The Byward Market in Vancouver, Ottawa and Montreal are the main attractions of these Canadian cities. In addition, you can explore the vibrant food scene at these locations. Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa each have their own attractions. But what can you expect in each city? Read on to find out! And be sure to check out our guide to Quebec! Whether you’re a foodie or not, there’s something for everyone in this list!
Vancouver
A city with a rich Asian and Sikh culture, Vancouver is a multicultural mix of urban life and nature. This cosmopolitan destination is often referred to as the “Brooklyn of Canada.” While the outdoors is always an option in Vancouver, the city also has great shopping, dining, and nightlife. If you’re looking for a great trip, Vancouver should be at the top of your list!
The city’s lush green forests, lakes, and rivers are stunning. Visitors can enjoy activities like hiking, camping, and canoeing. Vancouver is also the starting point of many road trips to nearby Whistler. While Vancouver is a great place to enjoy nature, there are also some cities that are just as beautiful. The best time to visit Vancouver is in the winter, when the city is illuminated by thousands of Christmas lights.
Victoria is another popular destination in the city. Victoria is home to Butchart Gardens, Canada’s National Historic Site. These beautiful gardens boast over a million plants and 900 varieties of flowers. During the summer, the gardens host fireworks. Visitors can also take a tour of the greenhouses. Tickets cost $25 for adults and $21 for children. However, early bird tickets can be a good deal.
Whitehorse
If you’re looking for a destination to experience the wild side of Canada, consider Whitehorse. The capital of Yukon, this city is located on the banks of the Yukon River, and is a great jumping off point to the vast wilderness of northern Canada. Just a few miles from town, you can travel the Klondike Highway, or the Alaska Highway, which runs alongside it. Once you’re done exploring, stop at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve to see some of the area’s native wildlife, including caribou and Dall’s sheep.
In 1896, a prospector named Skookum Jim struck gold in the region of Bonanza Creek, starting what is today known as the Yukon Gold Rush. Here, travelers can retrace the steps of the area’s 100,000-strong community of prospectors. From Whitehorse International Airport, take a flight to Dawson City, where you’ll find the country’s oldest gambling hall and can-can shows. Visitors can also pan for gold in Free Claim #6.
Toronto
If you’re planning a vacation to Canada, you might be wondering where to start. The second largest country in the world has plenty to offer, from the cosmopolitan streets of Toronto to the mountains of the Canadian Rockies. Whatever your travel needs may be, there are plenty of places to visit in Canada to make your trip a memorable one. Here are some of the top choices. madisonsdish.com
Art lovers will love the Art Gallery of Ontario, located in downtown Toronto. This museum was founded in 1900 and features over 95,000 unique pieces. It also hosts various exhibits, talks, and tours. There’s also a planetarium here for viewing planetarium shows. You won’t be bored at any of these attractions! Make sure to check out some of the best exhibits and take a few hours to explore them all.
Niagara Falls is a two-hour drive away. Toronto has a great food scene and great coffee shops, making it one of the best places to visit in Canada. CN Tower is Canada’s tallest building, so be careful! Also, check out the historic Brewery District and Kensington Market. And don’t miss the Casa Loma, which is one of the most romantic and delicious restaurants in the country.
Montreal
When visiting Montreal, you’ll want to check out its gastronomic scene. Chinese food is a staple of the city, and the small street is also home to cheap souvenir shops and cute bakeries. It can get quite busy, but once you’ve hit the town at night, there are plenty of bars and restaurants open until the wee hours. While you’re here, don’t miss trying the famous Gibeau Orange Julep!
If you’re looking for something a little more urban, try visiting Verdun, a district in Montreal founded in 1671. Although it’s the oldest city in Canada, this neighborhood is still one of the hippest, and offers the latest shops and restaurants. Its old-world charm keeps you coming back again, and you won’t want to leave! The quaint little streets and alleyways in this part of the city are lined with unique shops, but it doesn’t feel too touristy. https://www.themehorse.com/support-forum/users/madisonsdish/
If you want to take a hike, the mountains near Montreal are a great place to do it. You can climb Mont Royal to get panoramic views of the city. You’ll need to get up early to avoid the crowds. But don’t worry if you’re a nervous traveler – there are shuttle buses available to take you to the top. And don’t forget to check out the famous Sacacomie Lake, where you can take a dip or go boating.
