Five Of The Best Cities And Places To Visit In Canada

Canada is loved and explored by many people each year. Travelers visit this North American gem for its rugged mountains in British Columbia, charming lakes and rivers in Banff national park, and cosmopolitan cities like Toronto.

Hiking above a lake Canada

Canada is perfect if you love hiking! © Getty Images

The Great White North is fantastic for outdoor activities, meeting the friendliest people, and winter sports like skiing. Besides the big cities, you can head out to the more rural parts of the country and fall in love with the adorable little towns. That’s just some of the reasons why you should spend your holidays in wonderful Canada.

Follow through this list of vacation ideas as Kiwi.com presents five of the best cities and places you should visit in Canada.

When Is The Best Time To Travel To Canada?

Canada is known for its incredibly cold winters and hot summers, but it’s such a big country that the weather varies from region to region.

The winter season in Canada kicks off at the beginning of December and runs right through to March. The whole country gets very cold, some places more than others. Coastal cities like Vancouver are mild, seeing lows at 4°C compared to the northern regions that experience temperatures as low as - 20°C. A Christmas vacation to Canada is well worth it if you can brave the cold.

July and August are the most popular months to visit Canada. The summer season has the nicest weather, with temperatures ranging between 25 and 35 °C across the country.

Nature lovers will particularly take a liking to Canada during the Autumn season. The temperatures aren’t the warmest, but it’s not too cold either, the leaves on the trees are changing colors, and the crowds for tourist attractions are never that long.

Spring, on the other hand, is a little bit colder. Temperatures can drop as low as 0°C sometimes, but it gets progressively warmer as time goes on.

Five Of The Top Places To Go In Canada

Ottawa
Toronto
Vancouver
Quebec City
Montreal

canada icefields parkways

In Canada, you’ll have the chance to get incredible pictures while driving through the country © Getty Images

Ottawa - The Capital City Filled With Diversity

The Canadian capital of Ottawa is often overshadowed by its neighbor Toronto, but it has so much that visitors will love, from interesting museums like the National Gallery to street food stalls selling the maple syrup that Canada is famed for. After your first trip, you’ll start to question why doesn’t this beautiful city get the recognition it deserves.

What Are Some Exciting Things To Do In Ottawa?

Take a yoga class on Parliament Hill - Every Wednesday at noon from May to August, hundreds of people gather at Parliament Hill for a free yoga class. Grab your mat, join in on the fun, and meet new people.

Crash against the waves doing some whitewater rafting - Adventure lovers from all over Canada, flock to the Ottawa river, to do some whitewater rafting for a hit of adrenaline every year. The Ottawa river is known to be one of the best locations for whitewater rafting in the world. Book ahead to avoid disappointment if you’re visiting during the high season.

Admire the John Ceprano Rocks - Along the Ottawa river, you’ll find the spectacular John Ceprano Rocks, which are a set of uniquely shaped set of tall standing rocks produced by the famous artist John Ceprano. When the weather is nice, head down there to catch the sunset, you won’t be disappointed.

Dishes You Should Eat In Ottawa

Beaver Tails - Ottawa is the ultimate place to try Beaver Tails, a Canadian specialty that comes in the form of fried dough shaped like a beaver’s tail and is often covered in chocolate, cinnamon, sugar, or banana. One of these treats is never enough.

Maple Bacon Doughnuts - Head over to SuzyQ Doughnuts and try out their Maple Bacon recipe. They’re popular for their famous doughnut snack, sugar glazed and sprinkled with crispy maple bacon. Don’t knock it until you try it.

Multiple maple glazed bacon donuts

A Canadian delicacy! © Getty Images

Need To Know Tips For Visiting Ottawa

When you arrive at Ottawa Airport, take an Uber into the city center. It’s the cheapest way to get there.
To find the areas of Ottawa that many tourists don’t get the opportunity to see, hire a HOPPR bike. Download the HOPPR transit application on your phone and pick up the bike from one of the many docking stations.

Show me more interesting places in stunning Ottawa.

Fly me to Ontario now.

Toronto - Canada’s Largest City

The bustling city of Toronto is Canada’s main business hub and is seen as the face of the country. Showcasing spectacular skyscrapers, vibrant streets, and ethnic diversity. Toronto has something for everyone , whether you want to spend your days shopping at one of the mega malls or prefer to watch an exciting baseball game at the Rogers Center. The options are endless in Canada’s biggest city.

