As the second-largest country in the world, it’s safe to say that there’s a heap of the best places in Canada to explore. It’s totally huge and so vast that you’ll be completely spoilt for choice when it comes to places to visit.
Though, with all this choice of provinces and regions to explore, it can be totally bamboozling on where to actually start.
From the beautiful Canadian Rocky Mountains in Alberta, Nova Scotia, Atlantic Canada and to epic cities like Vancouver, Toronto and Quebec; there’s something for every type of traveller in Canada. You’ll have the best time exploring.
Now, as I said, Canada is totally huge and impossible to see in one trip alone. That being said, with a little bit of planning, you can get a totally amazing taste of what Canada is, the natural sights and, of course, mountains of poutine!
The latter is my vice, which means I’m always filled to the brim in Canada.
Anyway, enough about my addiction to poutine, take a look at some of the best places in Canada to visit on your next trip. Remember, plan in advance, look out for the kind of things you like to do and just enjoy your trip. You’ll have the best time!
1.) Toronto, Ontario
So, Toronto is one of my favourite cities in Canada to visit; it’s totally incredible and really easy to visit if you’re already visiting Niagara Falls as it’s only around a 2-hour drive away.
Once here, make sure to explore the epic foodie scene and tasty coffee spots that are dotted all across the city. Oh, and be sure to scale the CN Tower and walk the edges of the tower. It’s totally scary but so incredible too!
Afterwards, head over to Kensington Market, explore the historic Brewery District and visit places like Casa Loma, too.
Read more: Best things to do in Toronto
2.) Cathedral Grove: Pacific Rim Highway
Seeing the best spots in British Columbia is a given when exploring the west of Canada. Plus, BC Highway 4 is a sight within its self and an easy route to take if you’re already in the province.
This totally scenic coastal drive takes you through some of the most beautiful wilderness areas in the Pacific Northwest. And, although the weather can be a little unpredictable, it’s much milder than some of the other inland provinces. This makes it a totally great region to visit at any time of the year.
After exploring the other best areas in British Columbia, one more place to make a pitstop is Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park.
It really is one of the best places in Canada that’s perched on the shores of Cameron Lake. Plus, the Grove is home to giant Douglas fir trees that are huge and well worth seeing. Located just northwest of Nanaimo and is perfect for giving your legs a break from sitting down.
Read more: Best places in British Columbia to visit
3.) Glacier Skywalk: Icefields Parkway
Stretching along Highway 93 from the beautiful Lake Louise to the dramatic skyline of Jasper, the Icefields Parkway is easily one of the most scenic road trip routes in the world. We love it so much.
For one of the most breathtaking views along this route, stop at Glacier Skywalk, where a glass floor allows you to see everything in the Sunwapta Valley beneath.
The path to the overlook includes information on the area, presented in the form of an interpretive story. It’s just you and a bit of glass standing at a height of 918 feet (280 m) above the ground!
Afterwards, make sure to explore more of the best places in Alberta, which can be easily included in a 1-week Banff itinerary, too. It’s one of the best places in Canada for dramatic landscapes, even in the colder months.
Read more: Best places in Alberta to visit
4.) Cape Breton Highlands National Park: Cabot Trail
Located on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, the Cabot Trail offers road-trippers some of the best views along Canada’s Atlantic Coast. This is especially true with little spots like Louisburg Lighthouse, too.
Now, to get the most out of this natural beauty, you should definitely spend some time exploring the great outdoors of Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
Plus, whale watching is totally popular here, just make sure to book an excursion and try your luck at spotting them.
Afterwards, don’t forget to explore so many more of the best places in Nova Scotia, too. It’s one of the best places in Canada to visit when on the east coast.
Read more: Best things to do in Nova Scotia
5.) Signal Hill: St. John’s
Perched within Newfoundland above the gorgeous city of St. John’s, is incredible to visit.
Plus, Signal Hill has some fantastic and historic views of the harbour city below. For me, it’s one of the best places in Canada to visit, especially if you love the Atlantic Coast as much as we do.
Also, it’s worth noting that St John’s is a great place to either start or end a road trip around Newfoundland, too.
