1. Vancouver
Located in the southwest corner of British Columbia, and surrounded by water on three sides, Vancouver is an irresistibly diverse, vibrant, and verdant coastal city. Its mild climate and natural beauty lure visitors all year round.
This fascinating seaport has thriving art, culinary, and music scenes. While here, you should definitely explore Stanley Park, a 1,000-acre urban oasis featuring beaches, lush forests, and trails. You should also consider taking a stroll through VanDusen Botanical Garden, taking a thrilling walk across the Capilano Suspension Bridge, visit the storied sites from the 2010 Winter Olympics, and enjoy a sophisticated evening at the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.
2. Whistler
The Sea to Sky Highway, also known as Hwy 99, connects Vancouver to Whistler. Famed for its breathtaking mountain landscape, world-class skiing and snowboarding resorts, storybook pedestrian village, and sprawling resorts, this alpine heaven is the perfect vacation for those who love winter activities.
3. Victoria
One of the overlooked jewels of Canadian tourism, Victoria balances a colonial past with a contemporary present. A guided tour is a fantastic way to take in the neo-baroque British Columbia Parliament Buildings. The stately and highly impressive Craigdarroch Castle is another must, and you could easily spend a whole day strolling around Victoria’s pictorial Inner Harbor. Just be sure to leave yourself enough time to visit Butchart Gardens and Goldstream Provincial Park.
4. Tofino
Rainforests and surfing might not be the first things that come to your mind when you think about the Great White North, but Tofino will change all that. Located at the tip of the Esowista Peninsula in Clayoquot Sound in British Columbia, this relaxed resort town surprises and delights with its stunning beaches, lakes, west coast-style eateries, stellar swells and quaint cabins.
5. Quebec City
This is the epicenter of French Canadian culture, not to mention one of North America’s oldest settlements. This fascinating city conjures the nostalgic charm of Europe with its narrow cobblestone streets, churches, cafes, 17th-century homes, manicured squares, and heritage landmarks such as Château Frontena.
6. Montreal
Situated on an island in the Saint Lawrence River, Montreal is the largest city in Quebec. Considered to be the cultural capital of Canada, this French-speaking city is a sophisticated urban escape with a romantic and European-esque vibe. It also has an exciting food scene, galleries, museums, and marvelous architecture.
7. Ottawa
Ottawa, Canada’s attractive capital, impressed with its Victorian architecture, public parks, and acclaimed museums. When visiting, you must take a trip downtown to Parliament Hill, where you’ll find the grand National Gallery. To add to this, the tree-lined Rideau Canal offers boating in the summer and a chance to glide across it in the winter.
8. Banff
Nestled amid the Canadian Rockies within the sprawling Banff National Park, this small resort town has something for everybody. Downtown is distinguished by its scenic beauty, boutiques, restaurants, museums, and lively nightlife. If you’re visiting here, you have to check out the Banff Hot Springs.
9. Lake Louise
A 40-minute drive northwest on the Trans-Canada Highway from Banff is Lake Louise with its emerald waters, rugged peaks, and majestic glaciers. During the winter, travelers can take advantage of superb skiing, ice skating, and snowboarding. If you’re visiting in summer, there’s great fishing, canoeing, and hiking.
10. Niagara Falls
One of the best places to watch this hypnotic natural wonder is the 520-foot Skylon Tower, which possesses indoor/outdoor observation decks and a revolving dining room. For a more up-close view, don your poncho and head down to the subterranean caverns behind the falls. While here, be sure to check out Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory, Niagara Sky Wheel, and the Bird Kingdom.
