41 Iconic Places to Visit in Canada in 2020

Dave and I have had the pleasure of visiting most of Canada and these are our picks for the most iconic places to visit in Canada. That we’ve seen!

Are you looking for outdoors or culture? City travels, or rural. Canada has it all!

To help you decide where to start, we’re rounding up the most popular places to visit in Canada and the most awe-inspiring scenes and memorable landmarks.

Here are our top picks!

Best Places to Visit in Canada

Table of Contents: Skip to the regions of Canada you want to visit by clicking the links below.

Canada is huge! In fact, it is the second-largest country in the world. So seeing it all in one shot won’t happen. But luckily we have seen most of it and have had the chance to witness our most iconic places.

If you don’t have a couple of years to drive around the country, you will need to decide what coast you want to travel, and what experiences you want to have.

Alberta

1. Banff & Lake Louise

It’s one of Canada’s top attractions and with good reason. Banff National Park is an outdoor lover’s dream.

Hike, bike, ski or go horseback riding into the Rocky Mountains.

Witness the incredible view of Lake Louise and the Victoria glacier from the Chateau Fairmont Lake Louise and enjoy the fresh mountain air as you explore the beautiful lakes of Banff Nationa Park most notably Moraine Lake, Lake Minnewanka, Peyto Lakes and Vermillion.

Read More: Things to do in Banff, Where to Stay in Banff

2. Icefields Parkway

It is considered one of the most beautiful scenic drives in the world linking Banff and Jasper National Parks.

Stops along this iconic stretch of highway include the Athabasca glacier, The Columbia Icefields, reflections of Bow Lake, outstanding views of the Canadian Rockies and more than 100 glaciers, and waterfalls lining the route.

Read Next: Discover Banff in Photos

3. Columbia Icefields Skywalk

It’s the coolest walk in Canada dangling 280 meters (918-foot) over the Sunwapta Valley. The glass floor will take your breath away.

Located along the Icefields Parkway, this is a beautiful stop to see the surrounding mountains and glaciers.

See our road trip along the Icefield’s Parkway

4. Alberta Badlands

The Alberta Badlands are one of North America’s most beautiful views.

Make a home base and do some camping at Dinosaur Provincial Park to see one of the largest dinosaur fossil collections in the world.

Check out our stay at Dinosaur Provincial Park in the Badlands

5. Jasper

Jasper National Park is a little less crowded than Banff National Park but no less spectacular

It is known for its yearly Dark Sky Festival and it is worth visiting just for the amazing display of stars and the Aurora Borealis.

Choose a view at one of its beautiful lakes – Maligne, Pyramid, Mildred or Beauvart Lakes for spectacular views.

See how Jasper made our list of the Best Road Trips in the World

6. Maligne Lake

Speaking of Lakes, you can’t visit Jasper without driving out to the extraordinary views of Maligne Lake.

This is a great day trip where you can stop at Maligne Canyon and go for a hike along the Maligne River.

Enjoy our list of the Best Things to do in Alberta

7. Waterton Lakes National Park

At the complete other end of Alberta is Waterton Lakes National Park. It shares a border with Glacier National Park in America a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It is also an International Peace Park, and a Biosphere Reserve rolled all in one.

It’s the only one of its kind in the world.

Read about our tour through Southern Alberta

British Columbia

8. Whistler

Whistler is Canada’s outdoor playground with world-class ski resorts, backcountry snowmobiling, and adrenaline activities.

In the summer go mountain biking or exploring its many hiking trails and outdoor activities before relaxing in Whistler village to enjoy the world-class dining and nightlife.

Check out all the things to do in Whistler

9. Tofino

Since we didn’t have a good photo of Tofino, I chose one courtesy of Pixabay.

Located on Vancouver Island just off of Canada’s west coast, Tofino is Canada’s surfing destination.

Storm watchers gather in Tofino from October to February to watch the massive winter waves pound the Canadian Coast.

Enjoy this post on Travel to Tofino

10. Okanagan Valley

The Okanagan Valley is British Columbia’s wine region and could easily be mistaken for Tuscany.

Making a base in either Kelowna or Vernon offers a relaxing vacation overlooking picturesque lakes, rolling hills and forests and three mountain ranges surrounding the valley

11. Victoria

Located on Vancouver Island, Victoria is the capital of British Columbia.

With its colonial architecture, grand gardens and lovely seafront, you can feel the English influence with every turn.

Read more about BC at Exploring the Sea to Sky Highway

Manitoba

12. Churchill

The town of Churchill is famous for being located on the polar bear highway.

It is also famous for the beluga whale migration where thousands of belugas can be seen playing in the bay just off the pier of Churchill.

A unique thing to see in Churchill is the Polar Bear jail (a holding pen for bears to be relocated after wandering into town).

See more: Kayaking with Beluga Whales

13. Hudson Bay

To really see the polar bears, staying at a lodge on Hudson Bay puts you in the true Canadian tundra.

