Canada, known as the Land of Maple leaf, is the northernmost country in the western hemisphere. The winter is cold yet beautiful. Most of its northern parts are inhabitable and covered by ice and snow. From the Banff National Park to Toronto, this country is filled with scenic places. Consisting of 10 provinces and 3 territories, Canada has many beautiful places to offer with its freshwater lakes, sandy beaches, snow mountains, ski resorts, unique wildlife, and scenic landscapes. In this article, we see the top 20 places you need to visit in Canada to get a sense of joy and satisfaction.

1. Toronto

Toronto is the most populous city in Canada. This capital city of the Canadian province of Ontario is located on the north-west shore of Lake Ontario. Renowned for its many landmark architectures, culture, cuisine, museums, and iconic tourist attractions, Toronto has attracted many tourists over the years. Many of its iconic tourist attractions include the famous CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto Zoo, Edward Gardens, High Park, Ontario Place Marina, Marilyn Bell Park, Casa Loma, etc. The city also has many beautiful beaches overlooking lake Ontario like Woodbine Park, Sugar beach, and Hanlan’s Point Beach. 

2. Banff National Park

Banff National Park is Canada’s oldest national park which is also one of the most visited parks in North America. The park is located in the south-western part of the Canadian province of Alberta. Two of Canada’s most famous lakes – Lake Lousie and Moraine Lake are situated here. Unique wildlife like Bears, Cougar, lynx, wolverine, red fox, weasel, river otter, coyote, and timber wolf are easily found here. The glaciers and icefields-filled national park is home to the Rocky Mountains. Banff National Park offers stunning views of mountains, valleys, and opportunities for skiing, hiking, Kayaking, etc.

3. Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is located in the south-easternmost part of the Canadian province of Ontario on the Niagara River. Niagara falls is not the largest waterfall, but it is the most beautiful and scenic one in the World. It is a group of three waterfalls, namely Horseshoe Falls, American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. The horseshoe falls, also known as the Canadian Falls, is the largest one which is located in the Canadian part. The other two falls are located in the US part. However, the western riverbank in the Canadian part overlooks all three falls.

Niagara Falls is also a twin city at the Niagara river – one city is located on the west bank of the Niagara River in Ontario, Canada and the other one is located on the east bank of the river in New York State, US.

4. Montreal

Montreal is the most populous city in the Canadian province of Quebec and the second-most populous in the country. Located between two of the biggest cities in Canada: Ottawa and Quebec City, Montreal is set on the Island of Montreal and is bordered by the Saint Lawrence River to the south and Prairies River to the east. Though the official language of the city is French, both French and English are spoken broadly in Montreal. The French-speaking city is widely recognized for its culture, tourism, skyscrapers and nightlife. Top visited sites of the cities are The Biosphere, La Fontaine Park, Place d’Armes, Centre de la Nature, Centre de la Nature, Monument to Sir George-Étienne Cartier, Des Rapides Park, Belvédère Kondiaronk, etc.

5. Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake is probably the most beautiful and scenic lake in the World. The serene lake is located in the Banff National Park in the Canadian province of Alberta. Surrounded by mountains, hiking trails and trees, the blue-green water lake is perfect for canoeing. Summer is the best time to visit the lake. The lake gives a full panoramic view of the Valley of the Ten Peaks, the valley that includes the lake.

6. Vancouver

Vancouver is the largest city in the western Canadian province of British Columbia and is considered one of the most livable cities in the World for many decades, thanks to its artistic atmosphere. Major tourist attractions of the city include Stanley Park, Vancouver Aquarium, Canada Place, Bloedel Conservatory, Lions Gate Bridge, Playland at the PNE, English Bay Beach, FlyOver Canada, John Hendry Park, Deer Lake Park, and Robson Square, etc. Vancouver is home to many cultural centres that include theatres, dance centres, museums, opera houses and libraries. The city plays a major role in film and television production. All of these make Vancouver a cultural hub and attractive to visitors.

7. Victoria

The capital city of the western Canadian province of British Columbia, Victoria, is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. A 90 minutes ferry ride from Vancouver will take you to this exuberant city. Victoria is a major tourist destination in Canada as it has many attractions to offer. Remarkable places of the city include Beacon Hill Park, British Columbia Parliament Buildings, Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site, Hatley Castle, Clover Point Park, Saxe Point Park, and MacAulay Point Park.

8. Emerald Lake

Emerald Lake is located in Yoho National Park in the Canadian province of British Columbia. The water of the green lake is so clear that you can see the surrounding mountains reflecting in the water. If you ever have a dream of having a picnic in front of a lake surrounded by mountains, this is the place for you to be. This place is also suitable for hiking and canoeing.

