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A North American country filled with thousands of exciting spots to explore, Canada is nothing less than a dream destination for the globe trotters. Apart from innumerable popular attractions, the country houses limitless unknown wonders in the form of nature, history, and architecture. Here, we discuss the top things to do in Canada. Take a look at these and unravel what makes Canada the most beautiful travel destination on the globe.
Travel 101: Top Things To Do in Canada
1. Fathom the Greatness of Niagara Falls
The iconic group of waterfalls descending down to form a heavenly symphony, Niagara Falls deserves to be on the bucket list of every traveller who visits Canada. Plan a tour of this wondrous site and capture the most gorgeous photoshoot ever. Stand by railings and enjoy waters gushing down or hop in a boat and get down in the waters. You can also visit the nearby Niagara Old Fort and Niagara Botanic Gardens.
Recommended For: Photographers, Families
Location: Ontario, Canada
Entry Fee: No Entrance Fee ($12 – $25 for Discovery Centre, Boat Ride, and more)
Pro Tip: If you are at Niagara Falls strictly for photography, then do try a helicopter ride above the falls as it would offer sweeping views of the falls and surroundings.
2. Capture Canada’s Jewel Banff National Park
Encounter the richness of Canada at Banff National Park, the oldest of them all in the country. It is the place where you come across beautiful colours of nature. You get to capture wonderful wildlife and lay eyes upon the most scenic landscapes. A trip to Banff National Park is always exhilarating for it has incredible trails to offer its visitors. Visit it and have a great weekend in the midst of nature.
Recommended For: Nature Lovers, Photographers
Location: Alberta, Canada
Entry Fee: $10 for Adults and $8.40 for Senior Citizens
Timings: 09:00 am to 05:00 pm
Pro Tip: Head towards the nearby places of Castle Junction and Lake Minnewanka to catch glimpses of the miraculous Northern Lights.
3. Explore the Fortifications of Old Quebec
Old Quebec is one place in Canada that would directly transport you back in time. Travel to the golden age of Canada as you walk past some of the most beautiful architectural marvels in the country. The region in and around Old Quebec has a history of thousands of years. Well, that says a lot about its cultural significance. Explore its cobblestone streets and the gorgeous Chateau Frontenac. The place has also been inscribed to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Recommended For: History Lovers, Photographers
Location: Quebec, Canada
Pro Tip: Explore Old Quebec slowly as its beauty lies in the details of the buildings it houses.
4. Hit the Beaches of Vancouver
An amazing city in British Columbia, Vancouver has everything that a tourist would look forward to exploring. The city’s beaches are insane as they exude liveliness all around. Visit them and relax in their peaceful environment. Have a fun time playing in the sand and the seawater with your family. The most beautiful beaches in Vancouver include Kitsilano Beach, English Bay Beach, Second Beach, and more.
Recommended For: Beach Lovers, Families, Couples
Location: Vancouver, Canada
5. Enjoy A View from the Top Floor of CN Tower
One of the tallest free-standing structures in the world, the CN Tower is an engineering marvel and one of the architectural wonders in Ontario. Built by Lake Ontario, the tower stands at a height of about 550 metres and offers scenic vistas of the city and surroundings. Get to the top floor and enjoy the amazing panoramas of Ontario. The revolving 360 restaurant is the highlight here.
Recommended For: Families, Couples, Photographers
Location: Toronto, Canada
Entry Fee: $40 for Adults and $33 for Children (For all three observation decks)
Timings: 10:00 am to 08:00 pm
Pro Tip: Do not forget to capture the beauty of CN Tower at night when it is lit in different colours.
6. Enjoy Winter Sports at Whistler
Located in the proximity of Vancouver is the sparkling town of Whistler popular for its wonderful winter resorts. Go on a vacation with your family at this winter paradise and try your hand at several adventure sports. The place also has an array of restaurants, hotels and cafes. Visit it and feel the vibes of that alpine holiday up in the hills.
Recommended For: Adventurers
Location: British Columbia, Canada
Price Range: $100 – $150 per person
Timings: 08:30 am to 04:00 pm
Pro Tip: Book your tickets a few months ahead of your visit to get some great early booking offers and discounts.
7. Visit Batoche National Historic Site at Saskatchewan
If you are interested in learning about the history of battles, then the Batoche National Historic Site is one place in Canada you must consider visiting. It is the place where the historic battle of Batoche was fought in the late 19th century. Here, you would come across numerous ancient church buildings and other sites. The place is nothing less than a retreat for offbeat explorers.
