43 Best Places to Visit in Canada: Beautiful Locations You Must See

Written By: The Planet D

Dave and I have had the pleasure of visiting most of Canada and these are our picks for the most iconic and beautiful places to visit in Canada. Are you looking for outdoors or culture? City travels, or rural. Canada has it all! To help you decide where to start, we’re rounding up the best places to visit in Canada with the most awe-inspiring scenes and memorable landmarks. Here are our top picks!

Best Places to Visit in Canada

Canada is huge! In fact, it is the second-largest country in the world. So, seeing it all in one shot won’t happen. Luckily, we have seen most of it and have had the chance to visit all of these iconic places.

If you don’t have a couple of years to drive around the country, you will need to decide what coast you want to travel, and what experiences you want to have. We’ve rounded up the top tourist attractions, best scenic views and most beautiful places in Canada for you to visit.

1. Banff National Park & Lake Louise

places to visit in canada | lake louise
Lake Louise in Banff National Park

Banff National Park is one of Canada’s top attractions, and with good reason. With famous scenes from Moraine Lake to The Vermillion Lakes and The Three Sisters, Banff National Park is an outdoor lover’s dream. There are so many reasons to visit Banff, from hiking through the mountain trails, mountain biking, backcountry skiing, or horseback riding into the Rocky Mountains. Read Next: Discover Banff in Photos

Another must-visit destination in the Canadian Rockies is Yoho National Park, known for its stunning waterfalls and natural beauty.

Witness the incredible view of Lake Louise and the Victoria glacier from the Chateau Fairmont Lake Louise and enjoy the fresh Canadian Rockies mountain air as you explore the beautiful lakes of Banff National Park, most notably Moraine Lake, Lake Minnewanka, Peyto Lakes, and Vermillion Lakes.

Make sure to go snowboarding at the world-class Lake Louise ski resort, and don’t miss going up the Banff Gondola.

Plan Your Visit to Banff Here:

2. Icefields Parkway

places to visit in canada | bow lake

The Icefields Parkway is considered one of the most beautiful scenic drives in the world linking Banff National Park and Jasper National Park through the Canadian Rockies.

This stretch of highway is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Canada. Stops include the Athabasca Glacier, the Columbia Icefields, and Yoho National Park, located in the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Reflections of Bow Lake, outstanding views of the Canadian Rockies, and more than 100 glaciers and waterfalls line the route.

3. Columbia Icefields Skywalk

Glass Floor Colombia Icefield Skywalk.

The Columbia Icefields Walk is one of the best places to visit in Alberta and is the coolest walk in Canada, dangling 280 meters (918 feet) over the Sunwapta Valley. The glass floor will take your breath away. Located along the Icefields Parkway, this is a beautiful stop where you can see the surrounding mountains and glaciers. See our road trip along the Icefield’s Parkway

4. Alberta Badlands

places to see in canada | alberta badlands
Beautiful places to visit in Canada – Alberta Badlands

The Alberta Badlands are one of North America’s most beautiful views in Canada. Make a home base and do some camping at Dinosaur Provincial Park to see one of the largest dinosaur fossil collections in the world. For those seeking remote beauty and adventure, Kluane National Park offers crystal-clear waters, snow-capped peaks, and diverse flora and fauna. Check out more iconic Canadian destinations at Famous Canada Landmarks to add to your Bucket List

5. Jasper National Park

things to see in canada | jasper
Northern Lights at Mildred Lake in Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is a little less crowded than Banff National Park but no less spectacular. It is known for its yearly Dark Sky Festival, and it is worth visiting because of the amazing display of stars and the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). Fun fact: Jasper National Park is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights in Canada, and it is a dark sky preserve. Pretty cool, eh? Choose a view at one of its beautiful lakes – Maligne Lake, Pyramid, Mildred, or Beauvart Lakes for spectacular views. Read more: Amazing Things to do in Jasper, Alberta.

There’s also an excellent ski resort that is less busy than Lake Louise, Marmot Basin, which is the place to go if you want to hit the slopes.

6. Maligne Lake

places to visit in jasper | maligne lake

Speaking of Lakes, you can’t visit Jasper without driving out to the extraordinary views of Maligne Lake. This is a great day trip where you can stop at Maligne Canyon and go for a hike along the Maligne River Gorge. It’s one of the best places to visit in Jasper and it’s not to be missed. Enjoy our list of the Best Things to do in Alberta

7. Waterton Lakes National Park

wales hotel
Prince of Wales Hotel stands proud

At the complete other end of Alberta is Waterton Lakes National Park. It shares a border with Glacier National Park in America, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also an International Peace Park and a Biosphere Reserve that are all rolled out in one. It’s the only one of its kind in the world.

