Rich in history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes, Canada is an essential destination to visit if you’re an avid traveler. If you’ve got your ‘loonies’ in your pocket or your purse, check out these three tourist destinations for a great time.
Be sure to check Canada’s entry requirements before you travel, as you don’t want to be ‘snowed’ under with paperwork during your holiday.
Here are three of the best tourist attractions in Canada you need to visit while exploring the Great White North.
Niagara Falls, Ontario
Perhaps the most popular location for visitors within Canada, Niagara Falls is a wonder of natural beauty. Operating as a tourist attraction for over a century, Niagara Falls and the Niagara Gorge bring millions of travelers per year.
Did you know Niagra Falls drops for over 57 meters? In the 20th century, some tried to ride boats and barrels down the falls. Nowadays, the nearby town of Niagara falls pays homage to this through its carnivalesque atmosphere.
Niagara Falls is located around a 90-minute away from Toronto and is shared with the American border. Horseshoe Falls, often regarded as the most beautiful of the three waterfalls, can be viewed on the Canadian side of the border.
As well as view the falls, there is a pleasant walk to be enjoyed down Clifton Hill, and an immersive cruise along the base of the falls. There are regular firework displays, and in the colder months, the Winter Festival of Lights.
It is also possible to visit the Skylon Tower for an aerial view of the natural wonder and understand more about their history through the Journey Behind the Falls experience.
Banff National Park, Alberta
The oldest national park in Canada, Banff National Park is not to be missed for those who enjoy spectacular scenery and serene walks alongside the lakes. The water in Banff National Park is renowned for its striking shades of blue.
Banff National Park is located within the Canadian Rockies, which offer other exciting excursions including the Yoho National Park, home to the large Takakkaw Falls.
There are several opportunities for hiking within the park, or a scenic drive if you prefer not to walk. Banff National Park comprises around 6600 square feet of terrain, including mountains, glaciers, and coniferous forests.
One of the central attractions within Banff National park is Moraine Lake, which is glacially fed and is best seen in June. The water of the lake is a shade of azure blue, due to the refraction of the light from the surrounding glaciers.
Another beautiful lake not to be missed is Lake Louise, boasting beautiful green waters. Lake Louise also offers the chance to travel along the Icefields Parkway, eventually leading to the town of Banff.
If you love skiing, the Lake Louise Ski resort and Sunshine Village are the perfect destinations to try out the snowy peaks on your skis or snowboard.
Old Quebec, Quebec City
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985, the Old Quebec city is one of the most historic places in Canada. Regarded as the birthplace of French North America, this charming attraction offers over 400 years of history.
The area is known for its outstanding colonial architecture, as well as hosting one of the oldest shopping streets in North America, Petit-Champlain, recognized through its iconic cobblestone streets, and great shopping!
Situated in both upper and lower Quebec, there are several historic buildings to be witnessed. The lower town includes the Fairmont Le Châteu Frontenac, which can easily be considered the world’s most photographed hotel!
Within the upper town, which is set upon 100-meter-high cliffs, there are other treats to enjoy including the Citadel, the Parque Historique de l’Artillerie, and the Place d’Armes, among others.
The Old Quebec city is primarily for tourists, with several attractions including museums like Musée de la Civilisation, as well as restaurants and shops. Old Port is the ideal place to spend an afternoon browsing antique stores and galleries.
For other artwork, Old Quebec also has the Rue du Trésor, where many contemporary artists display their work. Often in the summer months, there will also be outdoor artwork displays that are not to be missed.