The Top Attractions In Toronto, One Of The Best Places To Travel In Canada

Hit new heights at the CN Tower - No visit to Toronto is complete without making it to the top of the CN Tower. The 553-meter tall structure is recognized worldwide and can be spotted from all corners of the city. Choose to admire it from a distance or take the lift up to the top and walk along the glass floor.

Views of Toronto skyline

Views of Toronto skyline © Getty Images

Take a trip to Niagara Falls - Arguably, one of the most iconic places in Canada is Niagara Falls. It’s only an hour and a half drive from Toronto and will really take your breath away. Book yourself on the Maid of the Mist boat tour and get up close and personal to this beautiful erosional landform. Don’t forget your jacket because you’re guaranteed to get absolutely soaked.

Grab some last-minute souvenirs at Kensington Market - See a whole different side to Toronto at the Kensington Market. Hear the sounds of buskers, feel the Bohemian vibe, and scout through the corner shops selling everything from Tibetan blankets to vintage clothing.

Must Try Food And Drink In Toronto

Peameal Bacon Sandwich - Yeah, regular bacon is good, but have you ever tried peameal bacon? It’s a wet-cured, unsmoked back bacon that’s popular in Canada. Put this in the middle of two slices of toasted bread and your favorite toppings, and you have heaven.

The Caeser Cocktail - A Caeser Cocktail has all of the same ingredients as a Bloody Mary, but instead of using tomato juice, it’s made with a blend of clam and tomato juice. People from Toronto love this stuff and are very passionate about it. Try it for yourself to see what the fuss is.

What To Know Before Visiting Toronto

Toronto has a 13% tax added to all goods and services, so don’t be surprised if you see a different price when you arrive at the counter. Usually, shops will mention it on the label, though.
If you plan on visiting a sports event, purchase your tickets well in advance. Once tickets are released, they get snapped up by die-hard fans.
Canadians are big on tipping, especially in Toronto. While it’s not expected, there’s an unwritten rule that you should always leave behind 15 to 20% to say thank you.

I want to see how beautiful Canada is.

I’m looking for flight deals to Toronto.

Vancouver - A Blend Between Urban And Natural Beauties

Envision a colossal city surrounded by craggy mountains where the people are some of the friendliest in the world; that’s Vancouver. The coastal city is situated in the province of British Columbia and is a gateway to some of the country’s most visited national parks, like the Pacific Rim national park.

Must See Spots In Vancouver

Pay a visit to the Vancouver Aquarium - A brilliant way to spend a day out for families is by heading to the Vancouver Aquarium. Watch the sea otters in their natural environment, look at a Burmese tortoise in the rescue section, and learn something new from one of the exhibits on display.

Relax at Kitsilano Beach - Vancouver has plenty of fabulous beaches, but the best has to be Kitsilano Beach. Find yourself a quiet place and gaze at the skyscrapers with the backdrop of the snowcapped mountains in the distance.

Walk over the Capilano Suspension Bridge - This swaying bridge has been in operation since 1889 and is suspended 70 meters above a gorgeous river canyon. While the bridge might not look sturdy, it’s built to be able to hold the weight of an entire 747 plane.

Vancouver skyline in front of North Shore Mountains

Vancouver skyline in front of North Shore Mountains © Getty Images

Best Food And Drinks To Sample In Vancouver

Candied Salmon - Seafood is huge in Vancouver, but one specialty all locals will recommend you try is Candied Salmon. It’s like a traditional lump on salmon, only it’s glazed in maple syrup and some herbs and spices. Get your hands on some in Stanley Park at one of the stalls.

West Coast Oysters - Vancouver produces some of the freshest shellfish in Canada. You’ll find authentic seafood restaurants all over the city offering great deals on West Coast Oysters. Order yourself a plate and follow the rules; eat them in one gulp with a squirt of lemon juice.

Things You Need To Know Before Visiting Vancouver

If you’re planning on getting outside of the city to explore, hiring a car might be worthwhile, or else you’ll have to rely on organized tours which could add up to quite a bit.
It rains a lot in Vancouver but rarely impacts your plans. To avoid it altogether, try to visit in July or August.

Show me what Vancouver has to offer.

I would love to fly to British Columbia.

Quebec City - The French Speaking Province Of Canada

The lively Quebec City is one of Canada’s top places to see. Many people know it as the “Europe of North America’ because it’s a city in the only French-speaking province in the country. Your first stroll through the quaint streets will almost make you feel like you are on holiday in Paris.

