Dinogo's comprehensive guide to exploring Canada's provinces and territories: Discover must-visit spots, travel tips, and accommodation options

With Canada now welcoming Americans again, you might be eager to plan a trip to our northern neighbor. Canada is a stunning destination, offering much more than just Mounties and poutine. (Though those are definitely highlights too.) As the world's second-largest country, it boasts 10 provinces and three territories, teeming with activities for every type of traveler—from thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts to culture aficionados and history lovers.

Just a short drive or flight from the continental U.S., Canada offers everything from intimate polar bear encounters to renowned museums. As of August 9, 2021, Canada is open to fully vaccinated U.S. citizens.

Here’s how to choose your first destination, essential travel information, and where to find the best accommodations.

Alberta

Alberta, often referred to as Canada's "Wild West," hosts the Calgary Stampede, a vibrant 10-day tribute to cowboy culture and rodeo traditions. The province boasts breathtaking natural landscapes, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, and Dinosaur Provincial Park, renowned for its rich fossil hunting opportunities. Nestled near the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Alberta is an exceptional destination for skiing and hiking, with stunning national parks like Banff and Jasper. Edmonton, the provincial capital, is gaining popularity among tourists, partly due to the Royal Alberta Museum's renovations in 2018, making it the largest museum in Western Canada.

Getting to Alberta

Travelers from the U.S. can take direct flights to Edmonton International Airport (YEG) with airlines like Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, Swoop, United, and WestJet. For those heading to Calgary International Airport (YYC), Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, United, and WestJet also offer direct flights from the U.S. If you're aiming for Banff, Calgary is your nearest airport, while Edmonton is the best option for reaching Jasper.

Accommodation options in Alberta

Calgary offers a variety of points hotels for travelers to consider:

• Calgary Marriott Downtown Hotel (Marriott Category 5, 35,000 points on standard dates)
• Courtyard Calgary South (Marriott Category 2, 12,500 points on standard dates)
• Delta Hotels Calgary Downtown (Marriott Category 4, 25,000 points on standard dates)
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Calgary (dynamic pricing, approximately 14,000 points)
• Hyatt Regency Calgary (starting at 12,000 World of Hyatt points)
• Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire (Marriott Category 5, 35,000 points on standard dates)
• The Westin Calgary (Marriott Category 4, 25,000 points on standard dates)
• The Westley Calgary Downtown, Tapestry Collection by Hilton (33,000–40,000 Hilton Honors points)

In Edmonton, the best points hotels include:

• DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel West Edmonton (starting from 25,000 Hilton Honors points)
• Hyatt Place Edmonton-West (starting from 5,000 World of Hyatt points)
• JW Marriott Edmonton Ice District (Marriott Category 5, 35,000 points per night on standard dates)
• Radisson Hotel & Convention Center Edmonton (20,000 Radisson Rewards points)
• The Westin Edmonton (Marriott Category 3, 17,500 points per night on standard dates)

You can also find luxurious Fairmont hotels in both Banff and Jasper.

British Columbia

British Columbia caters to every kind of traveler, from tracking orca pods along the Inside Passage to enjoying a snow-filled day at Whistler, one of North America's premier ski resorts. While Vancouver shines as the province's most cosmopolitan hub, don't miss the enchanting charm of Victoria, known for its colonial architecture and vibrant gardens. If wine tasting in the famous Okanagan Valley is on your agenda, Kelowna serves as the perfect launch point. For the more adventurous, consider a trip to the remote Haida Gwaii islands, often referred to as the Canadian Galápagos for their rich wildlife.

Getting to British Columbia

Travelers from the U.S. can book direct flights into Vancouver International Airport (YVR) with airlines such as Air Canada, American Airlines, Delta, and United. Alaska Airlines connects to Victoria International Airport (YYJ) from Seattle, while both Alaska Airlines and WestJet service Kelowna International Airport (YLW). For those bound for Whistler, flying into Vancouver is your best option.

