Canadian Cities

1. Montreal, Quebec

Montreal is famous for its historic architecture, excellent entertainment opportunities, superb food, and a vibrant arts scene. The city incorporates several boroughs that were once independent towns, each of which has something special to offer visitors. Architecture enthusiasts will love the juxtaposition of striking skyscrapers rubbing shoulders with heritage gems; some of the highlights can be seen in French-colonial Vieux-Montreal, the modern Olympic Stadium, and futuristic Expo 67. Nobody should miss the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and the downtown Quartier where you can visit an amazing array of more than 80 cultural venues within an area of less than one square mile.

2. Ottawa, Ontario

Canada’s colorful and vibrant capital Ottawa offers a treasure-trove of exciting attractions and activities for visitors and locals to enjoy. At the impressive Parliament Hill, home to Canada’s government, you can watch the daily changing of the guard on summer mornings and a brilliant Sound and Light Show every evening all year round. The city is dotted with excellent museums and galleries where you can learn about Canadian history and culture – highlights include the National Gallery, Royal Canadian Mint, and the Canada Science and Technology Museum. The city offers excellent walking and hiking trails, and you can try boating and kayaking on the Ottawa River. By Ward Market, a short walk from Parliament Hill, is the best place to eat, drink, see and be seen.

3. Toronto, Ontario

Often described as Canada’s Cultural Capital, the city of Toronto is a vibrant and exciting destination for just about all tastes. You had better bring a large appetite – Toronto is probably one of the most exciting Canadian cities for foodies to visit. Start your exploration at the famous St. Lawrence Market where local farmers have been selling their produce every Saturday since 1803. Once you’ve had breakfast you can take a tour of the Distillery Historic District where cobbled lanes lead through a plethora of quaint shops and studios. Art lovers should head to Rush Lane (aka Graffiti Valley) to see the street art and then move on to AGO – Art Gallery of Ontario. In addition there are many great museums, National Historic Sites, and outdoor activities to keep you busy for days.

4. Vancouver, British Columbia

The beautiful Canadian city of Vancouver is surrounded by water and mountains that offer almost unlimited recreational opportunities. In addition, the city is renowned for its vibrant art and culture, offering diverse museums and galleries to suit all tastes including the Vancouver Art Gallery, Museum of Vancouver, and Science World Vancouver, to name but a few. The sky is the limit for adventure seekers who can try their hand at white-water rafting, jet-boating, and zip-lining with Adventure Group Whistler or ride on the roof of the cable car up to the top of Grouse Mountain. Somewhat tamer adventures include mountain-biking excursions, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, or peddle-boating. Hopping aboard a scenic cruise will give you a completely different perspective of the city. Vancouver is just 30 minutes from world-class skiing resorts for winter visitors.

5. Winnipeg, Manitoba

Winnipeg, Manitoba will surprise and delight visitors with a great diversity of indoor and outdoor activities coupled with historic, architectural, cultural, and gastronomic attractions. One of the must-see attractions on your list should be the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, which is housed in a stunning example of modern architecture. The Manitoba Museum, the Royal Canadian Mint, and WAG, (Winnipeg Art Gallery) are all equally fascinating. For a break from history and culture you can visit the Assiniboine Park Zoo (to see polar bears) or go bison viewing at Fortwhyte Alive, an enormous prairie conservation area. Back in the city you can explore the interesting architecture, cuisine, and coffee-culture in the Exchange District. (website link)

6. Quebec City, Quebec

The distinct European atmosphere and the widespread sound of the French language are part of the charm of 400 year Quebec City. Parliament Hill and the 100-year-old Chateau Frontenac dominate the cityscape, and both deserve a place on your must-see list. Old Quebec City can easily be explored on foot to reveal architectural treasures like the ancient Porte Saint-Louis (the original towering stone gateway to the walled city) and the wonderful French fountain in front of Parliament Hill. Other Quebec City highlights include a visit to the most impressive Montmorency Falls, the Jacques Cartier National Park, the National Museum of Beaux Arts, and the ancient Sainte Anne-de-Beaupre Shrine.

7. Calgary, Alberta

Calgary, Alberta is located at an altitude of over 1,000 m above sea level and receives more hours of sunshine than any other major Canadian city. These great conditions and attractions draw many visitors who come to enjoy the great outdoors and to explore a modern and vibrant city. First-time visitors can get a great overview of the city from the observation platform of the 191m Calgary Tower and enjoy a snack or drink at the SKY 360 revolving restaurant. You can learn about the pioneer days in Calgary at the Heritage Park Historical Village or take a tour of the remarkable modern Studio Bell, home to the National Music Center. Outdoor activities include river rafting, hiking, biking, and much more.

8. Brampton, Ontario

Brampton is widely known as Canada’s Flower City – spring and summer visitors will be delighted to enjoy the spectacle of millions of blooming bulbs and flowers that have been planted in public areas throughout the city. Besides the public floral displays, garden lovers can also visit several impressive parks and historic gardens for inspiration. If you are interested in learning about history and culture you can join a guided Downtown Heritage Walking Tour and visit Historic Bovaird House Museum. The city also offers plenty of outdoor recreational facilities including lakes and beaches, hiking and biking trails in summer and skating, skiing, snowboarding, and tubing in winter.

9. Burnaby, British Columbia

Burnaby is located just 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver and offers active visitors an ideal base for enjoying outdoor activities and exploring all that Vancouver city has to offer. Active outdoor pursuits include hiking and biking along an expansive network of urban and country trails, canoeing, kayaking and boating on Burnaby or Deer Lake, or just going for a walk in one of the city’s 200+ parks and conservation areas. In winter you can be enjoying snowboarding and tobogganing less than 30 minutes from the town. Arts and culture enthusiasts can visit the Burnaby Art Gallery, the Burnaby Village Museum, or catch a show at the Michael. J. Fox Theater.

Burnaby is 30 min (13.6 km via E 12th Ave) from Vancouver.

10. Gatineau, Quebec

Gatineau (aka Ville de Gatineau) is located in western Quebec along the northern bank of the Ottawa River. Offering a variety of activities and attractions, Gatineau is a good choice for a weekend getaway. If you have limited time to explore the Hop-on-Hop-off bus tour is a good choice and will take you to see most of the city highlights – you can stop wherever you please to tour local landmarks. Some of the city highlights include the Canadian Museum of History, the Downtown Gatineau Culture Trail, and the Beer Museum at Les Brasseurs de Temps. Outdoor enthusiasts should not miss a visit to Gatineau Park for hiking and walking in summer and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snow biking in winter.