You see, one of the best routes is Highway 1 which goes nearly around the entire main island.
We loved exploring Newfoundland and it’s such a special place to explore. Make sure to spend at least a few days heading out of St John’s, too. It really is worth it.
Read more: Best things to do in St John’s
6.) Saguenay Fjords National Park, Quebec
Canada has some incredible fjord areas to visit, with the Saguenay Fjords National Park being one of the best places in Canada to see them.
Accessible via Quebec’s 170, this is a great road trip if you’re coming from the city of Quebec and want to explore the ‘wilder’ surrounds. Though, on that point, definitely don’t miss the city of Quebec, either. it’s totally historic and a great place to spend a long weekend exploring.
The whole area is perfect for hiking and it’s totally beautiful to explore if you love the great outdoors.
Also, around the region itself, beyond the Saguenay Fjords are places like Saracomie and camping in the forests (with beavers, like we did) near Saint-Pierre Lake.
Plus, further up, you’ve got little places like Saint-Félix-d’Otis, that’s also totally picturesque to visit whilst driving Quebec.
Read more: Best national parks in Canada
7.) Sea-to-Sky Gondola: Squamish
The Sea-to-Sky Highway, officially called the BC Highway 99, is a popular way to get from Vancouver to Whistler due to the absolutely incredible views along the way. The whole region is gorgeous and easily one of the best places in Canada to explore.
If you want a few hours stop, then take the Sea-to-Sky Gondola in Squamish and go for a hike at the top of the mountains. The Gondola goes to an elevation of 2,900 feet (885 m) in 10 minutes, stopping at the Summit Lodge. It’s totally gorgeous.
That being said, if you’re based in Whistler, you can also take the seaplane over to Vancouver which has, to this day, being one of the most incredible flights I’ve ever taken. The views are stunning.
Read more: Best things to do in Whilster
8.) Fredericton, New Brunswick: River Valley Scenic Drive
New Brunswick has created several road trip routes for visitors to take and the River Valley Scenic Drive is one of them. While driving along the route, make time for a stop in the territory’s capital city, Fredericton.
The town is known for its arts and crafts, outdoor adventures, and heritage. For top historical sights, stop by the Garrison District, as well as Kings Landing Historical Settlement.
Afterwards, if you’re planning on visiting more of New Brunswick, make sure to visit the Bay of Fundy for a trip kayaking, too. We loved it here and the views are incredible.
Plus, it has one of the highest tidal ranges in the whole world!
Read more: Exploring the Bay of Fundy
9.)Dempster Highway, Yukon
For a road-trip with the ultimate views of nature, take a ride along the Dempster Highway. It’s totally remote, something that has to be planned well and stunningly beautiful. It really is one of the best places in Canada to explore if you want to get ‘off-the-grid’ a little.
Stretching over 417 miles (671 km) from Dawson City, Yukon, to Inuvik in the Northwest Territories, this road will take you along some of the most remote areas of the world. Bears, wolves, caribou and moose all call this part of the world home.
Also, be sure to look for the Arctic flowers blooming in this tundra landscape and the stunning vistas over Tombstone Territorial Park.
Oh yeah, and don’t try this route in the winter (unless you’re with a guide). Winter conditions can be very harsh this far north and it’s something to be taken really seriously. After all, no one likes a careless explorer.
10.) Vancouver, British Columbia
Perched on the west coast, Vancouver is one of the best places in Canada to explore if you like an amazing city but awesome access to nature, too.
After exploring places like Granville Island, visiting Grouse Mountain and enjoying the epic foodie scene, make sure to explore beyond the city limits.
Places like Whistler or even Capilano Suspension Bridge Park that’s totally gorgeous, too.
Read more: Best places in Vancouver to visit
11.) Montreal
Montreal is both a good place to start your Trans-Canada road trip and it’s easily one of the best places in Canada to visit if you want a city break.
Now, the highway is called the Autoroute Métropolitaine here (as the official language is French) and this will be the busiest section of the trip. Once here, try hiking up Mont-Royal, explore Old Montreal and visit the stunning Notre-Dame Basilica.