Recommended For: History Lovers, Families
Location: Batoche, Canada
Entry Fee: $12 for Adults and $10.20 for Senior Citizens
Timings: 09:00 am to 05:00 pm
Pro Tip: Bring lunch along and have great picnicking time with your family.
8. Unwind in the Fantasy of Butchart Gardens
The colourful blooms, lush lawns, and peaceful atmosphere make up the charm and beauty of Butchart Gardens in Canada. Take a stroll and feel yourself walking through heavenly lanes. Apart from housing a wide variety of flowers and other vegetation, the garden is home to a number of birds. Beautiful water fountains across the park add to its charm. So, how about a visit this weekend?
Recommended For: Families, Nature Lovers, and Photographers
Location: British Columbia, Canada
Entry Fee: $24 for Adults, $12 for Youth, and $2 for Children
Timings: 09:00 am to 02:30 pm
9. Explore the City Culture of Toronto
Toronto is a one of a kind experience. The massive city offers every kind of attraction one could think of. Museums, galleries, music, dining, arts, theater, sports and shopping, Toronto has it all. Visit the Hockey Hall of Fame or the CN Tower. Hunt down some quaint antique and thrift stores before taking in live theater and finish with a fantastic dinner. For those who have never experienced riding the subway before, it’s a must try experience.
Recommended For: Explorers, Photographers
Location: Toronto, Canada
Pro Tip: The best time to visit Toronto is from May until November.
10. Spot Polar Bears at Churchill
Known as the polar bear capital of the world, Churchill is located on the shores of Hudson Bay. The subarctic community boasts of a large tourist industry with many people flocking for their chance of spotting a polar bear or a beluga whale. The northern lights can also be a spectacular sight and bird watching has become a popular attraction. Do visit it as it is one of the best places to visit in Canada
Recommended For: Photographers
Location: Manitoba, Canada
Pro Tip: Never feed bears as it might be risky and also, visit as early in the morning to spot bears easily.
11. Visit Ottawa’s Parliament Hill
Ottawa’s Parliament Hill stands high above the Ottawa River and is graced by the Neo-Gothic-style Parliament buildings built in the 19th century. The most prominent feature is the Peace Tower, which divides the House of Commons and the Senate on either side. During the summer, the changing of the guards takes place on the front lawn of the Houses of Parliament. Below the Parliament Hill, a lovely walk runs alongside the Ottawa River.
Recommended For: Explorers
Location: Ottawa, Canada
Entry Fee: No Entry Fee
Timings: 08:30 am to 06:00 pm (Saturdays and Sundays Closed)
Pro Tip: Visit early morning at 10:00 am to watch the changing of the guard ceremony.
12. Spend your Afternoons at Stanley Park
One of Vancouver’s greatest treasures is the 405-hectare Stanley Park, wonderfully located on the west side of the downtown area. Located on a peninsula, the park is surrounded by the ocean and is home to huge red cedar and Douglas fir trees. The seawall, which surrounds the park, has an extensive walking, jogging and biking path with designated lanes for walkers and bikers. A scenic drive also winds through Stanley Park.
Recommended For: Families, Couples, Photographers
Location: British Columbia, Canada
Entry Fee: No Entrance Fee
Timings: Open 24 hours
13. Sit by the Beautiful Reindeer Lake
Located in the remote wilderness of Northern Saskatchewan, Reindeer Lake is known for its world-class fishing spots. Trophy size northern pike, walleye and lake trout are quite unique. Spread across several kilometres, the spectacular scenery is a key aspect of the unspoiled north. According to local legends, the lake is home to a river monster. See if you can find one! Grrrrr!
Recommended For: Nature Lovers, Photographers
Location: Western Canada
Entry Fee: No Entrance Fee
Timings: Anytime
14. Take a Tour of Uranium City
Located on the northern shore of Lake Athabasca, Uranium city, now considered a ghost town, was once a thriving community. When the Uranium mine closed in the early 1980s, the economy collapsed and residents were forced to leave, abandoning the town and its structures. With a unique history, unparalleled natural beauty and incredible topography, Uranium City is an unforgettable attraction.
Recommended For: Explorers, History Lovers
Location: Saskatchewan, Canada
Pro Tip: Be prepared for an offroad expedition as there is no permanent path leading to the town.
