5 Places to Visit in Canada

If you’re looking to improve your travel resume and explore somewhere new, look no further than your own continent. Canada has attracted tourists for decades with its enormous diversity of cities, wilderness, and people. Canada’s unsurpassed collection of lakes, peaks, and monuments, as well as its famously clean air, make it a top destination for both the summer and winter outdoorsman. Its vibrant cities offer diverse culinary hits for even the most seasoned foodie, and its people are rumored to be some of the kindest and most polite in the world. With autumn around the corner, what better place to spend the weekend (or week) than in Canada? Book your trip now, and in a few weeks, pack your coziest sweaters and your passport, set your camera on "landscape," and head to beautiful Canada before the snow falls over the Rockies. We suggest checking out one––or all––of these five cities while you’re there. 

Charlottetown

Prince Edward Island is nestled in Canada’s eastern maritime province and is famous for its red sand beaches, pastoral farmland interior, and mouthwatering seafood. It’s commonly referred to as "the gentle island" because of its laid back vibe and welcoming locals. Charlottetown’s sleepy streets are stylish and cultural while still maintaining small-town appeal, and they are home to some of Prince Edward Island’s best seafood restaurants. Try the Claddagh Oyster House, dubbed the best seafood restaurant in town, for top quality fare in a setting that is an elegant take on a traditional Irish pub. The center of Charlottetown offers historical tourism sites such as the Government House, St. Dunstan’s Basilica, and the Charlottetown Lighthouse. If you’re looking to spend a day at the beach, follow the locals 30 minutes out of town to Lakeside Beach, a no-frills, white sand islander favorite. 

Montreal

Montreal is a city of contrasts: the perfect mix of old and new, of English and French, of outdoors and nightlife. In the winter, visit Montreal to ice skate beside the St. Lawrence River, to ski at one of Montreal’s luxury ski resorts like the elegant ski in-ski out Fairmont Tremblant, or to escape the cold in Montreal’s famed underground city. In the summer, explore by bike (Montreal is extremely bike-friendly and offers large bike lanes literally everywhere). Bike or hike to the top of Mount Royal for panoramic views of the city, and at night, visit Old Port for foodie and shopaholic heaven. If you’re lucky enough, you’ll be in Montreal in time for its annual Jazz Festival, the largest festival in town attracting music lovers (in the millions) from around the world. 

Banff

Banff, a unique mountain tourist town, lies within Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the province of Alberta. Banff is most famous for its luxury ski resorts and hot springs. It attracts skiers worldwide each winter with its near-perfect skiing conditions––such as Canada’s "best snow"––and luxury ski resorts like the classically luxurious, chalet-style Post Hotel. Ease your body’s ache post-skiing by settling into Banff’s Upper Hot Springs and watching the snow fall on the surrounding peaks, a favorite pastime among locals and visitors alike. If you find yourself in Banff in October and November, be sure to take part in Banff’s Mountain Film Festival, an annual presentation of short films and documentaries about mountain culture, sports, and the environment. If you’ve had enough of the mountain life for the week, head to Banff street, the town’s main street offering high-end shopping and dining. 

Niagara

You’ve heard of Niagara Falls before, but did you know that the municipality has more to offer than its famed tourist attraction? Laying between lakes Ontario and Erie in the province of Ontario, Niagara is Canada’s home to wineries, wildlife, and history. Of course, you can’t leave without being sprayed by Horseshoe Falls, Canada’s section of the falls and a true geological wonder. However, the Niagara region’s vineyards are home to critically-acclaimed wines that are a must-sip for the bachelorette or the connoisseur. Travel & Style California suggests Caroline Cellars Winery as one of its top six winery destinations in Niagara for its "heartwarming country charm" and recommends the plum wine. Fort George is a can’t-miss for the history buff, overlooking the Niagara River and boasting a bloody past as well as a pivotal role in the War of 1812.

Victoria

While many cities we’ve listed celebrate quintessential Frenchness of Canada, Victoria is uniquely British. You can see this in its British colonial architecture, its many formal gardens, and its British traditions. Located on the Southern end of Vancouver Island, it has a mild climate ideal for outdoor activities. Visit the stately Craigdarroch Castle or one of its many gardens, including the Butchart botanical garden, The Empress, or the Government House. Stroll around Beacon Hill Park and enjoy miles of this pristine urban retreat. Be sure to indulge in tea time––like members of Victorian high society did so many years ago––at the Fairmont express afternoon service. If you’re still hungry after the Fairmont’s delicate pastries, buy a delicious treat at the weekend market on Victoria pier. One thing not to bother doing? Whale watching: just keep your eyes peeled on the ferry ride over or for breaches from McNeill Bay, as they happen quite often! 

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