Banff National Park
In the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park is a hidden gem. The park is made up of glaciers, forests, and turquoise lakes. The only town in the park is Banff, where you’ll find the main hub of activities. From the town, you can enjoy the scenery by driving the Icefields Parkway through the mountains. It’s well worth the trip.
You can also check out the cave and basin national historic site, which was the birthplace of the park. You can take a self-guided trail and watch a 4D movie about the park’s history. There are a few hiking trails and scenic views throughout the park, and the park’s unique rock formations are impressive. It’s hard not to be mesmerized by this stunning backdrop.
Animals are another highlight of Banff. The park is home to over fifty species of mammals, including moose, elk, and bighorn sheep. You may also spot black bears, grizzly bears, and cougars. You’ll also have the chance to see elk and caribou. Wildlife viewing is one of the best parts of Banff National Park, and seeing them in the wild is an unforgettable experience.
Kelowna
Nestled on the shores of Okanagan Lake, Kelowna is surrounded by scenic provincial parks and wineries. With a laid-back vibe, Kelowna is the perfect weekend getaway from the bustling metropolis of Vancouver. Its international airport makes it convenient for travelers to fly in and out of the city. Alternatively, if you prefer to drive, Kelowna is only a 4-hour drive from Vancouver.
The Okanagan Valley is the preeminent wine-producing region of Canada, and Kelowna is bursting with historic charm. Visitors can explore the area’s rich history through its numerous wineries and vineyards. You can also check out the Okanagan Military Museum for relics from both World Wars. You can even enjoy a coffee or a delicious lunch at a cozy local café, while sipping a local brew.
If you prefer a more leisurely pace, you can drive from Vancouver to Kelowna via Ebus, a local bus company. Ebus offers scheduled services across British Columbia and Alberta. A car is not needed to explore Kelowna’s vibrant downtown area. BC Transit also offers frequent schedules within Kelowna. Buses accommodate bicycles, scooters, and wheelchairs.
Ottawa
Ottawa is home to many museums and art galleries, as well as the national museum. The National Gallery of Canada boasts the largest collection of Indigenous art in Canada. The Ottawa Art Gallery, meanwhile, focuses on artists from the Ottawa-Gatineau region. The Firestone Art Collection features works by Canadian artists Emily Carr, Alma Duncan, and Lawren Harris. Visitors will also find several art museums, galleries, and parks in Ottawa.
The Parliament building in Ottawa is the country’s political landmark. Featuring three imposing edifices, this Gothic-style building is worth a visit. If you have time, head to the top of the Peace Tower for 360-degree views of the city. Touring times vary, depending on the month you visit. The ByWard Market is also a vibrant, colorful place. There are restaurants, fast-food kiosks, and boutiques galore. Several national museums are located in Ottawa, including the Canadian Museum of History, National Gallery of Canada, and the Museum of Nature.
The Rideau Canal is another popular attraction in Ottawa. The Rideau Canal was constructed in 1832 as a military defense system. Today, it’s a recreational destination. In the winter, it becomes the world’s largest skating rink. The canal is also the world’s largest skating rink. While there, you can rent a boat to frolic on its icy surface.
Victoria
If you’re looking for a small town with a large cultural and historical impact, Victoria, Canada is the perfect destination. This city’s charming downtown core is home to 39 world-famous murals depicting historical figures and scenes from the community’s past. While there are plenty of things to do and see in Victoria, the city’s waterfront is also full of blooming flowers and endless outdoor activities. You can even go whale watching and enjoy a slice of fresh fish and chips.
For an afternoon of fun and sightseeing, head to the bustling Chinatown. Victoria’s colorful neighborhood features many different shops and dining spots. Many buildings in this area have Chinese architectural features. On the narrowest stretch of Fan Tan Alley, which connects Fisgard Street and Fan Tan Alley, you’ll find the narrowest street in Canada. You can even walk or jog along this path for an hour or two.
