Are you curious to know more about the land of our overly polite neighbors? In other words, have you been planning a trip to Canada? If so, this is your sign to do it! From the sharp peaks of Banff to the slippery surge of Niagara Falls, Canada is known for its wide variety of natural, cultural, and urban wonders worth exploring anytime throughout the year.
While planning can be a bit daunting given the wide variety of destinations you can choose from, we’ve still managed to narrow down some of the best places you can visit on your next Canadian vacation. If you’re ready for a relaxing time in some of the most beautiful places on Earth, let’s see what the future has in store for you!
Banff National Park and Lake Louise, Alberta
Nature lovers flock to the Canadian Rockies throughout the year to explore their sights. During the winter months, the small towns of Banff and Lake Louise open their doors to skiers. Those looking to warm up can easily take a dip in Banff’s hot springs.
Moreover, during the summer months, couples and families who are looking for an outdoor adventure can enjoy horseback riding, hiking, outdoor swimming, and lake cruises. For those of you who are looking to discover hidden gems, neighboring Jasper National Park, home to Athabasca Falls, is the perfect scenic destination.
Montreal, Quebec
Montreal has a certain old charm that’s truly remarkable. The wide variety of cafes and restaurants make it the ideal stop for a foodie tour. You can visit the well-known Notre Dame, then take a tour break in Montreal’s Botanical Gardens. And for the art lovers in your group, you can check out the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.
Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Foodies might also appreciate the wide selection of foods, especially on Vancouver Island, with teahouses and freshly caught seafood. Moreover, Vancouver Island has an entire bounty of natural sights.
Head to Tofino for some whale watching or even take a wildlife tour. After that, take a stop at one of Vancouver Island’s beautiful gardens, such as Victoria Butterfly Gardens or Victoria Butchart Gardens. These are only some of the most stunning places British Columbia has to offer.
Halifax, Nova Scotia
For those who want to visit Nova Scotia, which is one of Canada’s coastal provinces, you should definitely visit Peggy’s Point lighthouse. It’s a charming hundred-year-old lighthouse that’s the perfect backdrop for some proper travel photos. You can also go for a swim in Point Pleasant Park or even take a relaxing stroll in the Halifax Public Gardens.
Toronto, Ontario
Make sure you don’t miss one of the most well-known attractions in Canada, Niagara Falls, or even catch a game at Rogers Centre. In search of delicious local food, St. Lawrence Market has a wide number of shops and restaurants worth discovering.
Moreover, the annual Toronto International Film Festival attracts all kinds of filmmakers and movie lovers alike. Are you traveling with kids? Well, make sure you don’t miss the Toronto Zoo!
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Are you looking for places to take your family? The kids will definitely love Winnipeg’s Assiniboine Park Zoo. Folklorama, Winnipeg’s August summer festival, has a wide variety of local food and art. Moreover, you should make sure you book a tour of the Constance Popp chocolate factory and take a chocolate-making class.
Kelowna, British Columbia
Fall and summer visitors who decide to go to Okanagan Valley should know that there’s a wide number of local orchards and wineries they can choose from, especially for tours and tastings. The areas have some truly breathtaking views, which make them a prime destination for waking tours and outdoor adventures. Winter visitors can also enjoy fresh powder at Big White Ski Resort.
Regina, Saskatchewan
Are you ready to hit the beach? Regina Beach is the ideal destination for the entire family. You can take a walking tour and visit the Mackenzie Art Gallery. Then, to have something amazing at the end of your trip, you can go unwind in Canada’s largest mineral water pool. Those who are traveling with their little ones can learn more about dinosaurs and visit a model T-Rex at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum.
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
You can catch the Northern Lights in the Canadian Northwest. Art lovers who are visiting Yellowknife should make sure they stop by the Gallery of the Midnight Sun. Also, try not to miss the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Center and the Yellowknife Mining and Geological Museum. If you decide to visit in March, you need to check out the month-long Snowking Winter Festival.
Edmonton, Alberta
Honestly, you can’t possibly go wrong with stopping at West Edmonton Mall, especially since it’s one of the largest malls in the entire world. The mall has a year-round indoor waterpark and an indoor amusement park. Music lovers can go check out some of the biggest names in the jazz world at the nearby Edmonton International Jazz Festival or even grab a bite at a Taste of Edmonton.
Travel tips for Americans
Before heading north, make sure you check the weather forecast before going and dress in layers, just in case you have to deal with any sudden changes in the weather. Also, the north of Canada stretches into the Arctic Circle, and it can get quite chilly.
Depending on which season you decide, you want to have a proper pair of snow boots and even a waterproof jacket. Also, it might help to learn to speak a bit of French. After all, it’s the official language in Quebec. You will be able to get around fine-speaking English in tourist areas, but if you are headed to any far-flung sports, a bit of French might go a long way.
And it’s always great to say “Bonjour!” to other shop owners and locals. Luckily, your U.S. driver’s license is valid in Canada. You can take note that speed limits are also noted in kilometers rather than miles, and cell phones aren’t allowed for use when driving.
You can get some Canadian currency right before heading north. Even if many places will also accept U.S. dollars, especially close to the border, many areas will only take Canadian dollars. Even if they take your U.S. money, you won’t get a proper exchange rate. U.S. citizens also require a valid passport or an equivalent document to enter Canada and return to the States. Travelers under 15 years old only need to present a birth certificate.
Flying tips
Are you flying to Canada? Well, TSA’s website will tell you what you can bring with you or what needs to be checked during the flight. If you have other questions about specific items, check with your airline for rules and regulations.
You should contact them. Also, in case your luggage is lost or delayed, make sure you pack some medications, documents, and a change of wardrobe in your carry-on. There are plenty of travel insurance policies that also include needed coverage in cases where your baggage gets lost or even delayed.
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