Canada is a country of contrast. Between sleek cities and welcoming towns, forests spread out, mountains spread up, and lakes look like seas. Yes, Canada is where you find wilderness — its flavor shifting from coast to coast, always grander than you can imagine. But you will also find charming fishing villages and bustling urban centers. The best places to visit in Canada are everywhere, it only depends on what you are looking for.
Canada is home to bucket-list adventures from coast to coast. Perhaps you are looking to take a private helicopter tour to a mountain-top picnic. Or, you want to unwind in award-winning luxury lodges and inns in remote pockets of the world.
Canada can make that happen.
Or maybe you're looking for a family road trip through the mountains, stopping to canoe glacial lakes and take gondolas between peaks, creating memories as you go. Canada can do that too.
Why Should You Visit Canada in 2025?
Canada is the second-largest country on Earth, covering nearly 4 million square miles. Among these millions of miles, you will find startling variation and a special place for every kind of traveler.
Peyto Lake in the Canadian Rockies | Credit: Destination Canada
See Natural Wonders
Canada is famous for its nature. Most of all, perhaps, the Canadian Rockies, which are rich with dense pine forests and glacial blue lakes. But, from coast to coast, Canada's nature is like no other.
There are rainforests in the West, boreal forests in the East, and Arctic and subarctic tundra in the North. And, of course, the Pacific and Atlantic oceans frame the country on either side.
From wildlife viewing to hiking in National Parks, adventure calls travelers to Canada's epic landscapes.
A bike tour of Vancouver | Credit: City Cycle Tours
Explore Urban Destinations
Canada is more than its nature. While most think of the mountains, forests, and lakes, Canada's cities hold just as much draw.
There are the luxurious and modern, with towering stacks of glass and sleek architectural designs, and the historic and cultural, with their meandering streets, cobbled roads, and thick stone walls. And then the ever-charming spots — those who have kept a sense of small-town charm to pair with their lively environments. They make wonderful stops to recharge between wilderness adventures, or complete destinations in and of themselves.
Visitors learning about Metis culture | Credit: Destination Canada / Metis Crossing
Discover Cultural Experiences
Canada has a rich history and culture. Discover the range from French Canadian communities in Quebec to the Gaelic pockets found in the Maritimes. And, as well as experiencing the living, breathing cultures across Canada, find world-class museums to learn about everything from global human rights to local First Nations art to the country's founding history.
But to experience the heart of Canadian heritage is to learn about the Indigenous peoples' varying ancient cultures across the country. These are the people who have lived in Canada since time immemorial and know it better than anyone else. You can take Indigenous-led tours of their traditional territories or stay at wildlife lodges run by local Indigenous experts for a unique and often-missed perspective of Canada.
The 15 Best Places to Visit in Canada in 2025
There is no singular best place to visit in Canada — that depends just as much on you and your interests as it does on the features of the destination. That being said, this means Canada has 'best places' from coast to coast, each just waiting to be paired with its ideal traveler. At Canada By Design, this is what we love most — matching awaiting visitors with their dream destinations.
To help you find that spot, this is our selection of the best places to visit in Canada for 2025. The list is curated by travel experts, and each location has our must-do experiences to help you begin to imagine your trip, tailored just for you, and a package that lets you do them. To introduce you to the full range of destinations Canada holds, we've included packages from our partner brand, Canada By Design, who offer the chance to see what Canada can offer beyond the rails.
If you don't find what you are looking for here, or are looking for more information about rail travel in Canada, reach out to a Travel Designer for one-on-one assistance in creating your dream Canada vacation. More information is at the end of the post.
From left to right: A valley in Banff National Park | Credit: Destination Canada
View over Vancouver to English Bay | Credit Mike Benna on Unsplash
Western Brook Pond in Gros Morne National Park | Credit: Drue Kennedy
Roundup
If you're short on time, here are our three favorite spots across Canada:
- Canada's Best Natural Spot: Banff National Park
- Canada's Best Urban Destination: Vancouver, British Columbia
- Canada's Best Hidden Gem: Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland & Labrador
Now let's get into it.