Watch our video: The Best Places in Canada to Visit

beautiful places in canada video
Watch the most beautiful places to visit in Canada video here.

8. Whistler

Whistler Mountain in British Colombia Canada

Whistler is Canada’s outdoor playground with world-class ski resorts, backcountry snowmobiling, and adrenaline activities. It is also one of the top tourist destinations in British Columbia. In the summer, go mountain biking or explore its many hiking trails and outdoor activities before relaxing in Whistler Village to enjoy the world-class dining and nightlife.

Whistler Ski Resort hosted the Winter Olympics, so if you want to hit the slopes, Whistler/Black is one of Canada’s premier ski resorts with the most runs in the country. Check out all the things to do in Whistler

9. Tofino

what to see in canada | tofino

Since we didn’t have a good photo of Tofino, I chose one courtesy of Pixabay.

Located on Vancouver Island just off of Canada’s west coast, Tofino is Canada’s surfing destination. Storm watchers gather in Tofino from October to February to watch the massive winter waves pound the Canadian Coast. Read: Driving the Sunshine Coast in BC – The Perfect Road Trip Itinerary

10. Okanagan Valley

best places to visit in Canada | okanagan valley

The Okanagan Valley in British Columbia is the main wine region in the province and could easily be mistaken for Tuscany. If you like wine, it is one of the best places to visit in Canada for tours and tastings.

Making a base in either Kelowna, Penticton, or Vernon offers a relaxing vacation overlooking picturesque lakes, rolling hills, forests, and three mountain ranges surrounding the valley.

11. Victoria

victoria british columbia places to visit in canada
View of Inner Harbour of Victoria, Vancouver Island, B.C., Canada

Located on Vancouver Island, Victoria is the capital of British Columbia. With its colonial architecture, grand gardens, and lovely seafront, you can feel the English influence with every turn. One of the best places to visit in Victoria is to see the famous Butchart Gardens and to take a stroll through Canada’s oldest Chinatown. Read more about BC at Exploring the Sea to Sky Highway and Sunshine Coast BC – The Perfect Road Trip Itinerary

12. Vancouver, British Columbia

Best Luxury Hotel in Vancouver Fairmont Pacific Rim

Vancouver is a beautiful coastal city in British Columbia. In fact, Flight Center once called it the fifth most beautiful city in the world. Its laid-back West Coast vibe makes it one of the best places to explore the outdoors while still enjoying all the urban amenities.

Stanley Park is a part of the city just minutes from the city center with a gorgeous sea wall, the Vancouver Aquarium, and 4 square km of green space. It is one of the best places to hang out in the city. Make sure you visit North Vancouver as well. There is great hiking at Grouse Mountain and skiing in the winter. With mountains, oceans, plenty of green space, and lots of nightlife, it is certainly one of our favourite cities in Canada.

13. Churchill

Churchill Manitoba in Canada

The town of Churchill is famous for being located on the polar bear highway, and it is one of the best places in the world to see polar bears in their natural habitat. In fact, it has been named the polar bear capital of the world.

Churchill is also famous for the beluga whale migration where thousands of belugas can be seen playing in the bay just off the pier of Churchill. A unique thing to see in Churchill is the Polar Bear jail (a holding pen for bears to be relocated after wandering into town).

14. Hudson Bay

what to do in canada | polar bears

To really see the polar bears, staying at a lodge on Hudson Bay puts you in the true Canadian tundra. Churchill Wild has several lodges in Northern Manitoba where polar bears can be viewed up close and personal in their natural habitat.

The wildlife is spectacular, but the scenery is outstanding as well. Going on a polar bear safari was one of the best adventures we’ve ever had. Enjoy: Walking with Polar Bears

15. Canadian Museum of Human Rights

places to visit in canada | human rights museum

We don’t put museums in lists of iconic places, but the Canadian Museum of Human Rights in Winnipeg is one of the best museums in the world.

The museum itself is beautifully designed, winning many architectural awards, taking the visitor on a journey from the ground floor representing roots and soil through mountains, earth, clouds, and light with exhibits like the Garden of Contemplation and the glass tower overlooking the city of Winnipeg. Read next: Things to do in Winnipeg

16. Lunenburg

places to visit in canada | lunenburg

Lunenburg in Nova Scotia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of Canada’s prettiest cities. With painted houses that adhere to strict cultural standards, Lunenburg has kept its maritime heritage intact and is one of the best places to experience the fishing culture of the East Coast.

