Top-Ten Places to Visit in Canada
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I should begin by saying that all of Canada is a great, hospitable place to visit. Because of the size of Canada, most tourists will head for the bigger cities to see the sights. Be forewarned however that Canada's best features are in its natural beauty. That is why my Top-Ten might seem unorthodox, but if you've been to any of these places you will agree that these are Canada's Top-Ten Best Places to Visit.
10. Prince Edward Island
Green pastures and the distinct red-soil cliffs make Prince Edward Island a great destination for travellers who are just looking for some relaxation or a fun day at the beach. Take a car to get around, the island is not big so you could see everything in a day.
9. Ottawa, Ontario
Ottawa is the Capital City of Canada and a great place to soak in Canadian culture. The Changing of the Guard on Parliament Hill or the RCMP march are always popular sights, along with some world class museums. There are also many parks and bike paths that make summer outdoors fun. The winters aren't bad either. The Rideau Canal, which connects the Ottawa River to the Great Lakes for leisure boaters, makes for the longest skating rink in the world when it freezes.
8. Kelowna, British Columbia
Where do Canadians go on vacation? Kelowna, BC. In the heart of the Canadian Rockies is the Okanagan Valley, a river-valley that has some of Canada's best weather. Warm in the summer and mild in the winter; the most you can ask for in the Great White North. The valley produces Canada's world famous B.C. apples (illegal in the U.S.) and wine. The Valley has a marina for the avid boaters and many golf courses. Relaxing at the beach or sitting on the porch of a lakeside cottage is everyone's idea of the perfect destination.
7. Churchill, Manitoba
You might be wondering why Churchill? Well hear me out, Churchill, Manitoba is a small town in northern Manitoba on the shores of the Hudson Bay. The town is the Polar Bear Capital of the World (sightings are year round), Beluga Whale Capital of the World (sightings from late June to late August), and one of the best places to catch a glimpse of an Aurora Borealis or Northern-Lights (sightings from late November through to late March). No-one ever forgets a visit to Churchill. It's the best place to connect to the many wonders of mother nature.
6. Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver is a great place to see and do anything and everything. You can enjoy the city's night life, ski at Whistler and go whale-watching along the coast. Camping, hiking, and boating are also just a few of the things you can do when in town. If you love the outdoors and want to see some real wildlife, Vancouver should be on your itinerary.
5. Niagra Falls, Ontario
It's one of those unfortunate 'luck of the draw' things I'm afraid to say, because the majority of the Falls are technically in the United States. This would be fine except that to see it, you have to be on the Canadian side. That's why Niagara Falls lands on Canada's Top-Ten list. To get to the other side there is a pedestrian bridge that links Canada with the United States without the inconvenience of border patrols, yeah!
This tourist town is great for sightseeing and if you happen to be in Toronto, Niagara Falls is not far. Niagara Falls is also a popular place to get married, competing with Las Vegas for favourite wedding destinations. Niagara Falls was also rated as the World's Most Romantic Place.
4. Quebec City, Quebec
Visiting Quebec City is like taking a tour of France in North America. Quebec culture is rich and unique from the rest of Canada, and no-where is it as evident as it is in Quebec City. The world famous Chateaux Frontenac overlooks the St. Lawrence River on a cliff that was once a French Fort. The Old-City is contained in an stone wall that once protected the city from the British Navy. The City Fortress makes Quebec City one of the last walled cities in the world.
3. Montreal, Quebec
Montreal is perhaps my all-time favourite place to just walk around by myself. No other city will allow you to be on a hill overlooking the city from above; shop at fancy French boutiques; dine at some of the best restaurants in the world; see old historic buildings and modern skyscrapers; enjoy a vibrant nightlife; and watch the sun rise and set at the port - all within walking distance. You will feel as if you have walked into a different dimension. Being the world's second largest French speaking city (second only to Paris) some would compare it to France. I on the other hand believe that Montreal is in a league of its own.
