Bustling cities, awe-inspiring vistas, abundant wildlife, and a friendly population have solidified Canada as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the western hemisphere. Canadians understand the wealth of riches their land and culture can provide, and the scores of visitors who venture onto Canadian soil quickly understand the appeal of this vast and awe-inspiring country as well.
Coast to coast, Canada is no stranger to natural wonders and vibrant urban centers. Although just about any area of the country is worth visiting, certain points of interest stand out as perennial favorites.
Bay of Fundy
Located between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, this natural wonder is known for its amazing tides. Tides in the Bay of Fundy are some of the largest in the world.
Québec City
The second most popular French-speaking area behind Montréal, Québec City is the only fortified city north of Mexico. The Citadel is a popular place for visitors, and tourists can witness Canadian troops staging a military ceremony. Cuisine offerings are numerous in Québec City, and one shouldn’t miss the opportunity to try poutine, a French-Canadian staple.
Old Montréal
Described as a European city on North American land, Montréal is lined with old, historic buildings, fine dining and plenty of shopping. Some of the must-see places in Old Montréal include Rue Bonsecours and the landmark Marché Bonsecours. Of course, one shouldn’t miss the beautiful Notre-Dame Basilica, which is an accurate reproduction of the building of the same name in France.
Banff National Park
Nestled within the majestic Rocky Mountains in the province of Alberta, this park exemplifies the beauty of the Canadian landscape. Snow-capped mountains, glaciers, turquoise lakes, and a bevy of wildlife are on display in this picturesque park.
Vancouver
Offering West Coast appeal, this city in British Columbia has repeatedly been named the “best place to live in the world.” It is culturally and ethnically diverse and has a cosmopolitan feel. Garibaldi Provincial Park offers Vancouver residents and visitors impressive scenery and recreation.
Toronto
A bustling city, Toronto is the largest mecca in Canada and located in the heart of Ontario. It’s home to the CN Tower, the tallest freestanding structure in the western hemisphere. World-class theatre, shopping and dining put Toronto on par with other big cities around the world, including New York and London.
Mount Logan
Billed as the highest mountain in Canada, Mount Logan is located in an area of sparse peaks in the Yukon. Adventure and wildlife seekers should include this destination on their itineraries.
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls straddles the border of Canada and the United States and is marked by impressive waterfalls that boast the highest waterflow rate of any waterfall in the world. The falls are actually comprised of three different falls: the Bridal Veil Falls, the Horseshoe Falls, and the American Falls. The falls are along the Niagara river. Visitors can ride the Maid of the Mist boat to get close to the falls. Parks, shopping and Casino Niagara are other points of interest.
Calgary
A booming metropolis, Calgary is situated between the prairies and the foothills of the Canadian Rockies. Discovery of oil helped solidify Calgary as a popular place to live in the 1900s, and helped it become the largest city in Alberta. Thousands of visitors flock to Calgary for the world-famous Calgary Stampede rodeo.
Canada is filled with impressive sites to visit. Tourists can return year after year, never seeing the same thing twice yet still being amazed each time they visit.
