Banff because of the delicious restaurants, luxury hotels, and fabulous shops. Famous hikes in Banff National Park are the Johnston Canyon Trail, Lake Agnes Tea House, and the Big Beehive.
Fun Facts:
-The lakes get their colors from the glaciers that surround them
-All hiking trails are more than 1,000 miles long
-There is a castle-shaped mountain in the park
-Banff National Park was Canada’s first national park
-Banff has the most beautiful golf courses in the world
Tours:
-Banff National Park Hiking Tour with a Professional Guide here.
-Banff National Park Winter Sightseeing Tour here
What to Bring?
-Workout and Hiking Gear Here
-Ski Trip Gear Here
-Electronics Here
#3: Montreal – Helicopter Tour Over Montreal
Montreal is unique for its French history and culture dating back to the 16th century. There are tons of things to do in Montreal. I wrote an entire blog post about how you can spend your day in this unique place filled with kind, warm-hearted people and cobblestone streets.
Fun Facts:
-Second largest French-speaking city in the world, after Paris
-Highest number of restaurants per capita in Canada and the second in North America after New York
-Montreal is known for its superb cuisine, vibrant nightlife, and cultural diversity
-The city produces 85% of the world’s maple syrup
-No building is allowed to be taller than the cross at the top of Mont-Royal
-La Ronde is the second-largest amusement park in all of Canada
Things to Do:
Notre Dame Basilica- This was the first Gothic Revival style church in Canada and is located at 110 Notre-Dame Street West, at the corner of Saint Sulpice Street. This church is a dazzling show of architecture. Visit their website for more information.
Montreal Botanical Garden– The 190-acre Botanical Gardens are home to 22,000 species of flora. The Japanese Garden showcases designs from the 14th to 17th century Ming Dynasty.
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts- The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts collection has been around for 150 years with an impressive assortment of international works and local pieces from Canada. This place is at 1380 Rue Sherbrooke O and costs $17.50 for adults.
Jean Talon Market- The Jean Talon Market is one of the oldest markets in North America and is located a block or so off Boulevard Saint-Laurent.
Parc du Mont-Royal- Parc du Mont-Royal sits at 761 ft over central Montreal.
St. Joseph’s Oratory- The Italian Renaissance-style church with a copper dome rising 318 feet high is free to visit.
Museums– The best museums to visit in Montreal include the Holocaust Museum and the Museum of Archaeology and History.
Tours to Book:
What to Bring?
Camera (Link Here)
Electronics (Link Here)
#4: Vancouver–
Vancouver is a city located in western Canada. It is unique because of the beautiful natural landscapes, including beaches, lakes, and mountains. Don’t forget to go to the Vancouver Art Gallery. You can go kayaking or zip lining during the warmer months and if you are there during the winter, you can go skiing.
Fun Facts:
-Vancouver was named after a British explorer, Captain Vancouver, who sailed the area in 1792
-The city is ranked as the 10th cleanest in the world
-Vancouver attracts 15 million tourists every year
Things to Do:
-Skiing- The three mountains where you can go skiing are Grouse Mountain, Mount Seymour, and Cypress Mountain
-Snorkeling- You can swim with beluga whales as you sightsee the ice-cold waters.
–Aquarium- The Vancouver Aquarium ranks in the top five around the world. You will see dolphins, beluga whales, sea lions, seals, and sea otters.
-Parks- Vancouver has more parks than any other city in the world.
- Stanley Park- Stanley Park is the largest at 1,001 acres.
- Queen Elizabeth Park has extraordinary views.
- Pacific Spirit Regional Park has almost 50 miles of trails.
4. Capilano Suspension Bridge & Park- Travelers who love the thrill of heights and gorgeous rainforest views are rewarded with this park.
-Cruise- The Alaska cruise will take you from Vancouver to British Columbia. On the cruise, you’ll encounter glaciers and beautiful sights you will never forget.
-Gardens-
- Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden- This is named one of the best city gardens on the planet. This garden was designed by Suzhou specialists, who used rare trees shipped from Asia.
- VanDusen Botanical Garden- You’ll find yellow laburnum blooming more than 7,500 plant species from every continent and a picturesque lake at the VanDusen Botanical Garden.
Tours:
-Vancouver Seaplane Tour Here
-Whale Watching Tour Here
-Vancouver Harbor Sunset Dinner Cruise Here
What to Bring?
-Ski Trip Gear Here
-Camera (Link Here)
#5: Toronto–
Toronto is a city that I have been to and adored. Toronto is the capital city of the Canadian province of Ontario.
Fun Facts:
-Toronto is the largest city in Canada
-Toronto has a team in every major league
-The Toronto Zoo is the largest zoo in Canada, and one of the largest in the world
-The PATH is the largest underground shopping complex in the world
Things to Do:
Niagara Falls- You could drive or go on a boat cruise to Niagara Falls from Toronto. This tour will pick you up from Toronto.
Breweries–
Bellwood’s Brewery- Bellwood’s Brewery is known for its craft beer. A Toronto experience is enjoying a crisp IPA at one of their picnic tables.
CN Tower- Be sure to visit the CN Tower and see the view at the top of the tower from the lookout point above the city.
St. Lawrence Market– St. Lawrence Market is one of the world’s best food markets!
Museums- Toronto has museums, art galleries, and festivals to visit! The best museums are the Royal Ontario Museum, the Art Gallery of Ontario, and the Toronto International Film Festival.
Performances-A visit to Roy Thompson Hall is a must-see in that it provides captivating performances that are a real treat for the ears.
Tours/Tickets:
-Toronto Zoo Here
-Bruce Peninsula Day Trip from Toronto Here
-Niagara Falls from Toronto Here
What to Bring?
Camera (Link Here)
Electronics (Link Here)
We listed the top 5 places to visit in Canada. Have you ever been to Canada? Please comment about your experience below!
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