9. Calgary

Calgary, considered one of the most livable cities on earth, is the largest city in the western province of Alberta. It houses many performing arts venues, historic buildings, historic sites, and urban parks. Famous attractions of the city include Calgary Zoo, Calgary Tower, Peace Bridge, Downhill Karting by Skyline Luge Calgary, Bowness Park, Edworthy Park, Prince’s Island Park, Griffith Woods Park, Nose Hill Park. The famous Calgary tower in the city offers a spectacular panoramic view of the city with its observation deck and restaurant.

10. Ottawa

Ottawa is the capital of Canada. The city is located in the eastern part of southern Ontario on the south bank of the Ottawa River. From having a picnic in the park in summer to skating on the ice in winter, Ottawa has many fun things to offer to its visitors, and its local people as well. The Rideau canal that passes through the city is a famous playground both in summer and winter. In summer, people sail in the boat through the canal, and in winter, it becomes a skating rink. Other notable attractions of the city include the National Gallery of Canada, Canadian Museum of History, Major’s Hill Park, Mooney’s Bay Park and Beach, Parc Moussette, Britannia Park and Beach, etc.

11. St. John’s

St. John’s is the easternmost city not only in Canada but also in North America. The capital city of the easternmost Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador is located along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. St. John’s is famous for its colourful row houses and its architectural style which is different from the rest of Canada. St. John’s is a major tourist destination in Newfoundland and Labrador and Atlantic Canada, hosting many cultural sites like museums, national historic sites, and urban parks. Some of them are Signal Hill National Historic Site, Cabot Tower, Pippy Park, George Street, Bowring Park, etc. The downtown of the city hosts many nightclubs and pubs that make the city a lively place.

12. Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is situated in the province of Alberta. The place is filled with mountain peaks, glaciers, lakes, waterfalls, canyons, and hiking trails, making it the best place for hiking and camping. The famous Maligne canyon is located in the park. You can spend the whole day here or even some days as the place has numerous cafes, restaurants, and lodges. 

13. Kluane National Park and Reserve

Kluane National Park and Reserve is situated in the southwest corner of the Canadian territory of Yukon. The park has many hiking trails to offer and it is quieter than Jasper and Banff National Park. The immense beauty and breathtaking views of snow-covered paths, mountains, and lakes in the park will captivate your eyes.

14. Quebec City

Quebec City is the capital of the central Canadian province of Quebec located on the north bank of the Saint Lawrence River. Old Quebec, a historic neighbourhood of Quebec City, has been declared a World UNESCO Heritage Site for its historic towns and buildings. The city houses many historic sites, art galleries and museums. Its famous tourist attractions include the Citadelle of Quebec, Montmorency Falls, Plains of Abraham, La Promenade Samuel-De Champlain, and many more. 

15. Gros Morne National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage site and a wonder of the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Gros Morne National Park is famous for its wildlife. What unique about this park is the Western brook Pond, a fjord, situated in the park. Moose is Predominantly found here and it offers a unique landscape compared to the other national park in Canada as the soil and rock formations are quite different. A boat ride on the river within the park is best for capturing the breathtaking views of the park.

16. Whistler

Whistler is a town in a hill area of the province of British Columbia. The winter makes the town a fascinating place for outdoor adventures. This place is home to one of North America’s biggest ski resorts – Whistler Blackcomb. The snow of the winter makes the town a fairy tale place and the summer offers mountain biking. 

17. Forillon National Park

Located along the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Forillon national park is famous for its limestone cliffs. This seaside park is a quiet place yet it has many fun things to offer like hiking, camping, and boating. The magical place is located in the province of Quebec. Forillon national park also features wildlife including Seabirds, whales, seals, etc.

18. Mississauga

Mississauga is a Canadian city located on the shore of Lake Ontario in the Ontario province. The city neighbours Toronto to the east. Just 17 miles west away from Toronto, it takes only 20 – 30 minutes from Toronto to reach Mississauga depending on your mode of transportation. The major attractions of the city include The Art Gallery of Mississauga, Square One Shopping Centre, Kariya Park, Erindale Park, Jack Darling Memorial Park, etc.

19. Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island is the smallest Canadian province on the coast of North America. The island is filled with greenfields, long walking trails, lighthouses, and farmlands. Prince Edward Island National Park is situated on this island. The province has many coastal cities and towns including Charlottetown, Cavendish, and Summerside.

20. Hopewell Rocks Park

Hopewell Rocks are located in the province of New Brunswick on the northern shore of the Bay of Fundy at Hopewell Cape, a village in New Brunswick. The sea tide has eroded the rocks and formed them into twisted and tall shapes. The seasonal park is only open in summer and it serves as a major attraction in New Brunswick.