There’s fine dining, museums, ocean tours, luxury hotels, and B&B’s, making this the perfect Canadian vacation destination. Enjoy these Beautiful Photos of Nova Scotia

17. Cape Breton

where to visit in canada | cape breton

Driving around the Cabot Trail of Cape Breton showcases the best of Canadian life. It is one of the best road trips in the world with outstanding coastal views, hiking trails, whale watching and boat trips, lobster tours and fishing villages. See everything there is to do on the Cabot Trail

18. Peggy’s Cove

visit canada | peggy's cove
Taking in the stunning view at Peggy’s Cove.

One of the world’s most famous lighthouses, Peggy’s Cove, is Nova Scotia’s most popular attraction. A visit to Peggy’s Cove is more than a lighthouse; hiking along the volcanic coastal rocks makes for a beautiful view of Canada’s East Coast.

There are plenty of things to do in Peggy’s Cove, from taking boat tours to exploring the hiking trails and the picturesque nearby towns. Learn more at: Things to do in Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia

19. Three Sisters

visit canada | three sisters

The Bay of Fundy are the highest tides in the world, and there are three amazing places to witness them in Nova Scotia. The Shubenacadie River, Burntcoat Head Provincial Park, and kayaking or hiking out to the Three Sisters.

Here, you can walk on the ocean floor at low tide for miles and then kayak out to see rock formations when the 1000 billion tons of water come in every 6 hours. Read More: The Ultimate Nova Scotia Road Trip

20. Bay of Fundy Hopewell Rocks

canadian places to visit | hopewell rocks

New Brunswick has the classic views of the Bay of Fundy at the Hopewell Rocks. With Unique Formations, Sea Caves, and arches, this is one of the best places to witness the power of the highest tides on earth. New Brunswick is a nature lover’s paradise, and when exploring this east coast province, the Hopewell Rocks are one of the best places to start.

21. Fundy National Park

canadian places | bay of fundy

Driving through Fundy National Park showcases stunning views of the New Brunswick Coast. With 25 waterfalls and spectacular views of the Bay of Fundy, this is a great Canadian park to visit. If you want a true adventure, take on the challenge of hiking the Fundy Trail. The 61km hike is considered one of the greatest multi-day hikes in the world.

22. Kouchibouguac National Park

where to go in canada | kouchibouguac national park

One of the best dark sky preserves can be found in Kouchibouguac National Park, but the boardwalk through the salt marsh attracts visitors here. Follow the path out to the sand dunes or explore the river by voyageur canoe. 25 Best Things to do in New Brunswick, Canada

23. St. Martins

St. Martins Caves in New Brunswick Canada

With historic covered bridges and the St. Martins Sea Caves is a must-stop on the East Coast. Sea Kayaking trips are offered to explore the sea caves at high tide, but you can also walk out right into the belly of the massive caves at low tide as the Bay of Fundy waters recede miles out from shore. Read More about New Brunswick at The Best Things to do in Saint John

24. Niagara Falls

places in canada | niagara falls
It is worth it to take the Toronto to Niagara Falls bus just to see this!

Niagara Falls is Canada’s most famous tourist attraction and the #1 place to visit in Ontario, and it does not disappoint. Dave and I visit Niagara Falls at least once a year and we never tire of seeing one of the world’s largest waterfalls.

There are several adventures you can do in Niagara Falls, like taking the Maid of the Mist into the heart of Horseshoe Falls, taking a journey behind the falls, riding the Aerocar, or daring to join a jetboat tour to the whirlpool from Niagara on the Lake.

25. CN Tower

iconic things to do in canada

The CN Tower was once the world’s tallest structure, but it is still clinging to the top 10. We’ve visited a lot of towers around the world, but the CN Tower is still the best experience. It’s one of the top tourist attractions in Toronto and with good reason. That’s saying a lot as there are so many things to do in Canada’s largest city but we never tire of bringing people to the CN Tower when they visit.

With its hair-raising glass floor, rotating restaurant, and adrenaline-pumping Edgewalk, it’s a must-see attraction when visiting Toronto. Be sure to go up the CN Tower for city views and if you love adventure, make sure to try the EdgeWalk.

