The second-largest country in the world is filled with natural wonders, so making a list was a challenge! Although from my time exploring this extraordinarily scenic country, here are my favorite spots I’d love to share with you…
1. The Canadian Rockies
I took this shot of Icefileds Parkway – this whole area was breathtaking!
This world-famous mountain range honestly left me in awe — the jagged peaks, lush forests, and glassy lakes stretch across four of the stunning national parks that form the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site: Banff, Jasper, Kootenay, and Yoho. The whole place felt majestic and wildly adventurous!
I touched down at Calgary International Airport, picked up a rental car, and stayed for two weeks, partly staying at the Insta-worthy Penthouse At Solar A Resort and Spa. I spent it hiking glacier-carved valleys, road-tripping the spectacular Icefields Parkway, soaking in Banff’s hot springs, skiing at Lake Louise, and taking the legendary Rocky Mountaineer through the mountains (the glass-domed coaches were awesome!), with a few dreamy stops in Canmore along the way!
Location:Western Canada, spanning Alberta and British Columbia | Size: Over 1,400 km | Vibe: Wild, cinematic, and awe-inspiring
My highlights…
Also staying at the mountain-chic 4-star MTN House By Basecamp – I love the fishing-hut photo booth, the Scandi-style beech wood and my trendy Nespresso Vertuo machine!
2. Banff National Park
My shot of Peyto Lake in Banff National Park – it really did look like a wolf’s head from afar!I took this in Banff National Park – I was in awe of its endless snowy landscapes!
I thought Banff was breathtaking! I was seriously in awe of its stunning alpine landscapes, majestic mountain vistas, shimmering lakes, and thick, dense forests and great amenities such as buzzy restaurants and quaint shops. I also loved its focus on outdoor adventures while still having a cozy mountain retreat vibe!
I drove just over 1.5 hours west from Calgary and five days here felt like pure alpine bliss — turquoise-blue kayaking on Lake Louise, waterfall-hopping through Johnston Canyon, steaming away the miles in the Banff Upper Hot Springs, gazing out from the Banff Gondola, chasing glaciers along the Icefields Parkway and dipping into the quirky gift shops – the trendy Cool As A Moose became a favorite!
Location: Canadian Rockies, southwestern Alberta | Size: Large alpine national park | Vibe: lively, adventure-base feel
My favorite highlights…
Staying at the 4-star Sunshine Mountain Lodge – I loved the modern boutique styling, the huge outdoor hot tub and the cedar-lined dry sauna. It was also the hotel in the area accessible directly by gondola.
3. Vancouver
My photo of Vancouver – the city looked pristine in a panoramic view!
My snap of a Seaplane in Vancouver -this was just as I was about to board it to Vancouver Island!
I absolutely loved Vancouver when I visited! I also thought it was very easy-on-the-eye with sleek modern architecture and charming historic buildings, all set against a backdrop of sparkling waters, sandy beaches rugged, pebbly shores, thick forests and the snow-capped peaks of the Coast Mountains.
I loved how Vancouver felt both relaxed and cosmopolitan — one minute I was sipping coffee in a cozy downtown café, and the next I could be hiking in the mountains or lounging on the beach. After my Rockies trip, I flew from Calgary to Vancouver (a quick 1.5-hour hop) and spent my time cycling the iconic seawall in Stanley Park, munching on a Mushroom & Spinach Pot Pie on bohemian Granville Island, wandering historic Gastown, and riding the cloud-skimming gondola up Grouse Mountain!
Staying at the cool and unique 4-star L’Hermitage Hotel – I loved the boutique interiors which were a mix of Parisian and West Coast sophistication, my Italian marble bathroom, the super plush bed and the outdoor heated lap pool and jacuzzi!
4. Vancouver Island
I thought this was such a serene, unique and atmospheric place! I found it was also very easy-on-the-eye with stunning rugged coastal cliffs, misty old-growth rainforests where the air smelled of cedar and saltwater, and sandy beaches, charming seaside towns, fine historic architecture and several bohemian-style communities which had cool, artsy, alternative vibes which I loved!
I took the 2-hour ferry from Vancouver, drove to Tofino and based myself at the gorgeously located 4-star Long Beach Lodge Resort. From there, I explored Victoria’s historic centre, walked among the giant trees of Cathedral Grove, braved the wild Pacific waves, and drove the scenic Pacific Rim Highway. I even spotted orcas and humpback whales in the Salish Sea and took a boat trip out to the natural hot springs at Hot Springs Cove.
