10 Canadian Tourist Attractions for the Travel Lover in You

Beginning in the south and extending all the way to the Arctic Circle, Canada is a magnificent country that oozes charm, culture and beauty. Boasting the longest coastline in the world at 202,080 kilometers, Canada ensures a mesmerizing experience for every visitor.

10 Must-See Spots to See on Your Venture to the “Great White North”

Did you know that there are six different time zones in Canada? This makes sense, considering the fact that the country covers a total land area of 9,984,670 square kilometers. Home to glacial lakes, treetop-perched bridges and revolving restaurants, the waterfall-filled country in North America comprises numerous captivating cities, from French-speaking Québec and Montréal to the busy seaport of Vancouver.

Approximately 55,000 species of insect live in the scenic environment, where famous personalities like Justin Bieber, Celine Dion and Jim Carrey were born and raised. Days in Canada can be spent strolling along a 15-mile desert boardwalk, hiking in Banff National Park or, alternatively, perusing the following Canadian tourist attractions:

1. Niagara Falls – Located on the border of Ontario are three of the world’s most famous waterfalls, collectively known as Niagara Falls. Water plunges from a 165-foot vertical drop and compared to other waterfalls around North America, the falls have the biggest flow rate. Horseshoe falls, American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls are the names of each three falls on the Niagara River. The falls were created by Mother nature when the final ice age (the Wisconsin glaciation) resulted in glaciers (receding). Lucky for you, there are also tons of hotels surrounding the falls. Look for Niagra Falls hotel packages on sites like Expedia to save money.
2. Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada – A public aquarium that presents visitors with a fascinating view of more than 16,000 aquatic animals, Ripley’s aquarium can be found in downtown Toronto. Buy tickets online to attend events, programs and educational sessions, including field trips, conservation demonstrations, sea scholars and even teacher resources.
3. Banff National Park and the Rocky Mountains – Canada’s first national park is located in the Alberta province. Covering 6,641 square kilometers, the natural attraction is snuggled in the Canadian Rockies, making it making it a haven for hikers and wildlife seekers. You can eat, drink and even shop at Banff National Park, where visitors are invited to view fossils that were formed half a billion years ago. World-class golfing is also available. Two other natural expanses of land worth visiting include Gros Morne National Park, Jasper National Park, Vancouver’s Stanley Park and Butchart Gardens.
4. Old Quebec (Vieux-Quebec) – A UNESCO World Heritage Site that merges an Upper and Lower Town, this ancient neighborhood boasts a rich history. Admire historic sights in Old Quebec, including St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, the Jesuits Chapel and Notre-Dame-de-Québec Basilica-Cathedral.
5. CN Tower Toronto – Dominating the skyline of downtown Toronto is the CN Tower. This spectacular structure extends 553.3 meters above the concrete jungle. Dine inside the 360 Restaurant for panoramic city views or stroll along the EdgeWalk, which is known as the most extreme attraction in Toronto. Groups of six are securely fastened to an overhead safety rail as they make their way along a ledge surrounding the main pod of the CN Tower.
6. St. John’s Signal Hill National Historic Site – If you are someone who enjoys sightseeing, include a visit to this historical landmark in your schedule. Peer out onto St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, all the while learning about the area’s intriguing past. A coastal hike will take you to St. John’s harbor, where defensive structures were built on the land back in the 17th century.
7. Old Montreal – Montreal city’s oldest section is known as Old Montreal. In 1964, it received its title as a world heritage site. The district exhibits architecture with a parisian style. Grab a bite at one of the cute cafes, educate yourself on Québec’s past inside one of the museums or spend your day sightseeing at cultural landmarks, such as Saint Laurent Boulevard, Chalet Du Mont Royal and Place Jacques-Cartier.
8. Polar Bears of Churchill Manitoba – Set off on a journey to the northernmost part of Manitoba, where a bayside town called Churchill can be found. Home to polar bears, beluga whales and a plethora of bird species, the Hudson Bay town is worth visiting in fall. During this season, polar bears can be witnessed in abundance. Rent a vehicle or embark on a safari. Winter is the time to visit if you want to marvel at the Northern Lights.
9. Bay of Fundy – Known as one of North America’s seven wonders, the Bay of Fundy is the world’s highest tidal range. Also known as Fundy Bay, it is a whale-watching paradise and over the years, various dinosaur fossils have been excavated around the bay. Visitors are recommended to check out the Bass River Museum to learn about Fundy Bay’s history. Inside the museum, you will find war memorabilia and timeworn blacksmithing items.
10. Capilano Suspension Bridge – Stretching for 140 meters, this suspension bridge in North Vancouver is elevated 70 meters above the Capilano River. Attracting over 800,000 visitors annually, the bridge was built in 1889. Adventurous individuals will have the time of their lives traversing across the seven suspension bridges that make up the Treetops Adventure attraction. Make sure you check out the Living Forest exhibit to learn about the rainforest and if you are visiting with the family, you might want to participate in the Kids’ Rainforest Explorer program.

Are you ready to venture to the Great White North? Time to book your flight, find a hotel, look on squareship for packing tips. Chances are, you’ll be bringing a lot of souvenirs back from this beautiful country.

What are your favorite sites to see in Canada?  Share your story in the comments.

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