19 Most Breathtaking Places to Explore in Canada

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

This is a world-famous rugged and breathtaking mountain range! I have to be honest I was in awe of its dramatic mountain peaks, thick lush forests, and pristine lakes and how they encompassed no less five stunning national parks famous all over the globe for their scenic beauty: Banff, Jasper, Kootenay, Yoho, and Glacier National Park. I also was completely taken in by the majestic and adventurous atmosphere! 

They stretch over 3,000 miles from the northernmost part of British Columbia, in western Canada, down through the United States to New Mexico and its highest peak, Mount Elbert, stands at very tall 14,440 feet.

I based myself here for a week partly staying at the Insta-worthy Penthouse At Solar A Resort and Spa and spent it hiking the stunning trails in Banff and Jasper National Parks. I also explored the incredible Icefields along the breathtaking Icefields Parkway, soaked in the natural hot springs in Banff, tried skiing on the slopes of Lake Louise, took in the rugged beauty of Yoho and Kootenay National Parks and explored the quaint charm of mountain towns of Canmore and Golden.

• Location:  Banff National Park, The Canadian Rockies.
• Location Map
• Best time to visit: July to August

My highlights…

• Also staying at the mountain-chic 4-star MTN House By Basecamp – I loved the trendy decor, the lashings of Scandi-style beech wood and the trendy Nespresso Vertuo machine in my guest room!
• Going on The Rocky Mountaineer – I absolutely loved the Glass-Domed Coaches where I saw panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and forests. I also really enjoyed the Outdoor Viewing Platform and dining on a locally foraged Wild Mushroom Risotto in the upscale dining cart!

2. Banff National Park

I thought this 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! 

It’s located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies within Banff National Park, in the province of Alberta (around 80 miles west of Calgary). It was established in 1885 as Canada’s first national park and a historic town resides within the protected area which has a population of around 8,000 residents.

I spent a heavenly 5 days here and I kayaked on Lake Louise, hiked the breathtaking trails of Johnston Canyon, explored the sweeping vistas from the Banff Gondola, checked out the world-class skiing slopes in Sunshine Village, relaxed in the soothing Banff Upper Hot Springs, and marveled at the wildlife and rugged peaks along the Icefields Parkway. 

• Visitors Center Address: Banff Visitor Centre (Hours) 224 Banff Avenue, Town of Banff Phone: 403-762-1550
• Map Location
• Best time to visit: all year round (different seasons offer different activities)

My favorite highlights…

• Staying at the 4-star Sunshine Mountain Lodge – I loved the modern boutique styling, the huge outdoor hot tub (one of the largest in the whole of Canada) and the cedar-lined dry sauna. It was also the hotel in the area accessible directly by gondola.
• I loved browsing all the quirky gift shops especially the unique souvenirs and the printed hoodies in Cool As A Moose.

3. Vancouver

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 snow-capped peaks of the Coast Mountains. 

I was really won over by how the city was so things at once – it was laid-back yet cosmopolitan, it also had outdoor adventures, cultural diversity, and urban sophistication. I could be sipping on coffee in a cozy café downtown, and then be hiking up a mountain or lounging by the beach in no time! To me, it was the perfect blend of laid-back West Coast vibes and vibrant city energy! 

It’s nestled on the west coast of the country in British Columbia, between the Pacific Ocean and the towering Coast Mountains. It was founded in 1886 and today has a population of 660,000. It’s mostly known for its Indigenous heritage, nice lifestyle and being gateway to the Pacific.

I spent a fun four days here and explored Stanley Park’s breathtaking seawall, visited Granville Island’s awesome food market and artisan shops, admired art at the Vancouver Art Gallery, strolled through historic Gastown home which was home to the famous Steam Clock, relaxed on Kitsilano Beach and took in the breathtaking views from Grouse Mountain. 

• Visitors Center Address: The Tourism Vancouver Visitor Centre, 200 Burrard Street, Suite 210, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 3L6
• Map Location
• Best time to visit: April to October (when the weather is mild)

My personal highlights… 

• 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 an serene, unique and atmospheric place! I found it was also very easy-on-the-eye with stunning rugged coastal cliffs, misty old-growth rainforests, and sandy beaches, charming seaside towns, fine historic architecture and several bohemian-style communities which had cool, artsy, alternative vibes which I loved!

It’s the largest island on North America’s west coast and has a population of around 865,000. Its history has shaped by the Indigenous Coast Salish, Nuu-chah-nulth, and Kwakwaka’wakw peoples, as well as early European explorers and I really enjoyed spotting all the mix of cultures! 

I took the ferry from Vancouver and stayed for an idyllic week at the gorgeously located 4-star Long Beach Lodge Resort. When here, I explored the charming streets and historic Fairmont Empress in Victoria, swam in the wild waves of Tofino, and hiked through the towering old-growth forests of Cathedral Grove. 

I also spotted gorgeous orcas and humpback whales in the Salish Sea, soaked in the natural hot springs of Hot Springs Cove, wandered the quirky bohemian markets of Salt Spring Island, and drove the breathtakingly scenic Pacific Rim Highway! 