2. Banff, Alberta
Banff is great but a little over-crowded at times. Best to take in the nature experience during the off seasons. But it doesn't matter what time of year it is, there is always stuff to see and do in Banff. Having been to Banff many times, I have never gone and not seen either a bear, elk, deer or mountain goat. With the guaranteed wildlife sightings, you will always enjoy your stay at the Banff Springs Hotel. Be sure to take advantage of their outdoor hot-springs while you are there. Reservations at the hotel are made months in advance but don't fret because there are many other hotels in the area.
1. Lake Louise, Alberta
The picture says it all. Deep in the Canadian Rockiesa large turquoise lake trickles from the thousands year old glacier in the distance. The Fairmont Hotel is world class and books visitors months in advance. But don't let this deter you from visiting, there are many camp-grounds that make visiting fun and affordable.
More Canada Travel Guides
- Top-Ten Places to Visit in Alberta
Perhaps one of the most overlooked places in Canada is Alberta. While most international visitors who come to visit Eastern Canada and the West coasts of B.C. Alberta has remained a quiet province. - Staying at The Banff Springs Hotel
The Fairmont Banff Springs is a five-star hotel situated in the Canadian Rocky Mountains near natural hot springs. The hotel is open year round and has 770 rooms. - Travelling By Train in Canada
Canadian trains are nationally owned and operated by VIA Rail Canada. The train lines offer scenic trips across Canada.
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Comments
Hal, that was hilarious!!! Tim Horton's is awesome, though!!!
Love the pictures. They are amazing!
You spelt Kelowna wrong, thats all, and nice places thanks for the info.
Thanks for the correction.
Would you consider the 1000 Islands on the St Lawrence River. It's beautiful during the summer months. Maybe Top- Eleven places in Canada to visit.
Great list....to see some of the Western Canada sites the Rocky Mountaineer Rail trip is incredible!! You can do a pre/post stays in Banff and Lake Louise to make it an absolutely incredible trip!
Its a wonderfull project you've got there. I love the pictures and the info is really well written.
What a great Hub! 3 thumbs up!
Watch ur grammar!!!!!!!
Great to hear about Canada!
Really great...eh? ;)
the pictures are great!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So if we can't afford the Fairmont in L. Louise, where should we stay? We are visiting this summer and CAN'T WAIT!!!!!
Love the photo of Lake Louise! I wanted to mention that Vancouver Island in British Columbia is also an incredible place to visit. Nature, parks, trails, and beaches are everywhere. We really love Sooke, which is just outside of Victoria. It's great for wildlife-watchers and has an amazing park called East Sooke Regional Park with lots of spectacular viewpoints. We've seen seal, heron, eagle, otter, deer, raccoon, and even a bear once!
What a great hub! Thank you.
I really needed this info for a report about Canada, thanks!
Great hub. As I read it, I was hoping to see Lake Louise on the list, and sure enough there it was at #1! Thanks, - Deanna.
I like Pie Lol
Srry Bout tha last comment i was hyper from donuts....
Heyyz Ya'll i am tottaly rocked out i have a new BF his name is....
If I only have 10 days in Canada, how should I arrange my travel itinerary? If I cannot cover all these great places, which ones can I go to in 10 days.
That's not a whole lot of time to see everything. It would be like trying to see all of Europe in a week, it can't be done, For the first timer though I would do the usual suspects Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City and if you have time Toronto.
Liked the brief description made.Pics are awesome.
visiting CANADA first time this summer.
going to Quebec,Montreal and Toronto and also attending the quebec festival
any suggestions for places to visit there.
Looks like a good vacation spot.
Hi,
I was wondering where to travel this summer, nice info and I will surely visit Canada for this vacation:), great informative hub.
Jyle, this is truly a wonderful hub. I am so much looking forward to finally visit Canada. I want to feel those beautiful vastness, there.
thanks, this really helped for an extra credit project im doing for social studies. =]
Jyle, I would add Victoria BC to this list. It is an amazing little city.
It is beautiful here in Canada....but there is too much snow :D
Beautiful shots! 2-thumbs up for Niagra Falls, Ontario - -spent honeymoon there :)
Great pictures! All good choices! Whistler is mentioned in number 6 - Vancouver, BC, but it's probably closer to the top for me. Whistler-Blackcomb is awesome in all seasons. Also, agree with an earlier commenter that Victoria and Vancouver Island should be near the top.