Afterwards, pop over to St. Joseph’s Oratory that’s totally iconic and stands proudly overlooking the city.
Read more: Best things to do in Montreal
12.) Ottawa
No trip through Canada would be complete without a stop in its capital city, Ottawa.
Honestly, Ottawa is gorgeous and there’s so much to do whilst in the city. We totally loved exploring Parliament Hill, the home of Canada’s legislature. You can easily book tours to go inside and it’s well worth it if you’re heading to the city. Just make sure to book in advance.
Afterwards, head over for some delicious dishes at ByWard Market then packs them up for a picnic to take with you along the Rideau Canal, too.
Alternatively, check out the National Gallery of Canada if you’re looking for something more artistic. The nation’s capital is bound to impress before you head off to the next destination.
If you’ve got time, take a stroll over to the city of Gatineau, too. It’s one the other side of the river and well worth a little trip.
Read more: Best places in Ottawa to visit
13.) Niagara Falls, Ontario
People either seem to totally love or hate Niagara Falls. It’s one of those places that divides opinion. That being said, it’s one of the best places in Canada to visit if you’re already in southern Ontario and a spot we really enjoyed.
Probably the most famous waterfall, Niagara Falls is best seen both below by taking a tour behind the falls and from above via the helicopter tours that run each day.
This all being said, there’s a heap of places to get the best views of Niagara Falls, without even spending a penny!
Also, If you stay overnight, be sure to see the Falls after dark, when a beautiful light show colours the Falls. I’d also recommend staying in Niagara-on-the-lake, a stunning and historic town about 20-minutes from the falls.
Plus, there’s a heap of ice wine vineyards that are just outside the town, too.
It’s totally lovely and one of my favourite towns in all of Canada.
Read more: Best places in Ontario to visit
14.) Winnipeg
Winnipeg might sometimes get overlooked in lieu of cities like Toronto or Vancouver but it’s certainly worth visiting while in the province.
Once here, make sure to explore The Forks. Located right on the river in the downtown area, there are plenty of shops, restaurants, and green spaces for you to grab a bite to eat and relax.
Afterwards, pop over to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, visit the Manitoba Museum and stroll through the Winnipeg Art Gallery.
15.) Canadian Badlands, Alberta
Located in Alberta around the area of Medicine Hat, the Badlands is a fantastically unique area of natural beauty.
For some of the best views, head to Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park and then to Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park after that. The Badlands provide the perfect place to hike and climb around and slowly take in some of the best places in Canada that are quite different from the other areas of Alberta.
Afterwards, don’t forget to explore some epic hiking routes in Alberta. It’s a great province for this, especially in the warmer summer months.
Read more: Best things to do in Alberta
16.) Banff National Park, Alberta
Located just west of Calgary, Banff National Park is easily one of the most famous and best places in Canada to visit. Once here, make sure to explore Sunshine Village for some epic skiing, head about the Canadian Rockies on a helicopter, hike Johnston Canyon and see places just outside the park limit, too.
You see, places like the bubble lake of Lake Abraham or exploring and hiking the region around Canmore, too.
Finally, if you’re looking for a great place to stay, check into the Fairmont Lake Louise. It’s so stunning and we totally loved it.
Read more: 1-week plan to explore Banff
17.) Victoria, British Columbia
Perched on Vancouver Island, Victoria is one of the most southerly Canadian cities you can visit. It’s a great place for a few days trip and a perfect place to start or end your road trip around Vancouver Island itself.
Be sure to wander through the picturesque streets of downtown Victoria while you’re here, or make a special trip to Craigdarroch Castle. Oh, take a peek at Fishguard Lighthouse, too.
Read more: Best things to do in Victoria
18.) Lake Ohara, British Columbia
Perched relatively close to the border of British Columbia and Alberta. It’s easily one of the best places in Canada to explore if you love the great outdoors.
Just as dramatic as places like Lake Louise, it actually attracts much fewer visitors so it’s a great place to visit if you want to stay away from crowds in Yoho National Park.
Read more: Best places in Alberta to visit
Check Out The Very Best Of Great Britain!