The impressive view along Banff Ave | Credit: Rocky Mountaineer
1. Banff National Park, Alberta
Banff National Park is iconic for a reason. It is Canada's oldest National Park, and one of the ultimate best places to visit in Canada, especially as a first-timer.
Banff National Park embodies the best of the Canadian Rockies. After railway workers discovered the Banff Upper Hot Springs in the late 1800s, the once remote area began welcoming tourists in droves. This resulted in the formation of Banff National Park and the bustling town of Banff.
Banff is still the commercial center of the Canadian Rockies, offering plenty of shops, restaurants, and amenities along Banff Ave to visitors. But we recommend getting up and out of town on Banff Gondola. There, find mountaintop views over the National Park and a once-in-a-lifetime meal atop the peak at Sky Bistro.
Lake Louise is the second must-see for anyone passing through Banff National Park. The lake has everything from the luxurious Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, perfectly positioned for a formal afternoon tea overlooking the water, to a hike up to Lake Agnes Teahouse, about an hour uphill from the lake for a more top-down view to enjoy over tea.
The park is best experienced from the railway that first discovered it or by a road trip along Icefields Parkway.
Top Experiences in Banff National Park:
- Wildlife Spotting — the chance to see bears, elk, and bighorn sheep in the wild
- Lake Louise & Moraine Lake — vibrant blue glacier-fed lakes with canoeing and lakeside walks
- Banff Gondola — spectacular views of Banff National Park and mountaintop meals
Our way to see it: Canadian Rockies Scenic Delights by Road & Rail
Stanley Park and Vancouver | Credit: Destination Vancouver / Albert Normandin
2. Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver is irremovable from its natural surroundings. Visitors can — and should — explore urban parks, temperate rainforests, and sandy beaches without ever leaving the city.
The city’s atmosphere varies wildly across its neighborhoods. Between sleek downtown buildings, art galleries, and high-end restaurants are found, brick storefronts line Gastown's narrow streets, and relaxed neighborhood cafes are dotted throughout Kitsilano and Mount Pleasant.
There are so many amazing things to do in Vancouver in both summer and winter — so many that we have dedicated posts for each season.
But if there is a single best way to experience the city, it is to walk or bike the Seawall — the longest uninterrupted oceanfront path in the world. While most visitors end their ride after the Stanley Park loop, you can continue following the path around False Creek to Kitsilano Beach. Here, enjoy a local's view over English Bay, before spending an evening on Yew Street, with several blocks of lively restaurants, bars, and ice cream spots.
Vancouver is easily connected to the mountains to the east and Vancouver Island to the west. It is the perfect jumping-off-point for longer trips — whether it's a week-long tour of Western Canada, or a 10-day cross-country train trip to Toronto or Halifax.
Top Experiences in Vancouver:
- Stanley Park — an urban park with temperate rainforest and ocean views
- Capilano Suspension Bridge — a suspension bridge above Capilano River to a forest canopy walk on the other side
- Granville Island — best experienced through a Public Market foodie tour
Our way to see it: Vancouver & the Canadian Rockies Rail Vacation
The streets of Old Quebec with Fairmont Chateau Frontenac in the background | Credit: Region de Quebec GouvQc / Jeann-François Frenette
3. Quebec City, Quebec
Quebec City seems somewhat out of place in Canada, feeling more at home in Europe than North America. A strong French influence has given the city a unique culture and an impressive history.
Start by shopping along the Quartier Petit Champlain, North America's oldest shopping district. Discover gift shops laden with souvenirs, confectionery shops with traditional maple taffy, and restaurants serving some of Canada's most iconic dishes.
Visit Restaurant La Buche for the closest experience to a traditional sugar shack in the city. They specialize in Québécoise cuisine, meaning this is a great place to try the Canada-famous poutine or a lesser-known delight like Tourtière, a meat pie made with Quebec venison.