Churchill Wild has several lodges in Northern Manitoba where polar bears can be viewed up close and personal in their natural habitat.

The wildlife if spectacular, but the scenery is outstanding as well.

Enjoy: Walking with Polar Bears

14. Canadian Museum of Human Rights

We don’t put museums in lists of iconic places, but the Canadian Museum of Human Rights in Winnipeg is one of the best museums in the world.

The museum itself is beautifully designed winning many architectural awards taking the visitor on a journey from the ground floor representing roots and soil through mountains, earth, clouds and light with exhibits like the Garden of Contemplation and the glass tower overlooking the city of Winnipeg.

Read next: Things to do in Winnipeg

Nova Scotia

15. Lunenburg

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is Canada’s prettiest city. With painted houses that adhere to strict cultural standards, Lunenburg has kept its maritime heritage in tact.

There’s fine dining, museums, ocean tours and luxury hotels and B&B making this the perfect Canadian vacation destination.

Enjoy these Beautiful Photos of Nova Scotia

16. Cape Breton

Driving around the Cabot Trail of Cape Breton showcases the best of Canadian life.

It is one of the best road trips in the world with outstanding coastal views, hiking trails, whale watching and boat trips, lobster tours and fishing villages.

See everything there is to do on the Cabot Trail

17. Peggy’s Cove

One of the world’s most famous lighthouses, Peggy’s Cove is Nova Scotia’s most popular attraction.

A visit to Peggy’s Cove is more than a lighthouse, hiking along the volcanic coastal rocks makes for a beautiful view of Canada’s East Coast.

Learn more at: Exploring Nova Scotia’s South Shore

18. Three Sisters

The Bay of Fundy are the highest tides in the world and there are three amazing places to witness them in Nova Scotia.

The Shubicadie River, Burntcoat Head Provincial Park and kayaking or hiking out to the Three Sisters.

Here you can walk on the ocean floor at low tide for miles.

Read More: The Ultimate Nova Scotia Road Trip

New Brunswick

19. Bay of Fundy Hopewell Rocks

New Brunswick has the classic views of the Bay of Fundy at the Hopewell Rocks.

With Unique Formations, Sea Caves and arches, this is one of the best places to witness the power of the highest tides on earth.

Read more about the Bay of Fundy – Tidal Bore Rafting

20. Fundy National Park

Driving through Fundy National Park showcases stunning views of the New Brunswick Coast.

With 25 waterfalls and spectacular views of the Bay of Fundy, this is a great Canadian park to visit.

If you want a true adventure, take on the challenge of hiking the Fundy Trail. The 61km hike is considered one of the greatest multiday hikes in the world.

21. Kouchibouguac National Park

One of the best dark sky preserves can be found in Kouchibouguac National Park but it’s the boardwalk through the salt marsh that attracts visitors here.

Follow the path out to the sand dunes or explore the river by voyageur canoe.

22. St. Martins

With historic covered bridges and the St. Martins Sea Caves is a must-stop on the East Coast.

Sea Kayaking trips are offered to explroe the sea caves at high tide, but you can also walk out right into the belly of the massive caves at low tide as the Bay of Fundy waters recede miles out from shore.

Read More about New Brunswick at The Best Things to do in Saint John

Ontario

23. Niagara Falls

It is Canada’s most famous tourist attraction and it does not disappoint.

Dave and I visit Niagara Falls at least once a year and we never tire of seeing one of the world’s largest waterfalls.

There are several adventures you can do like taking the Maid of the Mist into the bottom of the horseshoe falls, take a journey behind the falls, or dare to join a jetboat tour to the whirlpool.

Check out all the great things to do in Niagara Falls

24. CN Tower

It was once the world’s tallest structure, but it is still clinging to the top 10.

We’ve visited a lot of towers around the world, but the CN Tower is still the best experience.

With its hair raising glass floor, rotating restaurant, and the adrenaline pumping Edgewalk, it’s a must see attraction when visiting Toronto.

Check out our CN Tower Edgewalk Experience.

25. Algonquin Park

Ontario is blessed with many provincial parks, but our favourite is Algonquin Park.

This 7,653 km² (2954 square miles) park is one of Canada’s premier canoe route destination and one of the best places to spot moose in the wild.

Check out: Caneoing in Algonquin Park

26. Lake Superior North Shore

Not many people get north of Lake Superior, but this is where you’ll find the most beautiful views in Ontario.

Stop at the Canada Goose in Wawa, go canoeing or kayaking to the slate islands in search of the woodland caribou or hike the Pukaskwa Trail, one of the hardest hikes in Canada.

See our full Lake Superior Circle Tour

27. Ottawa

Ottawa is Canada’s capital and one of our favorite places to visit in the country. Be sure to visit during the annual winter carnival, Winterlude.

Skating along the Rideau Canal is one of the most iconic things to do in Canada. But there are so many things to do in Ottawa.

