The first thing that comes to mind for a future tourist at the word Canada is the magnificent mountain resorts. Travelers are attracted by such natural attractions of Canada as national parks, where natural beauty is combined with high-quality tourist service. Trips here are always exciting, they promise a lot of vivid impressions and unexplored secrets. However, in order for a trip to this country to be as complete as possible, a qualified guide or escort is needed. Local guides receive serious professional training. Their services are indispensable for those who think in advance what to see in Canada. Interestingly, this country ranks second in terms of area after the Russian Federation. Three oceans wash its shores, so the natural resources here are extremely rich.
What to see in Canada first of all
It seems that in the vast expanses of this country, a tourist can easily get lost, but if you have guides in Canada with you, and plan the route to the smallest detail, then no problems are expected during your vacation. See how many interesting places there are here, make up an individual program and pack your bags!
1. The Canadian Parliament Building (Ottawa)
The Canadian Parliament Building and the World Clock Tower
The architectural complex, which hosts working meetings of the Canadian government, looks like a medieval castle from the outside. It is located in a convenient location for travelers — in the heart of Ottawa. The gray stone of which the building is built seems a little gloomy at first glance. However, the overall composition of the building is so precise and precise that the complex inspires involuntary respect. It seems that the architects who built the complex in 1860 were fanatically devoted to the idea of symmetry in architecture.
The pointed towers are located strictly symmetrically with respect to the central column, on which the clock is running, visible from everywhere. The strength of the building is evidenced by the fact that the gray stone is also covered with copper plates. However, in 1916 the building did not survive a devastating fire. Reconstruction works were carried out in an organized manner, but they dragged on until 1922.
The events of the First World War are reflected in the overall composition of the complex. The Peace Tower, which is the central part of the building, is dedicated to the memory of Canadians who fell on the fronts of the First World War. According to the number of parliamentarians, the main hall where the meetings are held is named. It is called the Hall of the Confederation or the Hall of Two Hundred.
The symbol of Canada’s unity is an eternal flame surrounded by the coats of arms of all provinces. The composition with the eternal flame is located on Parliament Square. The Parliament Building opens a list of Canada’s attractions. It is included in almost all sightseeing and tourist routes.
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2. The Oratorio of St. Joseph (Montreal)
The copper dome of the St. Joseph’s Oratory is the second largest in the world
Among the attractions that must be visited in Canada is the St. Joseph’s Oratory. The beginning of construction works dates back to 1904. The initiative of the project belongs to Andre Bessette. The original version of the oratorio was a small chapel, which was comfortably located on the slope of Mont Royal next to the College of Notre Dame. The church quickly became popular, and the number of parishioners increased every year. Therefore, already in 1917, a church for 1,000 people was built here.
Over time, it began to increase in volume. The first project to enlarge the church was proposed in 1924. The final version of the oratorio, which is included in the modern list of attractions in Canada, was completed in 1967.
The church preserves the memory of many miracles performed by Brother Andre Bessette. It is significant that Pope John Paul II recognized the miracles attributed to Brother Andrew. Recognition took place in 1982, and already in 2010 the canonization of Brother Andrew took place. He was canonized by Pope Benedict XVII.
Official website: https://www.saint-joseph.org/en/
3. Basilica of Notre Dame de Montreal (Montreal)
The towers of the basilica are called Restraint and Perseverance
Looking for something to visit in Canada? Do not hesitate for a long time, the Basilica of Notre Dame de Montreal should be the first point of your trip. The Neo-Gothic style provided the basilica with a strict, almost ascetic look. The building was built in the 19th century. It is truly luxurious. Tourists are surprised and delighted to hear stories that the sculptures here are gilded, and the interior is decorated with fleur-de-lis gold leaf.
The austere and exceptionally symmetrical building has become a real decoration of the city. The grey noble stone has deteriorated over time, but this adds an additional charm to the structure. The square in front of the basilica is lined with the same gray stone, which gives the impression of a single composition.
The pointed spires of two symmetrical towers rise on the square, with oval windows closed with large blinds between them. This attraction in Canada is also interesting because it houses the largest pipe organ.
Official website: https://www.basiliquenotredame.ca/en/
4. Niagara Falls (Niagara Falls, Ontario)
Niagara Falls of Canada is one of the widest in the world
Niagara Falls is included in the list of natural attractions in Canada. In addition, it is considered one of the wonders of the world. The waterfall is located on the border of Canada and America. With a terrifying roar, tons of water streams powerfully descend every second. The waterfall is located in a dense cloud of spray, as the water pressure here is quite strong.
In translation, Niagara means “rumbling water”. This fully corresponds to reality, as a giant water stream falls from a 50-meter height. Millions of travelers come here to see this unique natural phenomenon firsthand.