Winding down its narrow streets and hidden squares is much of the joy of Old Quebec. But, for the best views of the towering Fairmont Chateau Frontenac, ride the Funiculaire up out of the narrow roads to the Dufferin Terrace boardwalk.
Top Experiences in Quebec City:
- Old Quebec — a UNESCO World Heritage site and charming shopping district
- Fairmont Chateau Frontenac — the world’s most photographed hotel.
Our way to see it: [Eastern Canada Train Tour of the Capital Cities]https://canadarailvacations.com/rail-tours/eastern-canada-train-tour-of-the-capital-cities-ottawa-montreal-quebec/)
Toronto’s iconic skyline | Credit: Destination Canada
4. Toronto, Ontario
Toronto is Canada's largest city and urban Canadian life at its most vibrant. But Toronto is much more than its sleek skyline. There are, of course, its iconic landmarks which are always worth a trip — the view from the top of the CN Tower is, naturally, a must-see.
But beyond them, Toronto is best explored by bike, weaving between the startlingly different neighborhoods.
The deceptively named Kensington Market — a neighborhood rather than a market — has eclectic storefronts painted a bright array of colors, and food from almost every culture on Earth. A must-stop while you’re there is Rasta Pasta, a Jamaican-Italian fusion spot — our Travel Designers highly recommend the 'Jamaican Patty'. But, to taste your way around the world, take an international food tour and walk through the neighborhood's streets, discovering the melting pot of cultures in Toronto.
Or, explore the more accurately named St. Lawrence Market. There, enjoy the variety of market goods sold across the South Market, North Market, and St. Lawrence Hall.
To escape the city, you can take a boat to the Toronto Islands, to find a small amusement park amid a green oasis with impressive views back over the skyline. Or, in just 90 minutes, head to the world-renowned Niagara Falls to see Canada's most-visited attraction.
Top Experiences in Toronto:
- CN Tower — iconic skyline views
- Kensington Market — a historic area filled with world dining
- Day Trip to Niagara Falls — towering waterfalls just 90 minutes away
Our way to see it: Canadian Trails Train Tour Across Canada | Vancouver to Toronto
Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park | Credit: Rocky Mountaineer
5. Jasper National Park, Alberta
Jasper National Park is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies.
Here, a small mountain town, Jasper, sits among miles of untouched wilderness. The town feels authentic — remote enough to feel a step apart from the world, but connected enough to be the perfect place to stop on a road or train trip.
Many of the best things to do in Jasper revolve around the great outdoors that surrounds it, regardless of the season. Even the coffee shops here blend outdoorsy-spirit with comfort, one even being tucked into the edge of a surprisingly cozy laundromat, specifically designed to serve travelers passing through.
Jasper National Park, the great landscapes that surround Jasper, is home to more of the Canadian Rockies' magnetism. Snow-capped peaks hide the horizon, smattered with vast, ancient glaciers. The best, perhaps, is the Athabasca Glacier in the Columbia Icefield, which you can take short tours on an 'Ice Explorer' to walk atop. Below, dense forests fill the valleys, broken only by vibrant lakes. Maligne Lake offers boat tours where you get the chance to see backcountry marvels like the famous Spirit Island, only accessible by water.
Despite facing a wildfire in 2024, Jasper continues to flourish. Across the vast national park, many spots, like the iconic Spirit Island on Maligne Lake, remain entirely untouched, while affected are now home to a floor of vibrant green new growth.
Jasper National Park remains one of the most beautiful places in the Canadian Rockies and one of the best places to visit in Canada.
Top Experiences in Jasper National Park:
- Athabasca Glacier — an ancient ice field you can walk atop
- Maligne Lake & Spirit Island — a boat tour to one of Canada’s most beautiful hidden views
- Jasper — a welcoming and authentic mountain town
Our way to see it: Majestic Canada Rail Vacation through the Rockies | VIA Rail
Left: Anne of Green Gables culture alive and well | Credit: Tourism PEI / John Sylvester
Right: A coastal lighthouse in Prince Edward Island National Park | Credit: Tourism PEI / Brian McInnis
6. Cavendish, Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island remains a little off the beaten track for international visitors. But, for those who visit, the Island offers a charmingly different side to Canada as a reward. Rolling green hills of fertile farmland connect red sand beaches that line the coast, their farmhouses clad in candy-colored wood.
