Canada
Toronto
CN Tower
The CN Tower is Toronto’s most recognizable landmark, standing at 553 meters tall and offering unparalleled views of the city. Visitors can take in a 360-degree panorama from the LookOut Level, feel the thrill on the Glass Floor, or dine at the 360 Restaurant, which revolves to give a full view of the Toronto skyline and Lake Ontario. For the more daring, the EdgeWalk offers a hands-free walk around the tower's edge.
Travel Tips: To avoid long lines, visit early in the morning or during off-peak hours. The best time for breathtaking views is around sunset when you can see the city lit up at night.
Hidden Gems: For an alternative view of the city, visit the Toronto Islands for a spectacular skyline photo opportunity. Also, the tower is beautifully illuminated at night, making it a great spot for nighttime photography.
Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)
The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is a world-renowned institution showcasing a vast collection of art, culture, and natural history. Its exhibits range from ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary art, and the dinosaur gallery is a favorite for families. The museum's striking architecture, particularly the crystal wing, is a landmark in its own right.
Travel Tips: Plan your visit on a weekday morning to avoid crowds. The museum offers free admission on the third Monday of every month from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
Hidden Gems: Don’t miss the ROM’s Chinese temple art gallery for a serene escape. Also, the museum café offers excellent coffee with a view of the stunning architecture.
Toronto Islands
A short ferry ride from downtown, the Toronto Islands are a tranquil retreat offering parks, beaches, and stunning views of the Toronto skyline. The islands are perfect for picnicking, cycling, kayaking, or simply relaxing by the water. Centre Island is family-friendly with a small amusement park, while Ward’s Island offers peaceful walking trails.
Travel Tips: Rent a bike or bring your own to fully explore the islands. Ferries can get crowded on weekends, so visit on a weekday for a more peaceful experience.
Hidden Gems: Head to Ward’s Island for a less crowded, more secluded beach experience. Grab a bite at The Rectory Café, a charming spot with a relaxed atmosphere.
Distillery District
The Distillery District is a historic pedestrian-only area known for its cobblestone streets and preserved Victorian-era industrial architecture. Today, it’s a vibrant cultural hub with art galleries, boutique shops, and some of Toronto’s finest restaurants. During the holiday season, the district is transformed into a festive wonderland with its famous Christmas Market.
Travel Tips: Visit in the late afternoon for fewer crowds and stay to enjoy dinner at one of the many gourmet restaurants. The area is particularly magical in the evening when it’s lit up with twinkling lights.
Hidden Gems: Check out the art installations scattered around the district, or visit SOMA Chocolatemaker for artisanal chocolates and a cozy café experience.
Hockey Hall of Fame
The Hockey Hall of Fame celebrates Canada’s national sport, with exhibits on legendary players, memorable moments, and a replica of the Stanley Cup. The museum also features interactive exhibits where visitors can test their skills in a virtual game. It’s a must-visit for hockey fans and anyone interested in Canadian culture.
Travel Tips: Plan your visit outside of peak tourist times, such as weekday mornings, to enjoy the exhibits at your own pace. Don’t forget to get your photo with the Stanley Cup!
Hidden Gems: After your visit, head to the nearby St. Lawrence Market, a short walk away, for fresh produce, unique Canadian foods, and a taste of Toronto’s local cuisine.
Vancouver
Stanley Park
Stanley Park is Vancouver’s crown jewel, offering over 1,000 acres of lush forest, scenic walking and biking trails, and waterfront views along the seawall. Visitors can explore landmarks like the Totem Poles, Beaver Lake, and the Vancouver Aquarium. The park is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts looking to connect with nature while still in the city.
Travel Tips: The park can get busy, especially on weekends. Early mornings offer a more peaceful experience, especially along the quieter trails like Beaver Lake.
Hidden Gems: Visit the Lost Lagoon to spot local wildlife, or take a horse-drawn carriage tour to learn about the park’s history. For a unique view, rent a kayak and paddle along the coastline.
Granville Island
A cultural and culinary hotspot, Granville Island is famous for its bustling public market, artisan shops, and vibrant entertainment. Visitors can browse fresh produce, gourmet foods, and handmade goods, or enjoy live performances in one of the many theaters. The island’s lively atmosphere makes it a favorite for both locals and tourists.
