There are many places in the world you can visit. From rainy London to the romance of Paris, there are so many destinations to check off on your bucket list. Unfortunately, if you’re just adding locations abroad, then you’re missing out on some series beauty right in the backyard of the US — Canada!
That’s right, there are so many places to visit in Canada that will exceed your expectations. There are bustling metropolises and stunning natural landscapes. Read on to learn where to head on your Canadian vacation!
1. Vancouver
Vancouver is the perfect place to visit if you love a big, progressive city that also has plenty of natural beauty everywhere you look. Nestled in the Pacific Northwest, Vancouver is a short drive away from Seattle, and residents enjoy temperate weather all year long.
The city itself has several distinct areas with their own draw. Those who love to shop will enjoy strolling along Robson Street, while those who enjoy a bustling entertainment district will love Granville Street. Head down to Granville Island when you’re ready to feast from a number of small vendors.
Don’t forget to catch a Vancouver Canucks game for some seriously great hockey!
2. Whistler
Big cities are great, but if getting active in the great outdoors is more your speed, then grab your skis and head to the gorgeous town of Whistler, B.C.
Whistler is a sweet resort town that is picture-perfect for those who love winter sports. You can ski in the morning, snowboard in the afternoon, and then cap your day off with a bungee jump to get your heart racing.
Planning on visiting during the summer? Visit Whistler Olympic Plaza or plan a hike through Brandywine Falls Provincial Park. Don’t forget your camera to grab shots of the gorgeous 230-foot-tall waterfall!
3. Victoria
The last British Columbia entry on this list is its capital, Victoria! Hop on a ferry from Seattle or Vancouver to Vancouver Island, and you’ll soon be in Victoria. The scenic ferry ride alone is worth the trip, but there’s so much to see once you’re there!
Victoria reflects BC’s British roots and is full of places to grab high tea. Check out the stunning Parliament Buildings, or learn about Victoria’s history at the Royal British Columbia Museum.
Want to check out some wildlife? Head out to the shore and keep an eye out for some orcas!
4. Montreal
Paris is great, but why bother crossing the Atlantic when you can head to the French-Canadian enclave of Montreal?
Montreal is half big city and half provincial town, and the two halves are right next to each other. You can explore Montreal’s vibrant city, and then take a stroll along Old Montreal’s cobblestone streets and check out the 17th-century architecture.
Go during the fall to see some beautiful fall color, and don’t forget to check out the city’s famous bagels!
5. Toronto
Toronto is, without a doubt, one of the best places to visit in Canada. It’s the largest city in the country, and it is super culturally diverse.
You can check out Broadway shows or catch a ballet performance. Head to the shores of Lake Ontario during hot summer days to cool off. When you get hungry, head out to one of Toronto’s many cultural enclaves to grab a delicious meal.
Are you a hockey fan? Catch a Toronto Maple Leafs game or just head to the Hockey Hall of Fame to get up close and personal with memorabilia from your favorite players.
6. Banff National Park
Located in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Banff is easily one of the top Canada attractions out there.
Banff has stunning scenery surrounding a sweet tourist village. From the village, you can take a gondola to a mountain-top restaurant, relax your muscles in a hot springs pool, and check out Banff wildlife.
If you want to get active, head to Lake Louise or Sunshine Village ski resorts. You can also visit in the summer to see the unique turquoise waters of Lake Louise.
7. Ottawa
Ottawa is Canada’s capital and is thus a must-see for anyone who enjoys a city with a rich history and loaded with national museums.
Check out the Tulip Festival in summer, and the patriotic revelry of the city’s Canada Day Celebrations on July 1.
Prefer visiting during the winter? There’s no shortage of things to do! Go ice skating on the canal or experience February’s Winterlude.
8. Whitehorse
Want a little bit of city and a lot of natural beauty? Then you have to add Whitehorse to your Canadian travel agenda.
Located in the heart of the Yukon Territory, be sure to pack your warm winter clothes for your visit! Popular attractions include Miles Canyon and the Yukon Wildlife Preserve. These wonderful attractions help you get up close and personal with arctic wildlife.
Plan your visit for early winter for the best chances of catching a glimpse of the northern lights.
9. Gros Morne National Park
Get out of the hustle and bustle of Canada’s many big cities and head to the west coast of Newfoundland to explore Gros Morne National Park. Gros Morne has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so you definitely need to visit!
Gros Morne is located over 458,000 acres, and it is a wonderful place to explore for people who love to hike! Check out the Tablelands, composed of exposed earth mantle. Then check Gros Morne’s fjord by taking a boat ride through Western Brook Pond.
There’s so much to explore here, you can’t get bored!
So Many Places to Visit in Canada, So Little Time!
It’s true, there are so many awesome places to visit in Canada, that it’s sure to shoot straight to the top of your travel bucket list. If you love big cities, then Vancouver and Toronto cannot be missed. If you like to explore the great outdoors, the Banff and Gros Morne are the way to go.
Visit them all to get familiar with our neighbor to the north!
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