In Prince Edward Island, Cavendish is where storybooks come alive. It is predominantly made up of quaint villages scattered along the hillsides. Inspiring the world-famous novel Anne of Green Gables, the region of Cavendish has remained nostalgic even as the rest of the world moved on.
Once here, visit Green Gables Heritage Place to wander a living replica of Anne's famed 19th-century farmhouse and grounds. And, just along Cavendish Road, find Avonlea Village, where you can explore reconstructed heritage buildings housing gift shops and local eateries.
To see Cavendish's enduring commitment to the quaint and the charming, head to PEI Preserve Company. The yellow-walled, red-roofed shop sells Island-made preserves, teas, sweets, and treats. There, enjoy high tea in a tearoom overlooking blossoming gardens, or take a specialty picnic into the garden. And, after, head to Cavendish Beach — the best place to wander the warm shore of Prince Edward Island National Park.
Top Experiences in Cavendish:
- Green Gables Heritage Place — a literary landmark and National Historic Site
- Cavendish Beach — red sands, gentle waters, and stunning coastal views
Our way to see it: Atlantic Canada Enchanting Islands Road Trip | Package offered by Canada By Design
Left: A polar bear seen from a Churchill tundra tour | Credit: Destination Canada
Right: The winter view of the Northern Lights | Credit: Travel Manitoba
7. Churchill, Manitoba
Churchill is a remote town on the shore of Hudson Bay in Northern Canada. It is one of the best places on Earth to see polar bears, drawing travelers from across the globe. So much so, that it has been dubbed ‘Polar Bear Capital of the World.’
In spring and summer, thousands of Beluga Whales fill the Hudson Bay, polar bears wander the Arctic coasts, and fireweed flowers color the tundra a vibrant purple. This is the best time for whale-watching and a unique perspective of sub-Arctic Canada.
The best time for spotting polar bears, though, is fall. As the Hudson Bay freezes, hundreds of bears flock to the bay's coast, congregating in masses near Churchill. Tours over the tundra on a specialized vehicle take you to see them as they wait to migrate North over the frozen sea.
At this time of year, the nights draw in, the Canadian Arctic darkens, and the Northern Lights take to the sky. A cozy wooden lodge makes a great place for a hearty meal and a restful night.
This is remote Canada at its best. And while Churchill is only connected by rail or air, it is easily accessible from Winnipeg.
Top Experiences in Churchill:
- Polar Bear Safaris — get up close with these Arctic giants
- Beluga Whale Watching — Thousands of whales gather in summer
- Northern Lights Viewing — Some of Canada’s best views of the aurora
Our way to see it: Polar Bear & Aurora Arctic Adventure | Package offered by Canada By Design
Emerald Lake Lodge perched on Emerald Lake
8. Yoho National Park, British Columbia
Tucked on the edge of both the Rockies and British Columbia is Yoho National Park. This is where you will find the quietest mountain paths in the Rockies. They lead to grand waterfalls and ever-more hidden lakes.
One of these is Emerald Lake, just a 40-minute journey from Lake Louise. And it is much quieter.
The lake is set in the President Range, nestled right between the peaks. We recommend you spend an entire day here, simply walking trails through the forest and relaxing on the lakefront. After, spend the night in Emerald Lake Lodge, set on a small outcrop right on the water.
Yoho National Park is perhaps the best place to visit in Canada for hikers. There are many lakes hidden throughout the park, each requiring a different level of hiking to access. Some, like Lake O’Hara or Lake McArthur, require beautiful — but long — hikes to experience.
But, if you're not looking to hike, you can still experience Yoho National Park’s beauty. Other than Emerald Lake, Takakkaw Falls is just a short walk from the nearby parking lot on a well-maintained path, and the Spiral Tunnels at Kicking Horse Pass National Historic Site can be seen from the roadside viewpoint.
