“Oh, Canada, Oh Canada!” Prepare to Be Eh-mazed!”
Canada is a vast and diverse country, home to stunning natural landscapes, vibrant cities, rich culture, and friendly people–from the rocky mountains of British Columbia to the picturesque fishing villages of the Maritimes and from the bustling streets of Toronto to the serene wilderness of the Yukon, there is no shortage of amazing things to see and do across Canada.
In this list, we’ve compiled just a few examples of the many attractions and experiences that make Canada a truly remarkable destination. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or adventure seeker, Canada is perfection.
- Visit Banff National Park – Located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park is a stunning wilderness area with breathtaking views of mountains, glaciers, lakes, and forests. Visitors can go hiking, skiing, mountain biking, and wildlife watching or relax in the natural hot springs.
- Visit Quebec Old City – Quebec City is the only fortified city in North America and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and charming atmosphere make it one of Canada’s most beautiful and exciting cities.
- Take a Whale Watching Tour – The coast of British Columbia is a prime location for whale watching. Visitors can see orcas, humpback whales, gray whales, and other marine life in their natural habitat, surrounded by stunning scenery.
- See the Northern Lights – The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are a natural light display that occurs in the night sky in the northern hemisphere. The best places to see them in Canada are in the Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.
- Explore the CN Tower – The CN Tower in Toronto is one of Canada’s most iconic landmarks. Visitors can take a glass elevator to the top of the tower and enjoy panoramic views of the city and Lake Ontario.
- Visit Niagara Falls – Niagara Falls is a natural wonder that attracts millions annually. The powerful waterfalls can be seen from the Canadian and American sides, and visitors can take a boat tour, go hiking, or enjoy the breathtaking views.
- Attend the Calgary Stampede – The Calgary Stampede is one of the largest rodeos in the world and a celebration of Western culture. Visitors can see cowboys, horse shows, bull riding, and other rodeo events and enjoy live music, carnival rides, and food.
- Go skiing in Whistler – Whistler is one of the best ski resorts in North America, with over 200 ski trails and 16 alpine bowls. Visitors can also enjoy snowboarding, snowshoeing, other winter sports, hiking, and mountain biking in the summer.
- Visit Churchill, Manitoba – Churchill is known as the “polar bear capital of the world” and is home to thousands of beluga whales and polar bears, arctic foxes, and other wildlife. Visitors can take a tundra buggy tour to see these animals in their natural habitat.
- Explore the Rocky Mountains – The Rocky Mountains span across Alberta and British Columbia, offering some of Canada’s most spectacular scenery. Visitors can go hiking, camping, fishing, and horseback riding or enjoy the beauty of the mountains.
- Visit the Canadian Museum of History – Located in Gatineau, Quebec, the Canadian Museum of History is the most visited in Canada. It features exhibits on Canadian history, culture, and people, as well as First Nations artifacts and art.
- Go on a road trip on the Cabot Trail – The Cabot Trail is a scenic drive that winds around the coast of Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. It offers stunning views of the ocean, mountains, and forests and opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and whale watching.
- Attend the Montreal Jazz Festival – The Montreal Jazz Festival is one of the largest music festivals in the world, attracting over two million visitors every year. It features performances by jazz musicians from around the world, as well as other genres of music.
- See the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa – The Parliament Buildings in Ottawa are the seat of the Canadian government and a symbol of Canadian democracy. Visitors can tour the buildings, learn about Canadian politics, and see the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
- Explore the Bay of Fundy – The Bay of Fundy, located between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, is known for its extreme tides, which create unique rock formations and marine life. Visitors can go whale watching, kayaking, and hiking or enjoy the scenery.
- Visit the Royal Ontario Museum – The Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto is one of the largest museums in Canada, with exhibits on natural history, art, and culture. It features over six million artifacts, including dinosaur fossils, ancient Egyptian artifacts, and Canadian art.
- Go on a wine tour in the Okanagan Valley – The Okanagan Valley in British Columbia is a premier wine region known for its world-class wines and stunning scenery. Visitors can tour the wineries, taste local wines, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
- Visit the Canadian War Museum – The Canadian War Museum in Ottawa is a national museum that features exhibits on Canadian military history, including World War I and II, the Korean War, and peacekeeping missions. It also has a collection of military vehicles, weapons, and artifacts.
- Explore the Gros Morne National Park – Located in Newfoundland and Labrador, Gros Morne National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning landscapes, including mountains, fjords, and forests. Visitors can go hiking, fishing, kayaking, and wildlife watching.
- Attend the Calgary Folk Music Festival – The Calgary Folk Music Festival is a four-day event featuring performances by folk musicians worldwide. It also has food vendors, artisan markets, and workshops on music and art.
Tip: Check out Canada’s traveler website for up to date information before you go.
Did you know?
Canada has the longest coastline of any country globally, stretching over 202,080 kilometers (125,567 miles). This is due to the country’s vast geography, which includes numerous islands and archipelagos, as well as a northern coastline that borders the Arctic Ocean.
Canada’s coastline is longer than the combined coastlines of the following three longest countries (Indonesia, Russia, and the United States). This makes Canada the second-largest country in the world by land area and a major maritime nation with a rich history of seafaring and fishing.
A little history:
The earliest inhabitants of what is now Canada were Indigenous peoples, who have lived on this land for at least 12,000 years. They developed complex cultures and societies with their own languages, traditions, and belief systems.
In 1534, French explorer Jacques Cartier arrived in what is now Quebec and claimed the land for France. Over the next several centuries, French fur traders and settlers established settlements in Quebec and other parts of what is now Canada. In 1763, following the Seven Years’ War between France and Britain, France ceded its territory in Canada to Britain.
In 1867, the British North America Act created the Dominion of Canada, a federation of four provinces: Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. Over the next several decades, more provinces and territories joined Canada, including Manitoba, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and the Northwest Territories.
Canada played a significant role in World War I and II, contributing soldiers, resources, and leadership to the Allied forces. After World War II, Canada emerged as a significant economic power, with a strong manufacturing sector, abundant natural resources, and a well-educated and skilled workforce.
In the latter half of the 20th century, Canada underwent significant social and cultural changes, including the Quiet Revolution in Quebec, the women’s rights movement, and multiculturalism. Today, Canada is a vibrant and diverse country with a rich history and culture that continues to evolve and grow.
