Full of natural sites and urban delights, Canada is any visitor’s vacation dream. Step foot in the sprawling nation, and you’ll have the chance to be wowed by wilderness, wildlife, culture and cuisine. Poutine, eh? Our mouths are already watering at the thought of the gravy smothered fries. If you’re looking to head to the vast, beautiful country to our north, we’ve put together this list of the five consensus best places to visit in Canada, according to travel experts.
What you see in The Land of Maple Syrup is sure to impress. Did you know a researcher at the University of Alberta recently spotted and filmed a black-coated Canadian lynx? You can see the majestic animal here. What’s really incredible about this is that it’s the first-ever recorded case of melanism in Lynx canadensisi. When it comes to being surrounded by nature like you are in Canada, you just never know what you may find.
Can you imagine how you’d feel if you were one of the only witnesses of something so unique? These kinds of intensely gratifying experiences go hand in hand with traveling. A study found a way to put a smile back on millions of faces is to get out and travel. Researchers say there is a noticeable increase in happiness and well-being among frequent travelers compared to those who don’t take any kind of long-distance vacation. And because of the sheer size of Canada, you can travel far and wide, even if you’re a citizen.
In fact, the Great White North is actually the second-largest country in the world! So, finding the best places to visit in Canada might seem overwhelming. That’s why we’ve visited 10 expert websites to round up the top five attractions you must see! Find your next Canadian adventure below.
The List: 5 Best Places To Visit In Canada, According To Experts
1. Banff, Alberta
Banff National Park might be the prettiest place on Earth.
“Nestled amid the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, this tiny mountain town in Alberta appeals to both nature enthusiasts and luxury seekers. Visitors can spend their days skiing or hiking in Banff National Park and floating down the Bow River before retiring to one of the several opulent hotels for some spa therapy,” U.S. News writes.
There’s something for everyone, according to Touropia: “Banff National Park is … filled with jaw-dropping scenery, from glistening multi-colored lakes and dramatic canyons to beautiful viewpoints and majestic waterfalls. Active travelers will be in their element here with the chance to snowshoe or paddle the lake, while wildlife watchers will have an adventure all of their own. Banff National Park is filled with animals – the most eagerly anticipated sighting being, of course, the grizzly bear. Lake Louise offers luxurious accommodation in a gorgeous setting of turquoise lakes and majestic mountains.”
2. Jasper National Park, Alberta
Ever want to climb a frozen waterfall? You can do that here.
Hand Luggage Only says, “One of the best things about travelling to Jasper in winter is that you get to walk within the frozen Maligne Canyon and actually wander across Pyramid Lake. Oh, and don’t forget a little ice climb, too. It’s a heck of a work out on the arms!”
And the drive to Jasper on the Icefields Parkway is considered one of the most beautiful scenic drives in the world. So, that alone would be worth the visit!
Thrillist recommends Jasper in both summer and winter: “This vast treasure in the Canadian Rockies is a hotspot year-round. During the summer, take part in epic backcountry hikes and visits to waterfalls and glacial lakes; in the winter, Marmot Basin offers dreamy ski terrain, including new trails that opened in 2021 for the first time in 56 years. The Jasper SkyTram gives you 50 miles of views from 7,472 feet up Whistlers Mountain. It’s also a fantastic road trip destination: The Icefields Parkway, one of the world’s most scenic drives, features more than 100 ancient glaciers and a glass-floored observation walkway.”
3. Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick
The dinosaurs loved this Canadian destination, too! Now, you’ll see whales, as they migrate in the area.
“With dinosaur fossils, gorgeous rock formations, and a famous tide, this New Brunswick destination is stunning. The Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick gives visitors a trifecta of natural wonders: dinosaur fossils, whale migrations, and one of the most unique tidal systems on the planet,” according to Travel Lemming.
This tidal system is one of the seven wonders of North America.
Travellers Worldwide says, “The tidal range in this paradise is approximately 50 feet, which is five times greater than the Atlantic’s average height. The Bay of Fundy moves over 150 billion tons of water twice a day, which is sufficient to fill the Grand Canyon. Rafting, kayaking, and whale watching are some of the fun activities at the Bay of Fundy. You can also walk down the ocean floor at low tide to observe Hopewell Rocks, which are naturally worn crags formed like keyholes and arches. By high tide, the waters swallow everything, except for the column tops, which are capped with dense foliage.”
4. Niagara Falls, Ontario
A must-see in summer, this iconic site straddles the Canadian-U.S. border.
“If there is one destination you’d find in every ‘best places to visit in Canada during summer’ list, it is Niagara Falls. Built along the spellbinding waterfalls by the same name, this famous city is an ideal place to explore if you’re looking for a magical experience. It is indeed one of the most iconic and best places to visit in Canada,” TravelTriangle writes.
Thrillophilia comments on its popularity saying, “One of the naturally held stunning waterfalls of the world, Niagara Falls attracts a large number of visitors every year with its aesthetic scenes. There’s also a large number of facilities while wandering around the falls like watching the whole scene of waterfalls from the observation towers.”
5. Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Last on the list, but certainly not least: Vancouver Island.
“Foodies will also appreciate the selection of eats on Vancouver Island, including teahouses and freshly caught seafood. Vancouver Island holds a bounty of natural sights. Head to Tofino for some whale watching or take a wildlife tour. Afterward, take a stop at one of Vancouver Island’s many gardens, Victoria Butterfly Gardens and Victoria Butchart Gardens are just a few stunning examples of what British Columbia has to offer,” according to Generali.
Global Grasshopper says you can even see this spot from the water: “Surfers love the wild, epic waves here (though with a nickname of ‘Graveyard of the Pacific’ the west coast should be approached with caution), and animal lovers come to spot orcas in the waters of the Johnstone Strait.”
Have you been to any of these amazing places? See any that you want to add to your bucket list? Let us know in the comments!
Sources
- U.S. News
- Touropia
- Hand Luggage Only
- Thrillist
- Travel Lemming
- Travellers Worldwide
- TravelTriangle
- Thrillophilia
- Generali
- Global Grasshopper
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