Top Experiences in Yoho National Park:
- Emerald Lake — Canada's federal government offers free guided tours
- Takakkaw Falls — the tallest waterfall in the Canadian Rockies and the second tallest in Canada
- Kicking Horse Pass — where trains enter the mountainside to take a spiral track up a steep incline
Our way to see it: Canadian Rockies Lakes and Glaciers Selfdrive | Package offered by Canada By Design
The Yukon’s dramatic landscapes | Credit: Epic North
9. The Yukon
The Yukon remains a little-known gem in Canada. That means endless snow-capped peaks, winter activities, and vibrant Northern Lights displays, all experienced without crowds. This, combined with its still-wild feel, cements the Yukon as one of the best places to visit in Canada.
Summer here means exploring the vast landscapes, keeping your eyes peeled for grizzly bears, and marveling at Canada's tallest mountains lit by the midnight sun.
But, in winter, the Yukon comes alive. The landscapes become blanketed with snow, the Northern Lights paint the sky in huge washes of green and blue, and winter activities can be found across the territory.
By day, dash across the snow while dog sledding and discover hidden hot springs, and by night, relax in a remote lodge, watching as the night sky lights up.
Top Experiences in the Yukon:
- Northern Lights Viewing — some of the best Aurora-viewing in the world
- Dog Sledding — Canada’s oldest means of transport
Our way to see it: Winter at its Best | Northern Lights Resort & Spa | Package offered by Canada By Design
An Inukshuk statue on Whistler Mountain | Credit: Destination BC / Blake Jorgenson
10. Whistler, British Columbia
Whistler was a key venue for the 2010 Winter Olympics and remains home to world-class skiing throughout the winter.
And, in the summer, Whistler has adventurers venturing onto the peaks to find hiking trails, gondola rides, and jaw-dropping views of the West Coast Mountains.
Trails range from easy, well-maintained paths to day-long adventures into the backcountry. But, to get grand views with minimal excursion, take the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola for a startlingly long and startlingly high ride between the Blackcomb and Whistler Mountains. From here, look across the valley and back down into the village.
Whistler Village is a great base camp for all your wilderness exploration here. The resort-style mountain town has a vibrant life and is home to numerous delicious spots for après, available regardless of whether you have skied, hiked, or simply enjoyed the views.
Time in Whistler Village is best spent eating at casual and social spots — head to the Village Stroll to find bars and restaurants lining the street — but for a more upscale experience, Araxi Restaurant & Oyster Bar makes for a wonderful dinner spot. Regardless of your choice, you should cap each day with a scoop (or two) from COWS Ice Cream, where lines regularly lead out the door, but are always well worth the wait.
Top Experiences in Whistler:
- PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola — jaw-dropping mountain views
- Hiking & Mountain Biking — epic summer trails along the peaks
Our way to see it: Whistler and the Canadian Rockies Rail Vacation
Gros Morne National Park’s steep cliffs over West Brook Pond | Credit: Barrett & MacKay Photo
11. Newfoundland, Newfoundland & Labrador
Positioned at the easternmost point of Canada, Newfoundland has rugged, untouched coastlines dotted with small, colorful fishing villages.
In St. John's, the province's capital, these colorful houses make up 'Jellybean Row,' a neighborhood reminiscent of the historic fishing villages beyond the city. St. John's lively spirit hails from the island's strong cultural heritage, preserved through everything from the National Historic Sites lining the jagged coast to the pubs lining the streets. Maybe the best of these is O'Reilly's Irish Newfoundland Pub, home to traditional Newfoundland meals, local musicians, and welcoming hospitality every night of the week.
Venturing north, you will find Gros Morne National Park. This is easily one of the most beautiful places in the country, and absolutely one of the best places to visit in Canada. The National Park remains a little-known wonder where dramatic cliffs fall into a landlocked fjord, the Earth’s mantle pushes its way to the surface, and panoramic views look all the way to the Atlantic Ocean.