Location:Off Canada’s Pacific coast, British Columbia | Size: Large island ~460 km | Vibe: Wild, soul-soothing, coastal-chic
My highlights…
Going for afternoon tea at the iconic 5-star Fairmont Empress – I love the dreamy waterfront location, the elegant decor, the delicate cakes and finger sandwiches and the fact that the honey was harvested from the hotel’s very own hives!
5. Jasper National Park
I took this shot of Glacier Skywalk in Jasper National Park – it was seriously vertigo inducing!
I just loved this vast and unspoilt park! It was just stunning with vast landscapes featuring towering mountains, sparkling lakes set against the backdrop of the rugged Canadian Rockies. To me it felt tranquil and adventurous and I found it larger but less crowded and commerlized than its famous neighbor Banff.
I drove 4 hours through the spectacular Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper and stayed at the cozy Pyramid Lake Lodge for four days hiking the scenic trails at Maligne Canyon and Lake, taking a boat cruise on Maligne Lake to Spirit Island, riding the Jasper SkyTram – the panoramic views were incredible!
Location:Canadian Rockies, western Alberta | Size: over 11,000 km² | Vibe: Vast, wild, and quietly spectacular
My personal highlights…
I hiked the steep 5-mile Sulphur Skyline Trail in five hours, breathing crisp alpine air for sweeping summit views before sinking into the steaming Miette Hot Springs at the trailhead!
6. Niagara Falls
This is one of the most famous waterfalls on the planet! Yes, I found it touristy, but I was also in awe! It had immense cascades of water that created stunning rainbows and a cool, ever-present mist that clung to my hair and jacket, all set against a dramatic natural backdrop – it felt both powerful and mesmerizing!
I took the 2.5 hour drive from Toronto and spent two days here. I experienced the thunderous power of the falls up close on the Maid of the Mist boat tour (I let people pass to ensure I was first to the wettest spot on the boat!), walked behind the cascading waters at Journey Behind the Falls and explored the interconnected trails of Niagara Glen Nature Reserve.
Location:On the border between Ontario, Canada and New York State, USA | Size: Three massive waterfalls | Vibe: Spectacular, powerful, and bucket-list iconic
My highlights…
Seeing spectacular 360-degree views of the Skylon Tower from its observation deck and then dining in their amazing Revolving Dining Room – the restaurant rotated 360 degrees every hour so the view changed as I ate!
7. Toronto
This multicultural hub is Canada’s largest city! Of course, like any major city Toronto has its grittier parts but it was also a striking place with a superb skyline dominated by the iconic CN Tower, modern and historic architecture and a scenic waterfront along Lake Ontario. It has a lively urban vibe and to me, it seemed like a smaller, cleaner, tidier version of New York.
I landed at Toronto Pearson Airport and headed into the city, where I took in the views from the CN Tower, explored the Royal Ontario Museum and the Art Gallery of Ontario, wandered the historic Distillery District, browsed stalls at St. Lawrence Market, relaxed on the Toronto Islands, and soaked up the creative vibe in Chinatown and Kensington Market.
Location:Southern Ontario, northwestern shore of Lake Ontario | Size: very large city | Vibe: Vibrant, creative, and cosmopolitan
My favorite highlights…
Hanging out at Cineforum – this is where local eccentric Reg Hartt showed me short films and animations in his living room and even talked about his colourful party lifestyle past with a can of Labatt Blue in hand!
8. Whistler
My photograph of Whistler – it had such a peaceful vibe!
This is one of the biggest ski resorts in the whole of North America! It’s also a truly stunning spot where I found jaw-dropping alpine scenery, a mix of modern ski resort architecture with chalet-style buildings and a backdrop of thick, lush forests and towering mountains. It exuded a lively, adventurous vibe mixing high-energy sports activities and a laid-back mountain lifestyle.
From Vancouver I drove the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway to Whistler for 2 hours and went skiing on the world-famous Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, watched the snowboarders, tobogganers, and ski jumpers, enjoyed the panoramic views from the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, relaxed in the eucalyptus-scented steam room in Scandinave Spa, and sampled the restaurants and shopping in the buzzy Whistler Village. In the summer the locals told me the area was popular for hiking, biking and zip-lining.
Stumbling across 3 Singing Birds felt like finding a tiny creative gallery — pale wooden shelves displayed hand-thrown ceramics, botanical-scented skincare, and even little poetry zines instead of typical shop racks!
9. Quebec City
This is my snap of Quebec City – it was such a romantic place!
I thought this city was both charming and seductive! I was completely won over by its old-world European-style charm, fine historic landmarks, French colonial architecture and the picturesque streets of Old Quebec, which is actually a UNESCO World Heritage site. It had a European-style vibe — lively festivals, quaint cafés, bustling markets all mixed with the warm bilingual charm of the locals. Yes, it was touristy… but it’s popular for a reason!
