Scenic view of the Rocky Mountains, Canada

Things to do in  Canada

True north, pure magic

Travel opportunities in Canada are as diverse as its people, and there are always new things to do. City lovers can scan for movie stars in Vancouver, the remote national parks in the Yukon draw hikers to marvel at the northern lights, and Nova Scotia’s cozy fishing villages offer a Maritime welcome. The country is steeped in the culture and history of the Indigenous nations who have lived on the land since time immemorial, and spots such as the Musée Huron-Wendat in Quebec and the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre in Whistler help share stories with visitors.

Top 15 attractions in Canada

Stanley Park

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Vancouver’s Stanley Park enjoys a stellar natural setting, surrounded on three sides by the Pacific Ocean and set against the backdrop of the snow-capped North Shore Mountains. At nearly 1,000 acres (405 hectares) in size, it offers a combination of coastal red-cedar forest, lakes and lagoons, and scenic meadows. A walk along the public park’s seawall is an essential Vancouver experience.More

Downtown Vancouver

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Surrounded by water on three sides, downtown Vancouver is the place to go for sea views, bright lights, and action. The city’s commercial core, it encompasses several distinct areas including shop-lined Robson Street, the green expanse of Stanley Park, historic Gastown, and one of the largest Chinatowns in North America.More

Niagara Falls, Ontario

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The powerful border-straddling Niagara Falls is actually composed of the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls (also known as Canadian Falls). Combined, these cascades have the highest flow rate of any waterfall in the world—more than a million bathtubs of water plummet over the edge every second. While they’re wildly impressive from the US, here’s how to explore the Canadian side.More

Calgary Stampede

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The Calgary Stampede is a grand celebration of Canada’s Western heritage that has been attracting visitors every year since 1923. Visit to experience small-town fun in a big way. The Stampede includes rodeo events, chuckwagon races, blacksmithing competitions, a midway, 300 performers on five stages, and First Nations cultural events.More

CN Tower

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For many visitors to Toronto, this needle-like telecommunications tower—often seen from the airplane window—is their first glimpse of the city. When completed in 1976, the CN Tower was the tallest free-standing structure in the Western Hemisphere. Though it no longer holds that title, it is still the tallest tower in Canada, and the spectacular views from its observation decks are second to none.More

Calgary Tower

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Standing sentinel over the city’s downtown since 1968, Calgary Tower features an observation deck with a glass floor and a revolving restaurant 627 feet (191 meters) above ground. Both afford 360-degree views across the city to the snow-capped Rocky Mountains in the distance.More

St. Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal (L'Oratoire Saint-Joseph du Mont-Royal)

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St. Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal (L'Oratoire Saint-Joseph du Mont-Royal) located in Montreal’s Westmount neighborhood, is Canada’s largest church and a registered National Historic Site. Started as a small chapel in 1904, the Roman Catholic basilica has grown to contain a cryptic church, a museum, gardens, a 56-bell carillon, and one of the largest church domes in the world.More

Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal)

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Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal) charms visitors with its picturesque squares, grand architecture, and winding cobblestone streets. Whether in the Old Port or walking down the main street Rue Saint-Paul, it’s easy to feel transported back in time—in fact, some architectural remains date back to New France. The historic site is considered to be the best preserved Old Town in North America.More

Gastown

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One of Vancouver’s oldest and buzziest districts, Gastown is packed with Victorian architecture and cobbled streets. Named after John “Gassy Jack” Deighton, an English mariner who opened a saloon in the area in the 19th century, the district is filled with heritage buildings now hosting boutiques, coffee shops, hip restaurants, and bars.More

Whistler-Blackcomb Mountains

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The biggest ski resort in North America and mountain host of the 2010 Winter Olympics, Whistler-Blackcomb Mountains feature 8,171 acres (3,306 hectares) of terrain and over 200 trails. With lift-accessed mountain biking, hiking, and more in the spring, summer, and fall, Whistler-Blackcomb is a world-class resort year-round.More

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

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Admire Vancouver's natural beauty at the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, a quintessential British Columbia experience and one of the Pacific Northwest's most popular attractions. The highlight includes walking out onto the 450-foot (137-meter) suspension bridge as it sways between the temperate rain forest over the rushing Capilano River below. With plenty more to see and do besides, it’s a must for adventurous visitors in Vancouver.More

Bow Falls

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Dropping off a 30-foot (9-meter ledge, Bow Falls is not particularly high though it is powerful, with the strong flow creating a dramatic frothy torrent. Easy trails along the Bow River lead to scenic viewpoints from where the falls can be observed, with the glacier-carved valley and the Canadian Rockies visible in the background.More

