Carina Lauron
Canada’s scenery stretches across towering mountains, spacious prairies, lovely coastlines, and the Arctic tundra. Sprinkled throughout these incredible landscapes are beautiful cities you won’t want to miss.
You’ll find many activities here that cater to all types of travelers. For instance, you can go ice skating, witness the northern lights, or simply relax in one of Canada’s stunning hot springs.
Now that we’ve highlighted some destinations and activities let’s explore the most beautiful cities in Canada. If you skip them, you’ll likely regret it. This guide tells you all about these must-visit cities and their unique attractions.
1. Québec City, Quebec
Quebec City features a district called Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can wander the cobblestone streets and admire the well-preserved 17th-century architecture. Quebec City is known for its lively café culture, so don’t miss your daily dose of coffee and pastries.
A special part of Quebec City is its fortified city walls (the only fortress walls remaining in North America north of Mexico). Explore the Citadelle de Québec; you might be able to watch a changing of the guard ceremony.
Furthermore, Quebec City has a delightful culinary scene. Sip some hot tea at the Chateau Frontenac or eat French fries topped with cheese curds and gravy as the locals do.
2. St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
Founded in 1583, St. John’s is one of the oldest settlements in North America. It’s nestled on the eastern tip of the Avalon Peninsula.
As the largest city in Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John’s offers excellent trails for outdoor adventurers, while nature enthusiasts can spot fin, blue, minke, and humpback whales in the waters. Additionally, the rich past of St. John is evident in its museums, galleries, and historical sites. Visitors can drop by these locations and learn about the encounters between European pirates that shaped the city over the past 500 years.
Hungry? Don’t miss the city’s specialty dishes and pastries like Saskatoon berry pie, poutine, bannock bread, and butter tarts.
3. Victoria, British Columbia
Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. It’s known for its strong British heritage, reflected in its architecture, gardens, and afternoon tea traditions.
In Victoria, travelers get the chance to see the city’s beautiful surroundings, including scenic towns, coves, inlets, and the nearby Pacific Ocean. If you love to drink tea, you’ll appreciate the city even more. It has plenty of tearooms, antique shops, and art galleries to explore.
You can also go on a cycling tour and breeze through scenic pathways to discover local coffee shops and restaurants.
4. Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver is a city where the ocean meets the towering mountains. The city is filled with grand parks, forests, museums, lively pubs, and world-class restaurants. There are also plenty of opportunities to shop to your heart’s content.
Widely considered one of the most beautiful cities on Earth, Vancouver’s laid-back atmosphere can make anyone feel comfortable and content. As it sits between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains, it creates an impressive backdrop and a natural playground where you can swim, bike, or ski all day.
5. Montreal, Quebec
Montreal is a French-speaking city with an old-money vibe due to its cobblestone streets and luxurious buildings in Vieux-Montreal. The buildings here let you experience a European flavor without actually being in Europe.
To maximize your visit, visit the Notre Dame and Montreal Botanical Garden, and enjoy the buzzing nightlife, green spaces, unique architecture, and art galleries. Also, don’t miss the opportunity to tour the legendary Olympic Park, the highest inclined tower in the world.
6. Toronto, Ontario
Another beautiful city you don’t want to skip is Toronto. This exciting city is referred to as “New York City run by the Swiss,” which makes sense since you can find many world-class theaters, restaurants, and shopping centers here.
What makes Toronto extra lively is its mix of people from all over the world. Half the city comes from other countries, so you can explore neighborhoods like Koreatown, Little India, and Little Italy — all in one place. It’s like visiting many countries and learning about their cultures in just one trip.
7. Calgary, Alberta
Calgary, Alberta is a sophisticated city that grew out of the Canadian West with the Calgary Stampede. Over two decades, the city has been enjoying great prosperity and still holds its yearly Stampede with rodeos, cowboy hats, and line dancing.
It also became one of the top destinations in Canada when it hosted the 1988 Winter Olympics. To see some amazing sights outside the city, you can visit places like Fish Creek, Cave and Basin, and Banff National Park. You can also ski or snowboard at Canada Olympic Park or check out Stephen Avenue’s shops and restaurants.
8. Halifax, Nova Scotia
Halifax, Nova Scotia’s capital city, presents a blend of big-city convenience and small-town charm. Enjoy the ease of navigation via public transportation, discover top-notch restaurants, and join social events with the welcoming locals.
Immerse yourself in the city’s rich history with a self-guided walking tour. Begin at an 18th-century historic site called the Atlantic Maritime Museum. From there, explore Halifax’s picturesque beaches, rugged shorelines, and nearby fishing spots. Afterward, dine at fantastic bars and eateries to see live music before you leave.
9. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
If you want an exciting and youthful vibe, don’t miss Saskatoon, Saskatchewan’s largest city.
The city is full of modern art galleries, public art installations, live music, and theater shows. There are also many great restaurants in the city: try a fusion of Canadian and Asian flavors at Odd Couple Restaurant, satisfy your pasta cravings at Taverna Italian Kitchen + Bar, or grab a casual bite at Bon Temps Cafe.
