Our northern neighbour offers a variety of year-round gorgeous holiday spots, from the bustling streets of Toronto to the snow-capped summits of the Canadian Rockies. It can be hard to choose which one is best for your next vacation. For this reason, when compiling this list of the top destinations in Canada, U.S. News took into account a number of variables, including user votes and professional judgements, as well as affordability, entertainment opportunities, and diversity of hotels and resorts. Cast your vote for the position you think should be on the list next year below.
1.Banff
Consider Banff if you’ve always wanted to live in a Swiss ski hamlet but don’t want to pay the high cost of a transatlantic ticket. Owing to its strategic location in the centre of the Canadian Rockies, close to the southeast boundary of Banff National Park, Canada’s first national park, visiting this area will shorten your flight time from the United States and, albeit somewhat, reduce your costs. Though there are many of campgrounds, Banff appeals to adventurous travellers who would rather spend the night in a luxurious hotel. There are lots of chances for adventure, so choose your sport: One can “scramble” up the face of Stoney Squaw Mountain, ski down Mount Norquay, trek to the gigantic, free-standing limestone pillars known as the Hoodoos, or bike down Healy Creek. Once you’re worn out, get back to your warm and comfortable resort and refuel with a big portion of bison meat.
2.Jasper National Park
Jasper National Park, one of Canada’s wildest locations, offers a kaleidoscope of views at every angle. As they go from the summits of Mount Edith Cavell to the caverns of Maligne Canyon, tourists may take in a variety of breathtaking vistas. Situated on Alberta’s eastern border, the park is a major destination for travellers in the Northern Hemisphere. Not only is Jasper the biggest park in the Canadian Rockies, but it was also included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with Banff and a few other parks. With almost 2.7 million acres of area to explore, visitors may expect to see moose, wolverines, and caribou, among other wildlife.
All of the expected natural beauties are there in the park, such as rivers, mountains, and even glaciers, but the town of Jasper expands the area’s potential. Not only does Jasper make an ideal base camp, but it also offers a range of tours and excursions that visitors may take advantage of. In addition, wintertime in Jasper offers visitors the chance to partake in cold-weather sports like snowshoeing through the backcountry or skiing in Marmot Basin. There’s always a reason to visit Jasper, no matter the season.
3.Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver is a relatively new city, even by North American standards (it was formed in 1886). But its culture makes up for its lack of history. Discover First Nations, Metis, and Inuit culture in Vancouver by visiting a variety of historic sites, shops, and museums. The city is a desirable urban playground because of its high-end stores and love of eating healthfully. Furthermore, a number of well-known television series and big-budget films, such as “Riverdale,” “X-Files,” and “Deadpool,” have used Vancouver and its stunning mountain and beach backdrop as their backdrop. As such, don’t be shocked if you spot locations from your favourite scenes or happen upon a production in progress.
But visitors to this mitten-shaped city on the western tip of Canada are not limited to pop culture aficionados. Your adventurous side will be tempted by activities like skiing, whitewater rafting, hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking (which are especially accessible on one of the top Vancouver tours). Are you in need of some downtime and relaxation? Try relaxing in one of the many parks or on the 11 miles of beaches. When it’s chilly outside, you can hide out at one of the best museums or take the kids to one of the Capilano Suspension Bridge or Granville Island’s family-friendly attractions. Excellent dining, shopping, and nightlife scenes are added, and it’s easy to see why so many recommend Vancouver as the ideal destination for the well-rounded traveller.
4.Niagara Falls
It’s easy to see why a lot of people rank Niagara Falls as one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. Or why, over the years, it has played host to some amazing (and now illegal) daredevil stunts. Your jaw will drop when you witness the enormous Niagara River thundering at a speed of up to 68 mph towards a 188-foot cascade. The river falls so quickly that it produces a foggy fog and a loud roar that can be heard for kilometres. People swarm to the railings at the top to feel the mist on their faces. Visitors wearing colourful ponchos are supported by boats, platforms, and observation decks as you follow the water’s journey downward.
Niagara has evolved over time from a romantic getaway destination to a corny destination, and it now resembles a strange hybrid of the two. Apart from the breathtaking waterfalls, there’s a lot of fast-fashion hotels and wedding chapels with neon lights behind them. But relaxing in the gorgeous scenery at the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens or meandering through the ice wine vines of the neighbouring Inniskillin Winery are genuinely romantic activities. So plan a wonderful trip to the magnificent Niagara Falls by hopping in the two-seater with your special someone or loading up the minivan with your family.
5.Whitehorse
Nicknamed the “small city with a big backyard,” Whitehorse, the capital of Yukon territory in Canada, is a shining example of outdoor recreation. Walk to Miles Canyon from Whitehorse; a nearly 10-mile circle trail leads straight from the city to this natural gem. After that, proceed north to the Yukon Wildlife Preserve to see a variety of wildlife, such as bison, elk, muskox, and arctic foxes. You may wish to plan your visit for the first few weeks of winter, even though this area is known for its extreme cold, in order to catch a glimpse of the northern lights.
6.Quebec City
The sight of towering cathedrals and meandering cobblestone streets; the sound of tourists oohing and talking in French; the taste of buttery croissants and creamy cafe lattes; the smell of freshly baked bread and pungent cheese. Your senses all confirm that you are in France. They’re incorrect, though; you’re in Quebec.
The capital of the Canadian province of Québec, Québec City, was long eclipsed by its neighbour Montréal, but Montréal’s 400th birthday celebration in 2008 thrust Québec City back into the public eye. Since then, tourists have poured into this UNESCO World Heritage Site to discover its allure for themselves. When you enter Old Québec through its defensive walls, you’ll find yourself in a scene straight out of a European painting: bakers, bistros, and boutiques are housed in 18th- and 19th-century buildings, and a sea of café tables drowns out the cobblestone squares. And there’s a hidden gem of Québec City’s rich past waiting to be discovered around every turn.
7.TorontoÂ
As cosmopolitan as they come is Toronto. Toronto could appear to be simply another large city to visitors. Skyscrapers dot the downtown skyline, and people are constantly moving through the city’s streets. With over half of its people born outside the city, Toronto is regarded as one of the world’s most culturally diverse cities. With more than 200 distinct ethnic groups and more than 140 languages spoken there, Toronto is a universe unto itself. With Little Italy, Chinatown, Koreatown, and Greektown all located within the city borders, visitors to Toronto could leave feeling as though they have seen more than a few other nations.
The city is also the location of PATH, the largest subterranean shopping mall in the world, and the CN Tower, one of the tallest freestanding towers in the world. Toronto should be experienced like any other large city, with the exception of seeing its most well-known sights. This includes having a beverage at a corner restaurant, perusing the multicultural stores on oddball neighbourhood streets and getting on and off the subway or GO Transit for a fun night out.
FAQ’S:
Q1. What makes Banff National Park a must-visit destination?
Banff National Park, located in the Canadian Rockies, is renowned for its breathtaking mountain scenery, turquoise lakes, and abundant wildlife. Visitors can explore hiking trails, enjoy scenic drives, and relax in the famous Banff hot springs.
Q2. What attractions are there in Toronto?
Toronto, Canada's largest city, boasts iconic landmarks such as the CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum, and the vibrant Distillery District. Explore diverse neighborhoods, catch a game at the Rogers Centre, or enjoy shopping along Yonge Street.
