Want to explore Canada like a tourist this summer?
Whether it's your first time in the country, or you want to cross some Canadian small towns and natural wonders off your travel bucket list, there are some iconic spots in the country you'll want to check out.
We asked writers and editors from Narcity and MTL Blog where they'd recommend visiting in Canada this summer, and the answers include some of the country's most treasured attractions and destinations.
From regions with mesmerizing blue lakes to urban cities with tons to see and do, here's where to go if it's your first time visiting the country.
Toronto
Called the "world's most diverse city," Toronto should definitely be a stop on anyone's first time visit to Canada.
While to newcomers, it may seem like just another cosmopolitan city, there are so many things to do and see in Toronto that it could very well appeal to all kinds of travellers.
You'll find Greektown, Little Italy, Koreatown and Chinatown all within the city limits, making visitors feel as if they've seen more than a couple of countries after a visit to 6ix.
Iconic sites include museums like the Royal Ontario Museum, and Art Gallery of Ontario, the iconic Casa Loma, historic St. Lawrence Market, and the CN Tower, among many more.
The city is also home to many green spaces, parks, beaches and even its own islands that you can explore — instead of asking what you can do here, you should really be asking what you can't.
Vancouver
Why You Need To Go: "If you're looking to avoid the hustle and bustle of Toronto, and relative sleepy-ness of Ottawa, consider Vancouver for a hearty mix of both cityscapes and nature," says Helena Hanson, interim managing editor of Narcity.
"While the city has so much to offer in terms of eating, shopping and activities, the surrounding mountains, forests and coastlines ensure you never feel overwhelmed."
British Columbia's largest city, Vancouver is the place to be to experience West Coast lifestyle and is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and cosmopolitan adventurers alike.
Framed by the Pacific Ocean and Coast Mountains, Vancouver’s oceanside pathways are the perfect way to explore the city, like at the iconic Stanley Park.
Other must-do activities for first-timers to the city include taking a self-guided tour of Granville Island, crossing the Capilano Suspension Bridge and taking in epic views on board the Grouse Mountain Skyride.
Victoria
For a "more low-key West Coast city," Narcity editor Morgan Leet recommends travelling to Victoria over Vancouver.
Known as Canada's most English city, Victoria, located on Vancouver Island, is where you'll find iconic sites like Hatley Castle, the Butchart Gardens, the Fairmont Empress Hotel, and the B.C. Parliament buildings.
"You have amazing restaurants and cute shops to explore, and the city is right along the water. You don’t get the classic West Coast mountain scenery as much here, but there are beautiful beaches, rainforests a drive away on the island, and pretty incredible small towns to road trip to from here like Tofino."
Don't miss out on the incredible whale-watching opportunities the city offers, with viewers able to see orcas, grey whales and humpback whales.
Peggy’s Cove
Why You Need To Go: Peggy's Cove in Nova Scotia is an iconic tourist area home to Peggy's Point Lighthouse, one of Nova Scotia’s most well-known lighthouses that may also be the most photographed in Canada, according to Nova Scotia Tourism.
The lighthouse, which was built in 1915, can be found in the quaint fishing village of Peggy’s Cove along Nova Scotia's South Shore.
"If you visit in the summer, you can take the whole day to explore the area, which is full of stunning sandy beaches," says Leet.
"It’s a classic East Coast scene and shows off a beautiful part of Canada."
Old Quebec City
Old Quebec City is "just so beautiful and unique to experience a taste of Europe with a Canadian twist," says Ilana Belfer, senior writer at MTL Blog.
While Quebec City already offers a ton of European charm, Old Quebec is arguably the most Europe-like part of the city, with cobblestone streets and 18th and 19th-century architecture.
Old Quebec is the most intact fortified town north of Mexico, retaining its colonial architecture for over 400 years, according to Quebec City tourism.
The area is home to some of the city's cutest corners and streets, like Rue du Petit Champlain. The gorgeous street is known for its European architecture and quaint stores, and looks like something out of a fairytale.
For nature lovers, be sure to check out Montmorency Falls Park, which is located just 15 minutes from Old Quebec and is home to a dramatic 83-metre-high breathtaking waterfall, as well as hiking trails and a zipline.
Niagara Falls
"Niagara Falls is an iconic spot! It's such a famous natural wonder that it’s worth seeing at least once," says Narcity senior writer Madeline Forsyth.