10. Whitehorse, Yukon
Whitehorse, Yukon, is a small city with great charm, especially during the winter months when the city is covered in snow. The city is a pleasant mix of the old and the new, which makes it a great starting point to explore Canada’s northern region.
Since downtown Whitehorse is compact and walkable, you can easily visit numerous attractions in and beyond the city center. Make sure to check out the Yukon Wildlife Preserve and the Takhini Hot Springs, both half an hour away from Whitehorse.
If you happen to visit during the winter months, go on a Nothern Lights tour for an unforgettable adventure and witness the aurora borealis dance across the night sky.
11. Moncton, New Brunswick
Revealing a lively downtown area, Moncton, New Brunswick sheds its sleepy reputation. As the province’s largest city, it brims with a craft beer scene that will surprise even the most discerning palate.
Moreover, Moncton offers a pedestrian-friendly experience. Within a five-minute walk from the city center, you’ll find an array of restaurants. If you love art, visit the University of Moncton to explore the Dalhousie Art Gallery.
12. Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is likely on your list of Canadian destinations already, as it’s one of the world’s most recognized natural wonders. It presents a unique vibe with its well-preserved 19th-century village.
For a more enjoyable experience, you can rent a bike, cruise through the area, stop at wineries, or drop by Fort George National Historic Site, where battles raged during the War of 1812. You can also paddle on the lake, play golf, or browse shops and galleries.
13. Winnipeg, Manitoba
Don’t miss out on Winnipeg on your next Canadian adventure. This city bursts with surprising activities, from fishing and snowmobiling to wildlife viewing.
Beyond the outdoor pursuits, explore shops and see cultural attractions like the Winnipeg Art Gallery, the Forks Market, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, or catch a game with the Winnipeg Jets. There are also open green spaces, tree-lined riverwalks, and interesting sculptures that depict historical events from over 6,000 years ago.
14. Ottawa, Ontario
Though not as popular as Toronto or Vancouver, Ottawa is actually the capital city of Canada. When you visit this city, you will feel its friendly atmosphere and charming culture.
Ottawa has a wide urban parkland that spans 60 square miles and 850 parks. For a one-of-a-kind trip, head to the intersection of Rideau Street and William Street to browse outdoor markets. You can also enter shops housed in 19th-century buildings located at the market’s southwest end. As the sun sets, enjoy a specialty scotch at The Highland Pub.
15. St Andrews, New Brunswick
Another stunning city to visit on your next Canada trip is St. Andrews in New Brunswick. This city has an old-fashioned vibe with the famous Algonquin Resort, where you can tee off on the golf course, unwind in refreshing pools, or gather around fire pits for marshmallow roasts.
Want a budget-friendly accommodation? In St. Andrews, you can find many seaside cottages, traditional motels, and campgrounds. For a unique experience, visit the Chocolate Museum or stroll through the lovely gardens.
16. Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Charlottetown on Prince Edward Island is a nice city on Canada’s east coast. Here, you can savor delicious food and warm hospitality, steeped in history and a romantic charm.
The city comes alive with festivals throughout the year, such as the International Shellfish Festival. This festival features maritime music, culinary demos, and seafood and chowder championships. Besides that, you can explore its network of trails and waterside boardwalks if you like to hike. And for a touch of history, ride a carriage through the Charlottetown’s rustic streets.
17. Banff, Alberta
Banff, Alberta, located in the center of the Canadian Rockies, lets you feel like you’ve stepped into a Skiss ski village. It’s near the southeastern border of the Banff National Park.
This place also offers the chance to experience the region’s stunning glacier-filled lakes and interesting wildlife, such as elk and moose. In addition to these lovely animals, the region has a thriving culture and art scene with several art galleries, museums, and concert venues. Don’t forget to indulge in Alberta’s famous restaurants!
18. Edmonton, Alberta
Edmonton is a festival hub that hosts the Edmonton Fringe Theatre Festival and Edmonton Folk Music Festival. Nature lovers can go on a scenic westward drive to the majestic Jasper National Park.
A short stroll further takes you to Elk Island National Park, where herds of bison roam freely alongside over 250 bird species. For a change of pace, head back to Edmonton and explore its 800 shops, which include the continent’s largest mall, West Edmonton Mall. This massive mall offers even more entertainment with indoor water slides, wave pools, an ice skating rink, and bungee jumping.
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When we travel to destinations with cold climates, we need warm layers and coats to enjoy the trip. After all, who wants a vacation where you’re shivering the whole time?
Some places, however, take cold temperatures to the extreme. Here, we reveal the most remote, freezing corners of the world where even locals bundle up like Arctic explorers. From Russia to Canada, these locations will have you picturing Siberian tigers and snow-white bears as your breath turns to ice crystals.
Read on to discover the places with the lowest recorded temperatures in history.
