Canada is a diverse country filled with a multitude of picturesque landscapes, exotic wonders and historical landmarks. It is your gateway to heaven if you are a nature enthusiast and love the serene beauties of nature.
If you are looking for the most beautiful places in Canada, you have come to the right place. This list will range from the most hyped-up destinations to the lesser-known epic spots in Canada.
15 Most Beautiful Places in Canada
1. Banff National Park
Canada’s first-ever national park is one of the most eye-catching beauties with its turquoise-coloured lakes, snowy mountains and immaculate wildlife. This is the most picturesque landscape your eyes will ever lay on. The overwhelming beauty of the landscape close to the Canadian Rockies will make you tempted to stay outdoors all year round.
Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is known to be one of the most beautiful places in Canada. Visiting this national park will make you realize it is an understatement to say so.
One of the most popular lakes to visit in Banff National Park is Moraine Lake. It is a well-known spot for photographers, and it is accessible only in June-October which is right after the Canadian Thanksgiving. The exact dates of accessibility in Moraine Lake depend upon the weather conditions due to avalanche hazards.
When looking for places to visit in Banff, one must never miss the infamous Lake Louise. The Victoria glacier plummeting into those glazing green turquoise waters of Lake Louise is truly magnificent.
Banff national park is prominently known for its hiking trails that go close to 1000 miles. Hiking over the wilderness, the alpine meadows and those magnificent glaciers is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you shouldn’t miss at any cost.
Most of the hiking trails are huddled around Lake Louise and the Icefields parkway.
The Icefield Parkway is considered the world’s most picturesque drive and connects Banff National Park with Jasper National Park. It includes countless glaciers and waterfalls that straddle the Canadian Rockies.
Some of the recommended places to stay around this national park are Fairmont Banff Springs and the great Lake Louise ski resort.
2. Niagara Falls (One of the World-famous Canadian Tourist Attractions)
Niagara Falls is one of the most beautiful places in Canada. It is a breathtaking tourist attraction with a huge appeal as an international destination with millions of tourists each year. This massive fall drops approximately 57 meters.
This is the most hyped-up destination in Canada that needs little to no further introduction. So, given below are some of the fascinating facts to refresh your memory and make you visit Niagara Falls.
Did you know that Niagara Falls are not the tallest waterfall in the world?
Niagara Falls has an excessive amount of water flowing over which makes it stand out from other waterfalls. There are almost 500 waterfalls that are taller than Niagara Falls. It is the combination of both height and volume that makes Niagara Falls extraordinary.
This majestic waterfall has great historical significance since it was formed about 10,000 years ago towards the end of the Ice Age. The Canadian side of the waterfall is the most mesmerizing sight. But it is easily accessible to visit both sides as you can walk from border to border.
You can visit Niagara Falls with the help of a boat, namely the Maid of the Mist boat. It is recommended to allow people to get past you to the top of the queue so that you can have the first chance to be in one of the pools.
Some of the recommended places to stay near Niagara Falls are Embassy Suits and Marriott Fallsview. Make sure you book a room with a view of the falls.
3. Cape Breton (The Second-Best Place to Live in Nova Scotia)
Cape Breton is a 150 meters long island which is known for its elegance, spectacular scenery, hiking trails, impressive coastal sights and cliffs. Cape Breton with its spectacular views is known to be one of the most beautiful places in Canada.
Cape Breton became famous for its world-renowned Cabot Trail. Cabot Trail is a picturesque route that every traveller must ride through to experience the most breathtaking views of the coastal areas.
The centre of the island is dominated by one of the largest saltwater lakes in the world, Bras D’or lake. The main historic sites of Cape Breton are the Highlands National park, Alexander Graham Bell National historic site, Fortress of Louisbourg, and the St. Peters Canal.
Cape Breton must be on your bucket list if you are truly fond of hiking as it is every hiking fanatic’s paradise. Other popular activities on this island include camping, cycling and golfing.
