It’s challenging to select just a few of Canada’s top travel destinations in a vast and diverse country like ours. We think each of the locations on this list deserves a spot on your travel bucket list, from the largest city in Canada to the nation’s largest national park to the nation’s capital, and we can’t wait to tell you why.
Toronto
The CN Tower dominates the city’s waterfront skyline, and Toronto is a prominent Canadian metropolis with tall buildings, busy streets, and more. Toronto is renowned for its multiethnic and multicultural population, world-class professional sports teams, and elite colleges.
An eclectic patchwork
Known for drawing visitors from all over the world, Toronto is one of North America’s most significant business hubs. The majority of people in Toronto who identify as Asian are South Asian or Chinese, making up close to half of the city’s population. African and Caribbean Canadians make up a sizable portion of the population of Toronto. Toronto is known for hosting the Toronto Caribbean Carnival each year to honor Caribbean culture.
Universities
Students from all across Canada and the world put in a lot of work to get into one of Toronto’s many prestigious universities. On every list of the best universities, the University of Toronto takes a prominent position. The third-largest university in Canada, York University, is home to the country’s first film school. The famed downtown center of Toronto is home to Ryerson University, which is also home to Canada’s largest business school.
The CN Tower
The CN Skyscraper, the third-tallest tower in the world at an astounding 553 meters, is situated in the city’s core (1,800 feet). Every traveler seeking the best vantage point of the city must make the stop. If you get hungry while climbing, you can eat well in the 360 Restaurant, or perhaps you’d prefer to confront your anxieties and go outside. The EdgeWalk offers thrill-seekers the chance to push their limits by circumnavigating the tower on foot while, of course, being secured to a harness!
Toronto islands
Residents and visitors who enjoy boarding a ferry at Toronto Harbor and traveling to one of the 15 small islands off the coast can take a well-earned break from the city at the Toronto Islands.
Canadian Museum of History
The Royal Ontario Museum, one of the biggest and oddest-looking museums in North America, is located in Toronto (ROM). While strolling down the street, it is difficult to ignore this distinctive piece of architecture. Public access to the building began in 1933, and a contentious addition known as “the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal” was added in 2007. The glass and aluminum expansion was famously designed by Daniel Libeskind to resemble a crystalline shape emerging from the existing historic structure.
Ottawa
Oh, Canada — it’s difficult not to feel very patriotic when you’re in Ottawa, the capital city in Canada. Ottawa will quickly make you swoon if you love history.
The Odawa
The actual pronunciation of Ottawa is “Odawa,” according to locals. This is due to the name really deriving from the indigenous group known as the Odawa or Odawe, which in the native Algonquin language means “traders.” Up until the establishment of English and French colonies, the country was only inhabited by the bands and tribes of the Odawa people. Approximately 15,000 Odawa people still call Ontario, Michigan, and Oklahoma home.
Parliament Hill
Ottawa is well-known for having Parliament Hill, the nation’s most popular political destination. In Ottawa’s sweltering summers, visitors and residents alike can unwind on the Hill’s immaculate green grass while taking in the city’s scenic views from the Peace Tower.
Bilingualism
Although Ottawa is situated in southeast Ontario, it is arguably also a part of Quebec. The nearby city of Gatineau is a part of the National Capital Region. In fact, the French province of Quebec is reachable by simply walking across a bridge. Every day, many commute from Quebec to Ottawa for work. This demonstrates how deeply ingrained bilingualism is in the culture of Ottawa.
Art
One of the world’s most distinctively designed art galleries is located in Ottawa. The National Gallery of Canada’s exterior features granite walls and glass windows, which were created by architect Moshe Safdie.
BeaverTails
Beavers are renowned throughout Canada. The beaver served as the focal point of the world’s fur trade, which originated in Canada. As a result, this wood-loving creature became a symbol of Canada and helped to put the country on the map.
The Beaver Tail is a far more innocent and well-liked treat, despite the fact that some individuals have been known to eat beavers. A beaver’s tail-shaped piece of whole wheat dough is stretched and molded, deep-fried, drizzled with hot butter, then topped with your choice of sugary ingredients. It’s ideal to have it with the traditional topping of cinnamon, sugar, and lemon on a chilly winter day, especially following a lengthy skate on the Rideau Canal.
Quebec City in Canada
Quebec City is the most well-known place in the province. The oldest settlement in North America and the capital of the province is Quebec City. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Old Quebec’s historic district welcomes millions of tourists each year.
Poutine
Poutine, an immensely unhealthy concoction of French fries, cheese curds, and gravy, is the dish for which Quebec is best known. The 1950s saw the creation of this supreme comfort food in Quebec, which has since grown to become one of the national dishes of Canada. The dish’s name is actually slang for “mess,” but man, does this mess taste amazing!
French Language
In the only French-speaking province in Canada, the Francophone culture is still very much alive. In actuality, 94% of locals speak French. The historical foundation of Quebec and current supporters help to maintain the province’s predominance of the French language. However, if you’re visiting, you shouldn’t worry too much about language obstacles, especially in Old Quebec. Locals, who pride themselves on their warmth, want you to adore French culture as much as they do!
Maple Syrup
Did you know that 75% of the world’s supply of maple syrup is produced in the province of Quebec? Even Canada’s flag features a representation of the sugar maple leaf. This natural resource is extracted from sugar shacks in Quebec every year in excess of 11 million gallons. The manufacture of maple syrup contributes more than $400 million yearly to the Quebec economy. The “Great Canadian Maple Syrup Heist” occurred in 2012 when over 3000 tons of maple syrup were taken from local vendors.
