Chateau Frontenac, Quebec City

The Best Places to Visit in Canada

Canada attracts millions of tourists each year to enjoy the cosmopolitan cities, natural beauty and endless opportunities to spend time in the great outdoors. Whether you want to go hiking in the Canadian Rockies, snap a few photos of Niagara Falls or shop in Toronto, there’s something for you in this North American destination. If you’re looking for inspiration, this post lists some of Canada’s best spots to visit in 2018.

Quebec City

Quartier Petit Champlain, Christmas in Quebec City
Photo courtesy of Shannon Kircher, from Christmas in Quebec City

Quebec City is awash with both history and culture. The old city has winding cobblestone streets and a distinct hint of French. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Old Quebec has various buildings, cathedrals and squares dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. Expect to find endless cafés, boutiques and a sensory overload when you visit this cultural destination in Canada.

Toronto

Distillery District, Guide to Toronto's Neighborhoods | The Wanderlust Effect Blog
Photo courtesy of Shannon Kircher from Toronto for First Time Visitors

Canada’s biggest and most cosmopolitan city bursts at the seams with people and energy. The city has a fantastic skyline with skyscrapers and modern buildings, attractive neighborhoods and is the definition of a cultural melting pot. More than 200 ethnic groups live in Toronto creating exotic enclaves including Koreatown, Greek Town and Little Italy. What this means for tourists is that each part of the city has its own life and soul. The availability of different types of food from around the world should be a major selling point too. Apart from embracing the culture, check out the CN Tower, explore PATH which is the largest underground shopping mall and get a bit of retail therapy along Yonge Street.

Vancouver

VANCOUVER: Best Places to Visit in Canada
Courtesy of mokastet via Creative Commons

Mountains surround Vancouver to the east, and a long coastline stretches to the west. The modern city gets featured in several TV shows across Canada and the United States for the incredible scenery and laid-back atmosphere. Outdoor activities are in abundance including skiing, kayaking, hiking and mountain biking. Granville Island and the Capilano Suspension Bridge are worth visiting too. Vancouver gives travelers everything they need for an excellent trip from natural beauty to world-class shopping.

Niagara Falls

NIAGARA FALLS - Best Places to Visit in Canada
Courtesy of Creative Commons

Everyone around the world knows about Niagara Falls. The 52 meters (170 feet) waterfall cascades at high velocities over the edge creating a loud roaring sound heard for miles around. This is one of the most photographed spots in the world and a favorite place for honeymooners. Several hotels are nearby for convenient accommodation with a view. Niagara Parks Botanical Garden and the Inniskillin Winery are also must-visit sites nearby.

Montreal

MONTREAL ✧ Best Places to Visit in Canada

Quebec’s largest city, Montreal, attracts visitors for the blend of French colonial with the modern, historical cathedrals and vibrant nightlife. Vieux-Montreal, the Old Town, forms the historical focal point with branching cobblestone lanes and endless cafés. The city has top-notch shopping districts, and its proximity to nature makes it a hotspot for outdoor enthusiasts. And after a day of sightseeing, head to Rue St-Denis for a night of partying.


If you like history, culture, shopping, fine-dining and natural beauty, Canada has an impressive amount on offer to cater to all travel styles and interests. The colossal country is about as diverse as it gets with spectacular scenery a short distance from all the major cities. Each destination has their own atmosphere and is worth visiting for a few days. The only challenge is finding out which place to visit!

More about Shannon Kircher

Shannon Kircher is the founder and editor of The Wanderlust Effect. Founded in 2009, she has continued to document her international escapes as an expat in Europe and the Caribbean. Additionally, Shannon is the founder of Compass & Vine, a luxury boutique travel design firm, and is the Director of Marketing for the Frangipani Beach Resort. Shannon holds an MSc in Social Policy and Development from the London School of Economics and is a current candidate for WSET Level 3 in Wines & Spirits.