Some of the recommended places to stay here are Mountain Vista Seaside Cottages (located in the centre overlooking the magnificent Bras D’or lake, the rolling hills and the ocean).
4. Fundy National Park
The glamorous national park located on the Bay of Fundy is one of the most beautiful places in Canada. This park is said to have extremely high tides and even has the title of having the highest tide in the world. Take a walk along the ocean floor and experience the breathtaking high tides.
Fundy National Park must be your go-to place if you love peaceful scenic views not overcrowded by excessive population. It is surrounded by a rugged coastline and over 25 waterfalls that are a treat to watch. It is home to a lot of animals like coyotes, red squirrels, black bears, deer, raccoons and moose.
The recreational activities in Fundy national park include kayaking, swimming, mountain biking, Canoeing, fishing, etc. This park has all you need to experience an amazing camping trip. So pack your bags and rush to this mesmerizing scenic spot!
5. Ivvavik National Park (An Unspoiled Beauty)
Now let’s talk about the lesser-known and visited yet also one of the most beautiful places in Canada. Ivvavik National Park is a stunning beauty with an abundance of wilderness situated in Yukon. It is one of the most remote national parks in the world with less than 150 visitors annually.
If you love to explore remote areas, then this must be your first destination. The calm and peaceful environment will have a healing effect on you. It is a known fact that more people make it to the summit of Mount Everest than they visit this park annually.
There are not any roads leading to the national park. So, you must take the Charter aircraft from Inuvik to access the park. Some of the recommended places to stay here are Nova Inn Inuvik, etc.
6. Northwest Territories
The Northwest Territories are an adventurer’s paradise filled with a vast Arctic tundra, endless wilderness, overflowing waterfalls and shimmering lakes.
The incredible views of the Northwest Territories must be explored on a plane. Take a float plane from Yellowknife to Yellow dog lodge which is located between two beautiful lakes, Duncan and Graham. The lodge features sport fishing, incredible northern lights, and hiking trails to beautiful lookout points.
Alexandra Falls, known as the highest waterfall in the Northwest territories is yet another mesmerizing view one mustn’t miss. You can stand right on the edge of the waterfall and watch the water drop around 32 meters below you.
Don’t forget to take another float plane from Fort Simpson to visit the world’s first Unesco World Heritage Site, The spectacular Nahanni National Park Reserve. It is indeed one of the most beautiful places in Canada. The deep canyons, sharp mountain peaks and a series of plateaus are an absolute treat to watch in the Nahanni.
From sleeping on a secluded lake to flying over the world’s first World Heritage Site to taking a dip in the Arctic Ocean, The Northwestern territories are one of the most beautiful places in Canada that you must add to your bucket list!
7. Waterton Lakes National Park
Waterton Lakes National Park is one of the most remarkable mountain parks in the Canadian Rockies. It is surrounded by diverse wildlife, extraordinary wildflowers, alpine meadows and some of the best hiking trails in Canada.
You must hike through the Bear’s Hump Trail which gives you the most phenomenal views of the park. It will take about 1 hour for you to climb up, but it is worth it. The views from the top like the Waterton Valley, town sites and lakes, and the Great Glacier national park are some of the most beautiful places in Canada.
If it happens to rain heavily while you are here, don’t miss watching the most phenomenal sight of the Cameron Falls turning pink due to heavy rainfall. This is because the water gets mixed up with a special red mudstone called argillite.
The Waterton national park was incorporated with the Glacier national park to form the international peace park which was known to be the first in the world. It offers impressive scenery, and the park is rich in flora and fauna along with the alpine and glacial outlines.
8. Churchill (The Land of Polar Bears)
Churchill is a beautiful town in Northern Manitoba situated on the west shore of Hudson Bay. It is prominently known as the polar bear capital of the world. You must visit Churchill to see the polar bears in their natural habitat, the beluga whales and the spectacular northern lights.
The best way to see the polar bears is by using the Tundra Vehicle tours which are offered by Great White Bear Tours. And the most popular time to visit is from October till the end of November.
