Things to do and see in Canada

Making up almost half of North America, there are an endless amount of places to see in Canada. As well as being the second largest country in the world after Russia, in Canada you’ll find not only large cities with rich culture and history, but also stunning natural landscapes full of life.

Here are some of the best cities and natural areas that you cannot miss on your trip to Canada. Enjoy a unique experience in a country that has some of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities and the best the natural world has to offer.

Organise your travel itinerary with Passporter, completely free to use, easy and practical. Get inspired by the experiences of other travellers and choose the places that interest you most by adding them to your route map.

Best cities to see in Canada

Montreal

As the French-speaking capital of Canada, Montreal offers a huge range of cultural, gastronomic and leisure activities. You will be enchanted by its unique combination of European culture and North American lifestyle. Come and discover its impressive size and all its iconic places.

The standout place on your trip is Vieux-Montreal, which is mainly the old part of the city. Here you’ll find most of the city’s landmarks and monuments. You can stroll around the beautiful Place d’Armes and visit the famous Notre-Dame Cathedral while taking in the authentic European atmosphere. You’ll love it!

Next, head to Montreal’s beautiful Old Port, one of the most interesting things to see in Canada. You can take a pleasant stroll around the area and even enjoy its beautiful Clock Tower Beach. To round off your visit of the area, you can have a drink in one of its many cafes.

Finally, don’t miss a visit to the fantastic Mount Royal Park, Montreal’s most iconic park. Thanks to its impressive size, this park is an incredible natural area in which to relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Throughout the area, you’ll discover various landmarks such as the Chalet du Mont-Royal and the Mount Royal Cross. Don’t miss this spot!

If you want to find out more about this amazing city, read on in our post: Things to do and see in Montreal Canada.

Quebec

Particularly famous for its striking French architecture, Quebec is one of the most interesting cities to visit in Canada. As well as being a visual spectacle, the city is home to a number of iconic sights.

First of all, don’t miss a visit to the Citadelle. This military building is the oldest in the country and is of great historical importance. Inside you can see various exhibitions on the country’s military history. It is without a doubt a fascinating activity.

Another place you can’t miss is Petit-Champlain Street, one of the most symbolic streets in Quebec. You can wander down it while you discover the different little stalls and local artisan shops. You’ll also be able to admire the beautiful architecture of its houses and buildings.

Finally, we recommend a visit to Old-Quebec. Like in Montreal, this neighbourhood is home to most of the city’s architectural and cultural landmarks. Let yourself be carried away by its pretty little streets and take in the picturesque atmosphere of this area.

There are a myriad of places and things to do and see in Quebec, one of the most beautiful cities in the French-speaking part of Canada, as well as being a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Toronto

Toronto is the capital of Ontario, and has an impressive variety of sights and monuments to see, as well as a delightfully multicultural atmosphere.

To start your visit, we recommend going to Downtown Toronto, where you’ll find the old city centre. The atmosphere in this area will make you fall in love with its many bars, little shops, historical monuments and entertainment venues.

Secondly, head to Toronto’s Chinatown, where you can immerse yourself in Asian culture. This area is full of traditional Chinese architecture, as well as numerous restaurants where you can enjoy Oriental cuisine. As a bonus, we recommend visiting Kensington Market, where you can try all kinds of food.

Finally, you can’t miss a trip to the CN Tower, the most iconic tower in Toronto and a classic representation of the city. In addition to being one of the tallest towers in America, you can climb to the top floor and enjoy breathtaking views of the entire city from its observation deck.

To discover all the wonders this city has to offer, read our blog on things to do and see in Toronto.

Vancouver

Vancouver is one of the most visited and important destinations in Canada, not only due to its beautiful natural surroundings but also for all that the city has to offer.

One of the first places you should visit on your trip to Vancouver is the impressive Stanley Park. This huge park is located in the city and is one of the largest urban parks in the country. You can spend some quiet time strolling on the paths and gazing at the famous remains of native settlements.