Travel Tips: Visit during the week for a quieter experience, and arrive early to beat the crowds at the public market. Parking is limited, so consider taking the Aquabus for a scenic water ride.
Hidden Gems: Check out the Net Loft, a hidden gem filled with unique shops and art galleries, or stop by Lee’s Donuts in the market for a sweet treat loved by locals.
Capilano Suspension Bridge
One of Vancouver’s most iconic attractions, the Capilano Suspension Bridge stretches 137 meters across the stunning Capilano River. Surrounded by a lush rainforest, visitors can walk across the bridge, explore the treetop walkways, or learn about the area’s history through interpretive displays.
Travel Tips: Arrive early to avoid the crowds, especially in the summer months. The bridge is also beautifully illuminated during the Canyon Lights event in winter.
Hidden Gems: Explore the nearby Cliffwalk for a thrilling walk along the cliff’s edge, offering spectacular views. The suspension bridge’s history and the cultural significance of the area are also worth exploring through the guided tours.
Grouse Mountain
Known as the Peak of Vancouver, Grouse Mountain offers year-round outdoor adventures, including skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating in the winter. In the summer, visitors can hike, zip-line, or take in panoramic views from the Skyride gondola. The mountain is also home to wildlife refuges for bears and other animals.
Travel Tips: Plan a visit in the late afternoon and stay for dinner to catch the sunset from the top of the mountain. The Skyride is a must for stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains.
Hidden Gems: Check out the grizzly bear sanctuary, or, for a true challenge, hike the Grouse Grind trail, known as “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster.”
Vancouver Art Gallery
The Vancouver Art Gallery is one of Canada’s most prominent art institutions, featuring a rich collection of Canadian and indigenous art. The gallery showcases a mix of classical, contemporary, and experimental works, offering a comprehensive look at the region’s artistic heritage.
Travel Tips: Admission is by donation on Tuesday evenings, making it an affordable way to explore the gallery’s collections. Take your time to fully appreciate the diversity of the exhibits.
Hidden Gems: Head to the gallery’s rooftop café for a peaceful escape in the heart of the city.
Montreal
Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal)
Old Montreal is the city’s historic heart, filled with cobblestone streets, charming squares, and beautiful architecture dating back to the 17th century. Visitors can explore landmarks like Notre-Dame Basilica, the Old Port, and Place Jacques-Cartier. The area offers a unique blend of history and modern attractions, with shops, restaurants, and galleries lining the streets.
Travel Tips: Visit early in the morning to enjoy the quieter streets, or stroll through the area at dusk when the buildings are illuminated for a romantic atmosphere.
Hidden Gems: Discover the Pointe-à-Callière Museum to learn about Montreal’s archaeological history or explore the hidden gardens around the Bonsecours Market for a peaceful retreat.
Mount Royal Park
Mount Royal Park offers a natural escape right in the heart of Montreal, with its vast green spaces, walking trails, and stunning views of the city from the Kondiaronk Belvedere. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities year-round, including hiking, picnicking, ice skating, and even tobogganing in the winter months.
Travel Tips: For the best panoramic views, visit the lookout at sunrise or sunset. If you prefer a quieter experience, explore the lesser-known Olmsted Trail.
Hidden Gems: Check out Beaver Lake for a tranquil spot to relax, or visit the Mount Royal Cross for a significant historic and cultural landmark.
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is one of Canada’s most impressive art institutions, featuring a vast collection of works from both classical and contemporary artists. With five pavilions, the museum houses everything from European masterpieces to Canadian and Indigenous art. Visitors can also enjoy rotating temporary exhibits.
Travel Tips: Admission to the permanent collections is free for anyone under 30, and Wednesday evenings offer reduced prices. Take advantage of the museum’s audio tours to learn more about key exhibits.
Hidden Gems: Visit the museum’s sculpture garden for an outdoor art experience, or stop by the Bourgie Hall for live classical music performances.
