Travel Guide: Best Cities in Canada to Visit
The best cities to visit in Canada are nothing to scoff at. Granted, to people in the lower 48 (as well as the rest of the world) the Great White North is probably best known as being the home of Rush, Wayne Gretzky and unwavering politeness. But if you decide to take a trek to Canada, you will find that there is so much more to see and discover across the country than you would have imagined. From polar bear watching in Manitoba to adventuring along the Cabot Trail, Canada is a country that offers more adventures than one trip can reasonably accommodate. So pack your bags, fill up your wallets with loonies and toonies and let’s hit some of the best Canadian hotspots!
Ontario
The Canadian capital (a must-see on any list of the best cities in Canada to visit) is a winter wonderland in the colder months. From skating on the frozen Rideau Canal, the largest (and second longest) skating rink in the world, to cross-country skiing along one of the many trails surrounding the city, there is something to excite any cold-weather enthusiast. And, when you’re ready to warm up, visit one of the city’s pubs for a hot cocktail and a beavertail. A what? You’ll have to find out for yourself! Ottowa is no slouch in the summertime, of course. There’s live music, including the weeklong Ottowa Jazz Festival, and plenty of biking through the city. There’s also whitewater rafting right outside the city!
Ontario
A city brimming with culture, diversity and an eclectic, delightfully weird vibe, Toronto is the city to go when you’re looking for a somewhat unique Canadian experience. Take a stroll through the Distillery District, a carless section of town with winding cobblestone streets and a host of pubs, beer halls and wineries. The district also has plenty of kitschy boutiques and markets, in case booze isn’t your thing. You can also stop by the Backyard Axe Throwing League and try your hand at hurling sharp weaponry at wooden targets. Toronto is also a foodie paradise, with a host of restaurants serving up.
British Columbia
Easily reached by ferry (or seaplane if you’re up for it), the capital of British Columbia is one of the preferred escape destinations for Seattle residents. But, no matter where you’re hailing from, you’ll find plenty to draw you to this quaint Vancouver Island getaway. If you want to feel fancy, you could visit the luxurious Fairmont Empress, which has been serving afternoon tea for more than 100 years. You can also enjoy countless activities on the water, such as kayaking, courtesy of Ocean River Kayak Adventures or if you want to be a little more adventurous, stop over at SUP Victoria and do some stand-up paddleboarding around the harbor. For an exotic experience, visit Chinatown’s Fan Tan Alley, one of the narrowest streets in Canada, and sample some of the local shops and cuisine.
Quebec
Full of history, art, music, culture and oodles of fine dining, Quebec City, with its old world charm, will make you feel as though you’re taking a European vacation, only you’ll have traveled a lot less distance and saved on airfare! First on your list should be a visit to Old Quebec, a UNESCO heritage site and the only fortified city north of Mexico. The cobblestone streets line with cafes, boutiques and pastry shops will make you feel as though you’ve stepped back to the 18th century. Outside the city is Montmorency Falls, a waterfall that’s as tall as Niagara (although not as wide). You can look at the falls via a tram that takes you from the base to the top, by walking over a suspension bridge that straddles width of the river or by walking up a series of staircases that let you see the falls from various angles. And, even if you can’t book a room there, you have to stop and snap a shot of the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, a prestigious and beautiful hotel that has hosted dignitaries from around the world.
Alberta
Offering skiing, hiking, rock climbing and a whitewater rafting (among many other activities) this resort town, located inside Banff National Park, is a thrill-seeker’s paradise. The lakes alone can be worth the trip, with their rich blue waters (courtesy of the glacial rock flour that pours into them). During the warmer months, you can take a boat cruise around Lake Minnewanka or spend the day hiking, canoeing or kayaking. Also make time for a gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain for stunning views of Banff and the Canadian Rockies. If you’re visiting in spring or summer, take a walk out on the Glacier Skywalk, a glass platform suspended 900 feet in the air. Ski enthusiasts will also want to hit Sunshine Village, with 3300 acres of fresh, light powder to enjoy.
British Columbia
Another Canadian destination popular with skiers, Whistler enjoys a six-month ski season, which runs all the way into May. However, skiing is only part of the draw for winter fun in Whistler. There’s also snowmobiling, ice-skating and even winter ziplining for an adventure that’s both thrilling and chilling! If you’d prefer to see the mountains from a different perspective, travel the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, which takes you for a breathtaking ride between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains.
Alberta
A Canadian city so steeped in Western Culture that it’s earned the nickname “Cowtown,” Calgary has earned a reputation as one of the friendliest cities in the Great White North (and that’s saying something). Visitors to Calgary all agree that a must-see in Cowtown is the famous Calgary Stampede, an annual rodeo that takes place every July. The event features everything from bull riding to steer wrestling, as well as chuckwagon races and country music. You can also visit the Olympic Park, home of the 1988 Winter Olympics, where you can try your hand at some winter sports, such as bobsledding, skeleton or luge!
Nova Scotia
The capital of Nova Scotia still manages to give off a low-key, small town vibe. Halifax boasts a vibrant food scene, with locally-sourced seafood being a top draw. If you’re feeling overwhelmed at the volume of food choices, sign up for a tasting tour, which will take you to a number of eateries throughout the city. Halifax also has plenty of history, from the Canadian Museum of Immigration to the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. For a prime photo op, visit the top of Citadel Hill, home of a star-shaped fortress built in the Victorian Era, offering incredible views of the city and harbor.
Yukon
Located in the gold rush hub of the Yukon Territory, Whitehorse is a great spot for adventure and exploration. Take a dogsledding trip across the tundra, canoe along the gorgeous Yukon River, and step aboard the SS Klondike riverboat for a journey through the region’s river-plying past.
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan’s capital city offers a plethora of culture, with a wide variety of museums, art galleries and theaters to keep visitors entertained. It’s also the home of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police’s training center, where you can watch real Mounties marching, doing drills and just looking cool in their red jackets and Stetson hats. You can also learn more about the history of the mounted police at the RCMP Heritage Center. If you’re a football fan, definitely take the time to catch a Saskatchewan Roughriders game, where the fans are some of the most fervent in the north. Before you leave town, be sure to visit the Milky Way, an ice cream stand that’s been in business for more than 60 years. Visitors swear by their grape ice cream as well as the Skor ice cream cake.
CHEAT SHEET
For more on the best cities in Canada to visit, also check out:
The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/north-america/canada/articles/Top-10-best-cities-to-visit-and-things-to-do-in-Canada/
U.S. News Travel: https://travel.usnews.com/rankings/best-canada-vacations/
Time: http://time.com/money/5317610/best-places-travel-canada/
Vagrants of the World: https://vagrantsoftheworld.com/best-cities-to-visit-in-canada/
Trip Advisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Destinations-cTop-g153339