13 Amazing Places to Explore in Canada

Famed for its polar bears and poutine, Canada is a destination that can’t be fully experienced in a single visit. Attempting to do so would be futile, as it is the second-largest country in the world by land area, making the exploration of its 10 provinces and three territories quite a challenge.

If you’re searching for some starting points for your adventure in the Great White North, here are 13 destinations in Canada that highlight the country’s incredible diversity. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a city explorer, or anything in between.

1. Vancouver, British Columbia

• Come for: a cinematic urban experience
• Stay at: Skwachàys Lodge

Many have seen Vancouver as the setting for films like Deadpool and Godzilla, but this Canadian city is brimming with outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and culinary delights waiting to be discovered off-screen. Strolling through Gastown and dining in Chinatown provides a great overview for weekend visitors. For those looking to delve deeper, a trip to the Mount Pleasant neighborhood, just two miles from downtown, is a must.

Nature enthusiasts will love the sprawling 1,000-acre Stanley Park, one of Vancouver’s top attractions, adorned with historic and contemporary First Nations totem poles. (Dinogo contributor Bianca Bujan suggests exploring them with Indigenous-owned Talaysay Tours.)

1. Banff National Park, Alberta

• Come for: an experience that showcases the best of Canada’s natural beauty
• Stay at: Fairmont Banff Springs

“Banff National Park transforms with the seasons and offers a natural playground year-round,” Dinogo contributor Juliette Recompsat shares in her guide for first-timers at this Canadian Rockies gem. In summer, visitors flock here for blooming alpine flowers and glacier-fed lakes. Winter, though quieter, provides its own unique experiences: Try a guided ice walk in Johnston Canyon or indulge in snow tubing at Mount Norquay and Lake Louise ski resorts, among other adventures.

Although travelers could easily spend a week in Banff, make sure to seize the opportunity to explore the nearby Jasper National Park, the largest in Canada at 4,200 square miles, filled with stunning outdoor attractions like Spirit Island, a famously photographed spot on Maligne Lake.

2. Whistler, British Columbia

• Come for: a ski experience that stands apart
• Stay at: Four Seasons Whistler

Nestled in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, Whistler boasts the largest ski resort in North America. Each winter, both Epic Pass holders and casual skiers flock to the slopes of the Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. The sprawling Whistler Blackcomb Resort spans over 8,000 acres, offering a range of runs from extremely challenging to beginner-friendly, making it one of the top ski destinations in the country. However, you don’t need to be a winter sports enthusiast to appreciate the charm of the town.

Venture into Whistler Village to experience what Dinogo editor at large Laura Redman describes as the “laid-back, beer-fueled, and wonderfully relaxed” après-ski scene typical of Canada. Here, you can partake in a variety of activities that don’t involve skis or snowboards: Explore First Nations culture at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, unwind at the Scandinave Spa Whistler, or tackle an escape room at Escape! Whistler.

3. Prince Edward Island

• Come for: leisurely living and picturesque harbors
• Stay at: Sydney Boutique Inn & Suites

This island was highlighted as one of Dinogo’s top travel destinations in 2023, partly due to its stunning, rural landscapes—after all, this is where the cherished 1908 novel Anne of Green Gables was set. Canada’s smallest province introduced its 435-mile Island Walk trail in 2022, enabling cyclists and walkers to traverse the island.

As you journey around, visitors can check out the well-preserved homes in Charlottetown or savor the island’s renowned oysters and lobster in Victoria-by-the-Sea. Dinogo contributor Michael Kaminer recommends a stop in the quaint town of Kensington, where you can tour a historic railway station and indulge in Mars bars and bacon sundaes at Frosty Treat Dairy Bar afterward.

4. Halifax, Nova Scotia

• Come for: a quirky maritime city that embraces its playful side
• Stay at: The Muir Hotel

Renowned for its rich maritime heritage, this city of 430,000 has undergone a transformation over the last 25 years, evolving into a more artistic and welcoming destination. Dinogo contributor Darcy Rhyno highlights the city’s revitalization through the whimsical Drunken Lampposts—three charmingly bent streetlamps along the waterfront, originally temporary art installations that have now become permanent fixtures.

While visitors can learn about the port city’s role in the recovery of Titanic survivors at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, Halifax also offers a plethora of other activities for travelers. Explore the Good Cheer Trail to discover its breweries and cideries, visit the Canadian Museum of Immigration, and enjoy the vibrant waterfront, which features shopping and a variety of public art, including a wave sculpture.

5. Fundy National Park, New Brunswick

• Come for: exhilarating natural experiences brought by high tides
• Stay at: Beach Street Inn

Bordering Maine, New Brunswick features nearly 1,400 miles of coastline. One breathtaking stretch is found within Fundy National Park, which boasts the highest tides globally, reaching around 50 feet at high tide. A thrilling way to experience this natural wonder is through tidal bore rafting, where adventurers ride the river toward the incoming ocean for a truly exhilarating journey. There’s also ample opportunity for whale-watching and enjoying the scenic views along the 10-mile Fundy Trail Parkway.

6. Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

• Come for: a serene alternative to the bustling Niagara Falls
• Stay at: 124 on Queen Hotel & Spa

While Niagara Falls attracts tourists from around the globe and is a popular spot for bachelorette parties, for a quieter getaway, Dinogo contributor Heather Greenwood Davis recommends a 30-minute drive north to Niagara-on-the-Lake. This charming 19th-century village offers a more sophisticated atmosphere compared to the vibrant gaming venues and nightlife of the well-known honeymoon capital.

The area is home to numerous wineries and quaint boutiques, but the highlight of the year is undoubtedly the Shaw Festival, which captivates theater lovers worldwide with its acclaimed performances, featuring everything from George Bernard Shaw's classics to musicals like this season's Gypsy and Brigadoon.

7. Montreal, Quebec

• Come for: a taste of European charm
• Stay at: Fairmont Le Queen Elizabeth

Immerse yourself in Canada’s French colonial legacy and vibrant bilingual culture in this culturally rich city, where the relaxed pace of Old World Europe blends seamlessly with innovative Canadian art and design. Wander along Old Montreal’s Rue Saint-Paul, established by the Saint-Charles River in 1861, or enjoy an intimate performance at the Théâtre Corona.

Regardless of when you visit, the city boasts a bustling events calendar featuring highlights like the Montreal Jazz Festival and the Just for Laughs comedy festival during the summer, along with Igloofest and Luminothérapie in the winter.

8. Haida Gwaii, British Columbia

• Come for: a unique Indigenous view on nature and art
• Stay at: Haida House

Located about 50 miles from Alaska's southern tip, this archipelago off British Columbia's coast serves as the ancestral homeland and current territory of the Haida people. Dinogo editor Tim Chester depicts a landscape where "the understory flourishes and moisture prevails, with spongy greens and yellows undulating, branch stumps adorned with mossy boxing gloves, and plant life cascading everywhere."

Equally striking are the grand poles crafted from cedar by generations of Haida people, both past and present. For those fortunate enough to take the Haida Pledge and explore the archipelago, the Haida Heritage Centre offers an excellent starting point to discover Haida traditions like woodcarving.

9. Toronto, Ontario

• Come for: an exploration of Canada’s rich cultural tapestry
• Stay at: 1 Hotel Toronto

A trip to Toronto is easily justified with iconic landmarks like the CN Tower and St. Lawrence Market. As Canada’s largest city, it boasts an impressive diversity, with over 140 languages spoken within its borders.

The city is arranged as a collection of neighborhoods, where one area may celebrate the Jamaican community while another showcases Little Portugal. No matter where visitors wander, they’ll discover hidden gems in underrated spots, whether it's a stroll through Graffiti Alley or a visit to Allan Gardens Conservatory. With such a rich variety, spending a weekend savoring the city’s culinary delights—from hidden gems to Michelin-starred eateries—is an obvious choice.

11. Ottawa, Ontario

• Come for: majestic landmarks and ice skating along the canal
• Stay at: Fairmont Château Laurier

Visiting Canada’s capital means experiencing two cities in one, according to Dinogo contributor Laura Byrne Paquet in her weekend getaway guide to Ottawa. The commercial center—named from the Algonquin term meaning “to trade”—is located on one side of the Ottawa River, with a short 15-minute drive taking you to Gatineau, a Quebec city that introduces visitors to Canada’s French heritage.

Key attractions in the capital include Parliament Hill and the National Gallery of Canada, as well as the Rideau Canal, which links the Ottawa River to Lake Ontario and played a crucial role in the city’s development. In winter, the canal transforms into the world’s largest ice skating rink, drawing crowds during the annual Winterlude festival. For those preferring summer visits, the city also celebrates numerous Canada Day festivities on July 1.

12. Kelowna, British Columbia

• Come for: a destination that blends fun and accessibility seamlessly
• Stay at: Hyatt Place Kelowna

This city by Okanagan Lake may not garner as much attention as its larger counterparts, but it remains one of Canada’s best-kept secrets. With over 40 local wineries, the region is a wine lover's paradise. Chef Rod Butters from RauDZ Regional Table and micro bar suggests visiting the Kelowna Farmers’ Market to discover the best heirloom tomatoes, peppers, winter squash, and delicious homemade preserves, along with the chewiest cheesy pretzels.

Kelowna’s accessibility is another major advantage. According to Dinogo contributor Lisa Kadane, the city is committed to enhancing accessibility—featuring wheelchair-friendly vans from services like Uncorked Okanagan Wine Tours and accessible restrooms along the Okanagan Rail Trail—making it easier for families of all generations, seniors, and those with disabilities to enjoy everything the city has to offer.

13. Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan

• Come for: unique ecosystems and small wildlife
• Stay at: Parks Canada Otentik

Saskatchewan, nestled between Manitoba and Alberta, is renowned for its agricultural output and natural beauty. With one-eighth of its area covered in water, it offers excellent opportunities for freshwater fishing.

The region also features prairie landscapes, particularly in Grasslands National Park. Dinogo contributing editor Nicholas DeRenzo notes that while prairies are often overlooked by travelers in favor of flashier environments, they hold their own appeal as biodiversity hotspots, perfect for hiking and observing wildlife. One highlight is the black-tailed prairie dog, which can only be found here in the entire country.

This article was first published in 2023 and was updated on October 15, 2024, to include the latest information.