Top 5 Must See Places To Visit In Canada
Looking to travel to Canada? Oozing with history, natural beauty and a vast amount of activities to take part in, this diverse country has something for everyone. Looking for inspiration for the bucket list? Find out the best places to visit in Canada – cruise or fly around the Niagara Falls; dip in the lakes of Banff National Park; or jump into the history of Canadian culture in Ottawa.
Travel to Canada: Where to visit?
Ottawa
Banff
Vancouver
Niagara Falls
Toronto
What to do in Canada
Explore Ottawa
As Canada’s capital, the city of Ottawa is home to an array of historical landmarks, such as the Parliament Buildings on Parliament Hill; architectural delights and rural Canadian beauty. If you thought Ottawa was merely a city of historical and political buildings, you were wrong – Ottawa’s divine beauty is just a short drive east of downtown Ottawa, in the area of Prescott-Russel. Discover craft breweries, artisan vendors and more from this quaint rural area, perfect for taking a break from Canadian city culture and enjoying the sights.
For a slice of history, one of the best things to do in Ottawa is to explore the Diefenbunker – Canada’s Cold War Museum. Take on the tour of the underground bunker designed to keep the Canadian government safe during the Cold War. On the third Tuesday of every month, you can even watch a Cold War-themed film inside the bunker. This historical museum is considered by many to be one of the most historical places of interest in Canada.
Escape to Banff National Park
As Canada’s oldest national park, Banff has been established since 1885, found in the peaks of the Rocky Mountains. Considered as one of the most beautiful places to see in Canada, Banff National Park is full of picturesque views at every turn, breath taking glacial lakes and a variety of outdoor activities to take part in.
Ski at the Lake Louise Ski Resort; discover the stories of plants and animals at Yoho National Park; or take in soothing hot springs in Jasper National Park. The Banff National Park region has something for everyone, whether you’re a cyclist, a hiker, or a trepid cave explorer.
“The whole trip was amazing, from arriving into Calgary airport and being welcomed by a group of Canadian Mounties to spending Canada day in Vancouver and canoeing on the Lake Louise in Banff.
“I loved both the cities and the national parks as both had different things to offer. We hiked for three and a half hours across a glacier, rode a cable car up to the peaks in Jasper and flew over Whistler in a Helicopter; there was just so much to do. My top tip would be to make sure you try every optional activity that you can as long as you feel comfortable. You never know when you will get the chance again and you’ll thank yourself later. In one word? Awesome. Please can I go again?”
– Debbie Brown, Explore.
Abundant in wildlife, beauty and nature with every step you take, hike your way across the region, taking your pick over 1600km of established trails. Look out for bighorn sheep, bears, bison, an array of beautiful bird species and many more exotic creatures in their natural habitats. Fancy taking a trip under the surface of the beautiful turquoise lakes? Scuba dive through the cold water of Lake Minnewanka or Two Jack Lake to truly immerse yourself in the Canadian culture of this awe-inspiring National Park.
Visit Vancouver
Home to the province of British Columbia, Vancouver is a west-coast seaport, surrounded by beautiful mountains, flourishing theatre, music and art scenes, and is well known as a popular filming location. As well as being an established city, the natural beauty surrounding the urban buildings makes Vancouver one of the top places to go in Canada. Take a stroll or a cycle around Stanley Park – Vancouver’s largest urban park. With a stretch of gorgeous beaches, walking or cycling trails, a scenic seawall and family-friendly attractions, Stanley Park is bordered by a 150,000-tree temperate rainforest, making it one of the most perfect places to visit when you travel to Canada in search of outdoor variety.
Take to the slopes in style when visiting Vancouver – stay in the Cypress Mountain Ski Area for year-round skiing. Whether it’s a gentle ski you have your heart set on, or you’re looking to push the boundaries with snowboarding and tubing, take to the resort to immerse in the winter wonderland of Vancouver. When you’re tired of hitting the slopes, wind down après-ski style in restaurants, bars and lounges. The perfect way to see Canada in the snow, visiting Cypress Mountain is one of the top things to do in Vancouver.
Discover Niagara Falls
Bordering the province of Ontario and the state of New York, USA, the world-famous Niagara Falls is a must-see, and one of the best places to visit in Canada. From helicopters souring over breath taking sights of the falls to enjoying the indoor Waves Indoor Waterpark, Niagara Falls has ample opportunities to explore when you visit Canada.
Discover a touch of history from the beautiful cascades in the Niagara Falls History Museum – or for art-lovers, find yourself seated at the Greg Ferwin Theatre for the Wild Magic show. The Skylon Observation Deck takes your experience to new levels, allowing you to dine in style in the Revolving Dining Room Restaurant, or the Summit Suite Buffet Dining Room – both 775 feet above the stunning waterfalls. And for the little ones? Take them to the 3D/4D Falls Movie: “Legend of Niagara Falls” and let them explore, perfect for kids of all ages. Guided tours of the falls are also available – choose a tour by helicopter; an ultimate tour including the Skylon Tower and other additional features; Niagara Falls at night tours; or the basic Niagara Falls tour including the Hornblower Niagara Cruise. Just make sure you remember your waterproof jackets!
Travel to Toronto
Staying in the same province as the Niagara Falls, welcome to Toronto – Ontario’s capital. Expect high skyscrapers, vast green spaces from the Queen’s Park to the 400-acre High Park, and experiences you won’t forget. Visit the iconic CN tower with its revolving restaurant – allowing you to see Toronto from above with the 553m high tower. If you’re brave enough, why not try an Edge Walk? The world’s highest hands-free walking attraction, feel the thrill and adrenaline from walking on the ledge of the tallest building in Toronto – seeing the city below from new heights. As well as the experience, take away a keepsake video with you, printed photos and a certification of achievement. So, if experiencing thrills is for you, see the CN tower in Toronto as one of the must-see places to visit in Canada.
Immerse yourself in local Canadian culture at the Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto. Find art, world culture and natural history at your fingertips, from the galleries of The Blue Whale Story, to the extraordinary Dawn of Life preview. For a spot of shopping to pick up your bits and bobs, or to immerse in Toronto fashion, why not visit the Toronto Eaten Centre? Filled with an array of shops, restaurants and retailers – all under the dome of the historic mall’s beautiful glass ceiling.
What to take to Canada
Found the top places to see in Canada for your bucket list? It’s time to save the date and book your trip. Explore guarantee a safe, pre-organised trip – but don’t forget to pack the essentials! Protective travel clothing and, depending on season, insect repellent items or winter gear will keep you safe whilst you travel Canada.
Find everything you need for travelling to Canada from our protective clothing range at Craghoppers. Don’t forget – share your memories as your visit Canada using the #mycraghoppers hashtag!