Canada is a big and scenic country, which attracts tourists from all over the world. It has delightful islands, scenic mountains, emerald lakes, wildlife and cosmopolitan cities. Stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific coasts, this former French and British colony has a rich heritage, from the North Coast Indians of British Columbia to the French explorers of Quebec. Canada shares its borders with the USA and the US state of Alaska. Flanked by three oceans – the Atlantic Ocean on the east, the Pacific Ocean on the west and the Arctic Ocean to the north – it has the longest coastline in the world. When it comes to holiday destinations, Indians prefer Canada as it offers lots to explore. We have listed the 10 best places to visit in Canada.

Also read about the best tourist places in the world

How to reach Canada

Canada has several international airports. Two are in Toronto – Pearson International Airport and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (only from the USA). Other major airports are in Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg, Ottawa and Halifax.

There are several direct flights from India to Canada. New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad have flights to Canada. Air Canada operates direct flights from Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi to Toronto with a duration of 14 hours and 30 minutes (approx.). You can take direct flights to Toronto from Mumbai. Most other flights are indirect and have layovers in the States or Europe.

Canada is connected to only one country via land –the United States of America.

There are cruise ships between the USA and Canada too.

Best time to visit Canada

The best time to visit Canada is March to May and September to November, which is spring and fall in Canada. The weather is pleasant during these months. June to August is the peak tourist season. If you wish to enjoy snowfall and winter sports then December to March is the best time to visit Canada.

Toronto

Toronto is one of the most well-known tourist places in Canada. This city with skyscrapers has several museums, national historic sites and famous landmarks. Toronto is among the most beautiful cities in Canada and has lovely walking areas, restaurants, natural parks and beaches. The CN Tower (553 metres in height) is an engineering wonder and a must-visit place in Canada. The highest observation deck, Sky Deck, is on the 33^rd floor. The Edge Walk at the CN Tower has adventure enthusiasts walking 116 stories above the ground around the circumference of one of Canada’s most famous landmarks. The Royal Ontario Museum is the biggest museum of world cultures and natural history in Canada. It has more than 13 million objects of art, culture and nature. Besides the museum’s permanent collections of dinosaurs, it is also home to South Asian art, gems and minerals and ancient Egyptian treasures. Another attraction is Ripley’s Aquarium, which houses 200,000 exotic marine creatures – both freshwater and sea animals – from more than 450 different species. Casa Loma is a 20^th-century castle. Explore the old tunnels, secret passages, vintage rooms and galleries, stables and towers with multimedia guided tours. Not to be missed is the Toronto Zoo, which has giant pandas, Asian rhinos, rare tigers, grizzly bears, lions and Komodo dragons.

How to reach Toronto

The Toronto Pearson International Airport has flights from all major cities of the world, including India.

Toronto is a well-connected city via railways to all major parts of North America.

Quebec

One of the most beautiful places to visit in Canada is Quebec. The only walled city in North America and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, French-speaking Quebec city overlooks the St. Lawrence River. Quebec city is also known for its rich history, cobblestoned streets, European architecture and fortifications. A must-see place is Parliament Hill and the 100-year-old Château Frontenac. Old Quebec is divided into two areas – Lower Town and Upper Town – which are linked with steep, cobbled streets and alleys. Château Frontenac, the iconic hotel, overlooks both Quebec city and the St. Lawrence River. It is known as the most photographed hotel in the world. The National Museum of Fine Arts of Quebec has four pavilions, one of which was a prison before it was repurposed. The collection spans from the 16^th century to the present day. A must-see historical building is the Basilica Cathedral Notre-Dame de Québec, which has been named a National Historic Site of Canada and is located within the Historic District of Old Quebec, designated as a heritage site by UNESCO. Mont-Tremblant is one of the top skiing destinations. Plenty of natural snow and one of the best snowmaking systems in the world make for a long season for skiers. A short bus ride from the centre of Quebec takes you to the beautiful Montmorency Falls Park where you can ride on the park’s cable car or zip line.

How to reach Quebec

Quebec city’s international airport is located 20 minutes from the city and offers flights from all major cities in Canada and the United States.

Trains run between Quebec City and Windsor with stops at Montreal and Toronto.

You could also drive down to Quebec from Montreal, almost 3 hours, or board a bus that runs across provinces.

