Best Places to Visit in Canada
Searching for the best places to visit in Canada? Well, you are in the right place! Canada is a country of vast landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural experiences, making it one of the most rewarding destinations to explore. Having traveled through its coasts, mountains, and lively urban centers on a recent four week road trip, I’ve found that Canada offers an incredible mix of natural wonders, history, and modern charm.
I’ve enjoyed breathtaking national parks with endless trails, world-class cities filled with art and food, and small towns that showcase Canada’s warm hospitality. From outdoor adventures to cultural experiences and family-friendly attractions, Canada has no shortage of unforgettable places to visit and things to do. Here are the ones I recommend, and I think you’ll enjoy them too.
1. Maligne Lake
July turned this turquoise alpine gem into a picture-perfect wilderness escape — crisp mountain air, long golden days, and mirror-still waters made it feel like a dream come to life. I loved how peaceful yet majestic Maligne Lake was, with every trail, viewpoint, and ripple reflecting the untamed beauty of Jasper National Park.
I drove an hour from Jasper town and spent four magical days exploring the pristine shoreline by kayak, hiking the Bald Hills for panoramic lake views, and cruising to the world-famous Spirit Island. The calm evenings on Maligne Lake were pure bliss: watching alpenglow dance across glacier peaks while loons called softly across the water.
Staying at the cozy Pyramid Lake Lodge nearby was my personal highlight — my lakeside chalet-style room for two days had a wood-burning fireplace and sweeping views of Pyramid Mountain, and I adored unwinding in their outdoor hot tub after long days of adventure.
2. Montreal
This month turned Montreal into the ultimate summer playground with long sunny days, lively festivals, and café terraces buzzing with life made it a dream getaway. I fell in love with how effortlessly Montreal blended old-world charm with modern energy — every cobblestone street, mural, and melody felt alive.
I drove up from Boston in just over five hours and spent five unforgettable days wandering the romantic lanes of Old Montreal, cycling along the scenic Lachine Canal, savoring poutine and flaky croissants in Le Plateau, and dancing to live music at the world-famous Montreal International Jazz Festival. Warm evenings meant rooftop cocktails with skyline views and spontaneous street performances lighting up the night.
Staying at the stylish 4-star Hotel Nelligan in Old Montreal for two days was my personal highlight, the way my elegant brick-and-beam room opened onto a private terrace overlooking Notre-Dame Basilica, and I couldn’t get enough of their rooftop bar for sunset drinks!
3. Forillon National Park
Summer transformed this rugged coastal paradise into an outdoor lover’s haven — bright blue skies, salty sea breezes, and lush green cliffs tumbling into the Gulf of St. Lawrence made every moment unforgettable. I was completely charmed by how wild and remote Forillon National Park felt, where dense forests met dramatic ocean views and seals basked in the sun along rocky shores.
I drove up the scenic Gaspé Peninsula and spent two days at 4-star Baker Hotel in Gaspé hiking panoramic coastal trails (Les Graves and Mont-Saint-Alban), sea kayaking alongside curious seals, and exploring hidden coves where whales sometimes surfaced offshore.
4. Takakkaw Falls
Takakkaw Falls in Yoho National Park was a dazzling display of nature’s power with roaring water, wildflowers in bloom, and crisp alpine air filled every moment with awe. I couldn’t get over how the glacier-fed falls thundered down the sheer rock face — over 370 meters of mist and majesty — surrounded by the soaring peaks of the Canadian Rockies.
We drove 13 miles north from Field, BC to Takakkaw Falls (about 30 minutes along Yoho Valley Road, with its tight switchbacks). and spent three incredible days exploring this lush valley, hiking the Iceline Trail with its jaw-dropping views of the falls, picnicking by the Yoho River, and catching rainbows forming in the spray at sunset. The combination of raw wilderness and serenity made it one of the most unforgettable spots I’ve ever visited. We stayed at 5-star Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise for two days which won the prestigious AAA Four Diamond award so you can trust in a high quality experience.
5. Golden, BC
May was such a lovely month to visit this mountain town — gentle spring sunshine, meadows dusted with wildflowers, and the last of the snow melting off the peaks made the Kicking Horse River sparkle without the summer crowds.
Landing in Calgary, I drove west through the Rockies and soon settled into the cozy, romantic 3-star Best Western Mountainview Inn, my base for five mellow days filled with gondola rides, riverside picnics, and leisurely walks through Golden’s craft shops, inviting cafés, and the Spirit Square Farmers Market.