Great
Nice Jyle...
Nice pictures! the falls are a bit of disappointment I've heard from many other people. Still want to go there though.
misterpm the fall season is the best time of year to travel in Canada. Only then can you experience the trees of many colours. It's not too hot and it's not freezing.
I can't argue with number one, Lake Louise makes you whisper it's so breathtaking. BUT PEI should definitely be higher than 10! Okay I'm a bit biased. Anyways, Great pics.
Great pictures! I enjoyed them!
Thanks
Fantastic Hub. The pictures are truly spectacular. Canada is a country I have heard so much about and would love to visit. This page may go a long way to finally convincing me to venture farther afield than Europe!
Great post :) I found some other places like Tadoussac to be lovely as well but I think you highlighted all the best places to see at first glance in Canada.
Nice information for sure I will consider it.thanks for your valuable effort
This is a great list, and will be useful to anybody planning a visit to Canada. Thanks!
I haven't been to Canada yet, but will keep these places in mind when I have a chance to go there!
I like Ottawa, but I wouldn't rate it in the top ten personally.
Agree with your number 1 and 2, though. Good call.
I'd love to visit Canada - my hubby visited Vancouver several times and says it's his most favourite city, so I was pleased to see it on your list as well.
Canada looks really stunning. I've traveled quite extensively but Canada is one place I haven't yet made it to. I think I would love it though!
Canada is a beautiful country in all kinds, cities and nature. I added Canada to my travel wishlist.
this sight is fuckin sick. haha thumbs up i needed this for a report on canada too, yee :)
Just stopping by to say love your hub. Haven't been there yet but definitely consider your suggestions. Thumps up.
Yay Canada! I'll be going to Vancouver for the first time in a couple of weeks! I plan to write a hub about things to do there. Thanks for the great article.
Vancouver is a great place. The air is so fresh there.
Hi Jyle,
Wonderful information for the first time travellers, thanks man !!. Am visiting Toronto for 3months for a business purpose .. and I heard Toronto is an awesome tourist place, correct me ?? Its not on the list :( :( ..
Personally I don't like Toronto. All of its big attractions are buildings like the CN Tower (not the biggest anymore). Other than that Toronto is just like any other city. Luckly Toronto is not far from Niagra Falls (1hr40 drive). And a few days trip to Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec City would well be worth the drive (about 6 hours drive there).
nice ... love the list
very helpful =)
HI JYLE... THESE PICTS R AWESOME . THANKS FOR SHARING THESE WONDERFUL SCENIC BEAUTIES !
this will help in my project thanx
Very nice suggestions!Thanks.
Great Hub and nice photos you provided! Personally, I love visiting Quebec. Very Nice Place! Thumbs up for you!
Wow. I sure love my country. It has so many wonderfull places to visit.
Thanks for the suggestions and for the fabulous photos! We live about an hour south of the Canadian border and tend to go to Montreal and not much else. We will definately expand our horizons next summer - thanks again!
One of my dream place is to visit alberta....
Thumbs for you Jyle Dupuis...
i was in victoria island and i fell in love with it, vancouver is so beautiful as well,
canada is a great country stunning, with friendly people i love it. God bless Canada. yeah!!!
I finally got down here, past all those other comments, I just loved your photo of Niagra Falls. It is so powerful, the forces of Nature. Well done.
i agree with everyone else... great info.. thanks!!!!!!!!
Beautiful pictures, I have never been to Canada, but I have friends that live in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick & Manitoba. I would love to visit P.E.I someday as I am a big L.M. Montgomery fan. The Anne of Green Gables books, are my favourite books.
These are great pics. Thanks Jyle. I've been to various parts of Canada several times, but its been a while. I've never been to Alberta- looks beautiful.
Great hub, good choices, but you've missed one of the best - the absolutely gorgeous west coast of Vancouver Island - Pacific Rim National Park. I've hiked the whole West Coast Trail, and it is one of the most spectacular places in Canada.
Yeh you are right West Coast of Vancouver Island can not miss its place in top ten.
thanks for the info. it's awesome.
visit my website, it the best. and a secert is in that website, go to it.
