The city has a beautiful old-world feel, with century-old buildings in Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The quaint town is also home to Montmorency Falls, the tallest waterfall in the country and 100 feet higher than Niagara.
Visitors to Toronto can take a walking tour of the city’s charming historic streets, shop in the downtown area and catch a baseball or hockey game at the CN Tower.
Vancouver
With pristine oceans, rugged mountains and glimmering skylines, Vancouver is a true gem. The city is renowned for its cosmopolitan vibe, world-famous restaurants and diverse entertainment options. But a look beyond the surface will reveal plenty of fascinating history and heritage attractions.
Take a free ride on Engine 374, the first transcontinental passenger train to stop in Vancouver; learn about salmon canning at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site museum; and climb aboard the schooner St. Roch at the Vancouver Maritime Museum. The Roedde House Museum offers a different approach to heritage displays: its eleven rooms aren’t restricted by ropes or glass, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the Victorian atmosphere.
Kingston packs a lot of history into its small size. The “Limestone City” is the original capital of Canada and is dotted with grand limestone buildings from the 19th century. The area is also known for its many museums, including the Royal Canadian Mint. Other must-see attractions include the spectacular Brockton Point Totem Poles, which line a walkway in Stanley Park.
Calgary
Calgary is known for its two main industries of cowboys and oil, but this western Canadian city offers much more than steakhouses and a big rodeo. The city is full of events and festivals, such as the Calgary International Film Festival, Lilac Festival, Wordfest: Banff-Calgary International Writers’ Festival and One World Festival (Folklorama).
Visit Fort Calgary to learn about how the area was settled and defended; you can tour recreated houses including a Metis hunting cabin as well as dig in a park that has been home to archaeological finds older than the pyramids of Giza. Also in the area is the Calgary Stampede – a 10-day event that will have you dusting off your cowboy boots and enjoying a whole host of festivities, including musical performances, agricultural competitions and Indigenous exhibitions.
In downtown Calgary, iconic pieces of public art share the city’s history – walk through ‘Women are Persons!’ in Olympic Plaza, where a 1929 tea party takes place or look up to ‘The Conversation’ in Bankers Hall, where two businessmen are engaged in a discussion that reaches over twenty meters high.
Ottawa
The capital of Canada, Ottawa is the place to find a mix of old and new, French and English. The city’s oldest area, Old Montreal, is known for its cobblestone streets and buildings that date back to the 17th century, while its newer downtown has skyscrapers and an underground city (a series of tunnels linking hotels, offices and restaurants).
A visit to the National Museum of Canada is a must-see, with displays on everything from the Group of Seven paintings to the history of hockey. The Ottawa Art Gallery is also a top destination, with a multidisciplinary collection and an opera house. Other museums include the RCMP Musical Ride Visitor Centre, Laurier House National Historic Site and Diefenbunker, which is a Cold War bunker-turned-museum.
St. John’s has two big claims to fame: It is the most easterly point in North America and it’s home to Quidi Vidi, a charming waterfront neighborhood where the fishery is still running. This Newfoundland town also has some of the best 19th-century architecture in the country, including several of its most famous churches.
London
Situated at the forks of the Thames River in southwestern Ontario, the city was named by John Graves Simcoe in 1793 as a planned capital for Upper Canada. London is the seat of Middlesex County and a major manufacturing center.
The city’s cultural scene boasts museums including Museum London and the Children’s Museum of London. The University of Western Ontario is located here, as are top-notch hospitals and the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame.
A visit to the charming village of Mahone Bay in Nova Scotia is a must for history buffs, as its three most famous churches are said to be among the most photographed in all of Canada. The town is also known for its quaint shops, first-class dining options and successful local arts and crafts industry.
Toronto is a popular destination for art lovers, with its many galleries and the stunning CN Tower showcasing spectacular views. The area is also renowned for its cuisine, with the streets lined with buzzing breweries and fine restaurants. For those looking for an outdoorsy adventure, Toronto is home to the mighty Niagara Falls, which are just a short drive away.
Winnipeg
Winnipeg surprises as a vibrant, cultured metropolis where world-class museums and a boom of craft beer breweries coexist with a thriving food scene and a surprisingly rich history. It’s a must-visit Canadian city for history buffs who appreciate its quaint historic neighborhoods, lap up a vibe that’s confident and engaging without being smug, and take in a fringe theater festival that rivals the best in the world.
Situated at the juncture of the Red and Assiniboine rivers, The Forks National Historic Site has witnessed 6,000 years of Canadian history. Visitors can explore its turn-of-the-20th century Exchange District and admire the flawless blend of European architecture in charming boutiques and art galleries.
The fortified town of Louisburg is the perfect place to step back in time to Canada’s earliest days as a colony. It’s an important site that helped shape the country as we know it today, and offers visitors a glimpse into what life was like in a port city during the 1700’s. Artifacts unearthed at the park, including bison teeth and Indigenous bone tools that are older than the pyramids of Giza, help to bring its story to life.
Kenora
Canada is home to a number of unique cities that are worth visiting. From the bustling capital of Vancouver to the historic hamlet of Whitehorse, there is something for everyone in Canada. Many of these cities are also a gateway to magnificent wilderness areas and exciting recreational facilities.
Located along the shores of Lake of the Woods, Kenora is a small city with an important aboriginal history. It is also home to Huskie the Muskie, a 40-foot statue of a fighting muskellunge, located in McLeod Park. Forestry, tourism and fishing are the largest sectors of the economy in this northern Ontario community. The town’s population doubles in the summer when cottagers from Manitoba and Minnesota move to their vacation homes in and around the lake.
Quebec City offers visitors a taste of Europe without the cost and hassle of air travel. Stroll the cobblestone streets and take in the aromas of freshly baked bread and brewing coffee. In winter, this Canadian city is transformed by twinkling lights and festivals. You can even go skating on the famous ice rink at Place Jacques-Cartier.
Regina
The capital of Saskatchewan, Regina’s dedicated to the arts with the Royal Saskatchewan Museum and the Mackenzie Art Gallery. A visit to the historic neighborhood of Gastown is a must, with vintage lampposts and architecture dotting the cobblestone streets. A one-room schoolhouse, a General Store and a fully restored 1912 carousel are among the family-friendly attractions at Brockton Point, while the grassy knolls and unique totem poles of Stanley Park offer an opportunity to take in the city’s natural beauty.
A trip to Canada is not complete without a visit to Niagara Falls, where the roar of the massive waterfalls will leave you speechless. Book a Maid of the Mist boat tour for a close-up look at the awe-inspiring waterfalls.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Old Quebec feels like you’ve stepped back in time with its charming cobblestone streets and well-preserved 17th-century buildings. A stroll through the fortified city reveals the importance of this region in shaping Canada as we know it today.
Toronto
The cosmopolitan city of Toronto is seen as Canada’s face, and it’s packed with plenty to see and do. Explore the culturally significant 1832 Gooderham and Worts distillery in the historic Distillery District or head to the Royal Ontario Museum, one of the largest natural history museums in North America.
Visit the CN Tower, which looms at a staggering 553 meters and has become one of Toronto’s most beloved landmarks. For a more spiritual experience, join the masses at the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre, which is dedicated to St. Anne and is believed to be the oldest pilgrimage site in North America.
A walk around Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage site, will make you feel like you’ve been transported to Europe. The 17th-century cobble streets, beautiful buildings, and romantic atmosphere will delight history buffs and culture lovers. Also, don’t miss out on a trip to the magnificent Montmorency Falls, which are 30 meters taller than Niagara Falls.
Alberta
Alberta boasts a rich tapestry of natural wonders and cultural treasures that captivate visitors from around the globe. From the majestic peaks of the Canadian Rockies to the sprawling prairies and vibrant urban hubs, there’s something for everyone to explore and discover in this diverse province.
One of Alberta’s most iconic landmarks is the stunning Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases the unparalleled beauty of the Rocky Mountains. Here, visitors can embark on scenic hikes, marvel at turquoise lakes like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, and soak in the rejuvenating hot springs nestled amidst breathtaking alpine vistas. For a taste of history, the Banff Park Museum offers insights into the region’s wildlife and conservation efforts, housed within a charming heritage building.
Delving deeper into Alberta’s past, the city of Edmonton serves as a hub of culture and heritage. Explore the vibrant streets of Old Strathcona, where historic buildings and lively markets transport visitors back in time to the early days of the city’s settlement. The Alberta Legislature Building stands as a testament to the province’s democratic foundations, with its striking Beaux-Arts architecture and manicured grounds offering a picturesque backdrop for leisurely strolls. Meanwhile, the Royal Alberta Museum invites visitors to journey through the ages with captivating exhibits that showcase the natural history, Indigenous cultures, and pioneer heritage that is an integral part of Alberta’s past.
Venturing southward, the Badlands region beckons with its otherworldly landscapes and fossil-rich terrain. Dinosaur Provincial Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its wealth of dinosaur fossils and prehistoric artifacts, offering visitors the chance to participate in guided excavations and immersive paleontological experiences. Here, amidst the rugged beauty of Alberta’s badlands, visitors can uncover the ancient mysteries that have shaped the landscape and the history of life on Earth.
