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My guide to the best places to visit in Canada, for quick, at-a-glance info to help you plan your trip.
Canada is one of those countries that sweeps you off your feet. There’s a reason I’ve been back four times now, and I’m already planning my next trip! Think turquoise lakes backed by jagged peaks, laid-back cities with awesome foodie scenes, and wild, rugged coastlines just crying out to be road-tripped.
Canada is huge, diverse, and endlessly beautiful, but that also means choosing where to go can feel a little overwhelming, especially if it’s your first visit. This guide brings together the very best destinations across the country. It’s not a ranked list, but a curated selection of places that are stunningly beautiful, culturally interesting, and genuinely easy to explore. Whether you’re dreaming of mountain adventures, coastal road trips, iconic cities, or once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here…
Places to Visit in Canada: Map
Use the map below to get a sense of where everything is, then dive into the destination guides for quick, at-a-glance info to help you plan your trip.
Quick Picks
- Best for mountain scenery: Banff, Icefields Parkway
- Best for adventure: Jasper, Yukon, Tofino
- Best for culture & history: Québec City, Ottawa
- Best for coastal escapes: Vancouver Island, Tofino
- Best for food: Montréal, Vancouver, Nova Scotia
- Best for city lovers: Toronto, Montréal
- Most underrated: Churchill, Yukon
- Best for first-timers: Banff, Vancouver, Niagara Falls
Best Places to Visit in Canada
Banff National Park
Best for: Mountain scenery | Road Trips | Outdoor Adventure
Why go: Canada’s most famous national park, known for turquoise lakes, dramatic peaks, and easy access to spectacular viewpoints.
Highlights:
- Lake Louise
- Moraine Lake
- Banff Town
Good to know: Parking at the major lakes is extremely limited; use the shuttle system in summer to avoid long waits.
MORE INFO: The Perfect 1-Week Road Trip in Alberta
Jasper National Park
Best for: Wildlife | Mountain Scenery | Outdoor Adventure
Why go: A wilder, more rugged alternative to Banff, with glacier-carved valleys, deep forests, and some of the best wildlife viewing in the Rockies.
Highlights:
- Maligne Lake & Spirit Island
- Athabasca Falls
- Jasper Sky Tram to Whistlers Peak
Good to know: Jasper is more spread out than Banff, so having a car makes exploring much easier.
READ MORE: Amazing Places to Visit in Alberta
Vancouver
Best for: Food | Culture
Why go: A coastal city framed by mountains, offering world-class dining, diverse neighbourhoods, and easy access to outdoor adventures.
Highlights:
- Stanley Park
- Granville Island
- Gastown
Good to know: Public transport is excellent; you can explore most of the city without needing a car.
Icefields Parkway
Best for: Road trips | Scenery
Why go: One of the world’s most spectacular drives, linking Banff and Jasper through a corridor of glaciers, impossibly blue lakes, and snow-capped mountain peaks.
Highlights:
- Athabasca Glacier
- Peyto Lake
- Sunwapta Falls
Good to know: Fuel and services are limited along the route; fill up before you start and allow plenty of time for stops.
MORE INFO: Highlights of the Icefields Parkway
Vancouver Island & Victoria
Best for: Coastal scenery | Wildlife | Relaxed escapes
Why go: A huge island of beaches, rainforest, and charming towns, anchored by the elegant provincial capital of Victoria.
Highlights:
- Victoria’s Inner Harbour
- Butchart Gardens
- Whale-watching tours
Good to know: Ferries between Vancouver and Victoria can book up in summer, so reserve in advance if you’re travelling with a car.
Tofino (Pacific Rim National Park)
Best for: Surfing | Beaches | Nature
Why go: A laid-back surf town surrounded by rainforest, rugged coastline, and some of Canada’s most dramatic beaches.
Highlights:
- Long Beach
- Cox Bay
- Rainforest trails
Good to know: Tofino is pretty remote; expect a long but beautiful drive across Vancouver Island.
Toronto
Best for: Culture | Food
Why go: Canada’s largest city is multicultural, energetic, and packed with neighbourhoods, museums, and waterfront walks.
Highlights:
- CN Tower
- Kensington Market
- Distillery District
Good to know: The TTC (public transport) is the easiest way to get around. Buy a PRESTO card if you’ll be using public transport more than once or twice
Niagara Falls
Best for: Iconic sights
Why go: One of the world’s most famous waterfalls; powerful, dramatic, and surprisingly easy to visit.
Highlights:
- Horseshoe Falls
- Boat tours
- Niagara-on-the-Lake
Good to know: The falls are busiest around midday. Visit early or late for quieter viewpoints!
Ottawa
Best for: History | Museums | Architecture
Why go: Canada’s capital blends grand government buildings with leafy neighbourhoods.