15. Chill Out at Fernie on a Weekend
For more than one hundred years, the beauty of Fernie has been explored and admired. With a colourful history and a scenic downtown area to explore, Fernie offers a lot for naturalists as well as historical enthusiasts. A skiers’ dream since the 1940s, Fernie is now also a popular destination for snowmobilers. It is also one of the most beautiful Canada tourist attractions today.
Recommended For: Winter Sports Lovers, Photographers, Offbeat Travellers
Location: British Columbia, Canada
16. Explore Gros Morne National Park
Newfoundland’s Gros Morne National Park is more remote than many of Canada’s most popular national parks. However, it is worth the effort for its beautiful landscape of mountains and fjords. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring steep cliff walls, waterfalls, and interesting rock formations carved by the glacier-fed waters. Most visitors take a boat tour to appreciate the scenery but there are also hiking trails and opportunities for kayaking.
Recommended For: Explorers
Location: Newfoundland, Canada
Entry Fee: $10 for Adults and $8.40 for Senior Citizens
Timings: 09:00 am to 05:00 pm (Saturdays and Sundays Closed)
Pro Tip: Though firewood is available, make sure to bring your own portable stove for extra warmth if you are camping in the park during the winters.
17. Capture the Cliffs and Tidal Waves of Bay of Fundy
The Bay of Fundy, located in Eastern Canada in between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, is known for its amazing tides. The variation between high and low is the largest in the world, measuring up to a maximum of 19 meters. While there are many ways to appreciate this natural wonder, some of the most popular locations and sights along the Bay of Fundy are the cliffs and rock formations at Hopewell Cape, Fundy National Park, the Fundy Trail Parkway and Grand Manan Island.
Recommended For: Explorers, Nature Lovers
Location: New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, Canada
Entry Fee: $8 for Adults and $7 for Senior Citizens (Fundy National Park)
Timings: 08:00 am to 09:40 pm
Pro Tip: Visit Cape Enrage to watch beach fossils and learn about the history of the bay.
18. Dig Into the Past at the Signal Hill Historic Site
At the entrance to St. John’s Harbour, overlooking the city and sea, is Signal Hill National Historic Site. It was here, in 1901, that the first wireless transatlantic signal was received. The Cabot Tower is one of the key sites of Signal Hill. In the tower are exhibitions on the history of Signal Hill and the history of communications. From the top, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and the coast of Cape Spear, which is the most easterly point of North America.
Recommended For: Photographers, History Lovers, and Explorers
Location: Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Entry Fee: $3.90 for Adults and $3.40 for Senior Citizens
Timings: 10:00 am to 06:00 pm
Pro Tip: From the top of the Signal Hill, you can frame the best of sunset views.
19. Participate in Wonderful Activities at the Forks
With over 6000 years of history as a meeting place, The Forks is Winnipeg’s most popular tourist destination. Nestled in the heart of downtown, The Forks offers unique attractions, a plethora of dining choices, incredible shopping and live entertainment across the year. It is one of the most gorgeous places to see in Canada as well.
Recommended For: Foodies, Families
Location: Winnipeg, Canada
Entry Fee: $3.90 for Adults and $3.40 for Seniors (Forks National Historic Site)
Timings: 07:00 am to 11:00 pm
20. Spend a Weekend at the Tranquil Charlevoix
Take an enchanting train ride or drive through the beautiful landscape of Quebec to reach the small town of Charlevoix. With activities year round including whale watching, cruises, fishing, hiking, dogsledding and skiing, Charlevoix is a perfect getaway for couples as well as families. The town also features quaint bed and breakfasts as well as stunning hotels for accommodation.
Recommended For: Offbeat Travellers
Location: Quebec, Canada
Pro Tip: Baie-Sainte-Catherine and Tadoussac are the best places for whale watching.
21. Explore the Gold Town of Dawson City
Located on the banks of the Yukon River, Dawson City is a vibrant community known for its history of gold mining. Erected during the famous Klondike Gold Rush in the late 1800s, many of the current buildings in Dawson City still resemble the ancient gold town. Explore Dawson’s unique culture, art scene, and museums while enjoying its pristine natural beauty.
Recommended For: Explorers, History Lovers
Location: Yukon, Canada
Entry Fee: No Entrance Fee ($10 for Museums and other attractions)
Timings: Anytime
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