Canada is the largest country in the Americas. So it is not easy to list the best cities in Canada since there are so many interesting ones that many will be left out. In its 9,900,000 square kilometers, there are an infinite number of destinations and, above all, beautiful cities. It is clear that the most exciting thing about the country is its nature, but some cities are very worthwhile. In this post, we tell you which are the 10 best cities in Canada so that you can take advantage of them.
10 Best cities in canada
Quebec and its magic
If we have to stay with a city in Canada, without a doubt, we remain with Quebec. It’s so unique! Old Québec, its old part, looks like something out of a fairy tale. It was founded by the navigator Samuel de Champlain in 1608 and still retains its period charm.
Its historic center is the most touristy and houses a French-style walled enclosure from the 18th century. It is divided into the Haute Ville (the upper and most touristic area) and the Basse Ville (between the cliffs and the river). You’ll be able to stroll through plenty of cobbled streets lined with cute cafes, boutiques, and restaurants. It’s like being in France!
The city’s primary emblem is the Château Frontenac, a castle-shaped hotel that dominates the landscape of Quebec, a charming town located on the banks of the Saint Lawrence River.
Vancouver, one of the best cities in Canada
From the east of the country, we went to the west. For many, Vancouver is the most beautiful city in Canada. And it is not for less! The landscapes that surround it are incredible. It is a vast city, but very connected with nature. Huge mountains guard it to the north, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and its immense parks are the protagonists. It is one of the greenest cities in the world. Among them, Stanley Park is the most famous.
Vancouver’s natural beauty is spectacular! If you enjoy outdoor activities, Vancouver is a paradise for you. The city has more than 450 kilometers of trails to enjoy on foot or by bike. Without a doubt, one of the best cities in Canada, not only to visit but to live in.
And if you get bored in the city (somewhat unlikely), you can enjoy its beautiful surroundings. Among them is the Capilano Suspension Bridge. It is incredible to see this piece of engineering! But even more impressive are the landscapes that surround it.
Montreal and its historical part
Montreal is the second-largest city in Canada and the fourth-largest French-speaking city in the world, behind only Paris, Kinshasa, and Abidjan. It was founded by the French in 1642, being one of the first cities in the country. After so many years, Montreal still retains part of its past, especially if you walk through Vieux-Montreal.
However, it is a city of contrasts. It is one of the most important financial centers in North America. It has a skyline that contrasts perfectly with the older buildings and neighborhoods of the historic center, which retain their European architecture.
If you want to see its beautiful skyline, don’t forget to go up to Mont-Royal Park. Is beautiful!
Toronto, the most touristic city in Canada
Toronto is the largest city in Canada. And also the most tourists! Although curiously, it is not its capital. In any case, it could be included in this list of the best cities in Canada. It is a very modern city, and it can be easily seen that it is the country’s leading financial center.
The CN Tower is its central icon. It is located Downtown, where office skyscrapers dominate the landscape. But apart from being a business city, Toronto has other attractions. Especially sports related! You can see a game between the Raptors of the NBA, the Blue Jays of the MLB, or the Toronto Maple Leafs of the NHL.
But the best is to take the ferry and visit the Toronto Islands. It remains A perfect place to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the city, especially to see the city’s magnificent skyline.
Whistler one of the best cities in Canada for lovers of skiing and nature
If you like skiing, in Whistler, you will find your paradise. It is one of the continent’s largest and most important ski centers. It is only a 90-minute drive from Vancouver and a great tourist destination for locals and tourists.
Winter is the perfect place for skiing, but summer is ideal for enjoying other outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and so on. The city is surrounded by mountains, Whistler (2182m) and Blackcomb (2284m), connected by the Peak2Peak, a spectacular cable car with magnificent views.
Calgary is a very interesting destination
Calgary is the sunniest city in Canada. Although the winters are cold, the city has 333 sunny days yearly. So if you like sunshine, traveling to Calgary is a safe bet. We recommend you do it, especially during the famous Calgary Stampede in July.
This is a 10-day festival featuring rodeo events, concerts, special activities, and exhibits. It is one of the most important festivals in the whole country!
Victoria, one of the most beautiful cities in Canada
Located on the Pacific coast, Victoria is a true treasure. It is the capital of British Columbia. It is a small city with a lovely small-town atmosphere. It is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, with no land connection to mainland Canada. And that still adds a unique feeling to it!
The city is protected by the Olympic Peninsula mountains and influenced by the warm North Pacific current, creating the mildest climate in Canada. So it‘s not just one of the best cities in Canada to visit but also to live in!
The majestic Fairmont Empress Hotel, located in the Inner Harbor, is one of Canada’s most iconic buildings. Remember to enjoy the experience of having tea there! In that area, you will also see many examples of Victorian architecture. Although without a doubt, our favorite building is the Parliament of British Columbia.
Ottawa, the capital of Canada
Visiting the capital of a country is always interesting, as it helps you understand its history. Ottawa is not the most beautiful city in Canada, but it has attractions worth visiting. Among them is the impressive Parliament building, located on Parliament Hill. There you can learn more about the history of the Canadian government.
And if you want to have the city’s best views, remember to go to Nepean Point. The panoramic view of Parliament is unbeatable!
In addition, the city also has several of the best museums and art galleries in the country. Among them are the attractive Canadian War Museum, the National Gallery of Canada, and the Canadian Museum of History.
Banff and its national parks
Banff is one of the country’s leading tourist destinations, so that it could be included in this list of the best cities in Canada. Perhaps as a city, it has few attractions, and it does not deserve to be on the list, but in its surroundings, there are some of the most beautiful national parks on the continent, and we could not leave it out.
The Rocky Mountains are spectacular. Banff National Park is the largest and most popular in Canada. There are beautiful lakes! The most famous is Moiraine and Louise, although you could spend days walking their trails.
Without a doubt, Banff is a mecca for adventurers and lovers of outdoor activities: skiing, hiking, biking, or mountaineering are some of the activities you can do. Take it!
St. John’s and its colorful houses
And finally, to finish this post about the best cities in Canada, we could not forget about St. Johns or San Juan de Newfoundland. This is a destination unlike any city mentioned before on this list.
It is the easternmost city in North America and one of the first European settlements in the area. The city has also experienced essential episodes in Canadian history. For example, at Signal Hill, Marconi received the first transatlantic wireless signal.
Its development has been linked to fishing, although gas and oil reserves have recently been found. It is a picturesque destination with its beautiful colored houses that hang from the cliffs.
But as you can imagine, the city is surrounded by nature. So you can only leave to visit the whales and puffins living on the town’s outskirts.
Niagara Falls, one of the best cities in Canada
Niagara Falls appears on almost every list of our best and favorite places in the world. And it is also one of the best cities in Canada! Niagara Falls is beautiful, so Niagara has an advantage over other Canadian cities because it is built next to a natural wonder.
Whitehorse and its northern lights
With a population of just over 25,000, Whitehorse is undoubtedly one of the smaller towns on this list. Still, it’s a lovely place to visit, blending old and new, and serves as a great starting point for a journey exploring Canada’s vast region. And beautiful north.
Downtown Whitehorse is small but walkable and worth visiting, but many of the best attractions are on the outskirts of town. Visit Takhini Hot Springs and the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, just a half hour from Whitehorse.
A Northern Lights tour is the adventure of a lifetime if you’re willing to brave the cold northern winters.