• Visitors Center Address: 3607 Small Rd #101, Cumberland, British Columbia V9N 3Z8 C
• Location Map
• Best time to visit: spring to fall

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 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 took the four hour drive from Banff and stayed at the cozy Pyramid Lake Lodge for four days hiking the scenic trails at Maligne Canyon and Lake, exploring the sprawling ice fields along the Icefields Parkway, taking a boat cruise on Maligne Lake to Spirit Island, riding the Jasper SkyTram – the panoramic views were incredible! 

• Visitors Center Address: 500 Connaught Drive, Jasper, Alberta +780-852-6176.
• Map Location
• Best time to visit: June to September (when the weather is warm)

My personal highlights… 

• Hiking the challenging 5 mile Sulphur Skyline Trail which took me five hours to complete and was a steep descent which eventually lead to panoramic views at the summit and then soaking in the incredible Miette Hot Springs which was near the end of the trail. 

6. Niagara Falls 

• Location: Between Ontario, Canada and New York State, New York
• Map Location
• Best time to visit: mid-May to mid-September

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 cities! 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.

Located in the province of Ontario, along the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario it was established as the town of York in 1793 and renamed in 1834. It has a a population of around 2.9 million and is famous for its multiculturalism and economic significance.

I spent a fun three days here and explored the towering CN Tower and breathtaking city views, visited world-class cultural institutions the Royal Ontario Museum and Art Gallery of Ontario, strolled through the historic Distillery District which was alive with cafes, art galleries, and quirky shops, shopped and dined at the bustling St. Lawrence Market, relaxed on the Toronto Islands with their beaches and skyline views, and discovered the cool neighborhoods of Chinatown and Kensington Market where I browsed vintage stores for hours! 

• Location: Ontario
• Map Location
• Best time to Visit: late spring to early fall

My favorite highlights…

• Wandering around Toronto Island Park – I found scenic trails, small beaches and the family-friendly Centreville Amusement Park! 
• 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 beer in hand! 

8. Whistler 

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. 

It’s located in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia around 75 miles north of Vancouver. It was established as a resort municipality in 1975 and was the co-host of the 2010 Winter Olympics. It has a population of around 11,854 and is known for its world-class ski slopes and mountain biking trails.

I came here in the summer 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 Scandinave Spa, and sampled the restaurants and shopping in the buzzy Whistler Village. In the summer the area is popular hiking, biking and zip-lining.

• Location: north of Vancouver, British Columbia
• Map Location
• Best time to visit: December to February for great skiing conditions. 

My highlights…

• Stumbling across the super cute 3 Singing Birds which was such a unique and quirky place filled with handcrafted jewelry, unique home decor, organic skincare products and even poetry by locals! I loved how it was arranged so it resembled more of an art gallery than a traditional retail shop! 

9. Quebec City 

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.

I thought it had a vibrant, cultured vibe with a distinct European flair, with lively festivals, quaint cafes, and bustling markets, all set against a backdrop of historic architecture and the welcoming, bilingual charm of its residents! Yes it was touristy, but it was popular for a reason! 

Founded in 1608, it’s one of North America’s oldest cities, situated in southeastern Quebec on the north bank of the Saint Lawrence River. Predominantly French-speaking, it serves as the capital of the province and has a population of around 540,000.

I stayed for three days in the Insta-worthy boutique Le Capitole Hotel and that was enough to squeeze in a tour of of the historic streets of Old Quebec, a visit to the imposing Château Frontenac, exploring the impressive fortifications of La Citadelle, enjoying panoramic views from the Observatoire de la Capitale, wandering through the charming Quartier Petit Champlain, and dining on French cuisine in its fine restaurants. I loved that I stumbled across a quaint side street or romantic cafe every nearly few minutes! 

• Location: Québec province
• Map Location
• Best time to visit: June to September (or winter for winter sports and the festive Quebec Winter Carnival)

My favorite highlights…

• Walking across the nearby suspending bridge above Parc de la Chute-Montmorency which spanned 300 meters across and hung around 30 meters above the mighty Montmorency Falls – it was such a unique perspective from the bridge that I felt like I was actually walking along the waterfall.

10. Old Montreal 

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.

I also loved the way it was oozing with European-inspired charm in the form of quaint corner cafés, boutiques with pretty windows, impressive columns, and churches.

I found it in Montreal, Quebec, along the St. Lawrence River which is in the southeastern part of the country. The city was founded in 1642 as a French colonial settlement and is Quebec’s largest city with a population of over 1.7 million. It’s mostly French-speaking and is known for its cultural diversity, and for being hub for arts and commerce.

I spent three days staying in the unique historic boutique LHotel Montreal and in Old Montreal and I explored the cobblestone streets and historic sites. I marveled at the stunning Notre-Dame Basilica, took in the superb city views from Mount Royal Park, visited the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and the Biodome, and sampled the city’s world-famous food scene in the lively Old Port which included poutine and bagels! 

