Explore Canada: Must-Visit Cities For First-Time Travelers

 Why Exploring Canadian Cities Is Worth It

Discovering Canadian cities is a generous delight that will take the tourists by surprise. The excitement stored in festivities like The Calgary Stampede and the Montreal Jazz Festival is of next level and beyond the comparison. It is simply great to find the tourists imbibing experiential exclusivity in the natural wonders like in Gros Morne National Park, and Niagara Falls. And beyond these flavors, tourists can also get the opportunity of diverse dining options and diversity in culture.  In short, Canada and its provinces always offer rich opportunities for urban and nature bound tourism.    

Top Urban Destinations in Canada

Canadian cities and urban destinations showcase a perfect mix of cosmopolitan culture and adventure.  Tourists would often feel confused when they plan to select their trip of most urban destinations in Canada. Tourists who intend to plan for selective urban destinations in Canada are often left in utter surprise. Here are a few top urban destinations in Canada that cannot be missed from the bucket list:

#1-Banff – The petite mountain hamlet in Alberta- Tourists interested in skiing or hiking activities can head to Banff. The Banff National Park, which is also the known origin point of glacier-fed Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, gives a turning point for tourists. Enjoying the Spa therapy in the lavish hotels on the banks of Bow River is truly enjoyable. Again, plan out a trip to Columbia Icefield and Yoho National Park, and your imagination will be enchanted. 

#2- Quebec City – The picturesque hamlet and a fulfilling itinerary – Tourists who want to gain good spiritual bounty while still remaining on budget can head straight to Quebec City. Old Québec is known to be a UNESCO world heritage site, whereas walking down the cobblestone streets of the Quartier Petit-Champlain is an experience close to Paris. Further, head straight out to Parc de la Chute-Montmorency and that is where you will remain awestruck after watching the steep 272-foot-tall waterfall.

#3- Southeastern Ontario – Home to the world’s thunderous waterfalls -This part of Ontario is completely bewitching and it offers the best glimpse of Niagara Falls.  Tourists could make a choice between the Helicopter Tour or the Maid of the Mist boat tour and get close to the majestic freshwater cascades. 

#4-Montreal – The urban city with juxtaposed tourist points – The Montreal itinerary will be a turning point for the tourists in many ways. It is the place where the shining tall buildings stand indelibly strong with old 17th century buildings. The city offers an ideal mix of English and French overtones and this is where the tourists intermingle.    Old Montréal is the center of attraction for Notre-Dame Basilica, an outstanding Gothic Revival-unique church. 

#5-Vancouver and Victoria - Way out to the British styled living – These two fabulous tourist spots in Canada present an entirely feel-good moment and allude to the erstwhile and glorious British moment. British Columbia, an attractive capital of Victoria, is ideal for sipping tea, and Vancouver Island is an ideal retreat for tasting fruit wines besides the ciders.  Get to new marine exploration where tourists get a wonderful opportunity to communicate with 80 Orca Whales in none other than the Victoria waters. 

Best Places for Nature, Scenery & Outdoor Activities

Canada and its cities have a preponderance of fresh water reserves, abundant nature and explorative scenic spots, and all of these eventually make this North American nation a fabulous tourism destination. Hiking, kayaking, whale watching, skiing and snowboarding, Canada offers unlimited naturalistic tourism and outdoor explorations to the tourists. Here are some of the known places in Canada for scenic and outdoor adventures:

#1- Canadian Rockies, Banff – The rocky mountainous landscape in Canada is indeed one of the exciting and truly mind-blowing nature bound experiences for the tourists. Mountain trails meandering through the easy walkable routes and the challenging backcountry routes offer one of a kind experiences. 

#2- Kayaking Activity, British Columbia – Tourists having a penchant for water adventures and plan to explore marine life can opt for kayaking in no other place than the Johnstone Strait. The uneven coastline in British Columbia created out of the isolated islands and inlets gives way to amazing kayaking experience.   

#3- Nature Trails in British Columbia and Quebec- Sporting activities galore, and excitement grow overtly wilder in the untouched freshwater lakes of Quebec. Similarly, the roads connecting to the beaches in British Columbia are perfect for outdoor sports. The manicured parks in Calgary are ideal and worth exploring the outdoor fitness in stunning and glamorous environs. 

#4- Whale viewing in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia – The eastern provinces of Canada like Newfoundland and Nova Scotia are terrific hot spots for tourists who want to explore the humpback whales in their natural habitats.  The sight of these grand mammals breaching and pranking in the high ocean tides is mesmerizing. 

#5- Skiing and Snowboarding, Whistler Blackcomb – If skiing and snowboarding is in your mind, then Canada’s Whistler Blackcomb offers more than 8,000 acres of skiable terrain to the tourists.  The spectacular high-altitude scenery, lively village atmosphere, and world-class conveniences render Whistler a true adventure for the winter sporters. 