Accommodation options in British Columbia

In Vancouver, you'll have an abundance of options, with a variety of highly-rated points hotels to choose from:

• Best Western Premier Chateau Granville Hotel & Suites (36,000 Best Western Premier points)
• Element Vancouver Metrotown (Marriott Category 5, 40,000 points on standard dates)
• Hilton Vancouver Downtown (50,000 Hilton Honors points)
• Hyatt Regency Vancouver (starting from 12,000 Hyatt points)
• JW Marriott Parq Vancouver (Marriott Category 6, 50,000 points on standard dates)
• Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre (Marriott Category 6, 50,000 points on standard dates)
• The Douglas, Autograph Collection (Marriott Category 6, 50,000 points on standard dates)

Consider the Fairmont Pacific Rim and Shangri-La Hotel Vancouver as exceptional lodging options.

In the relaxed atmosphere of Victoria, you can find...

• DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites Victoria (60,000 Hilton Honors points)
• Hotel Grand Pacific (30,000 iPrefer Points)
• The Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort & Spa (Marriott Category 5, 40,000 points on standard dates)
• Victoria Marriott Inner Harbor (Marriott Category 5, 40,000 points on standard dates)

For those visiting Whistler, consider:

• Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa (52,000 Hilton Honors points)
• The Westin Resort & Spa Whistler (Marriott Category 7, 60,000 points on standard dates)

Whistler is home to luxurious Four Seasons and Fairmont hotels, with a notable Fairmont property also situated in Victoria.

The top points hotels in Kelowna are:

• Best Western Plus Kelowna Hotel & Suites (36,000 Best Western Premier points)
• Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort (Marriott Bonvoy Category 6, 60,000 points on standard dates)
• Hyatt Place Kelowna (starting from 8,000 World of Hyatt points)

Manitoba

Many visit Manitoba for two primary attractions: the aurora borealis and polar bears. Churchill is renowned as one of the top three global locations to experience the breathtaking northern lights and is often dubbed the "polar bear capital of the world." Here, visitors can embark on "safaris" in specially designed elevated vehicles that traverse the arctic tundra. Manitoba's capital, Winnipeg, is more accessible and hosts Canada’s largest winter festival, Le Festival du Voyageur.

Getting to Manitoba

Travelers from the U.S. can take direct flights to Winnipeg International Airport (YWG) with United, Delta, and WestJet. For access to Churchill Airport (YYQ), connections are necessary through domestic flights with Canadian North or Calm Air International.

Accommodation options in Manitoba

In Winnipeg, visitors can choose from several points hotels, including:

• Delta Hotels by Marriott Winnipeg (Marriott Category 3, 16,000 points on standard dates)
• Holiday Inn & Suites Winnipeg-Downtown (16,000 IHG points)
• Hyatt House Winnipeg-South (starting at 5,000 World of Hyatt points)
• Residence Inn Winnipeg (Marriott Category 2, 12,000 points on standard dates)

Manitoba is also home to a stylish Fairmont Hotel.

If you're headed to Churchill, you'll likely be on an all-inclusive tour, as the town lacks hotels and only features small inns.

New Brunswick

Ideal for a maritime getaway, New Brunswick boasts a winding, picturesque coastline adorned with charming lighthouses and quaint port towns. A standout feature is the Bay of Fundy, which separates New Brunswick from eastern Canada and is known for having the highest tides in the world, leading to extraordinary rock formations. Here, visitors can explore sea caves, spot up to 12 different whale species, kayak among towering rock pillars, and stroll along the Joggins Fossil Cliffs, which reveal a comprehensive fossil record from the Carboniferous period (354 to 290 million years ago). Moncton serves as the nearest major city to the Bay of Fundy.

Getting to New Brunswick

Travelers from the U.S. currently cannot fly directly into Greater Moncton International Airport (YQM) and will need to connect via a domestic flight on Air Canada, PAL Aerospace, Porter, or WestJet.