Next, we suggest visiting the Gastown neighbourhood, home to most of the city’s culture and history. You’ll find many symbolic features of the city, such as the Steam Clock, as well as the unbeatable liveliness of the streets and the locals.

Finally, don’t miss a stroll along Vancouver’s stunning English Bay, where you can enjoy the city’s many beaches and incredible views of the sea. This walk runs along much of Vancouver’s coastline and is especially recommended at sunset for a picture-perfect view.

Read our post on things to do and see in Vancouver to make sure you don’t miss a single sight or activity in this huge city.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

Canada’s best natural sights

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is, without a doubt, the most iconic natural site in Canada. Located right on the border with the United States, you can enjoy a set of waterfalls which will leave you completely speechless.

In addition to seeing the falls, both the Canadian and US sides offer a range of activities, from boat tours to see the falls up close, to restaurants, accommodation and other types of excursions. Find out more about Niagara Falls in our Niagara Falls post.

Jacques-Cartier National Park

Jacques-Cartier National Park is one of the most beautiful natural areas in Canada. This impressive glacier is located just 50 kilometres from the city, where you can enjoy breathtaking hikes and canoe on its rivers. Don’t hesitate to take a trip to this incredible place for a unique experience.

Capilano Suspension Bridge

The Capilano Suspension Bridge is just 10 minutes from Vancouver and is one of Canada’s most iconic sights. This impressive structure stands more than 70 metres above the river, offering a thrilling adventure to those who dare to cross it.

You will be fascinated by the views from the bridge, which is 137 metres long. Do not miss this bridge on your trip, especially if you are a lover of nature and extreme activities.

Staying at Hotel Château Frontenac in Quebec City

The Hotel Château Frontenac is an imposing chateau in Canada, perched atop a cliff on the edge of Quebec City. As well as shaping part of the city’s skyline, this hotel is one of the most well-kept and beloved accommodations for Canadians and travellers alike.

This beautiful castle was built at the end of the 19th century with French-style architecture, in keeping with Quebec. Thanks to its great location, this accommodation offers unbeatable views from its rooms, as well as an amazing setting slightly removed from the city.

You can enjoy spacious, fully kitted-out rooms or suites, as well as many services offered by the hotel, such as a spa, massages, restaurants and even special events.

What to eat in Canada?

Canadian cuisine is a blend of other international cuisines, especially English and French. Here are some of Canada’s most typical dishes.

• First up is the famous macaroni and cheese, a very simple dish made of, as the name suggests, macaroni and cheese. It’s not the best dish to try, but it is one of the most well known.
• Secondly, don’t miss the pemeal bacon. This dish consists of a particular variety of bacon cut into thin slices that are then rolled in cornmeal. It is usually served in a sandwich.
• Thirdly, we recommend trying poutine, which consists of fried potatoes with gravy with cheddar cheese. You’ll find this starter in almost any restaurant in Canada.
• Finally, one of their most typical desserts is the Nanaimo bar. This spectacular sweet is made up of three layers of wafer, butter icing and melted chocolate. Spectacular!

Tips for a trip to Canada

• Make sure you have an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) before travelling to Canada.
• Consider the forecast and the time of year before travelling.
• Don’t forget that the cost of accommodation is not particularly cheap.
• Remember to change your money to dollars before flying to Canada.
• Remember to get a Canadian SIM card

Frequently asked questions about travelling to Canada

How to prepare your itinerary of places to see in Canada?

Forget the pre-travel hassle and plan your itinerary by downloading the Passporter app, available on iOS, Android and Huawei.

With the app you can do the following:

• Get inspiration from the experiences of other travellers. 
• Save websites with information that you consider important for your trip.
• Keep your tickets and reservations with you. 
• Plan your route with Google Maps starting from wherever you are.
• Figure out transport options.
• Save and post photos of each of the places you have visited, sharing them publicly on your Passporter profile so that other travellers can be inspired to visit these places.

If you like the sound of everything you can do in the app and you want to know more, read our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter.