23 Best Places to Visit in Canada

A country in North America, Canada is known for its pristine natural beauty and incredible culture. It is rich in its heritage, complemented by the hustle-bustle of modern cities. If you plan a vacation to Canada, it is important to know the best tourist destinations here and plan your journey accordingly. 

Read this article to find out the top tourist places in Canada, including the best scenic attractions, national parks, landmarks, historic sites and cities.

Currency in Canada: The official currency of Canada is the Canadian Dollar. 1 CAD equals 60.90 Indian Rupees as of 27th February 2023*. 

*Currency rates change are subject to the market exchange rate.

There are several tourist places in Canada that people around the world flock to visit. Some of them are listed below.

The majority of tourist places in Canada are brimming with natural beauty. Here are the ones you should not miss:

1. Niagara Falls, Ontario

One of the most enchanting and mighty waterfalls, Niagara Falls is shared by Canada and the United States. You can witness the three waterfalls in all their glory on this side of the border.

Be it the massive Horseshoe waterfall or the distant Bridal and American waterfall, you are guaranteed a breathtaking panoramic view from any vantage point.

• Location: Niagara Falls, south-east Ontario
• Entry Fees: Free
• Popular Tourist Attractions: Horseshoe Falls, Bridal Falls and American Falls
• Things to Do: Enjoy the panoramic views, take a cruise, or visit museums and a plethora of local shops.
• How to Reach: Disembark at the Buffalo-Niagara International Airport and take a short cab ride to reach the attraction.

2. Hornby Island, Vancouver

For avid nature lovers, Hornby Island in British Columbia is a dream come true. This quaint and sparsely populated island is home to lush forests, beautiful beaches, and hiking and biking trails.

Enjoy the awe-inspiring views from Heron Rocks, or immerse yourself in the serenity of Tribune Bay Provincial Park.

• Location: North Central Vancouver Island
• Entry Fees: Free
• Popular Tourist Attractions:  Heron Rocks, Ford Cove, Tribune Bay Provincial Park, Whaling Station Bay, and Helliwell Provincial Park.
• Things to Do: Hiking, biking, kayaking, and engaging in other water sports
• How to Reach: Comox Valley Airport is the closest airstrip to Hornby Island. Take a ferry to Vancouver Island's Buckley Bay to reach the island. Continue your journey from Buckley Bay by car to reach your destination.

3. Whistler Park, British Columbia

Home to the massive Olympic Park and the Whistler Mountain Bike Park, this scenic town is the ultimate destination for sports lovers and adventure enthusiasts. The town is also known for its luxurious resorts, traditional restaurants, and historic charm.

• Location: Squamish, British Columbia
• Entry Fees: Free
• Popular Tourist Attractions: Whistler Mountain Bike Park, Olympic Park, and Brandywine Falls Provincial Park
• Things to Do: Hiking, biking, skiing, engaging in adventure sports, and taking gondola rides
• How to Reach: The nearest airstrip is the Vancouver International Airport, from where you have to travel for 5 hours by road to reach Whistler.

4. The Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

A beautiful onshore landmark, Okanagan can be a perfect destination if you enjoy visiting wine hubs. It is surrounded by exotic pine trees and forested parks, further enhancing tourist attraction. Additionally, you can find stunning beaches here. Along the beaches, there are multiple farms growing fruits like cherries, peaches, pears, etc.

• Location: South-central British Columbia, north of the American border
• Entry Fees: Free
• Popular Tourist Attractions: Beaches, forested parks, wine hubs, fruit farms, ski resorts, etc.
• Things to Do: Canoeing, pleasure boating, sailing, skiing, picnics, etc.
• How to Reach: Take a cab from Kelowna International Airport

5. Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia

Located in Eastern Canada, the Bay of Fundy can be a good choice if you are a beach lover. It is known for having enormous tides, especially if you visit New Brunswick’s Hopewell Rocks. Its stunning shoreline cliffs and beaches help you witness vibrant ecosystems. Moreover, you can make some interesting marine life discoveries here as well.

• Location: Between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, the inlet of the Atlantic Ocean
• Entry Fees: Free
• Popular Tourist Attractions: Huge tides, marine life, beaches, cliffs, Hopewell Cape, Fundy National Park, etc.
• Things to Do: Sightseeing, kayaking, taking photographs, hiking, exploring fossils, etc.
• How to Reach: Take a train to Montreal and then a cab to the Bay of Fundy

6. St. John's Signal Hill, Newfoundland

You can find the famous Signal Hill National Historic Site at the entrance to St. John's harbour. It gets its name from the first wireless transatlantic signal which took place in this area. One of the most popular sites here is the Cabot Tower, built in honour of Newfoundland. You can enjoy the panoramic views of the city from this hill.

• Location: To the west of Newfoundland and Labrador
• Entry Fees: Free
• Popular Tourist Attractions: Cabot Tower, crayon-coloured houses, Water Street, Cape Spear Lighthouse, etc.
• Things to Do: Sightseeing, exploring local culture, trying delicious cuisines, shopping, etc.
• How to Reach: Take a cab from the St. John's International Airport.

7. Rideau Canal, Kingston

It is a four-season playground, attracting visitors from across Europe. Suppose you are visiting Canada in summer when families go on boat rides for pleasant journeys across the lake. On the other hand, you can enjoy skiing if you are visiting Canada in winter. A portion of the canal transforms into an ice-skating rink in winter.

• Location: Between Ottawa and Lake Ontario at Kingston, Ontario
• Entry Fees: Free
• Popular Tourist Attractions: Locks, BYTOWN MUSEUM, Kingston Ontario, parks, gardens, hockey rinks, etc.
• Things to Do: Site seeing, boat riding, ice skating, exploring, taking photographs, etc.
• How to Reach: Reach Ottawa or Kingston and take a bus to Rideau Canal

In the national parks of Canada, flora and fauna are found in their best form, and the area is covered with rocky mountains, rivers and lakes. Here are some Canadian national parks with the most stunning views:

8. Banff National Park, Calgary

Internationally recognised for its pristine beauty and the turquoise-hued Lake Louise, Banff National Park is a whopping 6,641 square km of unspoiled wilderness. The park is home to massive mountains, ethereal glaciers, lush meadows, dense forests, and roaring rivers. However, Lake Louise remains the crown jewel of this natural wonderland.

• Location: Alberta's Rocky Mountains, west of Calgary.
• Entry Fees: Adults - 10.50 CAD, senior citizens - 9 CAD, youth (below 17 years) - free, groups - 21 CAD, commercial groups - 9 CAD per person.
• Popular Tourist Attractions: Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Sulphur Mountain, and Johnston Canyon
• Things to Do: Hiking, biking, camping, fishing, kayaking, and snowshoeing.
• How to Reach: Deplane at Calgary International Airport and take a cab to your destination.

9. Jasper National Park, Edmonton

For the adventurous souls that love the outdoors, this UNESCO World Heritage Site features some of the tallest peaks of the Canadian Rockies, along with countless lakes, meadows, forests, and trails. Traverse this wild landscape from March to May or September to November to capture the best scenic vistas on camera.

• Location: Alberta’s Rocky Mountain, west of Edmonton
• Entry Fees: Adults - 10.50 CAD, senior citizens - 9 CAD, youth (below 17 years) - free, groups - 21 CAD, commercial groups - 9 CAD per person.
• Popular Tourist Attractions: Icefields Parkway, Athabasca Glacier, and Jasper town.
• Things to Do: Hiking, photography, wildlife watching, and camping.
• How to Reach: Disembark at Edmonton International Airport or Calgary International Airport and take a car or public transport to reach the park.

10. Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland

It is one of the most remote national parks in Canada and has recently received the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tourists are attracted to its mountains, steep cliff walls, waterfalls, rock formations and fjords. Walks along the mountain will allow you to explore the exotic floras and faunas while getting a panoramic view of the surroundings.

• Location: Newfoundland, Canada
• Entry Fees: 8.50-10.50 CAD for adults, 7.25-9 CAD for senior citizens, 16.75-21 CAD for groups or families and free for youths under 17
• Popular Tourist Attractions: Tropical forests, mountains, glaciers, flora and fauna, parks, beaches, etc.,
• Things to Do: Hiking, kayaking, sightseeing, skiing, boat riding, etc.
• How to Reach: Go to the Marine Atlantic ferry service from Nova Scotia and take a bus.

Here are some of the most popular and famous landmarks and sites that you must not miss while travelling across Canada.

11. Toronto's CN Tower, Bremner Boulevard Toronto

CN Tower is one of the biggest cities in Canada, located on the shores of Lake Ontario. It dominates the skyline with its impressive height of 553 metres. You can get a beautiful view of the country through the glass floors once you reach the top of the tower. It is a paradise for those who admire heights. There are fine dining restaurants on the top as well.

• Location: Bremner Boulevard Toronto, Ontario
• Entry Fees: 43 CAD for adults, 30 CAD for senior citizens, 30 CAD for youths between 6-17, 14 CAD for children aged 3-5 years
• Popular Tourist Attractions: Panoramic view of the city, including Niagra Falls, Edge Walk, 360 Restaurant, etc.
• Things to Do: Capture the entire Totonto from the tower in your camera, get adventurous with hands-free walking, enjoy delicious meals, etc.
• How to Reach: Take a train to the subway Union Station. Then, you can walk or take a bus.