Accommodation options in New Brunswick

While Moncton may not be the most vibrant city, it offers several comfortable points hotels that serve well as a base for your explorations, including:

• Chateau Moncton Trademark Collection by Wyndham (15,000 Wyndham Rewards points)
• Delta Hotels by Marriott Beausejour (Marriott Category 3, 17,500 points on standard dates)
• Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Moncton (40,000 Hilton Honors points)
• Hyatt Place Moncton Downtown (starting from 5,000 World of Hyatt points)
• Residence Inn by Marriott Moncton (Marriott Category 3, 17,500 points on standard dates)
• The Algonquin Resort St. Andrews by-the-Sea Autograph Collection (Marriott Category 5, 40,000 points on standard dates)

Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador, rumored to be the landing place of Leif Erikson, is steeped in Viking heritage. The l'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site is the only verified Norse settlement in North America. Much of the province remains pristine, with Gros Morne National Park renowned for its glacial fjords, icebergs, and some of North America's tallest waterfalls. It is also home to the largest population of humpback whales in the world, along with 21 other species. The capital, St. John's, invites visitors to stroll past its vibrant row houses and enjoy stunning views from Signal Hill.

Getting to Newfoundland and Labrador

U.S. travelers can take direct flights into St. John's International Airport (YYT) with WestJet.

Accommodation options in Newfoundland and Labrador

If you're looking to use points, St. John's offers several options, including:

• Courtyard by Marriott St. John's Newfoundland (Marriott Category 3, 20,000 points on standard dates)
• Delta Hotels St. John's Conference Center (Marriott Category 4, 30,000 points on standard dates)
• Holiday Inn St. John's Conference Centre (15,000 IHG points)
• Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland (Marriott Category 3, 20,000 points on standard dates)

Nova Scotia

Like other Eastern Maritime provinces in Canada, many visitors flock to Nova Scotia for its scenic drives, delicious seafood, and charming fishing villages like Peggy's Cove. On Cape Breton Island, you can experience the Cabot Trail, an impressive 185-mile coastal loop with breathtaking views, along with the Fortress of Louisbourg, which features a partial reconstruction of an 18th-century French fortress. The Annapolis Valley, known for its wine country, is another major attraction, especially the popular town of Wolfville, conveniently located near the vineyards. Halifax, the capital, boasts a vibrant harborfront and historic landmarks such as the Citadel, an 18th-century fort.

Getting to Nova Scotia

U.S. travelers can take direct flights into Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) with airlines such as Air Canada, American Airlines, Air Transat, Sunwing, and United.

Accommodation options in Nova Scotia

Halifax features points hotels that offer stunning views of the waterfront, including:

• Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel (Marriott Category 5, 40,000 points on standard dates)
• Hampton Inn by Hilton Halifax (24,000 Hilton Honors points)
• The Hollis Halifax a DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel (37,000 Hilton Honors points)
• The Westin Nova Scotian (Marriott Category 4, 30,000 points on standard dates)

In towns like Wolfville and Peggy's Cove, small inns and bed and breakfasts (some of which can be booked through the Chase travel portal and Ultimate Reward Points) are your best options.

Ontario

Ontario is home to two of Canada’s top destinations: Toronto and Ottawa. Ottawa, the national capital, features elegant Victorian architecture and the stunning Parliament Hill. Meanwhile, Toronto, the largest city in the country, offers an array of world-class museums, such as the Aga Khan Museum and the Art Gallery of Toronto, as well as the CN Tower, which held the title of the tallest freestanding structure in the world from 1976 until 2007. Additionally, a major highlight is Niagara Falls, with Niagara-on-the-Lake, a charming town at the river's mouth, renowned for its wineries and 19th-century architecture.

How to reach Ontario

Travelers from the U.S. can fly directly into Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) via airlines like Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Air Transat, American Airlines, Delta, Swoop, United, and WestJet. For quicker access to downtown, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) is an option, though it only offers direct U.S. flights with Porter Airlines.

If your destination is Ottawa, U.S. travelers can fly directly into Ottawa International Airport (YOW) on Air Canada, American Airlines, Delta, United, and WestJet.

For visits to Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake, several airlines fly into Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF), such as American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, United, Southwest Airlines, and Frontier Airlines, if you're okay with crossing the border. Additionally, Niagara Falls International Airport (IAG) on the U.S. side has flights from Allegiant Air and Spirit.

