Located in the North American Continent, Canada is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Comprising three territories, 10 provinces and six time zones, it is the second largest country in the world. Apart from the unparalleled natural beauty of the place, Canada is also home to some of the most eclectic and vibrant cities. All these reasons make it one of the top holiday destinations in the world. Although we would not be able to cover all the amazing places in Canada here, we present the best places that you should visit in this North American country in 2023.
1. City of Niagara Falls, Ontario
Bordering USA’s New York, the City of Niagara Falls is home to one of the largest waterfalls in the world. The best thing to do at Niagara Falls is to hop-on to a Maid of the Mist boat tour to see the iconic waterfalls up-close. Apart from this, there are several interesting places to see and things to do here. Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens & Butterfly Conservatory, Old Fort Niagara, Niagara Glen Nature Reserve, White Water Walk, Niagara SkyWheel and Niagara Fallsview Casino are best places to visit in this city.
2. Banff, Alberta
Banff in Alberta is one of the most picturesque places not only in Canada, but also in the world. The highlight of this place is the Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located at the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, the national park is the perfect place for trekking, hiking and skiing. However, Banff is not just for the adventure or outdoor-enthusiasts. This place is a resort town, with several luxurious resorts and hotels where you can swim, relax at a spa or simply have a good time.
3. Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver is a complete outdoorsy location throughout the year. While the summer months offer you the chance to relax on the splendid beaches of the city, the winter months can be dedicated to skiing and snowboarding. Aside this, the city also offers several interesting museums including the Vancouver Art Gallery, Museum of anthropology, Vancouver Lookout, Science World, etc. You would have a great time shopping, dining, watching sports events, enjoying live entertainments and indulging in thrilling adventures in this British Columbian city.
4. Prince Edward Island
The smallest province of Canada, the Prince Edward Island (PEI) is perfect for those who want to enjoy a quiet and relaxing holiday. Endowed with a spectacular natural beauty comprising red sandstone cliffs, green mountains and gorgeous beaches, PEI is nothing less than heaven on earth. Outdoor activities on the island include cycling, golfing, biking and fishing. An interesting place to check out here is the fictional home of Anne of Green Gables. There are several other historical attractions as well on this island. One of the major attractions of PEI is Charlottetown.
5. Quebec City, Quebec
Quebec City, in the Canadian province of Quebec, is the closest you can get to a charming European village. Home to French culture, cobblestone streets and amazing historical attractions, Quebec City is a popular tourist destination amongst Canadians and foreigners. One of the top things to do in Quebec City is to wander around the neighborhood of Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you would get to explore striking buildings and monuments belonging to the 17th and 18th centuries. The best time to visit Quebec City is during the winter season, when the whole place is covered with a blanket of snow, making it a winter wonderland.
6. Toronto, Ontario
The capital of Ontario, Toronto is the largest city in Canada. Apart from being dotted with skyscrapers and tall steely structures, Toronto is best known for its cosmopolitan culture. Here, you would find several ethnic areas including Little India, Greektown, Little Italy, Chinatown, Koreatown, etc. In short, you would be able to enjoy different cultural experiences here. One of the most important places to check out here is the CN Tower, which is 1815 foot-tall and offers a panoramic view of the entire city. Other than all these, Toronto is known for its scenic beauty, gourmet experience, music scene and exciting outdoor activities.
7. Whistler, British Columbia
If you are looking for a perfect winter destination in Canada, Whistler would be an excellent option to consider. Known to be an outstanding ski destination, Whistler is visited by skiing enthusiasts and professionals from all around the world. The best skiing spot here is the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, which stretches 4.4 km and connects two mountains, the Whistler and the Blackcomb. Moreover, it is also a resort town, offering visitors an array of hotels and resorts to rest, relax and enjoy. While Whistler is most popular in winters, it is a great place to visit in the summers as well. The best place to visit during the summers is the Brandywine Falls Provincial Park, where you would be able to see 230-feet waterfall amongst other breath-taking attractions.
8. Ottawa, Ontario
No list of the best places to visit in Canada can be complete without mentioning Ottawa, the national capital. Lively and friendly, Ottawa is both a political as well as a cultural hub. At the same time, it is home to natural landscapes as well. If you are a history buff, you must definitely visit places like the Canadian War Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, and Parliament Hill. On the other hand, people who love outdoor activities should definitely visit the Gatineau Park and Rideau Canal. Moreover, if you visit this bustling city during winter, you would get to enjoy an amazing ice skating session on the Rideau Canal, undoubtedly one of the most exciting things to do in Ottawa. Apart from this, Ottawa is also a great place to enjoy shopping, dining and a whole lot of interesting festivals.
9. Montreal, Quebec
Housing the second-largest French speaking community in the world, Montreal is also the second-largest city in Canada. The unique culture of the city is one of the reasons that people love to visit Montreal. It is a buzzing metropolis that has an entertainment district, a historic quarter and numerous interesting neighborhoods. Do take the chance to visit Old Montreal, the old historic town, where you would get to see fabulous buildings dating back to the 1600s. Apart from the architecture of the place, the markets, the high-end boutiques, the festivals and the nightlife are reasons enough to visit Montreal. Moreover, the city also has several theme and water parks, making it a perfect destination for families.
Conclusion
It can be easily said that Canada is the perfect place to enjoy an outdoor holiday. The amazing national parks, the mighty mountains, the serene lakes and the beautiful beaches make visiting Canada truly worth it. These are the most beautiful places in Canada, and each of them can be enjoyed during the summer and winter months.