I took the scenic 3-hour drive from Montreal and spent three days at the super Insta-worthy boutique Le Capitole Hotel . I toured Old Québec’s cobbled streets, admired the Château Frontenac, walked the ramparts at La Citadelle, soaked up views from the Observatoire de la Capitale,wandered Quartier Petit Champlain, and tucked into beautiful French cuisine — and I swear I stumbled across a romantic little café every few minutes!
Location:Eastern Canada, Quebec Province | Size: Mid-sized city | Vibe: Romantic and old-world-European
My favorite highlights…
Being high on the suspension bridge above Montmorency Falls, the mist and thunder made it feel like I was walking on the waterfall!
10. Old Montreal
My photograph of Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal – I loved the dramatic Gothic spires and the breathtaking, rainbow-lit interior!
This was my Instagram snap of Old Port (Vieux-Port) in Old Montreal – it was one of the most scenic and lively parts of the city!
I thought Montreal was such a dynamic and intriguing city! I have to admit it was an eclectic mix with some gritty parts, but parts of it were stunning and very elegant especially Old Montreal which was filled with historic architecture, charming cobblestone streets and the buzzy Old Port. It oozed with European-inspired charm — quaint corner cafés, pretty boutique windows, grand columns, and beautiful old churches at every turn!
I flew into Montréal-Trudeau Airport and spent four days staying at the unique historic boutique LHotel Montreal in Old Montreal. I wandered the cobblestone streets, admired the breathtaking Notre-Dame Basilica, soaked up city views from Mount Royal Park, visited the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and the Biodome, and dove into the city’s famous food scene in the lively Old Port — including poutine and bagels, of course!
Location:Downtown Montréal, Quebec Province | Size: Compact cobblestoned quarter | Vibe: Romantic and European-feeling
My favourite highlights…
Spending an afternoon at the blissful Bota Bota Spa – I loved its unique location on former ferry located on the water, the Scandi-chic decor and going on a full thermal experience cycle including a hot bath, a cold plunge, and then relaxing in the tranquil terraced garden!
11. Johnston Strait
I caught this moment in Johnstone Strait – it was incredible to see a humpback’s tail rising slowly and gracefully!
The waters here are home to some of the world’s largest pods of resident orcas! I also thought it was stunningly beautiful, with silvery clear waters surrounded by untouched coastal scenery and forest-covered mountains – the majestic resident orcas just added to the extraordinary natural drama of it all!
While staying on Vancouver Island, I drove two hours to the tiny community of Telegraph Cove. I stayed a few days and took an orca-viewing boat tour to Robson Bight Ecological Reserve, kayaked through calm, glassy waters surrounded by stunning coastal scenery, wandered Telegraph Cove’s quaint wooden boardwalk and restored historic buildings, and hiked the nearby forest trails — the whole place felt wonderfully zen and breathtakingly beautiful!
Dining on linguine in The Old Saltery Pub in Telegraph Cove and watching the cute and playful sea otters on the planks just outside!
12. Yoho National Park, British Columbia
This park is underrated when compared to its more famous neighbors of Banff and Jasper, but I thought it was a gem! It had a more peaceful intimate vibe but the scenery was just as striking with towering waterfalls, deep sparkling blue lakes, and dense forests dotted with rustic heritage buildings and serene riverbank beaches.
Yoho was only an hour’s drive from Banff, but it felt like another world. Over four days I stood in the spray of Takakkaw Falls, traced 500-million-year-old Burgess Shale fossils, hiked to Emerald Lake and Lake O’Hara, kayaked across mirror-bright Wapta Lake, and followed the glacier-lined Iceline Trail — finishing with a fascinating guided tour of the Mount Stephen Fossil Beds.
Location:Canadian Rockies, southeastern British Columbia | Size: Mid-sized national park over 1,300 km² | Vibe: Dramatic, waterfall-rich, and quietly majestic
My favorite highlights…
Hiking the easy, family-friendly Wapta Falls Trail took me just over two hours, leading through pine-scented forest to the thunderous 18-metre-high Wapta Falls — the largest waterfall in the park!
13. Prince Edward Island
I thought this was such a gem! I discovered quaint maritime towns, historic Victorian architecture, rolling green hills, and pristine sandy beaches which ranged from white to red sand. I was also charmed by its welcoming small-town vibe and very slow pace of life! There were warm smiles everywhere I looked here!
