Canada is a country that has so much offer travelers like yourself. Whether you are searching for bustling cities, majestic mountains, delectable cuisine, or sparkling glaciers, Canada has the perfect destination for your next vacation. Of course, out of all those Canadian destinations, you will find that there are some that are better than others. Therefore, you must choose the best places to visit in Canada when planning your vacation there. You will want to do your research too, so you can make sure you are visiting that best place in Canada during the right season. If you don’t, you may find yourself experiencing very little during your visit. Don’t panic though, because we have created a list of the best places to visit in Canada for every month of the year.

Best Places to Visit in Canada

When searching for the best places to visit in Canada, you will want to know what you want to do during your vacation. This will allow you to decide if you are looking for the best places to visit in Eastern Canada, the best places to visit in Western Canada, or somewhere in between.

Best Places to Visit in Canada in January

1. The Quebec Ice Hotel

The Quebec Ice Hotel changes slightly every year, but it is one of the best places to visit in Canada in the winter. This ice hotel is recreated so it can open every January. It then stays open until the beginning of April. You will find this church-like ice hotel in Quebec.

It is actually one of the best places to visit in Quebec City, Canada. The walls are four feet thick, so despite the ice, it is comfortable inside. We recommend staying at this hotel during your time in Quebec. However, if that isn’t possible, you can always take a tour and indulge in a drink or two at the ice bar.

2. Winnipeg

Culture is everywhere in Winnipeg and you will notice it the moment you arrive. This city is filled with high-end boutiques, as well as five-star restaurants. In between your shopping and dining adventures, you must take the time to see The Forks and Fort Whyte Alive.

3. Calgary

If you love to ski, then you must go to Calgary when looking for the best places to visit in Canada in the winter. Banff in Alberta is also considered one of the best places to visit. You can ski at Banff National Park, or simply do a little cross-country skiing down in the valleys.

When the sparkling lakes freeze, you must try your hand at ice fishing. Other activities to enjoy during a Calgary vacation include visiting the sledding dogs, walking on the ice, and sleigh riding.

Best Places to Visit in Canada in February

1. Whistler, British Columbia

Once you decide that Whistler is one of the best places to visit Canada in winter, you will spend the rest of your time skiing. This is one of the best places in BC, Canada, especially when there is snow on the ground. You must ski at Whistler Blackcomb when you are in the area. The Whistler Blackcomb Resort has more than eight thousand acres with over two hundred skiing trails. When you are not on the slopes, you can wander through the town. Or you can spend your days exploring ice caves and checking out the exhibits at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Center.

2. Churchill

Churchill is a small town in Canada. Many people think this town is one of the best nature places to visit in Canada. You can easily wander around outside in the silence as you try to see the local wildlife. The polar bears can normally be seen spending time along the shoreline of Hudson Bay. At night, you will discover that Churchill is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights.

3. Banff, Alberta

There is still plenty of snow on the ground in February in Banff. When you are skiing in Banff National Park, you will have lots of opportunities to see wildlife in their natural habitat. At the end of a long day, you can soothe your muscles over at the Banff Upper Hot Springs.

Best Places to Visit in Canada in March

1. Vancouver

Spring comes early in Vancouver. That is why so many people think it is the best place to visit in Canada in late winter and early spring. All the best places in Canada on the East Coast are usually still buried in snow at the beginning to middle of March.

But in Vancouver, the temperatures are beginning to rise, and things start to bloom. There are many different cherry blossom celebrations taking place in Vancouver at the beginning of March. You must check out the different events, so you can find your personal favorite. That way you can visit this part of Canada again at that time in the future.

2. Charlottetown

Charlottetown is a small city, and you will find it over on Prince Edward Island. We believe it is one of the best places to visit in Canada in winter. You can spend an entire day over at the Brookvale Winter Activity Park.

It is there where you can go sledding and snowshoeing. There are also ice-skating rinks in Charlottetown. There is a week dedicated to music that is ironically called, The Music Week. We recommend planning your time in this part of Canada around that week.

3. Halifax

When searching for the best places in Canada to visit in winter, there is no better place than Halifax. This city happens to be one of the best places to visit in Nova Scotia, Canada. Halifax is known for its maple syrup.

Therefore, you must check out the maple sugar farms and purchase some maple syrup to take home with you. Once you have had your maple syrup fix, you can also go mountaineering in this part of the country.

Best Places to Visit in Canada in April

1. Niagara Wine Region

The Niagara Wine Region is located between Niagara Falls and Toronto. The spring is the perfect time for exploring the Niagara Wine Region because things are beginning to bloom with the arrival of a new season. Most of your time will be spent in Niagara-on-the-Lake, just outside of Niagara Falls – a town that hosts a multitude of wineries throughout the area. The Niagara Region itself boasts roughly 88 different wineries. You can drink wine while watching the sun set over the lake. This is one of the best places to visit in Niagara Falls, Canada, so make sure you don’t limit your visit staying too close to the falls. Keep going, because a slightly further drive will be worth every second.