Cultural & Historical Hotspots

Canada is a mélange of history and culture, where the English colonialism meets the French, and both of these presents before tourists a wonderful tapestry.  There are exclusive spots for tourism that bring both history and culture together in one place. Old Quebec, for example Fairmont Le Château Frontenac and Quartier Petit Champlain, are popular for their French heritage. The Rideau Canal along with an ancient Viking settlement situated at L’Anse aux Meadows also hold special historical relevance dating to early Norse history. Lachine Canal has its own historical significance for being a principal hub for trade and meetings. It is now the best landscape for activities like walking and cycling.  Similarly, Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks, is documented as a UNESCO heritage site, which has experienced more than thousand years of evolution.  

Rogers Pass, was an erstwhile historic railway route that connected British Columbia to the whole of Canada. In the present state, Rogers Pass is a historic destination offering spectacular sightings of Glacier National Park and the Selkirk Mountains.

Canadian Cities Known for Food, Festivals & Entertainment

Canada’s dining canvas is exotic and it has multiple tastes to offer the tourists. The cities in Canada offers a whole-hearted and delectable food quite touching to soul, and then there is exclusive variety of cuisine that exemplifies the food culture of the Canada. Victoria, British Columbia is a great place to taste the craft beer, innovative cocktails and Pacific Rim-inspired seafood dishes such as Dungeness crab, oysters, prawns), and salmon fish like King, Sockeye, Silver, Pink, and Chum. And if you head for St. John’s, Newfoundland, there are plenty of options available to taste the Nordic-style menu. There are also creative and sustainable menus that bring traditionalism in the right place. Tourists would also have the opportunity to welcome cocktails, charcuterie, and incredible mussels with kimchi (which is the Korean chilli paste). Kelowna, British Columbia is the best city to taste innovative toppings, mashed potato brioche, charcuterie made from local cheese and house-cured meats, and even the gelato. Think of bizarre entrées that come along with unusual wine pairings. Ottawa, Ontario is yet another incredible destination to exploit the taste buds in the global cuisines covering the French, Japanese, Spanish, Mexican, Italian, Vietnamese, and Lebanese (shawarma). If that is not enough go for the poutine and peameal bacon, as well as exclusive wine-paired meat and fish dishes. Quebec City, Quebec offers food lovers the richness in the taste of minced pork, beef, veal or venison served along with flaky pastry topping). Travelers could also match for poutine (French fries and cheese curds with brown gravy), and buckwheat pancakes. 

Underrated Cities Worth Adding to Your Itinerary

Canada is famous for its spectacular landscapes and vivacious metropolises, but beyond these exquisite popular tourist destinations, there are many underrated cities in this North American country, which need exploration.  A few of these cities allure the imagination of travelers and always keep them absorbed in the wonder lust. These include Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Guelph, Ontario, Nelson, British Columbia, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Whitehorse, Yukon, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Thunder Bay, Ontario and Brandon, Manitoba.

Budget-Friendly Cities for Travelers

Are you serious about traveling to Canada and still remain on budget without denting your pocket? Here is the bucket list of the top budget friendly cities in Canada for the travelers:

#1. Montreal, Quebec: Traditionally over bursting, great food, and lively culture

#2. Halifax, Nova Scotia: Maritime exposure and regale feeling 

#3. Winnipeg, Manitoba: Big city facilities on low prices 

#4. Kelowna, British Columbia: Lakeside vacation and tasting appealing wine

#5. St. John’s, Newfoundland: Flamboyant streets and coastal escapade

#6. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan: Prairie charm blends gradually with riverfront loveliness

#7. Thunder Bay, Ontario: The city with replete in outdoor activities

#8. Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island: The confluence of rich history, beaches and red sand charm

#9. Edmonton, Alberta: All out exposure to the festivals, shopping spree plus more

#10. Whitehorse, Yukon: Wilderness and changing themes

Best Time to Visit Canadian Cities

Summers happen to be the ideal time when you should plan your visit to Canada for the hikers and those tourists who want to indulge in the outdoor trails. What is even more fascinating to know is that summers is also the right time for attending festivals too.  

Travel Tips for Planning a Canada Trip

Tip#1-Visit Canada in September, as this is the time when the temperature is warm and there is no need to pack yourself in multi-layer woolen clothing. 

Tip#2 -Do not book last minute flights if you are planning to travel to Canada, as you may have to pay high prices.

Tip#3- The best places to visit in Canada in September include Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver. These cities offer spectacular views and great exposure to adventure.

Tip#4- Pack your luggage well and it should include the noise-canceling headphones, zipper pouch, portable steamer, packing cubes, waterproof toiletry bag handling, travel bag duffle. 

Tip#5- If you are heading for the urban areas, pack with ankle boots, structured coats and jeans.  

Tip#6- Carry a warm layer with you even if you are traveling in Summer to Canada.

Conclusion

Spruce up and fill yourself with lightness as you pack for unprecedented tourism in North America. With special deals on the flights available all through the year, visiting Canada on an explicit budget is never going to be less welcoming.