Visit our beautiful Parliament buildings, cross the river to Gatineau, explore its many museums and stay at the historic Chateau Laurier.

Read: Things to do in Ottawa

28. Manitoulin Island

Manitoulin Island is the world’s largest freshwater island. It also houses the largest lake within a freshwater island in the world.

The best experience to have in Manitoulin is to hike to the top of the Cup and Saucer Trail and to take part in the Great Spirit Circle Tour. An Aboriginal experience.

Read: The Top Things to do on Manitoulin Island

Prince Edward Island

29. Confederation Bridge

The Confederation Bridge links Prince Edward Island with the country by the Trans Canada Highway.

It is the longest bridge in the world crossing ice-covered water at 12.9 km long. It opened in 1994 and is a thrill to drive over.

30. Charlottetown

Charlottetown is home to the ongoing Charolottetown Festival showcasing Anne of Green Gables.

But this charming east coast town has much more to it.

With farm and fish to table dining, boutique hotels, arts and culture plus a picture-perfect harbour, this is one of Canada’s hidden gems.

Quebec

31. Quebec City

Quebec City is North America’s European city. Discover the old world charm of Quebec’s capital city.

Old Quebec’s centerpiece is the striking Chateau Frontinac where visitors can get a taste of Victorian style luxury.

There are historic sites throughout Quebec with its historic district designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

32. Wendake

Wendake is a First Nation’s Settlement just 15 minutes from the Old Town of Quebec.

This 300-year-old community established by Wendat people after they were driven from their settlements on the Great Lakes.

You may have heard of the Huron Peoples, but they are trying to eliminate that name as it was given to them by early European settlers.

Today the Wendat community has a population of 3000 people and welcomes visitors to stay and learn about their way of life.

Read: From Wendake to Cree Nation

33. Old Montreal

Montreal itself is a modern and hip city, but wandering into the historic district of Old Montreal and be transported back in time.

Notre Dame Cathedral is the central point of Old Montreal and from here you can get lost among the cobblestone streets and historic monuments and buildings.

Read more: Where to Stay in Montreal

34. Mont Tremblant

The year-round adventure destination was built around the Mont Tremblant Ski hill. It has an amazing village below with fine dining, nightlife and cafes.

Just a 90-minute drive from Montreal, Mont Tremblant has everything for an amazing weekend escape.

Yukon and Northwest Territories

35. Dempster Highway

Canada’s ultimate drive is along the Dempster Highway. Here you can drive all the way to the Arctic Ocean.

It starts in Inuvik in the Northwest Territories and goes to Dawson City, Yukon.

Along the way you pass the Arctic Circle, the picturesque Tombstone Mountains and plenty of wildlife.

It’s not uncommon to see Grizzly Bears on the side of the road! This is an adventure of a lifetime.

See our Dempster Highway Adventure

36. Dawson City

Dawson City is a national historic site that has preserved its town facades from the Klondike Gold Rush days.

This wild west town is a rip roaring good time where you can experience the midnight sun, views of the Tombstone Mountains and drink the famous Sour Toe Cocktail.

See what we did in Dawson City

37. Ivvavik National Park

It’s the premier spot in Canada to view Grizzly bears in the wild and it’s one of the most remote national parks in the country.

Be droppped off in the middle of the Canadian wilderness to stay in prospector tents surrounded by a thin electric wire fence.

You are in the corridor of grizzly country and spectacular views of Ivvavik National Park.

Enjoy reading: Ivavvik, Falling in Love with the Rugged and Remote

38. Mackenzie Delta

The Mackenzie Delta is a unique ecosystem in the far North of Canada that empties into the Arctic Sea.

The Mackenzie River empties into the delta.

For half a year it is covered with ice creating creeks, ponds and tributaries as it waits to flow out to the ocean.

When the ice melts, it creates the most remarkable views.

You might enjoy: The Most Isolated Places on Earth

Newfoundland

We haven’t visited Newfoundland yet, but we knew that if we didn’t include it, we’d hear about it.

When travel opens up again, it is as the top of our list! But for now, these are two places in Newfoundland that we can’t wait to visit.

39. Torngat Mountains

Jennifer Smith Nelson of Travel and Happiness wrote about the Torngats in our Canada adventures post and we cannot wait to see this view for ourselves.

40. Gros Morne National Park

Matt Bailey of LiveLimitless shared this photo with us in our best Canadian Adventures round up and we have wanted to go ever since.

Saskatchewan

41. Grasslands National Park

Dave and I both visited Saskatchewan in our pre-blogging days and look forward to going back soon.

We haven’t visited enough of it to really explore all the place to see, but one that should not be missed is Grasslands National Park to see its wild bison.

And there you have it. The most iconic places to visit in Canada that we’ve been.

With three bonus places that we haven’t.

Where have you been in Canada. What should we add to our list?

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