• Location: Québec province
• Map Location
• Best times to visit: between April and May and September to November

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 

The waters here are home to some of the world’s largest pods of resident orcas! I also thought it was stunningly beautiful, with silverly 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! 

Located in the northeastern part of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Johnstone Strait runs between the island and the mainland. Spanning 68 miles in length and varying from 1.5 to 3 miles in width, it serves as a vital navigation route. The strait has a rich history of Indigenous habitation and European exploration and is now sparsely populated, with small communities that focus on fishing and tourism.

I stayed a few days and went on an orca-viewing boat tour at Robson Bight Ecological Reserve, went kayaking through the calm waters surrounded by stunning coastal scenery and explored Telegraph Cove which had a quaint boardwalk and restored historic building, and hiked the nearby forest trails – the scenery was zen-like and breathtaking!

• Location: northeastern coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia
• Map Location
• Best time to visit: July to September (when the orcas are more active)

My favorite highlights… 

• 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 think it’s 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.

• Location: Field, BC V0A 1G0
• Map Location
• Best time to visit: July to September

My favorite highlights…

• Hiking the easy and family-friendly Wapta Falls Trail which took me two hours but lead me to the impressive 18-meters 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!

Nestled in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and north of Nova Scotia, it’s actually the tiniest province in all of Canada, with just about 159,000 folks calling it home. It joined Canada in 1873 and is famed for its historic sites, including being the setting for the novel ‘Anne of Green Gables.’

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. 

15. Lunenburg, Nova Scotia

This was such an idyllic UNESCO-listed heritage town! I discovered a gem with brightly painted buildings reflecting a rich maritime heritage and scenic beaches with rugged coastlines and serene, sandy stretches. It had a quaint and artistic vibe with bustling waterfront, and a friendly community-focus, I also loved that it was jam-packed with artisanal and locally produced food and products!

• Location: Nova Scotia
• Map Location
• Best time to visit: Summer

My favorite highlights…

• Dining on a Quinoa & Black Bean and a Blueberry Mojito at the nautical-chic Salt Shaker Deli and Inn – the harbour views and cute wooden buildings were awesome!

Located between the provinces of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick in the eastern part of the country, the area boasts a rich history of Indigenous Mi’kmaq culture. It is surrounded by quaint coastal communities where around 100,000 people live. The area’s nutrient-rich waters attract a large variety of whales.

I took a drive from Halifax and spent three days here kayaking the dramatic tides at Hopewell Rocks, walking on the ocean floor at Burntcoat Head Park and going whale-watching in Digby.

I also explored the charming town of Wolfville which had vineyards and an interesting Acadian history, and hiked the trails and saw waterfalls and gorgeous coastal views at Fundy National Park. It was also great to meet other kayakers (and canoers!) from all over the world who were attracted to the jaw-dropping scenery and the world’s highest tides! 

• Location: New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
• Map Location
• Best times to visit: Spring, Summer and Fall

My favorite highlights…

• Seeing the spectacular Hopewell Rocks with their unusual formations known as “flowerpot rocks” created by the Fundy tides – they did actually show distinct shapes that resembled giant flower pots!
• Watching the force of the tides in action from the observation deck which was located over the unique coastline which had a clear glass-panelled floor – it was a great experience to see the tides ebb and flow directly under my feet! 

17. Cape Spear, Newfoundland and Labrador 

• Location: St. John’s, NL A1C 5H2
• Map Location
• Best time to visit: June to October

My favorite highlights…

• Going for a two hour scenic hike along the Blackhead Path trail – it had some steep parts but I saw breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean rugged cliffs, sea stacks, and the historic Cape Spear lighthouse in the distance! 

18. 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!

• Address: Northwest Territories, Canada
• Location Map
• Best time to visit: from early Sept to mid-April (to see the Northern Lights).

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! 
• Exploring the Old Town on Great Slave Lake’s waterfront – my favorite place was the Old Town Glassworks where I found eco-friendly recycled glassware made and run by local artisans (the beer bottle lamps were just awesome)! 

19. Churchill, Manitoba 

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 also loved the wild, rugged, and adventurous vibe, as well as the close-knit community atmosphere and the feeling that I was deeply immersed in nature.

It’s tucked away in northern Manitoba, around 68 miles from the Manitoba-Nunavut border. It was established as a fur trading post in the 18th century and today it’s a very small town with only 900 people living there.

While it is already the premier destination for seeing these beautiful white bears, it’s also a fantastic place to see Beluga whales in late summer too.

I took the two hour flight from Winnipeg and stayed at the Bears Den Guest House II and wow it was worth it! I experienced the thrill of polar bear viewing tours on the tundra, explored the historical Prince of Wales Fort (which was only accessible by boat), and visited the Itsanitaq Museum and learnt about the local Inuit culture. 

I even saw the spectacular northern lights – it was actually a great place to spot them because of the high latitude and lack of light pollution. 

• Address: Manitoba, Canada
• Map Location 
• Best time to visit: January, February and March (for Northern Light watching).

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.