2. Ontario

Ontario is filled with maple syrup towns and they are still going strong during the month of April. If you are looking for the best places to visit in Ontario, Canada, some of these maple syrup farms and the towns must be on your radar.

We recommend visiting this area when the Ontario Maple Syrup Festival is taking place. Sugar Bush tours take place all over Ontario on the syrup farms, though make sure you visit early, as most syrup farms shut down in mid-April.

Best Places to Visit in Canada in May

1. Ottawa

There are so many great places to visit in Ottawa, Canada. We love visiting this destination in Canada in the spring, but always try to get there during the month of May. That is when the Canadian Tulip Festival takes place. As you are walking amongst the tulips, you can listen to music, watch the parades go by, and end the day watching the fireworks light up the sky. It is said that this is the largest tulip festival in the entire world.

2. Victoria

Victoria is a city that was named after Queen Victoria. You will find this city over in British Columbia, near the southern section of Vancouver Island. Many people say this is one of the best places to visit in BC, Canada. Victoria Day is celebrated on a day during the third week in May.

You can participate in the celebrations in this city if you plan your visit accordingly. And if you don’t, you can still wander around to experience the history of this beautiful Canadian destination. There are numerous best places to visit in Victoria, Canada, so make sure you make room for them on your itinerary.

3. Newfoundland

One of the best places in Canada to visit in May is Newfoundland. This is one of the months where there are plenty of whales to see out in the water. We recommend heading over to Iceberg Alley to see the whales swimming and jumping near all the icebergs. If you happen to miss out on a visit in May, you have another chance during the month of June.

Best Places to Visit in Canada in June

1. Golden, British Columbia

As you are looking for the best places in Canada to visit in summer, you won’t need to look any further than the area of Golden. This is one of the best places to visit in Canada for families because you can spend a lot of time outdoors.

Golden is located within six national parks, which makes it unique right there. You can spend your days hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and heli-rafting. You must also take a little time to visit the Grizzly Bear Refuge, as well as the Wolf Centre.

2. Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

Okanagan Valley is one of the best places to visit in Western Canada in summer. The weather is nice and warm in this area already by June. If you want even warmer temperatures, you must wait until July or August for your visit. Your days can be spent on the sandy beaches, while your nights can be spent sipping new wines.

3. Winnipeg, Manitoba

As you are searching for the best places to visit in Manitoba, Canada, you will quickly realize that Winnipeg is the fulfillment of your vacation dreams. As one of the best places to visit in Canada in the summer, you will see that this area is much more affordable than other nearby areas in the country.

You can visit with the animals at the Assiniboine Park Zoo or have a spa treatment over at Thermea by Nordik Spa-Nature. There are many events and festivals in Winnipeg during the month of June, so you will want to add any to your list of things to do.

Best Places to Visit in Canada in July

1. Calgary, Alberta

One of the best places to visit in Calgary, Canada is actually the greatest outdoor show on Earth, which is otherwise known as the Calgary Stampede. Yes, there is so much more to do in Calgary during the summer, but the stampede must be at the very top of your list.

2. Hopewell Cape, New Brunswick

One of the best places to visit in New Brunswick, Canada in summer is Hopewell Cape. You will find some incredible beaches in this part of the country and many of them feature really high tides.

When you are not relaxing in the sand or swimming, you can hike the nearby trails.

3. Montreal, Quebec

When looking for the best places to visit in Montreal, Canada, you must realize that almost everything in the city is worth seeing. This is one of the best places in Eastern Canada to visit. A visit to this top summer destination in Canada will have you walking the streets, shopping, and checking out the Just for Laughs Festival – a huge comedy festival featuring some of the funniest comics from around the world. You should also rent a bike, so you can ride around the Old Port.

Best Places to Visit in Canada in August

1. Tofino

Tofino is one of the best places to visit in BC, Canada, located on Vancouver Island. It is also one of the best places to visit in Canada in summer, or at least in our opinion! There are so many beaches to choose from in Tofino and they are perfect for those relaxing days under the sun. When you are not sitting in the sand, you will find yourself walking around the streets in town.

2. Niagara Falls

When you are looking for the best places to visit in Ontario, Canada, we recommend choosing Niagara Falls. This is one of the best places to visit Canada in summer and you can easily combine it with a trip to Toronto. The one must-see site in Niagara Falls is obviously the falls itself. But there are so many other things for you to do in the area. We recommend starting out with a boat ride behind the falls with Hornblower Niagara Cruises; they offer both family-friendly and exclusive romantic cruises close to the falls – an experience one will never forget!

The 20-minute Voyage to the Falls tour brings guests up-close, enjoying stunning views of the Niagara Gorge, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls, while also being overwhelmed by the majestic Canadian Horseshoe Falls. Feel the exhilarating rush of the waterfalls, the thunderous roar and awe-inspiring power, or, simply take in a relaxing sunset cruise with your loved one for a light-mist experience with the Illumination of the Falls. Afterwards, Niagara’s attractions await you on Clifton Hill, a long street of fun with attractions, rides, restaurants and other entertainment for the young and the old alike. Ride the Niagara Skywheel, the Niagara Speedway, or feel like a kid again by visiting one of the many haunted houses, or the Great Canadian Midway to play so many fun games and activities.