Highlights:
- Parliament Hill
- Rideau Canal
- National Gallery
Good to know: In winter, the Rideau Canal becomes the world’s largest skating rink.
Montréal
Best for: Food | Culture | Festivals
Why go: A vibrant, bilingual city with European charm, a legendary food scene, and a packed festival calendar.
Highlights:
- Old Montréal
- Mount Royal
- Jean-Talon Market
Good to know: Summer is festival season and gets very busy! Book accommodation early if you’re visiting from June to August.
Québec City
Best for: History | Winter Magic | Autumn Colours
Why go: One of North America’s oldest cities, with cobblestone streets, fortified walls, and a distinctly French atmosphere.
Highlights:
- Old Québec
- Château Frontenac
- Montmorency Falls
Good to know: Winters are cold but magical; pack plenty of layers if you’re visiting December–February.
Nova Scotia (Halifax & Cabot Trail)
Best for: Seafood | Coastal scenery | Road trips
Why go: A friendly province of lighthouses, fishing villages, dramatic coastal drives, and some of the freshest lobster you’ll find anywhere!
Highlights:
- Cabot Trail
- Peggy’s Cove
- Halifax Waterfront
Good to know: Public transport outside of Halifax is extremely limited, and many scenic spots aren’t served at all, so a car may be essential for exploring.
Yukon
Best for: Wilderness | Adventure | Northern lights
Why go: A vast northern territory of mountains, glaciers, and remote landscapes. Perfect for travellers seeking epic adventures and escape-it-all vibes!
Highlights:
- Whitehorse
- Kluane National Park
- Northern lights (seasonal: best from late August to April)
Good to know: Distances are huge, and fuel stops can be far apart, especially in winter or on less-travelled routes.
MORE INFO: 29 Coolest Things to Do in Whitehorse, Yukon
Churchill (Manitoba)
Best for: Wildlife | Polar bears | Northern lights
Why go: A remote northern town famous for polar bear viewing in autumn, beluga whales in summer, and spectacular aurora displays in winter.
Highlights:
- Polar bear tours (Oct–Nov)
- Beluga whale watching (Jul–Aug)
- Northern lights (winter)
Good to know: There are no roads into Churchill. To get there, you need to fly or take the train from Winnipeg.
Suggested Itineraries
Classic Canada for First-Timers (7–10 days)
Destinations: Vancouver → Banff → Icefields Parkway → Jasper
Vibe: Big scenery, easy logistics, and that “bucket-list Canada” feeling!
Why it works: This route hits Canada’s most famous landscapes in one smooth arc, starting with a vibrant coastal city and moving through turquoise lakes, glaciers, and mountain passes. It’s straightforward to plan, packed with wow moments, and ideal for a first trip.
Cities & Culture in Canada (6–9 days)
Destinations: Toronto → Ottawa → Montréal → Québec City
Vibe: Museums, neighbourhoods, food markets, and a mix of English and French culture
Why it works: Get a taste of Canada’s bilingual identity, from Toronto’s multicultural energy to Québec City’s old-world charm. These cities are well-connected and offer a perfect blend of history, architecture, and food.
West Coast Nature & Coastlines (7–10 days)
Destinations: Vancouver → Vancouver Island → Tofino
Vibe: Beaches, wildlife, and relaxed coastal towns
Why it works: Start with laid-back city life in Vancouver, then hop to Vancouver Island for whale watching, beaches, and rainforest trails! Ideal for those who want a slower, scenic trip with plenty of outdoor time.
East Coast Road Trip (7–10 days)
Destinations: Halifax → Peggy’s Cove → Lunenburg → Wolfville → Cape Breton (Cabot Trail)
Vibe: Coastal drives, lighthouses, seafood, and colourful seaside towns
Why it works: This loop captures the best of Nova Scotia’s coastline, from iconic Peggy’s Cove to UNESCO-listed Lunenburg and the dramatic Cabot Trail. It’s easy to drive, packed with viewpoints, and perfect for a relaxed but scenic road trip – with great food along the way!
Wild Canada & Northern Adventure (7–10 days)
Destinations: Winnipeg → Churchill → Whitehorse (Yukon)
Vibe: Wildlife encounters, remote landscapes, northern lights, and big-sky wilderness
Why it works: This route showcases Canada’s wilder side and less-visited regions. Spot polar bears or belugas in Churchill, then explore the Yukon’s mountains and go aurora-hunting after dark. It’s adventurous but manageable, offering a once-in-a-lifetime mix of wildlife and northern culture.
More Travel Guides for Canada
- Canada Solo Female Travel Guide
- 12 Amazing Places to Visit in Alberta
- Southern Alberta Road Trip Itinerary
- The Perfect 1-Week Road Trip in Alberta
- My Canada Trips: An Honest Review
Where are your favourite places to visit in Canada? Share your tips in the comments below!