Churchill is one of the best and most beautiful places in Canada if you are a wildlife enthusiast. The exciting thing about this place is that there are no roads that lead here. You must catch a train or flight to get to this remote town.
If you think Churchill is just about seeing polar bears, you are mistaken. It is known to be one of the best places to visit and experience dog sledging. Dog sledge adventure is a must to try to experience the vibrant spirit of the north. The highly trained squad of dog sledges will take you on a wonderful sleigh ride through the immaculate boreal forests.
Some of the famous tourist attraction of Churchill is the Prince of Wales Fort Natural Historic Site, Cape Merry, Itsanitaq Museum, the great Miss Piggy plane wreck and the Aurora Domes.
9. Jasper National Park
The Jasper National Park, the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies is one of the most beautiful places in Canada. It is popularly known for its enormous wilderness, glorious mountains, prosperous wildlife and exceptional natural beauty.
Jasper must be on your bucket list if you want to enjoy the scenic beauties with very quiet and peaceful surroundings. It will help you gain the soulful experience of being near the mountains and reflecting on yourself.
Jasper National Park is one of the best places to visit in Canada to see the northern lights. And the best time to fully witness the magnificent Aurora borealis is during the winter. This park is filled with authentic and indivisible adventures for every traveller to sit back and truly experience the ultimate mountain getaway.
One of the must-see attractions includes the Maligne Canyon. Stroll through the Canyon to admire the frozen cascades, ice burrows, and eye-catching ice arrays. Other eye-catching spots are Pyramid Lake, Mount Edith Cavell, Jasper Skytram and The Athabasca Falls. Don’t miss out on these picturesque destinations which will surely leave you speechless.
Some of the recommended places to stay here are Becker’s Cabin, just a kilometre out of town alongside the Athabasca River.
10. Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island is a stunning destination filled with steep trails, endless waterfronts and extraordinary experiences all around you. It is well known as one of the most beautiful places in Canada for its glamorous sandy beaches, exquisite cuisine and fine culinary experience.
Prince Edward Island is famous for its fishing villages in Malpeque. And the best thing is, you don’t even need a fishing license to enjoy the incredible fishing experience. So get your rods and rush to this beautiful island to spend a memorable time.
If you are a diehard seafood lover, then this place must be on your bucket list. The island offers a variety of steamed mussels and freshly made lobsters along with some world-class oysters that will make you come back for more!
Some of the best places to visit are the Prince Edward Island national park, the majestic Green Gables Heritage place which became well known after the release of a fictional tale called the Anne of Green Gables, and the stunning Confederation bridge.
The best way to reach this island is by crossing the Confederation bridge. This bridge is known to be the longest bridge in the world to go above ice-covered waters. The Confederation bridge carries the Trans-Canada highway which is known as the world’s longest national road extending from the west coast to the east coast. The animals you can spot on the island are raccoons, beavers, red foxes, skunks and blue jays. Some recommended places to stay here are The Great George and The Cliffside Inn.
11. Quebec City
Quebec City is one of the most beautiful places in Canada situated on the banks of the Saint Lawrence River. One of the must-visit places in Quebec City is the Citadelle, which is known to be North America’s largest fortress.
The port of Quebec is a stunning place to enjoy a great ride on the ferry and engage in some fishing whilst enjoying the magnificent sight of the St Lawrence River. It is one of the most historic places to visit in Canada you must not miss it.
Top things to do in Quebec City include taking a stroll through North America’s oldest streets i.e. The old Quebec, making a visit to the Parliament building and the world-famous Chateau Frontenac, The Dufferin Terrace and the magnificent Montmorency Falls.
If you are into ancient historical sites, you must go to Basilica Cathedral Notre-Dame and the Plains of Abraham which became renowned after the Battle of Quebec. Quebec City is known to be a place that is best explored on foot. So, lace up and rush to see and experience this elegant town.
