I should begin by saying that all of Canada is a great, hospitable place to visit. Because of the size of Canada, most tourists will head for the bigger cities to see the sights. Be forewarned however that Canada's best features are in its natural beauty. That is why my Top-Ten might seem unorthodox, but if you've been to any of these places you will agree that these are Canada's Top-Ten Best Places to Visit.
Top
10 Places to visit in Canada
10. Prince
Edward Island
Green pastures and the distinct red-soil cliffs make Prince
Edward Island a great destination for travelers who are just looking for some
relaxation or a fun day at the beach. Take a car to get around, the island is
not big so you could see everything in a day.
9. Ottawa,
Ontario
Ottawa is the Capital City of Canada and a great place to
soak in Canadian culture. The Changing of the Guard on Parliament Hill or the
RCMP march are always popular sights, along with some world class museums.
There are also many parks and bike paths that make summer outdoors fun. The
winters aren't bad either. The Rideau Canal, which connects the Ottawa River to
the Great Lakes for leisure boaters, makes for the longest skating rink in the
world when it freezes.
8. Kelowna,
British Columbia
Where do Canadians go on vacation? Kelowna, BC. In the heart
of the Canadian Rockies is the Okanagan Valley, a river-valley that has some of
Canada's best weather. Warm in the summer and mild in the winter; the most you
can ask for in the Great White North. The valley produces Canada's world famous
B.C. apples (illegal in the U.S.) and wine. The Valley has a marina for the
avid boaters and many golf courses. Relaxing at the beach or sitting on the
porch of a lakeside cottage is everyone's idea of the perfect destination.
7.
Churchill, Manitoba
You might be wondering why Churchill? Well hear me out,
Churchill, Manitoba is a small town in northern Manitoba on the shores of the
Hudson Bay. The town is the Polar Bear Capital of the World (sightings are year
round), Beluga Whale Capital of the World (sightings from late June to late
August), and one of the best places to catch a glimpse of an Aurora Borealis or
Northern-Lights (sightings from late November through to late March). No-one
ever forgets a visit to Churchill. It's the best place to connect to the many
wonders of mother nature.
6.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver is a great place to see and do anything and
everything. You can enjoy the city's night life, ski at Whistler and go
whale-watching along the coast. Camping, hiking, and boating are also just a
few of the things you can do when in town. If you love the outdoors and want to
see some real wildlife, Vancouver should be on your itinerary.
5. Niagara
Falls, Ontario
It's one of those unfortunate 'luck of the draw' things I'm
afraid to say, because the majority of the Falls are technically in the United
States. This would be fine except that to see it, you have to be on the
Canadian side. That's why Niagara Falls lands on Canada's Top-Ten list. To get
to the other side there is a pedestrian bridge that links Canada with the
United States without the inconvenience of border patrols, yeah!
This tourist town is great for sightseeing and if you happen
to be in Toronto, Niagara Falls is not far. Niagara Falls is also a popular
place to get married, competing with Las Vegas for favourite wedding
destinations. Niagara Falls was also rated as the World's Most Romantic Place.
4. Quebec
City, Quebec
Visiting Quebec City is like taking a tour of France in North
America. Quebec culture is rich and unique from the rest of Canada, and
no-where is it as evident as it is in Quebec City. The world famous Chateaux
Frontenac overlooks the St. Lawrence River on a cliff that was once a French
Fort. The Old-City is contained in an stone wall that once protected the city
from the British Navy. The City Fortress makes Quebec City one of the last
walled cities in the world.
3.
Montreal, Quebec
Montreal is perhaps my all-time favourite place to just walk
around by myself. No other city will allow you to be on a hill overlooking the
city from above; shop at fancy French boutiques; dine at some of the best
restaurants in the world; see old historic buildings and modern skyscrapers;
enjoy a vibrant nightlife; and watch the sun rise and set at the port - all
within walking distance. You will feel as if you have walked into a different
dimension. Being the world's second largest French speaking city (second only
to Paris) some would compare it to France. I on the other hand believe that
Montreal is in a league of its own.
2. Banff,
Alberta
Banff is great but a little over-crowded at times. Best to
take in the nature experience during the off seasons. But it doesn't matter
what time of year it is, there is always stuff to see and do in Banff. Having
been to Banff many times, I have never gone and not seen either a bear, elk,
deer or mountain goat. With the guaranteed wildlife sightings, you will always
enjoy your stay at the Banff Springs Hotel. Be sure to take advantage of their
outdoor hot-springs while you are there. Reservations at the hotel are made
months in advance but don't fret because there are many other hotels in the
area.
1. Lake
Louise, Alberta
The picture says it all. Deep in the Canadian Rockies a large
turquoise lake trickles from the thousands year old glacier in the distance.
The Fairmont Hotel is world class and books visitors months in advance. But
don't let this deter you from visiting, there are many camp-grounds that make
visiting fun and affordable.
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