Where to find accommodations in Ontario

In Toronto, you'll have a variety of convenient and modern points hotels to choose from, including:

• Courtyard Toronto Downtown (Marriott Category 4, 25,000 points/standard dates)
• Delta Hotels Toronto (Marriott Category 5, 35,000 points/standard dates)
• Park Hyatt Toronto (25,000 Hyatt points per night)
• The St. Regis Toronto (Marriott Category 7, 60,000 points/standard dates)
• The Ritz-Carlton Toronto (Marriott Category 7, 60,000 points/standard dates)
• Toronto Marriott City Centre Hotel (Marriott Category 5, 35,000 points/standard dates)

In Ottawa, you can choose from options like:

• Andaz Ottawa by Ward Market (12,000 World of Hyatt points)
• Delta Hotels Ottawa City Centre (Marriott Category 4, starting at 17,500 points/standard dates)
• Holiday Inn Ottawa Downtown (15,000 IHG points)
• The Westin Ottawa (Marriott Category 5, 35,000 points/standard dates)

Additionally, there are several Accor properties available in both Toronto and Ottawa.

Some of the top points hotels near Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake include:

• Holiday Inn Niagara Falls – by the Falls (28,000 IHG points)
• Niagara Falls Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa (Marriott Category 6, 50,000 points/standard dates)
• Radisson Hotel & Suites Fallsview (90,000 Radisson Rewards points)

Prince Edward Island

As the smallest province in Canada, Prince Edward Island consists of the main island along with 231 smaller islets. It's renowned as the backdrop for the beloved novel Anne of Green Gables, where visitors indulge in fresh lobster and enjoy leisurely walks along the Cavendish boardwalk. The quaint capital, Charlottetown, is vibrant with local pubs and historic sites like Province House, the second-oldest seat of government in Canada.

How to reach Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island lacks an airport with direct international flights from the U.S. To get there, you must take a domestic flight to Charlottetown Airport (YYG).

Where to stay on Prince Edward Island

Accommodations: In Charlottetown, you'll find plenty of inns, some available for booking through the Chase travel portal and Ultimate Reward Points.

Additionally, there are several points hotels to consider, including:

• Hampton Inn & Suites Charlottetown (40,000 Hilton Honors points)
• Delta Hotels Prince Edward (Marriott Category 5, 35,000 points/standard dates)

Québec

Visiting Québec, the only Canadian province with a majority of francophone residents, offers a taste of Europe. Most attractions are concentrated in the two primary cities: Montreal and Québec City. In Québec City, be sure to explore Old Québec, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with historic stone buildings and winding streets. Just outside the city lies Chutes Montmorency, which are even taller than Niagara Falls; adventurous visitors can walk across a small pedestrian bridge. Montréal boasts a charming historic district with cobblestone streets and the stunning neo-Gothic Notre-Dame Basilica, as well as one of Canada's top culinary scenes (make sure to try poutine and Canadian bagels). If skiing is your passion, Mont-Tremblant and Mont-Sainte-Anne are two of the province's premier resorts.

How to get to Québec

Travelers from the U.S. can fly directly into Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International (YUL) Airport with Air Canada, Air Transat, American Airlines, Delta, and United.

Air Transat, American Airlines, and United also offer direct flights to Québec City's Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB).

Where to stay in Quebec

Montréal offers a delightful mix of old-world charm and modern points hotels, including:

• Hotel St. Paul, Montreal, a Member of Design Hotels (Marriott Category 5, 35,000 points/standard dates)
• InterContinental Montreal (30,000 IHG points)
• Le Westin Montreal (Marriott Category 6, 50,000 points/standard dates)
• Montréal Marriott Chateau Champlain (Marriott Category 5, 35,000 points/standard dates)
• The Ritz-Carlton, Montréal (Marriott Category 7, 60,000 points/standard dates)
• Vogue Hotel Montreal Downtown, Curio Collection by Hilton (60,000 Hilton Honors rewards points)
• W Montreal (Marriott Category 6, 50,000 points/standard dates)

Québec City also boasts fantastic points options, such as:

• Best Western Premier Hotel Aristocrate (dynamic pricing with rates around 26,000 Best Western Rewards points in August)
• Delta Hotels Québec (Marriott Category 5, 35,000 points/standard dates)
• DoubleTree by Hilton Quebec Resort (between 31,000 and 50,000 Hilton Honors points/night)
• Hilton Québec (50,000 Hilton Honors rewards points)
• Hotel Pur Québec (Marriott Category 4, 25,000 points/standard dates)
• Québec City Marriott Downtown (Marriott Category 6, 50,000 points/standard dates)

Additionally, there's Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, a landmark in Québec City that marked its 125th anniversary in 2018.

