The 18 places the travel guides we read name most, what they say about each, and fares from your city.
The places, most named first
From the 8 guides that rank for "best places to visit in canada"
Named by 5 of 81. BanffAlberta, CanadaEasy to get around by foot or public bus, with day trips to Lake Louise and soaking in hot springs.Banff National Park covers over 4,000 square miles, so crowds are spread out.Best time to visit Banff
Named by 4 of 82. Vancouver IslandBritish Columbia, CanadaWhale-watching tours run 3 to 4 hours; Tofino and Long Beach are also worth a stop.Victoria has colorful Victorian architecture, hanging flower baskets and floating homes.
Named by 4 of 83. JasperAlberta, CanadaA small Rockies town near Maligne Canyon and Lake.The Canadian Rockies span five national parks: Banff, Jasper, Yoho, Kootenay and Waterton.
Named by 3 of 84. Quebec CityQuebec, CanadaFeels like a European trip without leaving North America, with a walkable old town and a funicular.Locals mostly speak English as well as French; Old Quebec has striking architecture.Best time to visit Quebec City
Named by 3 of 85. VancouverBritish Columbia, CanadaMixes city and mountains; one writer recommends July to September, when it rains the least.Whistler is under a two-hour drive away.Best time to visit Vancouver
Named by 3 of 86. TorontoOntario, CanadaFamily attractions include the Science Museum, Ripley's Aquarium and the Toronto Islands.Neighborhoods like Little India, Kensington Market and Chinatown are easy to reach by streetcar or subway.Best time to visit Toronto
Named by 3 of 87. Lake LouiseAlberta, CanadaGlacial water rarely tops 8°C; the lake freezes over outside summer for skating and Nordic skiing.In summer, hike to the Lake Agnes tea house and canoe the lake.
Named by 2 of 88. WhistlerBritish Columbia, CanadaHome to North America's largest ski resort, and a year-round destination.The Sea to Sky Highway drive there is a highlight, with stops at the gondola and Squamish.
Named by 2 of 89. ChurchillManitoba, CanadaReached only by air or rail; polar bears in winter and beluga kayaking in spring and summer.A good place for the Northern Lights, peaking from January to March.
Named by 2 of 810. Cape Breton IslandNova Scotia, CanadaThe Cabot Trail is a 297 km loop; allow at least three days.The Cabot Trail follows the coast, with hills on one side and waves on the other.
Named by 2 of 811. MontrealQuebec, CanadaA writer suggests visiting both Montreal and Quebec City.Listed among Canada's cosmopolitan cities with a cafe culture.Best time to visit Montreal
Named by 5 of 81. BanffEasy to get around by foot or public bus, with day trips to Lake Louise and soaking in hot springs.Banff National Park covers over 4,000 square miles, so crowds are spread out.Best time to visit BanffNamed by 4 of 82. Vancouver IslandWhale-watching tours run 3 to 4 hours; Tofino and Long Beach are also worth a stop.Victoria has colorful Victorian architecture, hanging flower baskets and floating homes.
Named by 4 of 83. JasperA small Rockies town near Maligne Canyon and Lake.The Canadian Rockies span five national parks: Banff, Jasper, Yoho, Kootenay and Waterton.Named by 3 of 84. Quebec CityFeels like a European trip without leaving North America, with a walkable old town and a funicular.Locals mostly speak English as well as French; Old Quebec has striking architecture.Best time to visit Quebec City
Named by 3 of 85. VancouverMixes city and mountains; one writer recommends July to September, when it rains the least.Whistler is under a two-hour drive away.Best time to visit Vancouver
Named by 3 of 86. TorontoFamily attractions include the Science Museum, Ripley's Aquarium and the Toronto Islands.Neighborhoods like Little India, Kensington Market and Chinatown are easy to reach by streetcar or subway.Best time to visit Toronto
Named by 3 of 87. Lake LouiseGlacial water rarely tops 8°C; the lake freezes over outside summer for skating and Nordic skiing.In summer, hike to the Lake Agnes tea house and canoe the lake.
Named by 2 of 88. WhistlerHome to North America's largest ski resort, and a year-round destination.The Sea to Sky Highway drive there is a highlight, with stops at the gondola and Squamish.Named by 2 of 89. ChurchillReached only by air or rail; polar bears in winter and beluga kayaking in spring and summer.A good place for the Northern Lights, peaking from January to March.
Named by 2 of 810. Cape Breton IslandThe Cabot Trail is a 297 km loop; allow at least three days.The Cabot Trail follows the coast, with hills on one side and waves on the other.Named by 2 of 811. MontrealA writer suggests visiting both Montreal and Quebec City.Listed among Canada's cosmopolitan cities with a cafe culture.Best time to visit Montreal
Named by 2 of 813. OttawaA small capital that can be covered in a weekend, with Rideau Canal cruises and Parliament.
Named by 2 of 814. TofinoKnown for Long Beach, sun and surf on Vancouver Island.
15. Niagara FallsReached from Toronto by bus; the falls are as powerful as photos suggest.Best time to visit Niagara Falls
16. BonavistaWhales, puffins and eagles live nearby; icebergs can be spotted in spring and early summer.
17. Basin Head Provincial ParkCalled Singing Sands because the sand squeaks underfoot.
18. Great Bear RainforestPaired with Vancouver and Vancouver Island for city and wildlife watching.