Vancouver

Vancouver is one of the most popular places in Canada to visit. Vancouver, located in British Columbia, is one of the most culturally diverse cities in Canada. Vancouver is a seaport that has eight public beaches on the ocean and one on a lake. Vancouver, the lush green city, has scenic beauty, cultural life and superb shopping spots. It has an excellent aquarium and several lovely parks. Spread over 400 hectares, Stanley Park is one of the most famous places in the city. In this park, there are beautiful beaches, local wildlife, great food and the possibility to explore natural, cultural and historical sites. Besides being the largest aquarium in Canada, the Vancouver Aquarium is home to over 50,000 fascinating creatures from the Arctic to the Amazon and has dolphin, shark and sea otter shows. The park also has the world’s longest uninterrupted waterway of 28 km. The Capilano Suspension Bridge is 70 meters above the river and 140 meters long. The bridge in North Vancouver has a wooden platform with metal and chain link fences, ensuring a thrilling walk. Grouse Mountain is a fun winter wonderland for outdoor skating, snowshoeing, skiing and snowboarding and ski runs. One of the most interesting places to visit in Vancouver is the Bloedel Floral Conservatory. This beautiful aviary, 500 feet above sea level, has three habitats of tropical rainforest, subtropical rainforest and desert. It has 200 species of birds and the conservatory has Bougainvillea, Browallias, citrus, coffee trees, Eucalypti and epiphytes.

How to reach Vancouver

The main airport is Vancouver International Airport, which is well connected to all the major cities across the globe. It is situated at a distance of 12 km from downtown Vancouver.

Buses connect Vancouver to Seattle, Victoria, Vancouver Island, Whistler and the Okanagan Valley.

Sailing on the Pacific Ocean is one of the best parts of visiting Vancouver, therefore, there are several cruises and ferry services.

See also: Places to visit in Australia

Calgary

Calgary is famous for its impeccable landscapes, ancient architecture, national museums, zoo and bird sanctuaries and several fun sports activities. The Calgary Tower is one of the most iconic buildings in the-modern Alberta city. It is an observation tower of 190.8 m and offers panoramic views of the city. Calgary Stampede, one of the most famous rodeos in the world, is an annual event held in July in Alberta, considered Canada’s wild west. Walk back in time with a visit to Heritage Park Historical Village, which brings alive Western Canadian history from the 1860s to the 1950s. Canada’s largest living history museum covers 127 acres and allows tourists to ride a steam train, browse the antique midway, enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride, make old-fashioned ice cream, sail on Calgary’s only paddle wheeler and learn about the Canadian West. The city’s expansive zoo (the second largest zoo in Canada) has 1,000 creatures from around the world, divided into various habitats, including Africa and the Canadian wilds. Prince Island’s Park is the venue for the annual Canada Day celebration and Calgary Folk Festival. You can enjoy skiing and skate in the park during winter. The Hangar Flight Museum in Calgary is the ideal place to learn about the journey of the aircraft industry. Witness civilian and military helicopters and planes that were part of historical events. Calgary also has several parks, such as Nose Hill Park and Princess Island Park. Fish Creek Park is a provincial park, and one of the largest urban parks, which has an ecosystem of dense spruce and aspen forests, a natural habitat for songbirds, wood warblers and finches.

How to reach Calgary

Calgary International Airport is well connected to all the major cities in the country. Located less than 20 miles from the city’s downtown,

there is an extensive network of highways in Alberta. One can easily travel by road to Calgary.

Ottawa

One of the best places to visit in Canada is the capital city of Ottawa. Ottawa is among the most beautiful cities in Canada, full of lush greenery, parks and gorgeous waterways. The trails allow biking adventures during summer and ski adventures during winter. Ottawa has historical and iconic sites, must-see national museums and a thriving culinary scene. Here people speak English, French and even Punjabi in some sections. The most iconic place in Ottawa, Parliament Hill, is situated on a scenic place overlooking the Ottawa River. The three neo-Gothic-style federal government buildings (East Block, West Block and Centre Block) were built between 1859 and 1927. One of the insta-worthy places in Ottawa is the lock bridge on the Rideau Canal, which runs through the heart of the city and is one of the best places to visit in Canada. In winter, the Rideau Canal becomes a large ice-skating rink. Visit the National Library and Archives in Ottawa, which is the fourth largest library globally. Ottawa has seven of nine national museums and provides unparalleled access to the country’s historical and cultural treasures. Here is the world’s largest indoor collection of totem poles, beautiful indigenous and Canadian art, ancient dinosaur fossils and heroic Canadian military stories. Outdoor activities, such as hiking and water rafting on the Ottawa River, are popular. Food from all over the world, along with traditional Canadian food, can be enjoyed here. Beavertails are a must-have here with different topping options, such as cinnamon sugar, chocolate hazelnut spread and maple syrup.

