CityBuddy
English
Things to Do in Canada
Photo made by Hashim Gaad on Pexels.com
When to visit
Plan your perfect trip to Canada
Get a complete travel plan built just for you in under 30 seconds, with daily routes, local food tips, budget estimates and more.
Are any of these especially important to you?
Select all that apply
Plan language: EnglishMost popular attractions in Canada
Things to do in Canada include taking in the stunning views from the CN Tower in Toronto, standing near the powerful 51-meter-high Niagara Falls, and strolling along the cobblestone streets of Old Quebec. Each destination showcases unique cultural and natural attractions that are just a few hours apart by travel.
1. CN Tower
Toronto
Experience dizzying heights like never before. Walk on air and enjoy stunning city views from the top.
Quick facts: Rising 553 meters, this iconic structure held the title of the world's tallest free-standing building for more than 30 years. Its glass floor allows visitors to gaze directly down to the busy streets below, providing an exhilarating experience.
Highlights: Adventurous visitors try the EdgeWalk, a hands-free stroll along the tower’s outside edge, 356 meters above the ground. At sunset, the panoramic views light up Toronto’s skyline with colors that seem almost unreal.
2. Niagara Falls
Niagara
Feel the power of water's roar and vibrant lights in the night sky. Expect breathtaking views and a thrilling boat ride beneath the falls.
Quick facts: Feel the power of more than 168,000 cubic meters of water plunging every minute, producing a thunderous roar that inspires awe. The falls consist of three separate waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.
Highlights: At night, neon lights bathe the falls in vibrant hues that shift through the color spectrum. Brave visitors can take a boat tour under the mist, experiencing the roaring water as a mighty force right above them.
3. Stanley Park
Vancouver
Quick facts: Explore 1,000 acres of lush forest located beside vibrant urban life. Discover 27 kilometers of scenic trails meandering through this natural retreat.
Highlights: See the distinctive totem poles at Brockton Point, a popular photo spot that highlights Indigenous art and culture. Walk along the Seawall, a beautiful waterfront path with stunning views of the ocean and mountains.
Have you heard of free walking tours?
After traveling to 30+ countries, there's one thing I wish someone had told me from day one, and it completely changed how I experience new cities.
Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.
Local guide, 2-3 hours
Major sights, hidden gems, local stories
100% tip-based
Guides earn only tips, so they give their absolute best
You tip what feels right
At the end, just tip whatever you feel is right
I've done these in dozens of cities and they've been the highlight of almost every trip. If you're visiting Canada, do this on your first day. You'll thank me later.
4. Banff National Park
Banff
Explore breathtaking alpine scenery and vivid turquoise lakes. Encounter wildlife and capture unforgettable mountain views.
Quick facts: Alpine wildflowers color mountain meadows with vibrant shades during summer. The lakes’ turquoise hue comes from finely ground rock flour suspended in glacier water.
Highlights: Sunlight reflecting off crystal-clear water creates a glowing turquoise shade that photographers seek worldwide. Visitors sometimes glimpse elusive wildlife like mountain goats perched on steep cliffs with panoramic peaks as a backdrop.
5. Parliament Hill
Ottawa
Stunning architecture meets rich national history. Experience vibrant ceremonies, breathtaking views, and iconic Canadian landmarks all in one place.
Quick facts: A striking example of Gothic Revival architecture stands tall with its central Peace Tower reaching 92 meters. The site hosts the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony, attracting crowds with its lively display and traditional music.
Highlights: Watch the daily sunset from the west lawn as the building glows with warm golden light, a favorite sight for photographers. The Centennial Flame commemorates Canada’s 100th Confederation anniversary and lets visitors toss a coin for luck while admiring intricate stone carvings.
6. Royal Ontario Museum
Toronto
Explore vast collections that cover natural history and world cultures. Encounter dinosaurs, gems, and vibrant indigenous art all in one inspiring visit.
Quick facts: Home to over 13 million objects, it is one of the continent’s largest museums. Visitors can explore exhibits ranging from giant dinosaur skeletons to sparkling gemstones and ancient relics.
Highlights: Enter the crystal-like Michael Lee-Chin Crystal addition, a striking architectural contrast that feels like stepping into a jewel. The First Peoples Gallery features vivid, immersive displays that share the stories and traditions of Indigenous communities with stunning artifacts and multimedia.
7. Gros Morne National Park
Gros Morne
Explore breathtaking cliffs and colorful landscapes. Hike across otherworldly terrain and spot rare wildlife.
Quick facts: Towering cliffs, deep fjords, and vibrant wildflowers define this dramatic landscape. The park’s unique geology includes rocks from the Earth’s mantle visible in the Tablelands area.
Highlights: The Tablelands reveal rust-orange mantle rocks that resemble a Martian landscape, surrounded by lush green forests and turquoise waters. Visitors can hike through terrain that tells the ancient tale of continental drift.