Newfoundland's heart is its people, though. One of the best places to experience this is on Fogo Island, just off the East Coast of Newfoundland.
There, stay at the three-MICHELIN-Key-winning Fogo Island Inn, which astutely balances high-end luxury with a down-to-earth atmosphere.
The inn is rooted in its community, giving back at every step. They artfully welcome guests into the unique way of life perched on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, where artists and fishermen live among the rocks in equal numbers and a specialized quilt and jam shop flourishes. And, at the same time, enjoy daily fine dining on fresh and local ingredients while overlooking the wild Atlantic. Your trip is tailored and customized as you go by your personal 'Island Guide' — a local who works with you across your stay to curate each activity and interaction with the island for your personal tastes without losing any of what makes Fogo, Fogo. They ensure you leave Fogo Island a changed person.
Top Experiences in Newfoundland:
- Gros Morne National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site with otherworldly landscapes
- Iceberg Alley — where massive icebergs drift by in spring
- Fogo Island — the pinnacle of luxury among a unique and welcoming community
Our way to see it: Newfoundland Discovery | Atlantic Canada Road Trip | Package offered by Canada By Design
Left: Montreal Old Town | Credit: Susan Moss Photography / Tourisme Montréal
Right: Lively streets of Montreal’s Mile End neighborhood | Credit: Montreal GouvQc / Jacklyn Barber
12. Montreal, Quebec
Like Québec City, Montreal is home to old cobblestone streets and French-Canadian culture. But, where it differs is the vibrant modernity that lives alongside it. Funky murals adorn stone walls, a vibrant multicultural food scene lives in the streets, and music, arts, and culture are found at the summer festivals.
Even the Old Montreal neighborhood blends history and modernity, with stunning old buildings now housing fashionable cafes — Crew Collective & Café serves your drink and pastry under cathedral-style arches in a heritage building once the Royal Bank of Canada.
And where Québec City is the place to try traditional Canadian foods, Montreal is best tasted through its bagels (at St-Viateur Bagel) and smoked-meat sandwiches (in Schwartz's Deli, both dishes hyper-local to the city, and found around the trendy Mile End neighborhood. Or, head through Montreal's Little Italy to Jean Talon Market, one of North America's largest open-air farmers' markets for fresh local goods. We'd recommend a food tour to sample the must-taste items and local hidden gems in the area.
Montreal is an incredible destination either by itself, as a stop on a tour of Québec province, or as the gateway to Atlantic Canada by train.
Top Experiences in Montreal:
- Old Montreal — historic European architecture
- Summer Festivals — Montreal lives through festivals in summer
- The Food — from Jean Talon Market to Little Italy to St-Viateur Bagel
Our way to see it: Atlantic Maritimes Explorer by Rail | Montreal to Halifax
The flowerpot shapes of Hopewell Rocks | Credit: New Brunswick Tourism
13. The Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick
The Bay of Fundy lines New Brunswick and Nova Scotia's inner edges. The bay is home to the world’s highest tides, where, in a matter of hours, the ocean can fall enough to let you walk on its rocky floor, or rise enough to swallow it back under water.
The bay is so powerful that it carves rock into jagged bays or towering stacks. In one of these bays are the Hopewell Rocks, carved by water into flowerpot-shaped monuments, each topped with lush vegetation. As the ocean falls, at low tide, visitors can walk below. But, as it rises for high tide, the stacks are best explored by kayak.
The Bay of Fundy is best explored from land on a road trip along Fundy Trail Parkway, which hugs the coast and offers scenic views of the water. But, to truly experience it, venture out onto the Atlantic Ocean by boat on a whale-watching tour to spot some of the 12 species of whales traveling through in the summer months.