3. Lake Louise

As one of the best places to visit in Alberta, Canada, Lake Louise will have you craving a longer vacation. This lake is within Banff National Park. The village will be your first stop when you arrive in Lake Louise. However, we recommend making sure you tear yourself away from the village sooner than later. The reason for this is the Victoria Glacier and sparkling lake are going to be waiting for you!

Best Places to Visit in Canada in September

1. Yukon

Out of the 10 best places to visit in Canada, the top destination has to be the Yukon in the fall. This place is a little out of the way, in a faraway corner of the country.

But it is one of the best places to see wildlife, as well as the highest mountain, Mount Logan, in the country. Days here can be spent hiking the trails and kayaking.

2. Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia is one of the best places to visit in Atlantic Canada. There are so many historic sites to see in this part of the country. We recommend checking a few of them out in between stops at different breweries in the area.

3. Yorkville, Toronto

One of the best areas to visit in Toronto, Canada is Yorkville. This section of the city is where you can get some incredible shopping done during your visit. When you tire of Yorkville, you can check out the rest of this fascinating city. Some activities to add to your itinerary include the many Toronto Islands, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), and of course, the famous CN Tower – Canada’s National Tower at 1,815 feet, with 3 observational levels that overlook over 100 miles.

Here, you can experience the thrilling EdgeWalk, the world’s highest outdoor walk on a building, while also enjoying award-winning Canadian cuisine and amazing revolving views at the 360 Restaurant. The CN Tower is also perfect for families, as it includes a KidZone play area featuring games and an interactive play area.

Best Places to Visit in Canada in October

1. The Laurentians, Quebec

One of the best places to visit in Quebec, Canada is the Laurentians. This gorgeous destination is perfect in the fall, thanks to the changing colors of the leaves and the crisp mountain air. When you are not out hiking the mountain trails, you may find yourself sampling the local cuisine. We recommend a little pampering at the local spas too.

2. La Mauricie National Park, Quebec

La Mauricie National Park is one of the best places to visit in Canada in the fall.

The hiking trails lead to sparkling lakes. As you are hiking, you will see nothing but colorful leaves that will begin to fall as the temperatures drop.

3. Riding Mountain National Park, Manitoba

Riding Mountain National Park is another one of the best places to visit in Canada in the fall. This is a wonderful place to see the Canadian wildlife, including moose, bears, wolves, and elk. We recommend beginning with the Gorge Creek Trail because it is the most scenic trail in the park.

Best Places to Visit in Canada in November

1. Quebec City

Quebec City is an amazing destination to visit during the month of November. It is the perfect way to begin your holiday shopping during your stay in the city. Especially if you visit the German Christmas Market right outside City Hall.

However, we recommend beginning your visit with a ride on the funicular cableway. During your ride, you will see the entire town from almost two hundred feet in the air.

2. Parliament Hill, Ottawa

There is no better place to be in Ottawa than Parliament Hill during the month of November. You must be in this area at ten o’clock in the morning to watch the Changing of the Guard. We recommend planning your trip, so you are in Ottawa on November 11th as well. That day is National Remembrance Day and parades are held in addition to other celebrations.

3. Toronto

Santa arrives in Toronto during the month of November. The Santa Claus Parade is held in the middle of the month and it has been a tradition since it began back in 1913.

After the parade, you can venture over to Little Italy, Little Portugal, Chinatown, or Greektown to visit with the locals and learn about their traditions and enjoy the diverse cuisine.

Best Places to Visit in Canada in December

1. Niagara Falls

Yes, Niagara Falls is a fabulous place to visit during the summer. But this attraction is also stunning during the month of December. The water can freeze at this time of the year, which makes the falls appear mysterious, looking like a huge sheet of ice. There is a wonderful Ice Wine Festival held in Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake at this time of the year and we recommend planning your trip so you can attend. Many restaurants and hotels in the area offer special deals on meals and events during the Ice Wine Festival, so don’t hesitate to inquire about some of the best wines and cuisine in Canada!

2. Newfoundland

The snow is going to be falling in much of Canada by the month of December, so you must choose destinations that will allow you to ski during your visit. Newfoundland is an incredible spot for a vacation in Canada in December.

You can spend a lot of time skiing over at Gros Morne National Park. When you cannot ski anymore, you can climb on a snowmobile to ride along the trails.

3. Grouse Mountain, British Columbia

Days at Grouse Mountain can be spent skiing, snowshoeing, and ziplining. Add in a little sky riding with your family and you will have the perfect vacation in Canada.

These are the best places to visit in Canada by month. You will see that some areas of the country are better seen during the winter, while others are appreciated more in the spring and summer. Of course, some areas like Niagara Falls, can be loved all year long. We recommend going to one of the best places to visit in Canada for your next vacation. Only you know which destination will be the best for your needs, but at least we gave you ideas for where you might want to go.

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