Canada Travel Guide: 2025's Best Destinations, Events, Attractions and More

by Noreen Kompanik
Last updated: 8:00 AM ET, Sat January 18, 2025

O Canada is the country’s national anthem, and so ideal considering the immense beauty of this oh-so-spectacular destination.

Canada is the second-largest country in the world by land area, spanning nearly 3.85 million square miles across North America and known for its diverse landscapes that include vast forests, mountainous regions, prairies and even an Arctic tundra.

Larger cities like Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver are major cultural and economic hubs, while the country’s rural and natural areas offer a rich biodiversity and unlimited outdoor opportunities.

With a country so vast and diverse, how does one choose where and what to visit on vacation? Let this guide help point you in the right direction.

Moraine Lake, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

Best Destinations in Canada

One of the most iconic natural destinations in Canada, Banff National Park, Alberta, in the Canadian Rockies, offers stunning landscapes, the crystal-clear waters of Lake Louise and an abundance of wildlife.

If you’re into the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis), the Yukon and Northwest Territories are the best places to witness this breathtaking natural phenomenon. Prince Edward Island, the setting for the Anne of Green Gables series is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, rolling verdant hills and red-sand beaches.

Whistler, British Columbia is a top destination for outdoor enthusiasts, known for its winter world-class skiing and snowboarding. In Canada’s easternmost city St. John’s sports the Cape Spear lighthouse, rugged coastlines, massive icebergs and adorable puffins.

The Best of Eastern Canada featuring Niagara Falls, Ottawa, Quebec City & Montreal

Best Attractions in Canada

Niagara Falls, Canada’s most famous natural attraction in Ontario, has been luring visitors to its edge for well over a century. Banff, another incredibly beautiful town in the heart of the Rocky Mountains in Alberta offers tourmaline-colored lakes, snowcapped peaks and glaciers.

Old Quebec, one of Canada’s historic gems is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in charming Québec City. Its cobblestoned streets lined with historic architectural gems are impressive and the renowned Fairmont Le Château Frontenac looms on a cliff high above Old Town.

Canada is one of the best places in the world to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis), particularly in its northern regions (Northwest Territories, Yukon and Churchill in Manitoba). If you’re into train travel, one of the most memorable trips you’ll ever take is on Canada’s luxury scenic train, the Rocky Mountaineer.

Must See 2025 Events in Canada

Calgary Stampede is known as “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” a major rodeo and exhibition event celebrating Western Heritage held every July. The Montreal Jazz Festival takes place late June to early July as one of the largest jazz festivals in the world, showcasing top artists from around the globe.

If you’re into the movies, each September, the Toronto Film Festival attracts celebrities, filmmakers and cinephiles while showcasing the latest in world cinema. Vancouver is home to the Honda Celebration of Light, the largest fireworks competition in the world. Held over several nights each summer, the event features concerts, food stalls and adventure challenges.

Though the temperatures may plummet accompanied by waist-high snowdrifts, Ottawa’s Winterlude is one of the great winter festivals held every February and featuring ice-skating on the world’s longest outdoor rink, ice sculptures, a snow playground and more “icy” adventures.

Best Places for Families in Canada

Just add water and the kids are attracted like moths to a flame. Niagara Falls is a popular place for families due to the awe-inspiring waterfalls and exciting boat tours to the base of the falls, along with Niagara’s Butterfly Conservatory and the Niagara Sky Wheel.

Banff National Park offers stunning mountain scenery, crystal-clear lakes, family-friendly hikes, gondola rides and lots of outdoor mountain adventures. Likewise, Whistler is a great place for winter skiing and snowboarding and summer hiking, biking and zip-lining. Family-friendly resorts offer a myriad of kid-friendly activities.

Green Gables on Prince Edward Island is the setting of the famous “Anne of Green Gables” series and a great destination for relaxation, outdoor fun and literary history. Vancouver offers an array of outdoor activities with biking trails along Stanley Park and the waterfront, the Granville Island Public Market and the interactive exhibits for children at Science World.

Best Places for Couples in Canada

Quebec City is a wonderful place for a couples’ visit with its French heritage, European atmosphere, colonial-era buildings, cobblestone streets and landmarks like Château Frontenac and the Citadel.

A stunning garden located on Vancouver Island/Victoria; The Butchart Gardens feature magnificent floral displays all year-long. It’s ideal for a peaceful stroll or a romantic escape. While in Vancouver, don’t miss the adventure of the 450-foot Capilano Suspension Bridge spanning the picturesque Capilano River with incredible views.

Charlottetown, the capital of Prince Edward Island (PEI), is a charming and historic city that offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history and small-town charm. It’s known for its picturesque streets, vibrant arts scene and significant role in the founding of Canada.

Those who love the beauty of Niagara Falls but need a break from the crowds can head to the charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake on the shores of Lake Ontario. The town lies in the heart of the Niagara wine region with lovely restaurants, horse-drawn carriage rides and scenic beauty everywhere.

As one of the most popular mountain resorts in Canada, Whistler offers year-round activities. Even if you’re not into skiing, how does an après-ski at a cozy lodge, a soak in a steamy outdoor hot tub, or a romantic sleigh ride through the snow-covered wilderness sound?

