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10 of the best places to travel in Canada

Krista

By Krista

Travel & Tech Writer

Best places to travel in Canada

Canada has more to offer than maple syrup, lumberjacks, and sightings of the noble, dam-building beaver. The country is absolutely stunning across the board, with something for every kind of traveller.

Canada is enormous, and fun fact, is actually the second largest country in the world by land mass. What makes it even more amazing is the range of landscapes, cultures, and experiences packed into it.

If you're a first-time visitor or maybe just a Canadian finally making good on the promise to see your own backyard, these are 10 of the best places to travel in Canada.

1. Toronto, Ontario

One of the most multicultural cities in the world, Canada’s largest city boasts a food scene that justifies a visit unto itself.

Spend an entire afternoon in walkable, eccentric Kensington Market, which is lined with vintage shops, cafés, and some of the best street food around.

If a Victorian industrial landscape is more your vibe, the Distillery District would likely be your cup of tea. It is filled with galleries, restaurants, and gorgeous independent boutiques. The district also hosts a ton of lively events all year round.

Of course, the CN Tower remains a top attraction for both the terrifyingly high elevator ride and the perspective it gives you on just how much Toronto sprawls in every direction below. It also has a stunning restaurant that slowly rotates 360 degrees to give you a full view of the city.

2. Vancouver, British Columbia

Vancouver has the kind of draw that many people find worth relocating. There’s mountains to the north, the pacific ocean to the west, and Stanley Park running along the edge of downtown.

A quick ferry to Granville Island offers an exciting option for local food, artisan goods, and watching float planes skim across False Creek.

Adventure seekers will enjoy the Capilano Suspension Bridge and the Sea-to-Sky Highway toward Squamish, which are worth the trek for anyone willing to venture slightly beyond city limits.

3. Montreal, Quebec

With European vibes and a unique personality, Montreal seems to run on a different frequency than the rest of Canada.

Old Montreal is stunning and completely worth visiting in any season. With cobblestone streets and 17th-century architecture, it’s like a stroll through a different time. Some even compare the look and feel of it to certain parts of Europe!

Then there's the food. The Montreal food scene is absolutely world-class: bagels from St-Viateur, smoked meat from Schwartz's, and great poutine around every corner. Plus, the city's festival calendar is relentless with Jazz Fest, Just for Laughs, and Osheaga.

4. Banff, Alberta

The beauty of Banff, Alberta cannot be overstated.

Dramatic mountains surround turquoise lakes so picturesque, it’s like viewing a painting. With Lake Louise and Moraine Lake as the most photographed, arriving early is non-negotiable if you want to beat any other travellers.

Bursting with charm, the town of Banff itself is walkable and lined with excellent restaurants and a surprising number of things to do once the sun goes down.

5. Jasper, Alberta

Some might say that Jasper is like Banff's slightly wilder neighbour on the list of best places to travel in Canada.

Many travellers who make the drive up the Icefields Parkway find they prefer it. Star gazers will delight in the dark sky, making Jasper one of the best places in Canada to see the Milky Way.

The wildlife viewing, including elk, bears, bighorn sheep appearing roadside with remarkable nonchalance, is a feature that makes proximity to nature a reality.

6. Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Vancouver Island will reward those who embark on the journey to get there. The island's capital, Victoria, is one of Canada's most charming, adorable cities. It’s walkable, garden-filled, and features dreamy harbourfront views.

Heading to Tofino on the island’s wild west coast is the destination for surfers, storm watchers, and anyone who appreciates the majesty of the Pacific.

With old-growth forests in Cathedral Grove and Pacific Rim National Park, these are the kind of places that reset your entire sense of scale.

7. Whistler, British Columbia

A world-famous ski destination, Whistler’s snow-covered mountain, Whistler Blackcomb, delivers everything that reputation promises. At the same time, the village and surrounding area are genuinely worth visiting any time of the year.

Summer adventurers can enjoy mountain biking and hiking, or riding the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, which connects the two mountains with spectacular views. The village itself is compact, lively, and very well set up for visitors with any level of travel budget.

8. Quebec City, Quebec

Possibly the closest approximation to Europe that Canada has to offer, Quebec City invites visitors to step back in time with a stroll through UNESCO World Heritage Site, Old Quebec.

A neighbourhood of narrow streets, centuries-old churches, and the iconic Château Frontenac, looms over the St. Lawrence River.

Say hello to Bonhomme at the Winter Carnival in February, or take to the lovely terraces in the warmer summer months. 

9. Niagara Falls, Ontario

You might assume that Niagara Falls is overhyped, but a few minutes overlooking the falls and you will understand how six million litres of water per second falling off a cliff has been drawing a worldwide audience for decades.

The Canadian side also offers a better view than the USA (and by a significant margin). The Hornblower boat tour gets you close enough to feel the tickle of the mist or venture beyond the falls themselves, to explore the world-renowned wine country of the surrounding Niagara region.

10. Cape Breton, Nova Scotia

Cape Breton is the kind of place that connects to your soul. The 298-kilometre highway loop around the northern tip of the island, the Cabot Trail, is consistently ranked among the most scenic drives in the world.

Fiddles and tap dancing and celtic music spills out of the pubs in small towns like Mabou and Inverness. Plus, the beaches are warm and wavy and perfect for long days enjoying the sun and sand after a few hikes on the trails of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

The people are the kind of warm that will have you extending your stay or booking a return visit.

Stay connected across Canada with an eSIM

Filled with so many amazing destinations, Canada is a big country to navigate and a long list of best places to travel, and reliable data makes the difference between a smooth trip and a frustrating one.

If you’re pulling up trail maps in Jasper, navigating Montreal's fashion district, or seeking out the best poutine in Quebec City, rather than relying on an expensive international roaming plan from your home carrier, try a Canada eSIM with aloSIM.

It gives you local data coverage across the country from the moment you arrive. When you arrive, you'll be able to explore everything the beautiful country has to offer!

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