Banff National Park
Lake Louise
Lake Louise is one of Banff National Park’s most iconic and picturesque destinations, known for its stunning turquoise waters and towering mountain backdrop. Visitors can enjoy activities like canoeing, hiking to the Lake Agnes Tea House, or simply relaxing by the shore. In the winter, the lake becomes a natural ice-skating rink surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
Travel Tips: Arrive early to avoid the crowds, especially during the summer months. If you want to experience the lake in solitude, visit during sunrise for a peaceful atmosphere and breathtaking views.
Hidden Gems: Hike the Plain of Six Glaciers trail for a more remote and scenic adventure, or explore Moraine Lake nearby, often less crowded but equally beautiful.
Banff Gondola
The Banff Gondola offers sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains and the Bow Valley as you ascend to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. Once at the top, visitors can explore the boardwalk, dine at the Sky Bistro, and learn about the local environment through interactive exhibits. It’s a perfect way to take in the beauty of Banff from above.
Travel Tips: Visit in the late afternoon to catch a stunning sunset from the mountain’s peak. Consider booking your tickets online in advance to avoid long waits, especially in peak tourist seasons.
Hidden Gems: Check out the Cosmic Ray Station, a historical site at the top of Sulphur Mountain, or hike up to the summit for an alternative to the gondola ride.
Johnston Canyon
Johnston Canyon is one of Banff’s most popular hiking spots, with a scenic trail that winds along waterfalls and dramatic cliffs. The trail is relatively easy and suitable for all skill levels, leading to the Lower Falls and Upper Falls. In the winter, the canyon transforms into a magical ice walk with frozen waterfalls.
Travel Tips: The trail gets busy, so visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds. In winter, consider renting ice cleats for a safer walk along the icy trails.
Hidden Gems: Continue past the Upper Falls to the Ink Pots, a series of vibrant mineral springs that offer a peaceful retreat from the busier parts of the canyon.
Quebec City
Old Quebec (Vieux-Québec)
Old Quebec is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of North America’s most charming and historic areas. The cobblestone streets, fortified walls, and French-inspired architecture give it a distinctly European feel. Visitors can explore landmarks like Château Frontenac, the Citadel, and the quaint Petit-Champlain district.
Travel Tips: Take the funicular or walk up the Breakneck Stairs to the Dufferin Terrace for panoramic views of the St. Lawrence River. Visit in the evening when the streets are lit up for a magical atmosphere.
Hidden Gems: Wander down Rue du Trésor, an open-air gallery where local artists sell their works, or explore the less crowded Montmorency Falls, located just outside the city.
Montmorency Falls
Just a short drive from Quebec City, Montmorency Falls is an impressive natural wonder, standing 30 meters higher than Niagara Falls. Visitors can walk along the suspension bridge that crosses the top of the falls, ride the cable car for stunning views, or hike the surrounding trails for different perspectives.
Travel Tips: Visit during the early morning to catch the falls bathed in sunlight and avoid the tourist rush. In winter, the falls freeze, creating a unique ice-climbing opportunity for adventurers.
Hidden Gems: Explore the nearby Île d'Orléans, an island known for its vineyards and historic charm, or visit the lower section of the falls for a quieter, more immersive experience.
Plains of Abraham
The Plains of Abraham is a historic park in the heart of Quebec City, known as the site of the 1759 battle between the British and French. Today, the park offers expansive green spaces, walking paths, and a museum dedicated to the area’s history. It’s a popular spot for picnics, outdoor concerts, and winter sports.
Travel Tips: Visit the Plains of Abraham Museum for a deeper understanding of the battle’s significance. In summer, take part in outdoor events like the Quebec City Summer Festival.
Hidden Gems: For a peaceful walk, explore the Joan of Arc Garden, or visit the nearby Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec for a dose of culture amidst nature.
Museum of Civilization (Musée de la Civilisation)
Located in Old Quebec, the Musée de la Civilisation is one of Quebec City’s premier cultural attractions. The museum offers a fascinating exploration of Quebec’s history, Indigenous cultures, and global civilizations through a wide variety of interactive and immersive exhibits. It’s known for its innovative approach to storytelling, making history engaging for all ages.
Travel Tips: Plan to spend at least a few hours exploring the museum’s diverse exhibits. If possible, visit during the week to avoid the larger weekend crowds.
Hidden Gems: Check out the museum’s outdoor garden for a quiet escape, or explore temporary exhibits, which often focus on contemporary topics or feature works by local artists.