Snow-covered Wonderland
The area transforms into a gigantic playground from late November to early March as Old Québec is enchanted by its magical snowfall.
Frontenac Chateau
The renowned Chateau Frontenac in Quebec is reputed to be the hotel that receives the most photos worldwide. In fortified Old Quebec, this architectural gem is perched atop Cap Diamont and provides a stunning view of the St. Lawrence River.
Vancouver
Vancouver, the fifth-most populous city in North America, is situated in the province of British Columbia on Canada’s westernmost Pacific coast.
Vancouverism
Despite its dense population, Vancouver’s distinctive skyline of high-rise buildings and natural scenery is no accident. Vancouvernism, a distinctive urban development strategy, is well-known. High-rise structures divided by low-level buildings, parks, open areas, and a sustainable public transportation system are all examples of Vancouverism.
Asian diaspora
Canada’s and North America’s second-largest Chinatowns are both located in Vancouver. It’s interesting to note that the Sam Kee Building, which is only six feet wide, is located in Vancouver’s Chinatown. Visit the Chinese Cultural Centre while you’re there to learn about Chinese history and culture and to see artwork created by the Chinese diaspora.
Last but not least, Chinatown in Vancouver is renowned for serving some of the best Chinese cuisine in the world. Numerous more East Asian cuisines are also accessible in the area. Try some dim sum, some delectable fish caught nearby, or stop by one of the neighborhood bakeries for delectable East Asian desserts.
Vancouver Island
Vancouver is well-known for its stunning Vancouver Island, which is situated 60 miles offshore in the Pacific. Visitors can get to the island by ferry from Seattle, which is about 73 miles to the south, as well as from a number of other destinations in British Columbia via ferry, car, or plane.
Stanley Park
The stunning Stanley Park in Vancouver is well-known. It is densely forested and bordered by the English Bay and the Burrard Inlet. The half a million trees in the park range in age from hundreds of years to just about 300 feet tall.
Montreal
Montreal, the second-largest city in Canada, is a French-Canadian cultural center with a sense of Europe. One of the best places for starting a business or being a student is Montreal, according to legend. It is renowned for its openness and diversity. Additionally, it’s a vacation spot that attracts fans of comedy, food, music, and festivals.
Distinctive climate
Saint Lawrence and Ottawa Rivers round the island of Montreal. Typically, Montreal’s winters are noted for being bitterly cold, with lows around -30°C (-22 F). In the summer, Montreal experiences hot and humid weather, with temperatures occasionally exceeding 30°C (86 F). Because of its special environment, Montreal is able to host some of the most thrilling events both in the winter and the summer.
Speaking and being independent
Montreal is distinctive in part because of its linguistic politics. French is Montreal’s official language, however the majority of people there also speak English. For its citizens, the French language and culture are significant.
LGBTQ Village
A sizable LGBTQ+ community, most publicly embraced in the city’s Gay Village, calls Montreal home with pride. The Village is similar to East Village in New York. The neighborhood is home to a large LGBTQ+ business community and population.
Old Montreal
A historic area of Montreal, Old Montreal is renowned for its charming cobblestone alleys and 17th-century French expansionist architecture. The Old Port, a fur trade post erected on the Saint Lawrence River, can be found there. These days, tourists, cyclists, and rollerbladers use its amenities. In addition, there are a lot of upscale boutique hotels, excellent restaurants, and welcoming bars in Old Montreal.
Universities
Montreal is the ideal college town for both domestic and international students because of its diversity, nightlife, and culture. Numerous internationally renowned universities, including McGill University, Concordia University, Université de Montréal, HEC Montréal, and Université de Québec à Montréal, are famously located in Montreal.
Calgary
Calgary’s Claims to Fame For Calgary is the largest city in Alberta and the sixth-largest in Canada. The community is situated on the Bow River, 80 kilometers from the Canadian Rocky Mountains. With a population of almost one million, this is a significant city with a diversified population.
Calgary Fort
The first wooden fort that signaled the establishment of Canada’s land presence was Fort Calgary. It was once inhabited by locals before Canadian police took control of it. What is currently known as Calgary was founded at Fort Calgary. The Northwest Mounted Police built the fort so they could negotiate peace accords with the locals and monitor the black market for whiskey.
Water and Mountains
Calgary, located on the Bow River and within 80 kilometers from the Rocky Mountains, is one of the world’s cleanest cities (as rated by Forbes). Outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world go to Calgary to participate in activities like ski jumping, ice fishing, and whitewater racing.
Seasonal Joy
A well-known annual event in Calgary is the Stampede. The event is put on by a nonprofit organization to protect Western heritage and culture. This celebration honors all that has happened in Calgary, from notable performances to horse competitions. Every year, a million or so people come to this wonderful city for this ten-day festival. Events take place all throughout the year, while the major headliners only show up in early July. Whether they come for festivals or amazing rodeo round-ups, visitors will be delighted to see the different attractions in this wonderful city.
Transportation Administration
Calgary served as the administrative hub for the Canadian Pacific Railway when it was established in 1881. History buffs may appreciate knowing more about how Calgary’s geographic position, technological advancements, and inhabitants shaped the city’s transportation system. This route connects major cities like New York and Montreal and spans approximately 20,000 kilometers through Canada and the United States. Many rural areas of the country are still served by the railroad today.
Is Calgary A Good Place To Raise Children?