6. Lake Louise
This was such a lovely month to visit Lake Louise — crisp sunshine, turquoise waters just beginning to thaw, and snow-capped peaks reflected in mirror-like calm before the summer rush, it was just a 60-minute scenic drive from Golden to Lake Louise on a day trip.
7. Nunavut
Summer in Nunavut was such a lovely month to visit this vast Arctic wonderland — long golden days under a soft midnight sun, wildflowers blooming across the tundra, and calm, ice-flecked waters dotted with drifting bergs.
Flying north from Ottawa into Iqaluit, I settled into the welcoming 3-star Frobisher Inn, my cozy base for five unforgettable days filled with hikes along Sylvia Grinnell River, guided boat rides past sculpted ice and playful seals, and quiet evenings spent beneath skies that never darkened. Wandering through the Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum and chatting with carvers in their studios, I felt the deep stillness and spirit of this place — a rare mix of warmth and wilderness that lingers long after you leave.
8. Toronto, Ontario
Toronto really came alive for me in June — patio season was in full swing, the waterfront sparkled under long golden evenings, and the city’s many festivals brought a contagious buzz to every neighborhood. With warm, sunny days and comfortably cool nights, it was the perfect time to explore Toronto’s unique downtown, parks, and scenic Lake Ontario shoreline before the heavy summer crowds and peak hotel rates arrived.
I flew into Pearson Airport and spent four lively days at 4-star Chelsea Hotel, Toronto, cycling along the Martin Goodman Trail, browsing vintage shops and street art in Kensington Market, and dining al fresco at Italian hotspot Terroni on Queen Street West. The weather was generally mild and sunny, though evenings could get breezy by the lake, so a light jacket came in handy!
My favorite highlight:
When we arrived I booked a 60-minute massage at Elmwood Spa which offers four floors of services and treatments, especially water therapy treatments.
One of the absolute best ways I’ve explored it is through Tasty Tours Toronto. I joined one of their guided food adventures, and it was pure joy from start to finish. We walked through neighborhoods like Kensington Market and Chinatown, sampling everything from decadent chocolates to unusual international treats.
9. Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Calgary struck me as a city where modern sophistication meets rugged mountain spirit. Gleaming glass towers rise above the Bow River, while just beyond the skyline, the snow-dusted Rockies shimmer on the horizon. The downtown core feels clean, lively, and confident — a place where oil-era ambition blends seamlessly with prairie warmth and creative energy.
A scenic 25-minute drive west along the Trans-Canada Highway brings you to rolling foothills that hint at the grandeur of Banff National Park. But within Calgary itself, I spent an easy afternoon exploring Stephen Avenue Walk with its heritage sandstone façades, lively patios, and street performers.
Later, I wandered along the East Village Riverwalk, pausing at cafés that overlook the Bow River before heading to Clay Oven Calgary, an inviting local favorite where the aromas of fresh naan and slow-simmered curries fill the air. Their butter chicken was perfectly balanced — rich, fragrant, and comforting — the kind of meal that makes you linger a little longer. I capped the evening with a nightcap at Hotel Le Germain, my beautifully designed stay steps from the Calgary Tower, where warm lighting and sleek décor reflected the city’s understated elegance.
Calgary is a paradise for foodies with restaurants like River Café, Ten Foot Henry, JOEY Eau Claire, Minas Brazilian Steakhouse and Native Tongues Taqueria.
10. Vancouver, Canada
Set between the mountains and the sea, Vancouver feels like a city built in harmony with nature. The skyline rises against snowcapped peaks, and everywhere you turn there’s water, greenery, and the quiet sense that life here moves to the rhythm of the landscape itself.
Landing at YVR, I soon checked into the chic 5-star Loden Hotel, my home base for two days where downtown hums with creativity with glass towers, cafés, cyclists weaving along the seawall—yet just a few minutes away, you can step into a place that feels completely removed from the city’s pulse. For me, that place is the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, tucked within the heart of Chinatown.
But Vancouver’s charm doesn’t end in stillness—it thrives in its creative, flavorful energy too. After exploring the gardens, I joined Vancouver Brewery Tours where each stop revealed a different side of Vancouver’s personality—innovative, communal, and full of character.
Conclusion
Looking back at all of these incredible places across Canada I can honestly say each one offers something unforgettable. What I love most is that every destination feels unique, whether it’s a joyful family trip, a romantic weekend, or a solo adventure into nature or city life.
If you love Canada, try one of these destinations next:
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