Two people holding hands in an an underground cavern, Wallingford Back Mine, Quebec, Canada

Beautiful Places And Things To Do In Quebec City

Walk around Place Royale - Enjoy a mix between past and present at the picturesque Place Royale, a magical square with old-fashioned cobble streets and modern-day cafes and restaurants. It’s one of the main tourist areas in Quebec City and has a fascinating history due to it being the location where Samuel de Champlain founded the metropolis in 1608.

Go see the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré - Over half a million people are lucky enough to make it to the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré every year. It’s the oldest pilgrimage site in North America and is devoted to Saint Anne, Jesus’s grandmother. Learn about how important she is to the people of Quebec and hear her story.

Catch a glimpse of Montmorency Falls - Standing 30 meters higher than Niagara Falls are the captivating Montmorency Falls in Quebec. They’re only a short 15 minutes away from the city and are best enjoyed by taking a cable car to the top of the nearby cliff, which has a delightful viewpoint.

What To Eat In Quebec City

French-Canadian Crêpes - When you’re up for a sweet treat in Quebec City, your go-to has to be French-Canadian Crêpes. Think of them like normal crêpes, only much fluffier, smothered in chocolate sauce and filled with the tastiest toppings.

Poutine - Everywhere you go in Canada, there will be somewhere selling poutine, but it originates from Quebec City. It’s a simple yet oh-so-delicious dish containing deep-fried potato chips drenched in cheese and gravy. For added flavor, get extra toppings like pulled pork or smokey bacon. Poutine isn’t the healthiest dish, but after your first, you’ll find it hard to resist more.

Secret Tips To Know Before You Go To Quebec City

Book your accommodation well in advance if you plan to visit Quebec City for big celebrations like the Carnaval de Québec. Hotels bump their prices up massively when they know there’s something on because they know people will pay.
English is spoken in Quebec City but please bear with the locals because many can’t speak it very well.

I want to learn more about what Quebec City has to offer.

Provide me with great flight deals to Quebec.

Montreal - Where Lovers Of Art, Music, And History Come Together

Montreal is Canada’s second-largest city and is located in the Quebec province. The official language there is French, like Quebec City, so brush up on your speaking skills before you arrive. Known as a city of the youth, Montreal has so much to do and cool places to see such as the Biodome, La Ronde amusement park, and more.

Montreal - What To Do There

Take a photo of the Notre Dame Basilica - Situated in Old Montreal, the Notre Dame Basilica is a classic example of Gothic architecture that hundreds of thousands of people visit every year. It was built in the 1820s, and still, to this day, it’s used by many worshippers. Tickets can be bought at the door, and free walking tours of the complex are available upon request.

Relax at the Bota Bota, Spa-Sur-L’eau - Popular among couples away for honeymoons or unwinding after a long day of exploring, the Bota Bota, Spa-Sur-L’eau is one of Canada’s most talked about spas. It’s located on a ship that’s anchored at the Old Port of Montreal and offers visitors a range of steamy saunas and bubbly jacuzzis, as well as body treatments, massages, and more.

Discover Montreal’s nightlife scene - Montreal is Canada’s party capital, home to world-class clubs, bars, and live music venues. When deciding where to spend your evening dancing the night away, choose from an array of options, like live DJs hosting events in Downtown Montreal or bands playing live music until the early morning hours in Rue Crescent.

The Best Food And Drinks In Montreal

Smoked Meat Sandwich - Montreal’s smoked meat sandwiches are to die for. The recipe comes from Jews who immigrated to the city from Eastern Europe in the 19th and 20th centuries. They’re made with white rye bread and smoked meat and covered in copious amounts of yellow mustard. It won’t be long before you spot a stand at the side of the street selling these scrumptious snacks.

Caribou - Originally from Quebec City but found all over Montreal is Caribou, made with vodka, brandy, sherry, and port. Caribou is served as a warm beverage and often served with a cinnamon stick, similar to mulled wine. One of these will warm you up after a day in the snow.

Tips for Tourists Visiting Montreal

You’ll probably hear people use the word “dep” during your time in Montreal. It’s just short for the French word dépanneur, which translates to store in English.
The legal drinking age in Montreal is 18, whereas, in the rest of Canada, it’s 19, which explains why the party scene is so huge there.
If you see a sign that says ‘5-à-7,’ that means the bar or restaurant has a happy hour.

I want to see more destinations I can travel to in Montreal.

Take me to Quebec.

Five Of The Best Cities And Places To Visit In Canada

When Is The Best Time To Travel To Canada?

Five Of The Top Places To Go In Canada