Canada is a large country in North America, known as one of the most beautiful countries in the world. It's often visited by worldwide tourists for winter sports like snowboarding and skiing, large and lively cities, and stunning natural scenery.
Being the second largest country in the world, Canada has a lot to offer. From lakes and waterfalls, gardens and national parks, cosmopolitan cities to snow-capped mountains, Canada has it all.
Here are 10 of the best things you need to see in Canada.
10. St. John’s
Image by @gloverbh222
The largest city in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John’s is 500 years old, making it one of the oldest cities in the “New World.”
The city is lively and colorful, full of arts, culture, and history. Its vibrant, crayon-colored houses are sure to leave an impression.
Take a walk around the city to find historic churches, and nearby a walking trail to Cabot Tower, the site of the first transatlantic wireless communication.
Screech in?
At St. John’s, a visitor can even become an honourary Newfoundlander, if they’re willing to kiss a fish. Getting “screeched in” is a ritual that consists of kissing a Codfish, reciting a Newfoundland phrase, and taking a shot of screech whiskey. How many of us can say that we’ve kissed a fish?
9. Whitehorse
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Whitehorse is the capital of Canada’s Yukon territory and a gateway to the far north of Canada, known for its spectacular scenes of nature.
One of Whitehorse’s greatest attractions is Miles Canyon.
Miles Canyon’s hiking trails and 25-meter-long suspension bridge will take your breath away. There are plenty of sights to see, including -- when the time is right -- the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights! Just be sure to bring protection from bears, such as bear spray, while on the hiking trails.
An wildlife enthusiast or animal lover may also want to check out The Yukon Wildlife Preserve.
Visitors can be among more than 12 beautiful species in their natural habitat, like arctic foxes, moose, muskoxen, and many more. The Yukon Wildlife Preserve offers bus tours.
By timing a trip correctly, a stay anywhere in Whitehorse (not just Miles Canyon!) can be a great way to view the incredible Northern Lights.
8. Mont-Tremblant
Image by Iulian Ursache
For the adrenaline junkie or ski enthusiast, Mont-Tremblant is the place to be. It is located in Quebec’s Laurentians Mountains. Mont Tremblant is home to a year-round ski resort (great for skiing in the summer) and is a lively spot for its forested hiking trails, shopping at the shopping village, and more.
Mont Tremblant is a beautiful destination for more than winter sports, it’s full of activity all throughout the year. In the summer, Mont-Tremblant offers sandy beaches, lake canoeing, golf, cycling, and the Annual Tremblant International Blues Festival.
7. Jasper National Park
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Jasper National Park is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, full of beauty, adventure, and wildlife.
Within the park, we have lakes, glaciers, canyons, waterfalls, and the Jasper SkyTram to take guests around.
Some of the most notable spots include Athabasca Falls waterfall, walkable by paved trail (great for photos), and Maligne Lake, surrounded by serene water and magnificent mountain peaks.
In addition to the sights, visitors can camp in the park!
6. Whistler
Image by Brigitte @ArtTower
Located in the Coast Mountains in British Columbia, Whistler is most well-known for its ski resort, Whistler Blackcomb, the largest ski resort in North America. Whistler Blackcomb has plenty of food, hiking, biking, and golfing.
In addition to the ski resorts and beautiful views, Whistler's Squamish-Lil'wat Cultural Centre has a gift shop, a wedding venue, and a House Museum of Art for art lovers.
The drive between Whistler and Vancouver is its own beautiful adventure.
5. Quebec City
Image by Aurore Duwez
Quebec is arguably one of the most attractive sights in the country, with the same charm as a vintage European city. Quebec is the capital of the Québec province and is filled with history.
The city dates back to 1600 and with an easy-on-the-eyes walk downtown, visitors will feel it for themselves.
From the historic attraction of The Citadel, to walking along the Terrasse Defarin, to relaxing at the Battlefields Park, to the stunning Chateau Frontenac, Quebec City has an interesting and pleasant experience for anyone.
4. Vancouver
Image by James Wheeler
Vancouver is simultaneously known as Canada’s “Greenest City,” and the “Hollywood of Canada.”
An urban city surrounded by nature, it is located on the West Coast of British Columbia, and offers outdoor activities, forests, and walks along the seaport, home to its must-try seafood.
When visiting Vancouver, one might check out Stanley Park, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, or Granville Island, home to incredible numbers and types of artwork, including glass blowing, jewelry, and more.
3. Toronto
Image by James Wheeler
In the heart of Canada, Toronto is bustling with cosmopolitan city life. Toronto is Canada’s largest city and as such, has a wide variety of entertainment.
Toronto is a hotspot for Broadway, ballet, and Opera shows. A visitor can spend a day in the city shopping, and an evening in the nightlife of Toronto’s Entertainment District.
During the summer, people come to Toronto from everywhere to attend a variety of festivals in the city, including authentic cultural events.
Toronto has beaches, skating rinks, and impressive skyscrapers, including many of Canada’s tallest buildings.
The CN Tower is the single tallest building in the massive country of Canada, and it’s located in Toronto.
2. Niagara Falls
Image by Jeff Leonhardt
It’s no secret that Niagara Falls is Canada’s most popular tourist destination, and it has definitely earned its status. With 3 majestic waterfalls and a multitude of ways to enjoy them, Niagara Falls has something for everyone.
Whether it’s hiking, dining, glass blowing, golfing, zip lining, boat riding, or stepping back in time at the Old Fort Niagara, 30 million tourists end up at Niagara Falls every year.
Thrill seekers can ride through the Niagara River to the American Falls, so close to the water that they can’t expect to come out dry.
Nearby restaurants with ceiling-high windows offer safe and spectacular views of the falls, bridges, and city lights.
Spas are also in place with their own views of the falls.
For those who love hiking and history, the Niagara Gorge and its hiking trails is another must-visit. The area houses the Old Fort Niagara, home to underground gunpowder rooms, ancient canons, and army barracks, and the Cave of the Winds, or Aeolus's Cave, named after the Greek god of winds, which takes visitors almost directly under the falls.
Rainbows are often visible from this site.
1. Banff
Image by James Wheeler
Banff is home to Canada’s first, and the world’s third ever National Park, The Banff National park. The Banff National Park is on UNESCO's World Heritage list of protected natural and cultural monuments.
Within the park include a ski resort, the Canadian Rockies, turquoise lakes like Lake Louise, and glacier-capped mountains -- a glorious sight even during summer.
The park is full of breathtaking scenery for the whole family.
Image by M. Maggs
The town of Banff is small but mighty. Millions of tourists visit each year, attracted by the park as well as many interesting shopping and dining experiences, hotels ranging from budget to high end.
Image by @BK3Design
One of Banff's most well-known hotels is the castle-like Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, once planned to be the largest hotel complex in the world. It is charming to this day and is available for booking.
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This is only 10 things you need to see in Canada -- there are many more.
First Image by James Wheeler
All images uploaded with photographers' permissions.