Best Places for Group Travel in Canada

Vancouver offers many group-friendly accommodations and activities with easy access to nature, making it ideal for those seeking both outdoor adventure and urban exploration. Montreal, Quebec is a culturally rich city with a mix of French and English influences, blending art, food and festivals and culture making it ideal for group travel.

Ottawa, Ontario, features historical sites, museums, outdoor activities and a wide range of hotels catering to groups. The Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia offers breathtaking coastal views, outdoor adventures such as hiking, whale watching and exploring Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

Wine tasting groups will love visiting the Niagara Wine Region with its stunning countryside views, lovely wineries and vineyard hotels. And a visit to Niagara Falls is only a 20-minute drive away.

Best Places for Solo Travel in Canada

Quebec City has a magical allure that leads visitors into what looks like France. Even though French is the first language here, the city is mostly bilingual. It’s friendly, safe and easily navigable.

Vancouver is one of the few places in the world that has everything: beach, mountains, nature and a big city feel. The city center is easily accessible by public transport, the city is easily walkable and offers a myriad of accommodations to choose from.

St. John’s, Newfoundland, may be small, but it’s packed with enough things to do to keep the solo traveler entertained. From outdoor trails to its charming downtown filled with kitschy shops and restaurants, St. John’s is an ideal solo destination.

Halifax, Nova Scotia, another walkable city known for its maritime and Scottish history, colorful waterfront and lovely boutique shopping. Located in Southeastern Ontario, Ottawa is brimming with culture, history and big-city attractions with a friendly, small-town welcoming feel.

Best Foodie Destinations in Canada

Given it boasts the highest number of restaurants per capita in Canada, Victoria is popular with foodies, especially with its Pacific-Rim-inspired seafood dishes and five varieties of salmon.

No city does French-Canadian food better than Quebec City, popular for its poutine, cretons (pork pate) and local cheese. Prince Edward Island has to make the list if only for its famous and beloved mussels and oysters.

Because of its diverse cultural influences, Montreal is a hotspot for unique eats. Poutine, smoked meat sandwiches, bagels and maple-infused dishes reign supreme here. Vancouver is a favorite not only for its famous Granville Island Public Market but its multi-cultural eateries, food festivals, wineries, microbreweries and food trucks.

Best Places for Adventure Travel in Canada

Whistler, British Columbia, Canada, Feb 2007 (photo via Thomas Northcut / DigitalVision)

Banff is a premier destination for outdoor activities with hiking, mountain climbing, skiing and snowboarding along with its two iconic lakes. There’s no doubt that Whistler is the most popular Canadian destination for skiing, but it also offers a wide range of outdoor adventure year-round including mountain biking, zip-lining and hiking.

Travelers can practically do it all on Vancouver Island. Surfing, kayaking, whale watching, hiking and bear-watching are just a few of the amazing outdoor offerings.

The Niagara Escarpment is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve with plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun. You can try rock climbing in areas like Glen Eden, enjoy breathtaking views while hiking, or tackle mountain biking trails. Jasper National Park, Alberta is a paradise for outdoor lovers and one of the best places for stargazing due to its status as a Dark Sky Preserve. Hiking, canoeing and wildlife spotting are adventurist favorites.

Marriott Hotels has partnered with the NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs in a multi-year partnership.

Best Places for Sports Enthusiasts in Canada

Montreal has a proud sporting heritage with a deep passion for hockey and home to the legendary Montreal Canadiens who have won 24 Stanley Cup finals. As Canada’s largest city, Toronto is a sports mecca with professional teams to include the Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL), Toronto Raptors (NBA) and the Toronto Blue Jays (MLB). Additionally, the city will be one of the hosts for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Calgary Stampede, first held in 1886, is one of Canada’s most iconic events and the most renowned rodeo in the world. The massive cultural and sporting event celebrates Western heritage, the cowboy culture and rodeo sports lasting for 10 days.

Whistler/Blackcomb is a ski and snowboarder’s paradise boasting 200 marked runs for every level of winter adventurer with 31 lifts and gondolas. In the summer, the area is a mecca for mountain biking and hiking.

The Edmonton Oilers (NHL) are a major draw for fans though the sports-centric city also offers Canadian football, soccer and rugby.

Unique to Canada

There’s nothing like Niagara Falls, Canada. Horseshoe Falls is the largest and most iconic of its three cascades with a height of 188 feet and known for its sheer size, power and awe-inspiring beauty.

The Yukon is one of the best places in the world to see the Aurora Borealis. Dog sledding is an exciting way to explore this remote snow-covered wilderness. And if you’re into history, the territory offers Klondike Gold Rush glimpses into the past and yes, you can still pan for gold.

Churchill, Manitoba, is known as the polar bear capital of the world where these lovely creatures playfully romp in the frozen tundra and visitors can enjoy watching them in their natural habitat.

Manitoulin Island is home to Indigenous peoples, specifically the Anishinaabe and Odawa First Nations. This sacred place is still home to many First Nation communities, contributing to its rich and fascinating history and cultural heritage.

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