12. Ottawa's Parliament Hill, Ottawa

Standing over the Ottawa River, Parliament Hill is known for having Neo-Gothic-style Parliament buildings from the 19th century. One of the highlights here is the Peace Tower, which divides the House of Commons and the Senate. It can be a good option for those interested in history. Additionally, it offers lovely strolls alongside the Ottawa River.

• Location: Wellington Street, Ottawa
• Entry Fees: Free
• Popular Tourist Attractions: Peace Tower, Centennial Flame, Changing of the Guard, the Parliamentary Library, bilingual commentary
• Things to Do: Site seeing, taking guided tours, hearing the bilingual commentary, witnessing the ceremonies, etc.
• How to Reach: Take a train to Ottawa Station and then get a cab to the Parliament Hill

13. Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia

It is another popular landscape in Canada, known for its picturesque views. It is the famous lighthouse, originally built in 1915. Even though it is small, it attracts tourists throughout the year with its stunning location. Moreover, you can explore this area's small fishing villages and delicious seafood.

• Location: St. Margarets Bay in the Halifax Regional Municipality, Nova Scotia
• Entry Fees: Free
• Popular Tourist Attractions: The lighthouse, fishing villages, etc.
• Things to Do: Exploring the fishing communities, enjoying delicious seafood, etc.
• How to Reach: Reach downtown Halifax and then take a cab to Peggy’s Cove. The nearest airport is Halifax Stanfield International Airport.

14. Stanley Park, Vancouver

If you visit Vancouver in Canada, do not forget to check out the gorgeous Stanley Park. During spring, it provides an eye-catching view of red-orange coloured trees. This park will surely win your heart if you are a nature lover. You can also explore stunning wildlife and eateries in this area.

• Location: Vancouver, Canada
• Entry Fees: Free
• Popular Tourist Attractions: Gorgeous trees and natural beauty, Miniature Train, natural and cultural landmarks, eateries, etc.
• Things to Do: Sightseeing, taking strolls, picnics, exploring the natural beauty and wildlife, taking photographs, biking, etc.
• How to Reach: Get down at the Waterfront Station and take a bus. TransLink's #19 buses also travel to this park.

Some of the common tourist attractions in Canada include lakes, bridges and museums. These attract tourists with different needs. Here is a list of some of the popular sites you can visit in Canada:

15. Garibaldi Lake, British Columbia

This is a stunning lake located in the Garibaldi Provincial Park in British Columbia. Its turquoise water helps the lake stand out, offering a calm and serene environment. Moreover, it is surrounded by beautiful forests, flowers, glaciers, and mountain trails fit for hiking. Camping is also popular, and you can find various campsites and day-use shelters on the shore.

• Location: British Columbia
• Entry Fees: Free
• Popular Tourist Attractions: Stunning lake with turquoise water, serene environment, mountain trails, flowers, glaciers, etc.
• Things to Do: Hiking through the mountain trails, camping and picnics, skiing during the winter, photography, etc.
• How to Reach: Whistler (YWS) Airport is the nearest airport. You can also take a bus from Abbotsford to Garibaldi Provincial Park via Vancouver.

16. Cheakamus Lake, British Columbia

If you visit the Garibaldi Provincial Park, do not forget to check out Cheakamus Lake. It is heaven to nature lovers, with its turquoise water, lush green forests and mountains in the surrounding. The bridge over the river again offers a stunning view of the hills and forests combined. It is also great for picnics.

• Location: British Columbia
• Entry Fees: Free
• Popular Tourist Attractions: Beauty of the lake, turquoise water, beautiful thick forests and mountain range, serene environment, etc.
• Things to Do: Picnics, hiking, biking, skiing, swimming, taking long strolls, photography, etc.
• How to Reach: Come to British Columbia from Smithers (YYD) Airport, and then take a car or cab.

17. Maligne Lake, British Columbia

Located near Jasper town, this lake stands out with its unique azure coloured water. Reaching can be slightly challenging, as it is located in an interior region. You can spot three glaciers from here. Here, you can take boat tours and go hiking on the mountain trails. Tourists also enjoy camping and swimming here.

• Location: British Columbia
• Entry Fees: Free
• Popular Tourist Attractions: Eye-catching azure-coloured lake water, Spirit island, mountain range and snow-capped peaks, glaciers, etc.
• Things to Do: Picnics, hiking, biking, swimming, photography, boat tours, etc.
• How to Reach: Arrive at British Columbia from Smithers (YYD) Airport, and then take a car or cab.