26. Algonquin Park

where to visit in canda | algonquin park

Ontario is blessed with many provincial parks, but our favourite is Algonquin Park. This 7,653 km² (2954 square miles) park is one of Canada’s premier canoe route destinations and one of the best places to spot moose in the wild. There are hiking trails, and it is one of the best places to go snowshoeing in Ontario. Check out: Canoeing in Algonquin Park

27. Lake Superior North Shore

what to do in canada | lake superior

Not many people get north of Lake Superior, but this is where you’ll find the most beautiful views in Ontario. Stop at the Canada Goose in Wawa, go canoeing or kayaking to the slate islands in search of the woodland caribou, or hike the Pukaskwa Trail, one of the hardest hikes in Canada.

There are also plenty of other hiking trails along Lake Superior, most notably, Agawa Rock Indian Pictograph Trial, Orphan Lake Trail, and Lake Superior Coastal Trail. See our full Lake Superior Circle Tour

28. Ottawa

places to visit canada | ottawa

Ottawa is Canada’s capital and one of our favorite places to visit in Canada. Be sure to visit during the annual winter carnival, Winterlude. Ice skating along the Rideau Canal right through the city center. It is one of the most iconic things to do in Canada. But there are so many things to do in Ottawa. Visit our beautiful Parliament buildings, cross the river to Gatineau, explore its many museums and stay at the historic Chateau Laurier. Read: Things to do in Ottawa

Ottawa is home to our Canadian government, and one of the top things to do is to visit Parliament Hill and its historic parliament buildings. It is filled with museums, hiking trails, bike paths and

29. Manitoulin Island

must visit places in Canada | manitoulin island.
The view from the Cup and Saucer Trail on Manitoulin Island

Manitoulin Island is the world’s largest freshwater island, and it is filled with natural beauty and several hiking trails. It also houses the largest lake within a freshwater island in the world.

The best experience to have in Manitoulin is to hike to the top of the Cup and Saucer Trail and to take part in the Great Spirit Circle Tour – an Aboriginal experience. Read more: The Top Things to do on Manitoulin Island

30. Kingston

places to visit in canada kingston ontario

No trip to Ontario would be complete without visiting the original capital of Canada, Kingston Ontario. Located on the St. Lawrence River, Rideau Canal and Lake Ontario, Kingston has a very unique location.

This city absolutely surprised us when we revised it in 2023. Kingston is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, five national historic sites, four Rembrandt paintings, and more restaurants per capita than most cities in Canada. Kingston is truly an Ontario hidden gem.

31. Confederation Bridge

Confederation Bridge in P.E.I Canada
Confederation Bridge Links Prince Edward Island to New Brunswick

The Confederation Bridge links Prince Edward Island with the country by the Trans Canada Highway. It is the longest bridge in the world, crossing ice-covered water at 12.9 km long. It opened in 1994 and is a thrill to drive over. Read: Things to do in Prince Edward Island (PEI)

32. Charlottetown

Charlottetown P.E.I. Canada

Charlottetown is the capital of Prince Edward Island and is home to the ongoing Charlottetown Festival showcasing Anne of Green Gables. But this charming east coast town has much more to it. With farm and fish-to-table dining, boutique hotels, arts, and culture plus a picture-perfect harbour, this is one of Canada’s hidden gems. Read more: Things to do in Prince Edward Island (PEI)

33. Quebec City

Chateau Frontenac from Old Quebec City in Canada

Quebec City is North America’s European city. Discover the old-world charm of Quebec’s capital city. Old Quebec’s centerpiece is the striking Chateau Frontenac, which gives visitors a taste of Victorian-style luxury. There are historic sites throughout Quebec, and its historic district is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site right in the heart of the city center. Read: The 27 Best Things to do in Quebec City

34. Wendake

places to visit in canada | wamdake

Wendake is a First Nation Settlement just 15 minutes from the Old Town of Quebec. This 300-year-old community was established by Wendat people after they were driven from their settlements on the Great Lakes. You may have heard of the Huron Peoples, but they are trying to eliminate that name as it was given to them by early European settlers.

Today the Wendat community has a population of 3000 people and welcomes visitors to stay and learn about their way of life. Read: From Wendake to Cree Nation

35. Old Montreal

places to visit in canada | old montreal
My ancestor lived beside what is now Notre Dame Cathedral in Montreal

My ancestor lived beside what is now Notre Dame Cathedral in Montreal.