8. Historic Distillery District
Toronto
Experience a mix of history and hip culture, perfect for foodies and art lovers. Wander cobblestone streets filled with unique shops, galleries, and lively cafes.
Quick facts: Cobblestone streets and historic red-brick buildings create a setting for a former whiskey distillery transformed into a lively arts and entertainment district. More than 40 boutiques, galleries, and restaurants bring a modern energy to this Victorian industrial charm.
Highlights: The district houses the world’s largest collection of Victorian-era industrial architecture, with 13 heritage buildings featuring intricate ironwork and original brickwork. Visitors can enjoy artisanal foods and craft spirits alongside outdoor art displays and street performances throughout the year.
9. Whistler Blackcomb
Whistler
Epic alpine adventure awaits on vast snowy slopes and scenic gondola rides. Experience breathtaking mountain views and endless outdoor fun.
Quick facts: Whistler Blackcomb offers over 8,100 acres of skiable terrain, making it one of North America’s largest ski resorts. The area gets an average of 462 inches of snow each year, guaranteeing excellent powder conditions.
Highlights: The resort’s Peak 2 Peak Gondola stretches 4.4 kilometers and holds the record for the longest free span between ropeway towers in the world. It offers breathtaking panoramic views over towering peaks and deep valleys. Night skiing beneath starry skies transforms the mountains into a magical playground with colorful lighting and a peaceful atmosphere.
Where to Stay in Canada
Selected by City Buddy based on guest reviews and proximity to top attractions
Search all hotels in CanadaPowered by agoda
Traditional Sweet Dishes
Nanaimo Bars
Nanaimo Bars are a no-bake dessert named after the city of Nanaimo in British Columbia, featuring a layered combination of a crumbly base, custard-flavored middle, and chocolate topping.
Butter Tarts
Butter Tarts are a classic Canadian treat with a flaky pastry shell filled with a sweet, gooey mixture of butter, sugar, and eggs, often with raisins or pecans.
Pouding Chomeur
Pouding Chomeur, or "unemployed man's pudding," is a Quebecois dessert made with cake batter and hot syrup poured over it, resulting in a sweet, sticky treat as the syrup sinks to the bottom.
Traditional Savory Dishes
Poutine
Poutine is a beloved Canadian dish from Quebec consisting of fries topped with cheese curds and smothered in hot gravy, creating a deliciously comforting and indulgent meal.
Tourtière
Tourtière is a traditional Quebec meat pie made with minced pork or a mix of meats, seasoned richly and baked in a flaky crust, often served during holidays.
Peameal Bacon
Peameal Bacon, also known as Canadian bacon, is wet-cured and rolled in cornmeal, giving it a unique texture and flavor, commonly enjoyed as a breakfast meat.
Traditional Beverages
Caesar Cocktail
The Caesar is a uniquely Canadian cocktail made with Clamato juice, vodka, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, served with a celery salt rim, famous across Canada.
Maple Syrup Drink
Beverages made from pure maple syrup or maple syrup-infused recipes celebrate one of Canada's iconic exports, offering a rich, sweet flavor distinct to the country.
Ice Wine
Canadian Ice Wine is made from grapes that have naturally frozen on the vine, producing a concentrated, sweet wine that is highly prized internationally.
Frequently Asked Questions about Canada
What is the ideal time to travel to Canada?
What is the cost of living in Canada?
Is it safe to drink tap water in Canada?
How effective is public transportation in Canada?
How many tourists visit Canada annually?
Get a PDF with the most popular attractions sent to your email
Get a PDF with all attractions, ratings, and tips. Perfect for offline use.
Most popular day trips
Niagara Falls
Famous waterfalls on the US-Canada border with boat tours.
Toronto
Canada's largest city with a vibrant arts scene and landmarks.
Hull Heritage Area
Historic district with museums and river views in Gatineau.
Getting there
Airports
Train stations
VIA Rail Canada, Ontario Northland Railway
VIA Rail Canada, GO Transit, Amtrak
VIA Rail Canada, AMT
From Ottawa airport, take the bus or taxi to downtown. Train and bus connections are available for regional travel.
Click to get eSim for Canada
The easiest and most affordable way to get mobile internet wherever you travel.
Visa & entry
United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, EU countries
Most African, Asian, and some Latin American countries
Check electronic travel authorization (eTA) requirements for visa-exempt travelers before booking.
Comments (8)
In winter, many attractions close early, plan indoor activities like museums for evening to make the most of cold days.
Loved the overall vibe in Montreal, people are super friendly and the food scene is incredible. Stayed 5 days, could have easily stayed longer.
Weather was tougher than expected, rainy most days in Vancouver but the nature was breathtaking. Bring good rain gear!
Avoid eating near the CN Tower area, walk a few blocks away for cheaper, more authentic food spots.
Bus passes in Toronto last all day and are super cheap compared to single tickets, definitely grab a day pass.