Saskatchewan

Known as the "Province of 100,000 Lakes," Saskatchewan boasts stunning prairies and vast skies, making outdoor adventures a highlight of any visit. Be sure to try fishing or canoeing in Prince Albert National Park. The provincial capital, Regina, attracts many visitors with its historic Royal Canadian Mounted Police training facility, where tourists can watch a parade of Mountie cadets, established since 1885. Saskatoon is also a popular destination, featuring attractions that celebrate local heritage, such as the Wanuskewin Heritage Park showcasing the first Prairie peoples and the Ukrainian Museum of Canada honoring European settlers.

How to reach Saskatchewan

Travelers from the U.S. can fly directly into Regina (YQR) or Saskatoon’s John G. Diefenbaker International Airport (YXE) with WestJet.

Where to stay in Saskatchewan

Regina offers several outstanding points hotels, including:

• Delta Hotels Regina (Marriott Category 3, 17,500 points/standard dates)
• The Hotel Saskatchewan, Autograph Collection (Marriott Category 3, 17,500 points/standard dates)
• Holiday Inn & Suites Regina (14,000 IHG points)

Saskatoon also features a few points hotels, such as:

• Delta Hotels Saskatoon Downtown (Marriott Category 3, 12,000 points/standard dates)
• Holiday Inn Saskatoon Downtown (18,000 IHG points)
• Sheraton Cavalier Saskatoon Downtown (Marriott Category 3, 15,000 points/standard dates)

Northwest Territories

Covering an area five times that of the United Kingdom, the Northwest Territories is home to fewer than 45,000 residents, with half being indigenous. While not often a top travel destination, it boasts pristine wilderness that’s increasingly rare. Adventurers are drawn to Nahanni National Park Reserve, featuring the stunning Virginia Falls and Great Slave Lake, the deepest lake in North America.

How to reach the Northwest Territories

To arrive at Yellowknife Airport (YZF), you’ll need to connect through a domestic flight.

Where to stay in the Northwest Territories

Accommodation options: This remote region has limited hotels, but you can find places like Chateau Nova Yellowknife and Capital Suites available for booking through the Chase travel portal and Ultimate Reward Points.

Nunavut

Nunavut is an adventurous destination known for its extreme remoteness. It is home to narwhals, beluga whales, and polar bears. In addition to wildlife tours in Sirmilik National Park and other glacial wonders, visiting Nunavut offers a chance to explore the rich culture of the indigenous Inuit people. The Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum in Iqaluit focuses on preserving their history and artistic heritage.

How to travel to Nunavut

To reach Iqaluit Airport (YFB), you'll need to take a connecting domestic flight.

Where to stay in Nunavut

Given its remote nature, hotel options are limited. However, Frobisher Inn and Capital Suites Iqaluit can be booked through the Chase travel portal and Ultimate Reward Points.

Yukon

Most visitors to Yukon aren't focused on Whitehorse, the territory's sole city. Instead, they venture into the tundra to witness the northern lights, the midnight sun, and Mount Logan in Kluane National Park, Canada's tallest peak. Adventurous souls can also engage in dog sledding and explore historic sites from the Klondike Gold Rush.

How to get to the Yukon

To access Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport (YXY), you'll need to take a connecting domestic flight.

Where to stay in the Yukon

In Whitehorse, you can find a few hotel chains, including Best Western Gold Rush Inn and Days Inn by Wyndham. However, the best option is to book through the Chase travel portal. You can use Ultimate Reward Points to stay at luxury cabins at Yukon Pines or Boreale Ranch Adventure Lodge just outside the city.

Conclusion

From experiencing a taste of Paris without the long flight to meeting narwhals, Canada has something for everyone. With numerous flight options, points hotels available, and borders reopening, now is the perfect time to explore a province or territory (or two).