Recommended place to stay: If you do not mind the price and would love to fully experience the historic beauty of Quebec, go for the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac. And if you are looking for the best affordable places, go for Le 253 or the Le Gite Du Hu-Art.
12. Grasslands National Park in Saskatchewan
Grasslands national park is a dark sky preserve which is known to be the destination to watch the most beautiful sunsets of your life. It is known to be one of the most beautiful places in Canada for its darkest skies that let you watch the surreal twinkling stars at night. Plan your trip in May or late September to get the whole star gazing experience. One of the easiest ways to get to Saskatchewan is by taking the Trans-Canada highway.
The best hiking spot in the grasslands national park is the Valley of 1000 devils. It is a historical landmark which will take you about 2 hours to explore. The trails are poorly marked so we would recommend you use the All-Trails Pro App to have a pleasant hiking experience.
If you are planning a trip here, make sure you stay overnight as the scenic beauty here is best experienced at night. Some of the main activities to do here include Animal watching, mountain biking, stargazing and overnight camping. Be prepared to find vicious Bison on the beautiful prairie grasslands. Other endangered species here are the black-tailed prairie dogs and the Ferruginous hawks.
If you are planning to travel with kids, make sure you assign them all the phenomenal activities specially designed for kids like the Club Parka and geocaching. Recommended place to stay: Book an oTENTik to enjoy a comfortable camping experience!
13. Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island is one of the best places to visit in British Columbia located on Canada’s west coast. It is prominently known as one of the most beautiful places in Canada for its gorgeous rugged shorelines, historic waterfalls, and impressive wildlife.
Cox Bay, located in Tofino is known as Canada’s surfing destination. It is one of the best sporting activities here on Vancouver Island as this is known as the warmest place to visit in Canada.
The most famous tourist attractions on Vancouver Island are the Royal BC Museum, Newcastle Island and the most beautiful Strathcona Provincial Park. You must experience the scenic beauties of Myra Falls, Cream Lake and the breathtaking Landside Lake. During winters, you can enjoy skiing in the most spectacular Mount Washington. Recommended place to stay: West End Guest House
14. Dawson City
Dawson City is located on the south of the Arctic circle famous for its gold rush history. It is one of the most beautiful places in Canada that takes you back to the historic events and still makes you feel like visiting a wild west town.
It is one of the most fascinating places to visit in the Yukon and has been popularly known as a living ghost town. The main activity to experience here is hiking through the infamous Tombstone Territorial Park. You can also see the magnificent northern lights in the heart of the Klondike Gold Rush.
Reach this spectacular city either by air or road and take part in a walking tour to learn more about the history and culture of Dawson City. One of the recommended places to stay in Dawson City is Dawson Lodge
15. CN Tower
CN or the Canadian National tower was known to be the tallest building in the world in 2007 until Burj Khalifa took away its title. It is still the tallest and the most iconic structure in Canada. Would you like to see the whole of Toronto as well as Lake Ontario just by standing in one place? Head to the spectacular CN tower to experience the most breathtaking views of Toronto!
One of the most adventurous things to do is to take a walk on the EdgeWalk which is the world’s highest full-circle outdoor walk built at a height of 1815.3 ft above the ground. If you love risky adventures, this one’s for you. It is quite expensive but worth it for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Then head over to the 360 restaurants to enjoy the best of Canadian cuisine with a view! Before you leave the CN tower with your heart full and eyes mesmerized, make sure you pick out a souvenir from the Tower’s gift shop to cherish this once-in-a-lifetime experience of visiting one of the most beautiful places in Canada.
Key Takeaways
That was all bout the most beautiful places in Canada. This article will definitely be a short guide trip if you are planning to visit Canada very soon or in future. Also, people living in Canada must go to all these destinations and enjoy their life to the fullest!
We have discussed 15 such beautiful destinations of Canada which are magnificent to look at and awe-inspiring at the same time.
Also, read “Best Parks in Surrey BC.”
Amazing Facts about the Tallest Mountain in BC
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