How to reach Ottawa

The Macdonald-Cartier International Airport is the main airport of Ottawa with regular flights from major American and Canadian cities.

The Canadian capital has an extensive bus network with frequent buses to and from Montreal.

Ottawa is connected by railways to major Canadian cities like Toronto, Kingston, Vancouver and Montreal.

Montreal

Montreal is one of Canada’s largest cities and is known for its architecture, superb cuisines, vibrant art scene and exciting entertainment opportunities. From old-styled classic architecture to modern skylines, from authentic local food spots and bustling markets to amazing museums and exuberant nightlife, the city offers it all. The real essence of the city is Old Montreal, which offers horseshoe carts, cobblestoned lanes, and old-fashioned houses. Notre Dame Basilica, built in the 1820s, is probably the most charming architecture in the city. A masterpiece of Gothic revival architecture, this church is filled with intricate wood carvings and religious sculptures. Mount Royal is one of the most picturesque areas in the city of Montreal. This lush green area near the city centre is part of the Monteria Hills, located between the Laurentian and the Appalachian Mountains. The Montreal Botanical Garden is a large botanical garden named the Canadian National Historic Site. The park has 30 thematic gardens over 75 hectares and 10 exhibition greenhouses. Along with tropical rainforests, ferns, orchids, bonsai, bromeliads and miniature Chinese trees in the greenhouse you will find alpine, aquatic, medicinal and shade plants. There are as many as 40 museums related to architecture, art, aviation, fashion, firefighting, history, law enforcement, military, natural history, numismatic and technology. The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is the largest in Canada and it houses an amazing collection of more than 40,000 works spread across five pavilions. At the Redpath Museum, a museum of McGill University, you witness natural history.

How to reach Montreal

The Montreal International Airport, also known as Dorval Airport, is well connected to all the major cities in the world.

There are several intercity bus operators providing services to reach Montreal. Passenger trains connect other parts of the country to Montreal.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls attracts a large number of tourists from all over the world. Niagara River, which is the border between Canada and the USA, has one of the most imposing waterfalls in the world. Niagara Falls comprises three waterfalls – Horseshoe Falls, American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. Horseshoe Falls is the largest of them and is on the Canadian side of the border. The other two belong to the USA. Niagara Falls State Park is open year-round. The park has several attractions like boat tours, hiking trails, guided history walks, shopping and dining. The area surrounding the waterfall is one of the most famous Canadian tourist places. Niagara Falls is not only a source of hydroelectric energy but also a geological wonder. Take a 20-minute tour on one of the boats to the foot of the Horseshoe Falls to see the amazing power of nature but be ready to get wet. Visit the Skylon Tower (235 meters high), which offers spectacular views of Niagara Falls and the city. One of the most stunning attractions is Queen Victoria Park where the falls are illuminated and fireworks displays are held during summer nights. The Niagara Sky wheel is the largest observation wheel in Canada. Standing 175 feet tall, it has climate-controlled gondolas and rides that last between 8-12 minutes. At night, you can see the city lights and Niagara Falls illuminated in various colours.

How to reach Niagara Falls

Toronto Pearson International Airport is 125 km from Niagara Falls. The journey from Toronto Airport to Niagara Falls can be undertaken by a taxi, a shuttle or a combination of train hops.

Banff

Banff is one of the Canadian tourist places that attract a large number of tourists due to the Banff National Park, Canada’s first national park. The 6,640-square-kilometer park is home to mountains, glaciers, lakes, forests and wildlife along with deer, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, black bears, grizzly bears and coyotes. The Banff National Park is part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage site. Take the gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain for a panoramic view of Banff, 360° views of the surrounding peaks, Lake Minnewanka, the Town of Banff, the Bow Valley, Lake Louise and surrounding snow-capped mountains. The famous Fairmont Château Lake Hotel is a good option to see some beautiful lakes. Upper Hot Springs is a popular attraction. These pools are 5,200 feet above sea level but the mineral water ranges from 98° to 104° F. Lake Louise glacial lake is known for its striking turquoise colour and Lake Moraine is another must-see in Banff that is surrounded by the Valley of Ten Peaks.

How to reach Banff

The closest international airport is in Calgary. Flights from across Canada and around the world connect Calgary and Banff. You can rent a car, take a shared shuttle or a luxury SUV transfer from the airport.