After crossing the Confederation Bridge from New Brunswick, I slowed right down for three days — exploring Cavendish, visiting the storybook home of Anne of Green Gables, padding across the powder-soft Singing Sands Beach, climbing the historic West Point Lighthouse and museum, and eating my way around colourful Charlottetown’s waterfront.
Location:Eastern Canada, Gulf of St. Lawrence | Size: medium-sized island about 224 km long | Vibe: Gentle, storybook-pretty, and slow-paced
My highlights…
Staying at the romantic historic boutique The Great George – I was completely charmed by the carefully restored heritage building, the in-room Lavender & Vanilla Stress-Relief Massage and my mahogany four poster bed!
14. Cape Breton Highlands National Park
I thought this wild and rugged place was truly breathtaking! I found dramatic cliffs and forested mountains overlooking sandy and rocky beaches, charming fishing villages, and scenic lighthouses dotted the unspoilt coastline. To me, it felt tranquil and untamed and I really liked how it combined a raw natural beauty with a welcoming coastal charm.
I took the Trans-Canada Highway onto Cape Breton Island and drove 3 hours to reach Cape Breton Highlands National Park. I road-tripped the famous Cabot Trail which had very photo-very ocean views, hiked the Skyline Trail at sunset, and explored pretty coastal spots including Ingonish Beach and the Acadian village of Chéticamp.
Location:Northern Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia | Size: Large park covering ~950 km² | Vibe: Rugged, windswept, and wildly scenic
My personal highlights…
Seeing a moose on the scenic Skyline Trail was unforgettable — the path led me to a dramatic headland cliff high above the Gulf of St. Lawrence, where I took in one of the most iconic ocean views in Nova Scotia!
15. Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
This remote and vibrant city is where I finally spotted the Northern Lights! The capital of Canada’s Northwest Territories, I thought it was a stunning and unique spot with a striking blend of rugged Arctic landscapes and quirky modern architecture. I also loved how it had both a frontier spirit and a strong sense of community!
I took the two and a half hour flight from Vancouver and stayed for an extraordinary four days at the charming Great Slave Lakeside Bed & Breakfast. I was lucky enough to see the breathtaking aurora borealis at Aurora Village and I also explored the area’s history and indigenous art at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre, went snowmobiling on Great Slave Lake (which was a lot of fun!), snowshoed the scenic Frame Lake Trail, and browsed the Old Town’s quirky shops and cool waterfront restaurants!
Location:Northern Canada, capital of the Northwest Territories | Size: Small subarctic city and remote northern hub | Vibe: Wild, aurora-famous, and frontier-spirited
My highlights…
Visiting the unique and fun Snowking Castle which is built every November on frozen Great Slave Lake – it was great to see the artistic ice carvings then cozy up in the ice café with a mulled rose wine afterwards!
16. Churchill, Manitoba
I braved this shot of a polar bear in Churchill – it was incredible to see one this close in the wild!Then I found this cute little fella making a nest and sleeping!
I thought this made such a unique travel destination! This small, remote town located on the shores of Hudson Bay completely captivated me with its rugged natural beauty and an untamed wilderness dotted with interesting sights and even more intriguing wildlife – it’s not called “Polar Bear Capital of the World” for nothing, (and on my trip, I saw around 40 of them in one day)!
I loved the wild, rugged, adventurous vibe here — it felt deeply connected to nature with a real close-knit community spirit. It’s famous for its beautiful white bears, but it’s also amazing for Beluga whale watching in late summer.
I took the 2-hour flight from Winnipeg and stayed at Bears Den Guest House II. I joined thrilling polar bear tundra tours, visited the historic Prince of Wales Fort (only reachable by boat), explored the Itsanitaq Museum , and even saw the northern lights thanks to the high latitude and minimal light pollution — unforgettable!
Location:Remote northern Manitoba on the southwest shore of Hudson Bay | Size: Tiny Arctic-frontier town | Vibe: Wild, windswept, and once-in-a-lifetime
My highlights…
Stopping by the Churchill Northern Studies Center – I learnt a lot about the unique flora and fauna of the area, including polar bears, beluga whales from the knowledgable guides and they also told us about the impact of climate change the main thing being the earlier break-up of sea ice in Hudson Bay.
Lee Hubbard - writer and photographer
Lee mostly spent his formative years as a junior Spielberg wannabe, devouring movies in front of a cinema screen, but then a “year out” after graduating turned into a not-too-shabby six years of working, travelling, and volunteering across the globe. Attempting to satisfy his curiosity and passion for discovery both at home and abroad, he became a concierge at a luxury hotel and a member of the prestigious Les Clefs d’Or, whilst still finding time to visit over 60 countries in his time off. On his jaunts, he combines all his passions – seeking out film locations, discovering off-the-beaten-track adventures, and extraordinary wildlife encounters which so far have included meetings with orangutans, whale sharks, gorillas, and polar bears. He counts New Zealand, Canada, Tanzania, Denmark, Borneo, and Mongolia among his favourite travel destinations. Find Lee on LinkedIn or Facebook.
