Canada, the second-largest country in the world, offers an incredible array of landscapes, from rugged coastlines and majestic mountains to pristine lakes and vibrant cities. With such vastness and diversity, planning a Canadian adventure can be overwhelming. To help you navigate this beautiful country, we've compiled a list of the top 10 must-visit destinations that showcase the best of what Canada has to offer.
1. Banff National Park, Alberta
Established in 1885, Banff National Park is Canada's oldest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, this jewel offers some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in North America.
Key attractions include the turquoise waters of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, the picturesque town of Banff, the Columbia Icefield, and countless hiking trails that wind through alpine meadows and dense forests. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and even grizzly bears. Winter transforms the park into a wonderland for skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating on frozen lakes.
Don't Miss: Take the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain for panoramic views of six mountain ranges.
2. Niagara Falls, Ontario
One of the world's most famous natural wonders, Niagara Falls consists of three waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. The Canadian side offers the most impressive views of Horseshoe Falls, where approximately 168,000 cubic meters of water cascade over the crestline every minute.
Beyond the falls themselves, the surrounding area offers numerous attractions including Clifton Hill's entertainment district, the Niagara SkyWheel, casinos, and the charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake known for its wineries and historic architecture.
Don't Miss: A boat tour on the Hornblower Niagara Cruises that takes you right up to the base of the thundering falls.
3. Vancouver, British Columbia
Consistently ranked among the world's most livable cities, Vancouver offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and outdoor adventure. Surrounded by mountains and sea, the city boasts a stunning setting that allows residents and visitors to ski, sail, and hike all in the same day.
Stanley Park, a 1,000-acre urban oasis, is home to the famous Seawall, Vancouver Aquarium, and ancient cedars. Other highlights include Granville Island Public Market, the historic Gastown district, the multicultural neighborhoods of Chinatown and Little Italy, and the suspension bridge at Capilano Canyon.
Don't Miss: Exploring Granville Island's Public Market, where you can sample local foods and browse artisan crafts.
4. Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland
Another UNESCO World Heritage site, Gros Morne National Park showcases some of Earth's most remarkable geological features. The park's ancient landscapes were formed by the collision of continents and the subsequent glaciation, resulting in deep fjords, towering cliffs, and the barren Tablelands—a rare section of the Earth's mantle exposed on the surface.
The park offers incredible hiking opportunities, boat tours through the fjords, and a chance to experience the unique culture of Newfoundland's coastal communities. Wildlife watching includes opportunities to spot moose, caribou, black bears, and various bird species.
Don't Miss: The Western Brook Pond Fjord Tour, which takes you through a landlocked fjord carved by glaciers.
5. Old Quebec City, Quebec
Step back in time in North America's oldest walled city, another UNESCO World Heritage site. Founded in 1608, Quebec City's historic district (Vieux-Québec) features narrow cobblestone streets, centuries-old buildings, and a distinctly European atmosphere.
The iconic Château Frontenac hotel dominates the skyline, while the Citadel, Plains of Abraham, and Notre-Dame Basilica showcase the city's rich history. Petit-Champlain, one of the oldest commercial districts in North America, offers charming boutiques and bistros.
Don't Miss: A stroll along Dufferin Terrace for spectacular views of the St. Lawrence River and the historic Lower Town.
6. Toronto, Ontario
Canada's largest city is a vibrant metropolis celebrated for its multiculturalism, with over 200 ethnic groups and 140 languages spoken. This diversity is reflected in Toronto's neighborhoods, culinary scene, and cultural offerings.
Major attractions include the iconic CN Tower (once the world's tallest freestanding structure), the Royal Ontario Museum, Art Gallery of Ontario, the revitalized Distillery District, and Toronto Islands. Sports enthusiasts can catch games featuring the Blue Jays (baseball), Raptors (basketball), Maple Leafs (hockey), or Toronto FC (soccer).
Don't Miss: The EdgeWalk at the CN Tower, where adventurous visitors can walk hands-free around the exterior of the main pod, 356 meters (1,168 feet) above the ground.
7. The Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick/Nova Scotia
Home to the highest tides in the world, the Bay of Fundy sees water levels rise and fall by up to 16 meters (52 feet) twice daily. This natural phenomenon creates a constantly changing landscape and unique opportunities for visitors.
At low tide, you can walk on the ocean floor and explore sea caves, then watch as billions of tons of water flow back in. The bay's dramatic coastal formations include the Hopewell Rocks (the "Flowerpots"), the cliffs of Cape Split, and Grand Manan Island. It's also a vital habitat for numerous whales, including the endangered North Atlantic right whale.
Don't Miss: Timing your visit to experience both high and low tides at the Hopewell Rocks.
8. Churchill, Manitoba
Known as the "Polar Bear Capital of the World," Churchill offers wildlife experiences that can't be found elsewhere. Every autumn, polar bears migrate toward Hudson Bay, passing right through town as they wait for the sea ice to form so they can hunt seals.
Beyond polar bears, Churchill is one of the best places in the world to see beluga whales (thousands gather in the Churchill River estuary each summer) and the northern lights. The area also has a rich Indigenous history and offers opportunities to learn about the region's Inuit and Dene cultures.
Don't Miss: A guided tundra buggy tour that allows you to safely observe polar bears in their natural habitat.
9. Whistler, British Columbia
Just two hours north of Vancouver, Whistler is consistently ranked among the top ski resorts in North America. Host to many events during the 2010 Winter Olympics, the resort features two mountains (Whistler and Blackcomb) with over 200 marked runs, 8,171 acres of terrain, 16 alpine bowls, and three glaciers.
Beyond winter sports, Whistler offers year-round activities including mountain biking, hiking, zip-lining, and golf. The pedestrian-only Whistler Village provides excellent dining, shopping, and accommodation options, all with a backdrop of stunning mountain scenery.
Don't Miss: The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, which connects Whistler and Blackcomb mountains and holds records for the highest and longest lift of its kind.
10. Prince Edward Island
Canada's smallest province packs a big punch with its red-sand beaches, rolling green hills, and literary fame as the setting for Lucy Maud Montgomery's "Anne of Green Gables" series. This charming island in the Gulf of St. Lawrence offers a tranquil escape with its pastoral landscapes and relaxed pace of life.
Visitors can explore Green Gables Heritage Place, cycle or drive the scenic coastal routes, sample the island's renowned seafood (especially lobster and mussels), and enjoy the warm hospitality of the islanders. The province's capital, Charlottetown, is known as the "Birthplace of Confederation" and features well-preserved Victorian architecture.
Don't Miss: Cavendish Beach, with its striking red sandstone cliffs, warm waters, and expansive dunes.
Planning Your Canadian Adventure
Canada's vastness means that visiting all these destinations in one trip is challenging unless you have several weeks or months to spare. Consider focusing on one region per trip, or plan a cross-country journey using Canada's excellent rail service, VIA Rail.
The best time to visit depends on your interests: summer (June to August) offers warm weather and outdoor activities; fall (September to October) showcases spectacular foliage; winter (November to March) is perfect for snow sports; and spring (April to May) brings blooming landscapes and fewer crowds.
Regardless of when or where you visit, these ten destinations represent the incredible diversity and beauty that make Canada a world-class travel destination. From natural wonders to cultural treasures, Canada's magnificent landscapes and warm, welcoming people are sure to leave you with memories that last a lifetime.
Travel Tip: Canada is the second-largest country in the world, so distances between destinations can be vast. Plan your itinerary carefully and consider domestic flights for longer journeys.