These are some great ideas. I have a friend who just moved up to Calgary, and will have to ask him about some of these places. Great Hub
you are on drugs if you think Ottawa belongs on a top ten place to visist and not Toronto!!!
WE LIVED IN CANADA FOR 6 YEARS, I LOVEEEEEEEEEE IT SO MUCH AND MISSED A LOT!
Very good hub!
Of all of the places that I have traveled to in Canada I beleive that my favorites have been Quebec City first. The churchs are fabulous! The beauty is outstanding and the shopping is great.
Next on my list is Montreal. The sceanery is outstanding as well as the city itself. I enjoyed every moment there.
Then I will round out my list with Prince Edware Island. I went there first as a child and later as an adult. It still has the charm as it did before and I love that!
You did a great job on all of the places and the pics were great!
nice
Hey, what about Toronto?
My wife and I are considering taking our first trip to Canada and are deciding on the city. I have heard quiet a bit about Vancouver and Toronto. We are more the site-seeking, museum visiting types rather than the hiking, biking, camping types. Any recommendations?
I've been to Vancouver and Victoria several times; I LOVE British Columbia! Butchart Gardens: beyond description; you just have to see it. Springtime is the best. And BC Ferries are the best!! Visited Toronto one summer--very humid, but we enjoyed the city. Lots to do, great shopping, entertainment, restaurants, transportation. "New York City without the trash" someone described it to me. Niagara Falls was another stop. "Maid of the Mist" is one you won't want to miss, but for WOW factor, it didn't compare to the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River in Yellowstone National Park. But I absolutely LOVE CANADA! The country, the people, everything about it.
Montreal & Quebec have the living outdoor museums. But as far as actual museums you cannot beat Ottawa. They by far have the largest collection of Canadian artifacts.
Can anyone recommend an RV rental company to hire a vehicle to travel around BC and possibly a bit of Alberta?
great hub with full of info. thks
what do you think about toronto? i think that toronto should be number
1 and not lake louis>>>sorry but toronto is way awsome!
breath-taking sceneries. How about whistler BC? I think that Whistler and Niagara Falls are the best.
Very nice choices. As a person from Michigan, we visit our northern neighbors often!
I will love to see Quebec or Montreal, will it be safe for a lady to go alone to these places? I have some time off this coming May, any suggestions for a moderate price hotel in Quebec? my email is camucha59@yahoo.com
Thank you, mercy
I have never felt threatened in Montreal. That said, I would never suggest anyone walk around alone at night. Quebec City on the other hand is a completely different story - they pride themselves on being very safe and friendly.
I never knew Canada was so beautiful. I want to see the polar bears. Maybe I can travel there in the future.
I have wanted to visit Lake Louise
hey does anybody know aproximatly how much money you will need to make this all travel, and wich is the best way of traveling? like train, bus airplain wich one is the cheaper ?? Thanks and great job
Good Hub..Very Informative. Thanks!
Really Cool information, I've been to Canada when I was a young kid. This hub makes me want to go again and check out some of these places.
Awww I'm only 4 out of 10 on that list. Great list I might want to add however, Only visit PEI in the Summer... I supose it goes for most of Canada, but they roll up the side walks there once the tourists leave.
Good information. The photos are all beatiful.
It might be cold in Canada, but where else are you going to enjoy a winter wonderland anymore?
the skydome is really cool too, I love Toronto.
What a great project, love the photos. Canada is a superb country to visit so much beauty to photograph.
There are some beautiful places on your list! A friend and I are going to go to Vancouver this summer to do some photography. I cannot wait!
wow - thanks for sharing this! I'll be visiting Canada 2010 and have printed out your hub.
You should have the most unique building in North America on this site. The Thomas Foster Memorial located in Uxbridge Township and you can see it at www.fostermemorial.com . It is solid marble inside with 22k gold mosaics and solid bronze doors, with three copper domed roofs, three crypts upstairs and 6 crypts in the basement, A secret walk around inside the top dome similar to the vatican and this is sitting in the rural hills of Uxbridge Township built in 1936 for $250,000 by the former Mayor of Toronto Thomas Foster in memory of his wife.
this iz great i luv em
awesome pics. love the information thxs!!!