Top Experiences in the Bay of Fundy:
- Hopewell Rocks — walk on the ocean floor at low tide
- Whale Watching — some of the best whale-watching in Canada
Our way to see it: Wonders of the Bay of Fundy | Atlantic Maritimes Small Group Tour | Package offered by Canada By Design
Left: Fairmont Empress overlooking Victoria’s Inner Harbour | Credit: Fairmont Empress
Right: Ucluelet town, the inlet, and the mountains behind | Credit: Tourism Ucluelet / Tyler Cave
14. Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Vancouver Island in British Columbia has it all. In the south, find Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, boasting brick buildings and a charming atmosphere. It is best enjoyed through a leisurely stroll along Government Street and high tea in the Fairmont Empress Hotel, overlooking the quaint Inner Harbour. Heading north, wild surf towns Tofino and the lesser-known Ucluelet blend a love of the great outdoors with the small communities living in it.
This balance between wilderness and comfort is what Vancouver Island best represents. But this is best seen even further removed, where luxuriously remote lodges hide at the end of inlets, between trees, and at the foot of mountains.
The best of these lodges is undoubtedly Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge, which is not just one of the best places to visit in British Columbia, but in Canada. The lodge joins Fogo Island Inn as one of just two properties in the country to be awarded three MICHELIN Keys, the highest accolade given by MICHELIN to accommodations. There, stay in luxury canvas tents which offer all the old-world charm of camping in the forest, but not one ounce of its discomfort — at Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge, the beds are dressed in linen, the bathroom floors are heated, and each night's meal is served in courses.
Top Experiences in Victoria:
- Whale Watching — spot the resident orca of the Salish Sea
- High Tea in the Fairmont Empress — a refined experience overlooking the harbor
- Remote Luxury Lodges — meet wildlife in its element, far from civilization
Our way to see it: Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge | Canadian Rockies Rail Trip Combo
The Cabot Trail around Cape Breton Island | Credit: Tourism Nova Scotia / Adam Hill
15. Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia
Cape Breton is an island at the north of Nova Scotia. It is home to stunning drives along the Atlantic Ocean, and brings the same undeniable appeal as the rest of Atlantic Canada — welcoming communities in colorful houses set against stunning Atlantic views.
What makes Cape Breton different is the Cabot Trail. The trail is a scenic drive, circling the Cape Breton Highlands National Park and offering sweeping ocean views. Your drive will pass by hiking trails like the Middle Head Hiking Trail on the east and the famous Skyline Trail on the west. Each of the many trails offers stunning views of the cliffs, bays, and of course, the Atlantic Ocean. Along the road, you will find communities like Cheticamp, a French Acadian outpost, and Baddeck, a small village rich with Gaelic heritage.
This is a must-do activity in the Maritimes and one of the best places to visit in Canada for Atlantic views.
Top Experiences on Cape Breton Island:
- Driving the Cabot Trail — a scenic drive circling the island
- Gaelic communities — Gaelic cultural heritage lives on
Our way to see it: Acadia Adventure | Atlantic Canada Road Trip | Package offered by Canada By Design
Book Your Canada Vacation Today
At Canada Rail Vacations, we specialize in helping you find your own best places to visit in Canada.
If you found somewhere that calls to you, a package that sounds just right, or want an entirely custom adventure, reach out to a Travel Designer today. They will work one-on-one with you to craft the trip that's right for you, built from a combination of their expert knowledge and your must-see experiences.
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FAQ
When should I visit Canada?
When you should visit Canada depends on where you want to go and what you want to do. Summer is the ideal time to visit for an outdoor adventure through the Rockies. But to see the Northern Lights, planning your trip in winter is essential. When booking, speak to your Travel Designer about what is right for you based on your plans.
Where to go for the first time in Canada?
If this is your first time in Canada, we recommend planning your time around Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies. This ensures incredible views of mountain towns backed by endless peaks, wilderness adventures, and the chance to spot iconic Canadian wildlife like bears, elk, and the occasional shy moose.
What is the #1 tourist spot in Canada?
The most popular tourist spot in Canada is Niagara Falls, seeing nearly 12 million visitors each year. Other top tourist spots include Banff National Park, Vancouver, Quebec City, Toronto, and Jasper National Park.
What is the safest part of Canada to visit?
Canada is a safe and welcoming country, no matter where you visit. Canadians are famously friendly from coast to coast!