Victoria

The capital of British Columbia is one of Canada’s most picturesque cities with mountain and ocean vistas. Located on Vancouver Island, the city also had wild sides – elephant seals and whales can be found in the waters surrounding the city. The Inner Harbour is the most beautiful place with multi-coloured boats and government buildings, horse-drawn carriages and double-decker buses. A must-visit place for the family is the Victoria Bug Zoo and Butterfly Gardens, which have the largest collections of insects in Canada. The 3000 butterfly species are spread over a beautiful land filled with flowers. The Miniature World is worth visiting. It has small displays of Victoria, which includes enchanted castles, railway models and historic towns. The Royal British Columbia Museum, founded in 1886, is one of the biggest collections of historical artefacts and objects. The museum has almost 7 million objects, ranging from remnants of the RMS Titanic to those from the rule of Genghis Khan. Fifty-five acres of beautifully maintained gardens constitute the Butchart Gardens. Do make it a point to visit the Rose Garden when in full bloom. The Craigdarroch Castle has a breathtaking view of downtown Victoria and is a prominent landmark. A mansion belonging to a Victorian coal tycoon, the castle has 39 rooms.

How to reach Victoria

Victoria is connected to the rest of the world through the Victoria International airport.

Victoria is connected by rail, road systems and waterways with the surrounding islands. Cruise services and seaplanes connect Victoria to nearby islands. You can also reach Victoria by bus from Vancouver and Seattle.

Halifax

As the capital city of Nova Scotia, Halifax, Canada, one of the places has interesting tourist attractions. Halifax is the world’s second-largest ice-free natural harbour, making it an economically important seaport for Eastern Canada. Visit Citadel Hill overlooking Halifax and the harbour. This star-shaped fort, imposed by the British Military, held attackers at bay for centuries. Today the Citadel and its distinctive Clock Tower act as a reminder of Halifax’s rich past. The Maritime Museum of Atlantic must not be missed. Immerse yourself into Nova Scotia’s maritime history and heritage of small craft boats to World War convoys, the Days of Sail, the Age of Steam, the Titanic and the Halifax Explosion. Ride on the Harbour Ferry, the longest-running ferry service in North America. Peggy’s Point Lighthouse, built in 1915, is located a short drive from Halifax at Peggy’s Cove, a fishing village along the south shore. The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia is Atlantic Canada’s largest art museum. It houses contemporary and historic artworks. The gallery is home to more than 17,000 artworks that reflect Nova Scotia’s culture. It also has the Sailor’s Memorial and Prince of Wales Tower, the oldest remaining Martello tower in North America. Stretching three kilometres in length, the waterfront has warehouses, markets and museums. Halifax played a role in rescuing survivors from the Titanic. The Fairview Lawn Cemetery is now the final resting place for over one hundred victims of the sinking of the Titanic. Do visit the Halifax Public Gardens, spread over seven hectares, which has an ornamental bandstand, fountains, statues and formal flower beds. Do not miss the popular Harbour Hopper, an amphibious tour bus that drives you around downtown and then into the harbour.

How to reach Halifax

Halifax Stanfield International Airport is located about 22 miles from the city.

The province of Nova Scotia is connected to New Brunswick by the Trans-Canada Highway.

The Halifax railway station is the last stop on the eastern leg of the VIA rail route that begins in Montreal.

FAQs

What are Canada’s popular tourist places?

Niagara Falls, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec are some of the most popular tourist destinations in central Canada. In Western Canada, the Rocky Mountains and the cities of Vancouver, Victoria and Calgary are some of the best places for tourists.

What is the most visited city in Canada?

Toronto, the capital of Ontario, is the largest city in Canada and attracts visitors. The city has museums and galleries. A short drive away is Niagara Falls.

What is must-have food in Canada?

Canada’s cuisine ranges from centuries-old savoury meals to rich desserts Bannock, moose, deer, pemmican and métis stews, such as barley stew, are traditional indigenous foods. The maple tree is a national symbol of Canada and the syrup that it produces is simply yummy. Poutine is French fries dipped with cheese curds and gravy. Try Saskatoon Berry Pie and a seasonal French-Canadian dish, tourtière, a spiced meat pie covered in a flaky pastry crust. Do not miss the famous Tim Hortons coffee in Canada. Do eat the famous ketchup chips, butter tarts and Nanaimo bars. Beaver Tails are delectable treats made of fried dough shaped in the form of a beaver’s tail. Butter tarts are small pastry shells filled with butter, maple syrup, brown sugar and raisins creamed together into a delectable dessert.