I have never been to Canada, but those all look like amazing places to visit. Thanks for the good information!
My favourite country is Canada. It is very beautiful and peaceful country. But unfortunately I never visit Canada. I try to go there for our honeymoon but they refuced our visa. I hate that Visa Officer.
I agree with the #1. ALBERTA RULES!!!!!!!!!!! (so does tim hortons but ALBERTA RULES!!!!!!!!!!! lol
Hal you r right a little bit! tim hortons dohnuts rock!
womderland is not bad man
haven't benn to canda yet but i would love to
gr8 hub, i simply love it
i went to Niagra Falls once
it was great!!!!
i hope i could visit it again
Thanks for sharing this.. I've been Niagara Falls.. it was great!!!! I LOVE it!
You reminded me how i love it here, thank you!!!
I am living in Montreal, and for me, Montreal deserve to be on the 1 of Canadian destination! :)
I moved to Canada a year ago and have only made it to one place on the list! (Although I have spent far too much time enjoying Hal's suggestion - Timmy's donuts!). Will work on the rest of the list over the next few years.
wwooow canada is betiful
You obviously have not visited the Yukon. I live in Dawson City in the summers, and travel all over in the winter. You should check it out. I love all of your pictures, very nice. :D
I wish I could've had the chance to spend more time in Canada or even lived there for a while. I loved the time I spend there (threee months in North Vancouver,BC and two weeks in Mississagua,OT) Dreamland to visit. Beautiful landscapes and nice Canadians (at least the few ones I've talked to. [David, São Paulo, Brazil]
it is just my hobby to visit new place . I wish to visit Lake Louise, Alberta .
My brother lives in Banff, and when we go and visit him, we want to visit another choice area in Canada. We had thought Niagra Falls, but I have been told (by people who have already visited them) that it isn't that great a place, it is very commercial, and there are other great places worth seeing. My view is that it is one of the worlds "must see" places. What do you think?
I like your list, however I would replace Ottawa with Toronto :).
Ed, It sound's like you already want to go to Niagra Falls. Yeah it's a bit commercial, but that's because so many people chose to go there. Besides You should at least see it once. Don't let people tell you where you should travel, that's a question of personal preference I think.
nice place that canada...ever been to NHL hall of fame?
Number 1 is Lake Louise? I disagree... It's touristy and trashy and not as beautiful as everyone would lead you to believe... also, it's difficult to get to without a car.
Grate info thanks
wow alot of comments!
Canada is a big (I mean really big) country. I'm surprised that there was no mention of the territories. A visit to Tuk in the winter or a drive up the ice highway is unforgettable.
Canada is a big (I mean really big) country. I'm surprised that there was no mention of the territories. A visit to Tuk in the winter or a drive up the ice highway is unforgettable.
Some of the best places, and you only picked ten of them. I agree with them all.
Gotta say I disagree with the order of this list!
Ottawa should not be #9!
Also, you spelled "Niagara" wrong.
did you now that in Banff Springs Hotel! Ther is a Ghost if you dont believe me look on Google and type Haunted Banff Springs Hotel, Alberta: Ghost Sightings at One of .
I'm more afraid of the wild-life than ghosts in Banff.
you spell okanagan wrong...
Thanks
i have been to british columbia and its amazing!!!
it is so pretty
weather sucks in the winter in canada and the winters are way to long. i wish i was american and lived in hawaii.
omg thank u this was a life savore for a project i am doing for humanities thanks 10000 times.
Great hub, I live in Vancouver, and I've been to most of these places. Great list!
canada licks balls
I personally think that Montreal is just like being in France, or close enough, without dealing with snobby French people.
The only thing you can get in France that you cannot get in Montreal, or the whole province of Quebec, are the huge tourist attractions. If you are dying to wait in line with millions of other people trying to see the Louvre or the Effel Tour, go ahead. I love Montreal and will go there anyday over Paris.
hey hey heyhey hey
pictures r great
thanx for the info
Hal Licino says:
2 years ago
I disagree with your #1. It should be Tim Horton's Donuts! :)