Niagara Falls, a spectacular waterfall in the Niagara River, is the world’s greatest waterfall by volume, and were formed some 14,000 years ago, according to the Canadian Encyclopedia.
The falls are certainly a sight to see, and should be on any visitor's list.
Beyond the falls themselves, there are also plenty of other fun attractions and things to do in the area, like the Niagara Skywheel, Movieland Wax Museum, and year-round open house Nightmares Fear Factory, located on Clifton Hill.
Other must-visit attractions in the Niagara area include the Niagara Butterfly Conservatory, where you can interact with over 2,000 colourful butterflies, Journey Behind The Falls, and the White Water Walk.
Montreal
"Montreal, 100%," says MTL Blog assistant editor Mike Chaar. "Winter is gorgeous, but the best time to visit is definitely summer, spring or fall."
Montreal offers so much to see and do, with a mix of serene green spaces and eclectic neighbourhoods that make it a perfect summer spot.
According to Chaar, the city offers great food and great people, with tons of activities, like music, art and festivals.
"Must visit: Le Plateau for an aimless stroll, pop into a local cafe, people watch and enjoy the pedestrianized streets," he says.
While you're here, leave time to check out the Notre Dame Basilica, where you'll be blown away by breathtaking interiors and some of the oldest neogothic revival religious architecture in Canada.
Montreal's Quartier Des Spectacles is a great stop for entertainment, with tons of festivals, plays, movies, art exhibitions, dance performances, music concerts, comedy shows, and more regularly going on.
Don't miss a wander through the Atwater and Jean-Talon markets, where you'll find local produce such as cheese, fruits, baked goods, and more.
And for some outdoor time in nature, head to one of Montreal's many parks, like Jean Drapeau, Mont-Royal or La Fontaine.
Ottawa
A visit to Canada's capital city is a must-do for any first-time visitors to the country.
Here, you'll find an array of iconic sites like the Rideau Canal, Parliament Buildings, the National Gallery of Canada, the Royal Canadian Mint and more.
The city also hosts many festivals throughout the summer, like the Ottawa Jazz Festival and the Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival.
If you visit in May (aka the unofficial start to Canadian summer), you can catch the Canadian Tulip Festival and take in an array of colourful blooms.
Be sure to also check out the Byward Market district, Ottawa’s oldest, most concentrated neighbourhood that's bustling with boutiques, restaurants, coffee shops and bars.
You also won't want to miss a visit to the stunning Gatineau Park, the largest green space in the region and the second most visited park in Canada where you can swim, hike and bike.
Cape Breton
Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia is a land of craggy cliffs, awe-inspiring ocean vistas and hidden gems.
The island, which has been ranked as the number one island in North America, is also home to the Cabot Trail, a 298-kilometre-long trail that's a winding mix of roads and pathways that takes you to beautiful beaches and quaint fishing villages.
"If people want a more low-key experience, where you can meet friendly locals and get a feel for East Coast Canadian culture, then road trip around the island," says Leet.
"It’s stunning to drive around, and there are incredible hikes and tiny towns to stop in at."
If you're planning to travel on the Cabot Trail, don't miss the Skyline Trail, a stop on the road trip in Cape Breton Highlands National Park where you can enjoy an eagle's-eye view of the Cabot Trail as it winds its way down the mountain and also spot whales in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Canadian Rockies
"Visiting Canada's version of the Alps is a must-do for anybody visiting for the first time because nowhere will make you say 'Oh Canada!' quite like here!" says Hanson.
"With five national parks and countless activities like hiking, skiing, wildlife-spotting and so much more on offer, you'll get a quintessentially Canadian experience with the dreamiest backdrop."
The Canadian Rockies, a segment of the Rocky Mountains, extend between British Columbia and Alberta, and are home to endless canyons, glittering glaciers and turquoise lakes that are so blue it's hard to believe they’re real.
The mountain range is a top place for hiking, climbing, wildlife watching, and backcountry adventures.
Some particularly iconic spots found here include Banff National Park, where you'll find mesmerizing blue lakes like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, Jasper National Park, and Radium Hot Springs, an idyllic mountain town where you can relax in natural hot springs beneath the rocky cliffs of a canyon.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
10 of the best places in Canada for first-time visitors, according to the Narcity team
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