Granville Island

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Overflowing with art studios, theaters, restaurants, and kid-friendly activities, Vancouver’s Granville Island is a popular spot for both tourists and locals. The “island”—really a small peninsula—is an ideal getaway from the bustle of city life, with waterfront views, scenic alleyways, and a thriving food and art culture.More

Old Quebec (Vieux-Québec)

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With its narrow, cobbled streets and historic 17th- and 18th-century homes and monuments, there’s no place else in Canada that feels quite like Old Quebec (Vieux-Québec). As the only existing fortified city north of Mexico, it’s full of living history, rich Quebecois culture, and European-style charm. The historic district of Old Quebec—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—is a must-see when in Quebec City.More

Fort Calgary

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In 1875, the North West Mounted Police built a wooden fort—and it became the birthplace of Calgary. Visit Fort Calgary today to learn more about the city's formative years from 1875 to 1914 through interactive exhibits, replica barracks, guided tours, and an interpretive center.More

Trip ideas

Top activities in Canada

Half-Day Whale Watching Adventure from Vancouver
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Grouse Mountain & Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
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Niagara Falls Day Tour from Toronto w/ Boat, Lunch, Winery Stop
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Vancouver Seaplane Tour
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Vancouver Seaplane Tour

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Banff Gondola Ride Admission

Banff Gondola Ride Admission

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$50.31
Lake Louise and the Icefields Parkway - Full-Day Tour
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Victoria and Butchart Gardens Day Trip from Vancouver
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Quebec City and Montmorency Falls Day Trip from Montreal
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All about Canada

When to visit

Canada shines in all seasons, so you can time your visit to your interests. The country wakes in spring as bears emerge from hibernation and cherry blossom festivals begin. Summer offers days of hiking and camping, while lobster festivals bring visitors to the eastern provinces. In fall, the forests of Banff glow golden as the larch leaves change, and it’s the perfect time to sip wine and cider in the Okanagan. The winter is the time for skiing, skating, and visiting Quebec’s famous winter carnival.

Getting around

Canada is a large country, and it’s difficult to see everything without much time. While it's easy to drive or take a bus between major cities, consider flying if traveling from coast to coast, as it takes several weeks to drive across the country. If you plan on exploring several different regions, renting a car allows you to travel at your own pace.

Traveler tips

Canada is the territory of more than 50 distinct Indigenous nations, and learning about their ways of life and culture is vital to gaining a deeper understanding of the country. Places such as the Klahoose Wilderness Resort in the remote Desolation Sound offer wildlife tours accompanied by a cultural interpreter, while Quebec is home to spots including La Traite Restaurant and Restaurant Sagamité, where the menu is full of local ingredients and dishes informed by regional Indigenous cuisine.

Local Currency
Canadian Dollar (CA$)
Time Zone
EDT (UTC -5)
Country Code
+1
Language(s)
English
Attractions
418
Tours
3,324
Reviews
159,832
EN
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People Also Ask

What is Canada known for?

Canada is known for its welcoming culture and natural landscapes. With environments that range from rainforests to prairies, there’s something new down every road. The one consistency is the Canadian warmth you’ll experience everywhere you go.

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What is the number 1 tourist attraction in Canada?

Niagara Falls is Canada’s most popular tourist stop. It attracts millions of visitors yearly and can be reached in an hour from Toronto. To get the best views, zipline by the falls, take a cruise on the river, or walk behind the falls (something only doable on the Canadian side).

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What should you not miss in Canada?

No matter where you go in Canada, pause to learn about the land you’re visiting. Places such as Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler and Huron Traditional Site in Wendake, Quebec, teach about the culture of the Indigenous people who call the land home and make for a deeper experience.

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What activities are popular in Canada?

Canada is nearly synonymous with hockey, so whether you make it to a pick-up game on an outdoor rink or the Stanley Cup playoffs, you’ll be taking part in one of Canada’s favorite pastimes. If a fight breaks out on the ice—don’t worry! That’s part of the fun.

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What places should you visit in Canada?

Visit Toronto and Vancouver for multicultural urbanity, Whistler for winter sports and mountain scenery, and St. John’s for a warm welcome to eastern Canada. Make time for the great outdoors at Banff National Park or Prince Edward Island National Park.

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What are things you can only do in Canada?

Whether you drink a Sour Toe cocktail in Dawson, Yukon, or opt for bagged milk in Ontario—Canada offers plenty of unique experiences. Snorkel with salmon in Campbell River, watch the skies dance with aurora borealis, and see a hockey game on an outdoor rink to get the full Canadian experience.

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