18. Royal BC Museum, British Columbia

This museum in British Columbia should be on your bucket list if you are interested in the history of natural and human evolution. It has a huge collection of over 7 million artefacts and items. You can explore a huge variety of historical preservations under one roof here. The museum ensures that the visitors get a realistic feeling of the surrounding ambience.

• Location: British Columbia
• Entry Fees: CAD 18 for adults, CAD 11 for students, youths and senior citizens
• Popular Tourist Attractions: A wide collection of artefacts, totems, masks and cultural treasures, First Peoples Gallery, language forest, the Woolly Mammoth, HMS Discovery, etc.
• Things to Do: Exploring the museum, analysing the artefacts, discovering the  Woolly Mammoth and taking a tar-scented trip in the HMS Discovery.
• How to Reach:  Victoria Airport (YYJ) will be the nearest. You can take a cab from there.

19. Royal Tyrrell Museum, British Columbia

If you are into dinosaurs and fossils, do not miss out on the Royal Tyrrell Museum, which is one of the oldest dinosaur museums. Across the 13 galleries, this museum lets you witness evidence of dinosaurs from 3.9 billion years ago. Moreover, many hiking trails surround the museum, which can be great for taking lazy strolls.

• Location: Lower Mainland region, British Columbia
• Entry Fees: 21 CAD for adults, 14 CAD for senior citizens, 10 CAD for youths aged 7-17, 50 CAD for families or groups of up to 8 members, free for children
• Popular Tourist Attractions: Midland Provincial Park, Drumheller's Little Church, Dinosaur Trail Golf & Country Club, Horsethief Canyon, etc.
• Things to Do: Exploring, sightseeing, capturing photographs, learning history, etc.
• How to Reach: Take the 202 tram from EB Downtown West-Kerby Station to NB Saddletowne. Then, take a cab to the museum.

20. Pyramid Lake, Alberta

Located at the base of Truckee River’s basin, this lake is another tourist attraction of Canada. It offers a picturesque environment. You will find tons of fish species here, such as Cui-Ui lakesucker, Tui chub, and the Lahontan cutthroat trout. There are multiple sacred sites across the lake, which might be restricted for the entry of tourists.

• Location: Alberta
• Entry Fees: Free
• Popular Tourist Attractions: Picturesque views of Pyramid mountains, the beauty of the Pyramid Island, biking trails, flowers, lush green surroundings, etc.
• Things to Do: Picnics and camping, hiking, biking, skiing, swimming, photography, relaxing at the resort, etc.
• How to Reach: You can take a bus or cab from Prince George Airport to Jasper National Park.

21. Capilano Suspension Bridge, Vancouver

This bridge should definitely be in your bucket list if you are planning a weekend getaway in London. It is a suspension bridge over the Capilano river, blessing your eyes with the stunning skyline and surrounding mountains. Moreover, you can get a picturesque view of thick fir forests. Cable cars and ropeways help tourists enjoy it even more.

• Location: Vancouver
• Entry Fees: Free
• Popular Tourist Attractions: Stunning skyline, dense fir trees, visions of the surrounding mountains, calm environment, view of the river, etc.
• Things to Do: Taking long strolls, exploring the forests and mountain trails, going on the cable cars and ropeways, etc.
• How to Reach: Dawson City (YDA) Airport is the nearest. You can take a cab from here.

22. Dawson City Museum, Yukon

Located in Yukon, this is a great museum that helps you learn more about the history and culture of Canada. Here, you get to know about the Klondike Gold Rush incident and explore the old mining locomotives to learn more about their exhibits. You should check out this museum if you are a history lover.

• Location: Dawson City, Yukon
• Entry Fees: Free
• Popular Tourist Attractions: Historical preservations, details of the Klondike Gold Rush, beautiful surrounding and environment, etc.
• Things to Do: Exploring the museum, taking tours in the old mining locomotives, get a  gold-pouring demonstration, etc.
• How to Reach: The nearest airport is Coal Harbour Spb (CXH) Airport. You can take a bus or cab from there.

23. The Manitoba Museum, Winnipeg

It is one of the largest museums in Winnipeg and attracts tourists throughout the year. You can explore the history of various subjects across nine permanent galleries. These include recreations of early bison hunts and replicas of 17th-century ships. At night, the planetarium gives you a panoramic view of the night sky.

• Location: Winnipeg
• Entry Fees: CAD 15-23 for adults, CAD 9-15 for youths and CAD 13-20 for senior citizens
• Popular Tourist Attractions: Nine galleries, well-preserved artefacts, a recreation of ancient activities, replica items, etc.
• Things to Do: Exploring the museum, learning more about the history, enjoying the panoramic skyline at night, etc.
• How to Reach: Arrive at Winnipeg Airport (YWG) and then take a cab to the museum.