Are you about to visit the Great White North for the first time? Visiting Canada for the first time can be very exciting and overwhelming, all at the same time especially if you’re only visiting for a short period. This might leave you wondering “Where should I go for the first time in Canada”?
Having been to a few cities in Canada including Toronto and Vancouver, I will narrow your options down to the top 5 spots to visit in Canada for the first time based on my experience and extensive research. By the end of this blog post, you will have a clear picture of the location you should visit based on your interests – arts, nature, culture, etc.
What are these top 5 places to visit in Canada? Without any further ado, let’s get into it.
Where should I go for the first time in Canada?
1. Niagara Falls, Ontario
Niagra has been described as a natural wonder by people who have had a glimpse of its breathtaking views. If you love nature, this is a must-see for your first trip to Canada. Visitors can get a closer view of the Waterfall on boat tours. If you’re aquaphobic, then you can get great views from the observation deck as well. Niagara Falls is also a perfect location for a photo-op, especially on clear days during the winter season with mists rising from the falls. Other attractions around Niagara Falls include Clifton Hill’s entertainment district and Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory.
2. Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver is another top spot to visit in Canada, if you love culture. It’s a vibrant multicultural community and one of the best cities to live in the world which further cements its spot in the top 6 places to visit in Canada. As a visitor, you can explore Stanley Park which features the Vancouver Aquarium, relaxing beaches, and picturesque waterfronts. A little fun fact is that Stanley Park is bigger than Central Park, New York. Vancouver is hosts Canada’s biggest swimming pool so if you’d like to take a dip, you can take a quick detour to Kitsilano Pool. Other attractions include museums, theatres, and galleries, giving visitors diverse experiences.
3. Banff National Park, Alberta
Wanna go on a hike? This is your spot. With its natural beauty, lush forests, and lakes, Banff National Park is a must-visit for a lover of adventure. This spot offers more than 1,000 miles of hiking trails so if hiking is your thing, you can spend your entire trip here. If you’re lucky, you might come across creatures like eagles, beers, cougars and timber wolves. However, don’t go too close lol. Hiking isn’t the only activity at Banff, there are also Skii resorts if you’re a winter sports fan. You can also get a breathtaking view of the mountains, lakes and forests from the Banff Gondola.
4. Quebec City, Quebec
If history is your thing, Quebec should be one of your top choices. It is one of the oldest cities in the North American continent and boasts of marveling history. Sometimes called the French capital of Canada, Quebec is the only province in Canada whose official language is French. Visitors can explore city landmarks like the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, the Quebec quaint streets, and the St. Lawrence River. One other thing this iconic city is renowned for is food. I strongly encourage you to get a taste of the French-Candian cuisine. Trust me when I say you’ll thank me later.
5. Toronto, Ontario
Canada’s biggest city takes its spot on our top 6. Being one of the most multicultural and cosmopolitan cities in the world, Toronto offers a broad range of activities for first-time visitors to explore to ensure a memorable trip. Landmarks like the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium, the Hockey Hall of Fame, the Distillery Historic District, and the Royal Ontario Museum are popular tourist attractions among others. Just like New York is to America and London is to the United Kingdom, there is no end to the list of interesting activities in Toronto. For you to have lots of options, I will be providing a list of the best places to visit in Toronto for the first time:
Best Places to Visit in Toronto for the First Time
- CN Tower – You can get breathtaking views of the city skyline
- Royal Ontario Museum – Canada’s largest museum
- Distillery District – Historic location with art galleries and shops
- Toronto Islands – Beaches, Parks, and picturesque views
- Harbourfront Centre – Cultural events and outdoor activities
- Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada – Have a chill time gazing at thousands of marine animals
And that’s a wrap. You have your answer to your question – “Where should I go for the first time in Canada”. Canada is the second largest country in the world with a wide variety of tourist attractions and it could be confusing deciding on the locations to put in your itinerary. These are my top picks of locations in Canada that will guarantee a memorable travel experience for someone going for the first time.
Also, here are the requirements to travel to Canada if you’re looking to travel soon. Have fun in Canada, and thank me later.
