Canada is a huge country and offers a diverse set of vacation destinations. While it is a subjective call on what are the top places to visit, I would rank Niagara Falls, Banff and Vancouver among the top 3 destinations to visit. Here is a summary of my top experiences in Canada over a 15 day period.
1. Niagara falls
Having visited Niagara falls from the US side, I have no hesitation is saying that the beauty of the majestic Niagara falls is best enjoyed from the Canadian side. It is rated as Canada’s most famous natural attraction. I booked a Falls view room at Embassy suites and my impression of Niagara Falls from the room was ‘wow’. Incredibly majestic. This is the best option(there are other hotels as well with Falls view-Marriott, Hilton) to soak in the beauty of Niagara Falls.
The observation deck at Skylon tower too provides a great view. Other options to enjoy the Falls include Whirpool Aero car, river cruise, journey behind the Falls and Zip Lining.
Though centered around Niagara Falls, there are plenty of other things to do in Niagara Falls town. But I visited only for the Falls and hence a 2 night stay was adequate. Niagara Falls freezes completely in winter and though that is also a sight to behold, other activities will be restricted.
How to reach Niagara Falls
I took a taxi from Toronto and drive is less than 90 minutes. Train service too is available. There is an airport nearby called Niagara Falls International Airport but it is located in US and not Canada.
Check this link for more details on visiting Niagara Falls. It is definitely among the top places to visit in Canada.
2. Banff
View of Banff, Canada Lake Louise, Canada Columbia Icefield, Canada Peyto Lake, Canada
Banff is one of the most beautiful places I have been to. Very picturesque. What I would call as a picture postcard town.
Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and located in the Rocky Mountains, showcases some of Canada’s best natural scenery. I will never forget the sight of gradually melting ice in Lake Louise – a beautiful combination of white ice and bluish crystal clear water. And there is Columbia Icefield where I explored the Athabasca glacier on an Ice Explorer, a vehicle with big tyres. Peyto lake on the way is one of the most photographed lakes in Rocky Mountains.
The Icefield Parkway, a 232 kms drive from Banff National Park(Lake Louise) to Jasper National Park(Jasper town) is rated among the most scenic drives in the world. A trip to Columbia Icefields from Banff covers a major portion of this route. Fantastic drive without a doubt. And the month of May was a great time, with the snow in various stages of melting.
There is lot of nature related activities to do – Trekking, hiking, scenic drives, kayaking and much more. The Gondola took me all the way to the top of Sulphur mountain for some amazing views of the Rocky Mountains. Horse riding is very popular and I took one longish ride. Wonderful views and great fun but I did feel a bit sore at the end. Guess it needs some practice to ride a horse for an hour or more. But a dip in the hot springs later in the afternoon alleviated all the soreness.
Banff is popular in summers as well as winters. I am told polar bears are often spotted strolling on the streets in winter. Without doubt, Banff is definitely among the top places to visit in Canada.
How to reach Banff
I flew to Calgary and took a taxi from the airport to Banff. The taxi covered the 140kms distance in about 2 hours. Buses or renting a car are the other options at Calgary airport.
For more information, check out THIS LINK.
3. Old Quebec in Quebec city
Chateau Frontenac, Quebec city, Canada Old Quebec, Canada
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Old Quebec area in Quebec city is one of Canada’s most popular historical areas. A French speaking area, Quebec city reminds me of the quaint little historical towns in Europe. The fortified Old Quebec, with over 400 years of history, some stunning architecture and very charming streets, is a wonderful place for a stroll and exploration on a horse carriage.
Another place for leisurely stroll is Terrasse Dufferin, which provides great views of Old Quebec and St. Lawrence river, and is home to probably one of the most photographed hotels in the world, Chateau Frontenac.
The Montmorency Falls Park is another attraction worth visiting.
How to reach Quebec city
I flew from Toronto. Quebec city is also connected by rail and road to Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa. From Ottawa or Montreal, train is also a convenient option.
CHECK THIS LINK for more information.
4. Capilano suspension bridge park, Stanley park, Vancouver
Treeetop trail, Vancouver, Canada Cliff walk, Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver is rated among the most beautiful cities in the world. Capilano Suspension Bridge park is one of the most popular destination for tourists in Vancouver. The bridge is about 140m long and built at a height of 70m above the river. It leads to rainforest trails, cliff walks and treetop walks. It is quite a feeling, walking among the trees. The trails reach a height of 110 ft. from ground level, meaning the trees are taller than this height. The bridge and the trails are lit in the evenings and looks very beautiful.
Check this link for more details.
Stanley Park, Vancouver, Canada
Stanley Park is home to red cedar, bigleag Maple and Douglas fir trees some of which are over a century old. The tallest Douglas fir tree reaches a height of over 200ft.. It is a sight to behold though these trees are not as thick as the ones we find in India.
Other attractions in Vancouver include Grouse Mountain, accessible by a gondala, that provides breathtaking views of the city and surrounding areas. The oldest part of the city -Gastown – has a distinctive feeling, with its restored heritage buildings, cobblestone streets, iron lamp posts and many shops and restaurants. There is lot more to see and do in Vancouver, including taking boat rides to nearby islands or going on a scenic drive to Whistler.
The sight of sea planes landing in Vancouver harbor was thrilling. I could not fit in a sea plane ride in this visit but managed to do so when I visited Maldives.
How to reach Vancouver
I flew into Vancouver from Calgary. Air is possibly the only option to travel to Vancouver, especially from the Eastern part of Canada. From Banff or Lake Louise or Jasper, Rocky Mountaineer Train is also a great option.
For more information, check this link. Vancouver is definitely among the top places to visit in Canada.
5. Parliament Buildings, Ottawa
Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Canada
Located on Parliament Hill, the Parliament buildings with its gothic architecture is a great sight, and one of the most visited places in Canada. Napean Point near the National Gallery offers great views of the Parliament buildings.
Tulips at Ottawa, Canada National Gallery, Ottawa, Canada
The capital of Canada is a nice and beautiful town to travel to and my visit coincided with the tulip festival. Great variety of Tulips bloom all over Ottawa during spring and imparts an exceedingly beautiful look to the city. A cruise on Rideau canal or even walk alongside is a very pleasant experience, and the National Gallery has stunning architecture.
Day trip to Montreal
I also chose to do a day trip to Montreal. Took little over 2 hours one way. I had time to visit the Olympic stadium, the 574 ft. inclined Montreal Tower, the Biodome, the old Montreal and Mont Royal, a lovely park at an elevation.
How to reach Ottawa
I flew to Ottawa from Quebec City. Trains are another option from Toronto, Montreal and Quebec City and possibly car rental if you don’t mind spending more than half the day on driving. Montreal though is much closer.
For more details, check this link. When it comes to cities, Ottawa will certainly rank among the top places to visit in Canada. More so because Montreal can be easily covered from Ottawa.
6. CN Tower, Toronto
Toronto skyline, Canada
CN Tower in Toronto is Canada’s most recognisable icon. It was the tallest free standing structure until 2007 when it was surpassed by Burj Khalifa in Dubai. It is over 1800 ft. tall with a view point at marginally under 1500 ft. The views from this height are simply amazing.
Other attractions include the majestic castle Cash Loma, Toronto Zoo for polar bears, admiring the stunning architecture of Royal Ontario Museum, going round the St. Lawrence market to catch a favour of local shopping, and strolling in the Distillery District. Rogers Centre, the sporting arena too is worth a visit.
How to reach Toronto
Toronto is Canada’s largest airport and well connected globally. From India, it is likely to be the point of entry as well as departure.