There is no better way of experiencing Canadian culture than by visiting some of the country’s most historic and popular places! Learn about these 10 landmarks that you should visit during your stay in Canada. Every place on this list is a great travel destination and will make you fall in love with this country.
1. Niagara Falls
Located at one of the most important historical and natural borders between the USA and Canada, the Niagara Falls are one of Canada’s most impressive landmarks. Visiting them in different seasons provides you with a whole new experience each time. During the summer, the city of Niagara Falls boasts many excellent attractions such as the Clifton Hill SkyWheel and the Maid of the Mist boat tours. The boats will take you so close to the falls that you will need a raincoat! Do not forget to go up the Skylon Tower, where you will enjoy a fabulous view of the falls as they come together. In the winter you might see the falls frozen; we were lucky in 2014 and 2015!
2. Hockey Hall of Fame
Located in downtown Toronto, this place is dedicated to the history of ice hockey and legendary hockey stars. A highlight of the Hockey Hall of Fame is “The Great Hall”, where all major NHL trophies are displayed. If you’d like to experience the thrill of being a hockey player, you will enjoy the Play Zone, where you can be a hockey goalie or play a virtual game against a computer-simulated goaltender. Other must-sees at the Hockey Hall of Fame are the Canadian Dressing Room and the Puck Wall of Fame.
3. CN Tower
The CN Tower is Toronto’s most famous landmark and the first touristic place to visit upon arriving in the city. For a long time, the CN Tower, at 553.33 meters high, was the tallest tower in the world. A great time to visit the CN Tower is right before sunset, so you can see the city during daylight and also lit up at night by the city lights. One of the unique things of this tower is the high-speed elevator, glass floor and the 360 Restaurant which allows you to enjoy a meal “in the sky.”
4. Bay of Fundy / Hopewell Rocks
The Bay of Fundy is a natural wonder on the East Coast of Canada. Located between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, this place will definitely astonish you. The perfect time to visit is between spring and summer. You will experience the highest tides in the world, with almost 200 billion tonnes of seawater flowing every day. It is a home for whales which are rarely seen in the world, and a place to fall in love with hiking and canoeing.
5. Casa Loma
If you are looking for somewhere with an impressive history, you should definitely visit Casa Loma in Toronto. This Gothic Revival house was built in 1911, as the residence of Sir Henry Mill Pellatt. Casa Loma is a beautiful destination year-round; during the winter you will see lovely Christmas decorations and in the summer you can admire the gardens in front of the castle. Casa Loma’s rooms are equipped with the original furniture used over 100 years ago. The story behind this building is fascinating and it will help you understand the historical context of immigration in Canada.
6. Canadian Rockies
Take a train or car and go visit the Canadian Rockies in British Columbia, a breathtaking place with wild nature and lakes that are as blue as the sky. From hiking in Yoho National Park to taking a boat cruise on Lake Minnewanka, the Canadian Rockies offer so many activities and places to see it is almost impossible to name just a few. For those who love stunning views, don’t miss the great opportunity to visit the Jasper National Park and take the Jasper Tramway!
7. Montreal
Being the second largest city in Canada, there are many things to do and see in Montreal. Get to know the historic side in Old Montreal with the famous Notre-Dame Basilica. If you’d rather go shopping and exploring the city life, go to Saint-Denis Street, filled with shops and amazing original things. And don’t forget to eat at Schwartz’s Delicatessen, the home of Montreal smoked meat and a local institution for over 80 years! Immerse yourself in the French-Canadian culture, and try some delicious poutine!
8. Rideau Canal
Can you imagine skating through Ottawa? Try this Canadian ice skating tradition during the winter! The canal is open for skaters from January through February and, with its 7-kilometre long ice path, it is the longest skating area in the world. Do not worry, when the weather is warmer the canal is open for pedestrians, runners, and rowers. If you want to know more about the history of the canal, visit the Bytown museum.
9 . Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Forget your fear of heights and embark on a natural adventure crossing this suspension bridge! When you cross the bridge you will stand in the West Coast Rainforest of Vancouver, BC, and you will be able to hear the beautiful sounds of wild nature. Other attractions of the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park are going for a cliff walk or a treetop adventure. See the forest from the animals’ perspective with the treetop bridges!
10. Parliament Hill
This place is well known as the seat of Canada’s parliament and the political and cultural heart of Ottawa. Free guided tours make Parliament Hill available to everybody. Check your Canadian twenty dollar bill and you will see the Peace Tower on it! This wonderful tower will provide you with an amazing view of the city. Every day you can hear the beautiful sound of the 53-bell carillon ringing from the Peace Tower, which makes the place even more stunning. If you visit during the summer, you will see the “changing of the Guard” ceremony.
TIP: If you want to experience something extraordinary, visit Ottawa on Canada Day (July 1st) and witness a typical celebration with fireworks lighting up the whole city.
Gabriela Jandova