Hotel Reviewing Experience - Member of the prestigious Les Clefs d’Orand asked by many tourist boards and many high-profile travel brands to formally review hotels including Discover Hong Kong, Stayokay Utrecht, Discover Ireland, and Visit Canada. Also travelled around the world scouting out and reviewing all the most unique hotels in the world, check out our Instagram page for photos. Listed as a top UK travel journalist.
17 thoughts on “16 Most Breathtaking Places to Explore in Canada”
What an incredible list! Canada truly has some of the most stunning landscapes. I’ve been wanting to visit Moraine Lake and see the vibrant turquoise waters for myself! Thanks for highlighting these breathtaking destinations!
Canada really is a wonderland! I feel like it is so underrated and then when people get a taste of it, they realize just how special it is. There’s still so much more I want to discover that is on your list! 🙂
I really like to share your all these images which look very fantastic and cool. I also enjoyed my self while I was visiting this kind of places. In my point of view all these places are the best ways to have great fun in Canada. I hope you will have a joyful time there.
This is a very good post Lee. All the places and photos are so beautiful to see and everyone wants to go there once. After watching these makes me want to go to Canada again and Brought back my memories when i go there.
Wow! this is a nice post for a traveler to know about canada’s beautiful places. I hope this post will be very helpful for every traveler.After saw this photos I am charmed and My mind wants to go away towards canada right now.
Nice places, I visited Niagara Falls only last year and it was most memorable trip for us. Falling views of Horseshoe waterfalls from table rock and Maid of the Mist boat ride was great experience for us.
Your photos are amazing. I too love Canada yet have seen so little of it. I love going to Toronto, a big city with a great vibe and wonderful to explore.
Niagara Falls is also fabulous. I’ve seen it from both sides. The US side does have some fantastic views but I still think the Canadian side is better.
Great list and wonderful pictures! As a Canadian, I would definitely add Vancouver on the list too (although I suppose it’s sort of part of the rockies). It’s as cool, clean and urban as Toronto, but right on the ocean and surrounded by mountains. What more could you ask for?
What an incredible list! Canada truly has some of the most stunning landscapes. I’ve been wanting to visit Moraine Lake and see the vibrant turquoise waters for myself! Thanks for highlighting these breathtaking destinations!
Canada really is a wonderland! I feel like it is so underrated and then when people get a taste of it, they realize just how special it is. There’s still so much more I want to discover that is on your list! 🙂
I really like to share your all these images which look very fantastic and cool. I also enjoyed my self while I was visiting this kind of places. In my point of view all these places are the best ways to have great fun in Canada. I hope you will have a joyful time there.
This is a very good post Lee. All the places and photos are so beautiful to see and everyone wants to go there once. After watching these makes me want to go to Canada again and Brought back my memories when i go there.
You are so pretty and i would love to text you to see a play date for my kids with your kids if you have any!!!
Wow! this is a nice post for a traveler to know about canada’s beautiful places. I hope this post will be very helpful for every traveler.After saw this photos I am charmed and My mind wants to go away towards canada right now.
Great post Lee! Canada is truly a beautiful place even in the winter (despite the freezing temperatures!)
Nice places, I visited Niagara Falls only last year and it was most memorable trip for us. Falling views of Horseshoe waterfalls from table rock and Maid of the Mist boat ride was great experience for us.
Gorgeous photos, makes me want to go to Canada!
Your photos are amazing. I too love Canada yet have seen so little of it. I love going to Toronto, a big city with a great vibe and wonderful to explore.
Niagara Falls is also fabulous. I’ve seen it from both sides. The US side does have some fantastic views but I still think the Canadian side is better.
Great list and wonderful pictures! As a Canadian, I would definitely add Vancouver on the list too (although I suppose it’s sort of part of the rockies). It’s as cool, clean and urban as Toronto, but right on the ocean and surrounded by mountains. What more could you ask for?
Thanks for your comment Jessica!
Vancouver Island is an awesome place to live, I just want to go back…Vancouver is nice but too pricy, maybe that´s why is not in the list-!
Nice guide Lee sounds like you really enjoyed your time there.
I’ve always wanted to go to Canada, great guide to its beautiful places. I love the images you have chosen especially the first and the last.
Great post Lee. Brought back memories of a great holiday,
Thanks Pixie!