Montreal itself is a modern and hip city, but wandering into the historic district of Old Montreal and be transported back in time. Notre Dame Cathedral is the central point of Old Montreal and from here you can get lost among the cobblestone streets and historic monuments and buildings.

Read more: Where to Stay in Montreal and The Very Best Things to do in Montreal, Canada

36. Mont Tremblant

mont tremblant | canada places to visit

The year-round adventure destination was built around Mont Tremblant Ski hill. It has an amazing village below with fine dining, nightlife, and cafes. Just a 90-minute drive from Montreal, Mont Tremblant has everything for an amazing weekend escape.

37. Dempster Highway

canada places to visit | dempster highway
Drive to the Arctic: The Dempster Highway

Canada’s ultimate drive is along the Dempster Highway. Here you can drive all the way to the Arctic Ocean. It starts in Inuvik in the Northwest Territories and goes to Dawson City, Yukon.

While driving the Dempster Highway, make sure to explore Tombstone Territorial Park, known for its jagged peaks, rich Indigenous culture, and opportunities for hiking through remote landscapes.

Along the way, you pass the Arctic Circle, the picturesque Tombstone Mountains, and plenty of wildlife. It’s not uncommon to see Grizzly Bears on the side of the road! This is an adventure of a lifetime. See our Dempster Highway Adventure

38. Dawson City

Dawson City Yukon Canada

Dawson City is a national historic site that has preserved its town facades from the Klondike Gold Rush days. This wild west town is a rip roaring good time where you can experience the midnight sun, views of the Tombstone Mountains and drink the famous Sour Toe Cocktail. Visit Dawson City, Yukon – The Quirkiest Town in Canada and The Sourtoe Cocktail – Dawson City’s Dead Toe Cocktail

39. Ivvavik National Park

what to do in canada | ivavik national park
Grizzly Bears of Ivvavik National Park

It’s the premier spot in Canada to view Grizzly bears in the wild, and it’s one of the most remote national parks in the country. Be dropped off in the middle of the Canadian wilderness to stay in prospector tents surrounded by a thin electric wire fence. You are in the corridor of grizzly country and spectacular views of Ivvavik National Park. Enjoy reading Ivavvik, Falling in Love with the Rugged and Remote

40. Mackenzie Delta

places to visit in canada | mackenzie river delta

The Mackenzie Delta is a unique ecosystem in the far North of Canada that empties into the Arctic Sea. The Mackenzie River empties into the delta.

For half a year, it is covered with ice, creating creeks, ponds, and tributaries as it waits to flow out to the ocean. When the ice melts, it creates the most remarkable views. You might enjoy The Most Isolated Places on Earth

We haven’t visited Newfoundland yet, but we knew that if we didn’t include it, we’d hear about it. When travel opens up again, it is at the top of our list! But for now, these are two places in Newfoundland that we can’t wait to visit.

41. the Torngat Mountains

canada adventures torngats national park
Visit the Torngats

Jennifer Smith Nelson of Travel and Happiness wrote about the Torngats in our Canada adventures post and we cannot wait to see this view for ourselves.

42. Gros Morne National Park

best canada adventures

Matt Bailey of LiveLimitless shared this photo with us in our best Canadian Adventures round-up and we have wanted to go ever since.

43. Grasslands National Park

places to visit in Canada | grasslands national park

Dave and I both visited Saskatchewan during our pre-blogging days, and I look forward to going back soon. We haven’t visited enough of it to really explore all the places to see, but one that should not be missed is Grasslands National Park to see its wild bison. Read: 15 Best Things to do in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

And there you have it. These are the best places to visit in Canada that we’ve been to. With three bonus places that we haven’t.

Where have you been in Canada? What should we add to our list?

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Book Your Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. We have used them for years and have found that they have the best flight deals.

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Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

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Book Your Activities: Looking for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more? Then we recommend Get Your Guide.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine, the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

Leave a Comment

7 thoughts on “43 Best Places to Visit in Canada: Beautiful Locations You Must See”

  1. Keep up the wonderful piece of work, I read few posts on this internet site and I think that your blog is really interesting and holds bands of fantastic information.

    Reply
  2. Wow came across one fact that Canada is the secondly largest in the world, icefields parkway looks magical, is it real?

    Reply
  3. Being an international student we all need such places to visit,
    can’t wait to go to this place I have visited very few of them but I will definitely complete all 41 ,
    Thanks,

    Reply
  4. Thanks for the Nice Post , Jasper National Park does not look real , Its magical , I really want to visit this place and witness the beauty by myself.

    Reply