The waterfall is part of a complex of three streams: American, Bridal Veil and Niagara. Canada owns only Niagara Falls. The composition, which was created by nature itself, stretches for almost a kilometer. The greatness of this unique phenomenon is worth seeing at least once in your life.
Official website: https://www.nps.gov/nifa/index.htm
Be sure to watch this beautiful video about Canada!
5. Royal Ontario Museum (Toronto)
The building of the Royal Museum looks like a split crystal
The collections of the Royal Ontario Museum contain more than 6,000,000 items. It has more than 40 galleries. The exhibits feature artifacts, dinosaur collections, and art objects from Africa and the Middle East. The museum often holds exhibitions, so it will be of interest to those who decide what to see in Canada. The year of the museum’s foundation is 1857.
The University of Toronto fully managed all the exhibits and affairs of the museum until 1968. In 1969, the Royal Museum received the status of an independent institution. Nevertheless, the Royal Museum has preserved cultural and historical ties with the university to our time. University experts often provide consulting services to museum staff and help resolve controversial issues related to the origin of art objects.
Official website: https://www.rom.on.ca/en
6. Great Lakes (Atlantic Ocean basin)
Canada’s Freshwater Wealth
The group of freshwater lakes includes: Superior, Huron, Michigan, Erie and Ontario. The last ice age is considered to be the time of the formation of lakes. As scientists suggest, they arose due to the pressure of the glacier on the earth’s crust.
In the process of glacioisostasis (lowering and rising of the land), the lakes gradually filled with water, which was a direct consequence of the melting of the ice. The Great Lakes are Canada’s natural attractions. They are the largest freshwater reservoir on Earth.
Interestingly, the water in the lakes moves from one to another according to the principle of communicating vessels. The fact is that the lakes are connected by rivers. The basin area is 768,000 square kilometers, and the volume of water is 22,671 cubic kilometers. The deepest lake is the Upper One, the shallowest is St. Clair. The government protects this unique natural ensemble. In particular, large sums are allocated annually for sewage treatment plants. All 5 lakes are navigable. In addition, they are a vacation destination for thousands of tourists.
7. Capilano Suspension Bridge (Vancouver)
Amazing hanging pedestrian bridge of Kvpilano over a deep gorge
Among the sights of Canada, the suspension bridge is an iconic object. This unique building was built in 1899. The authorship of the project belongs to the Scottish engineer George Grand McCain. It was originally made of cedar planks connected by a hemp rope. Of course, such a structure could not last long. Reconstruction began in 1956.
Currently, the length of the bridge exceeds 130 m. It connects the two banks of the Capilano River at an altitude of 70 m. It is a powerful river with a fast current, but from the bridge it looks like a tiny stream. With modern means of communication between different localities, the bridge has lost its original purpose. Currently, it belongs exclusively to the tourist infrastructure. The locals rightly consider it to be just entertainment.
But this is entertainment of the highest class. An unforgettable experience is guaranteed to everyone who walks through it at least once. Below, under the bridge, you can see not only the river, but also the endless green forest. Of course, the passage over the bridge is completely safe. It is surrounded on both sides by sturdy railings and metal mesh.
A tiny restaurant on one of the shores is never empty. Several observation decks are also reinforced and fenced with metal mesh. Tourists love this bridge. It makes it possible to feel the pettiness of all human problems compared to the primordial grandeur of nature.
Official website: https://www.capbridge.com/
8. Wood Buffalo National Park (Alberta)
Protected area of Wood Buffalo National Park
The province of Alberta is home to Canada’s natural landmark, the National Park. Its area exceeds 44,000 square kilometers. This is a protected area of Canadian nature. The territory is protected by the state.
All conditions for the prosperity of flora and fauna are created here. The climate in the park is temperate, with pronounced warm summers and cold winters. The protected area includes coniferous, mixed forests, as well as tundra woodlands. The purpose of the creation of the protected area in 1922 was to preserve the bison population.
The government’s efforts to protect the territory have not been in vain, currently the number of bison has increased. In addition, many forest dwellers live here safely: beavers, wolves, caribou reindeer. Tourists will also be interested to see cranes and pelicans, who feel at ease here.
The sightseeing routes to the park are thought out to the smallest detail. In particular, there are 36 camping sites in the park. However, a special permit is required to arrange overnight parking. The unique feature of the park is that here you can see the longest beaver dam in the world, the length of which exceeds 800 meters.
Official website: http://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/
9. Castle Frontenac (Quebec)
Colorful view of the Frontenac Castle
The castle is included in the list of national attractions of Canada. The authorship of the project belongs to the American architect Bruce Price. The architecture of the castle hotel corresponds to the style of a medieval castle. The grand opening took place in 1893, but it continued to be completed and increased in volume. Architect William Sutherland Maxwell designed the central tower, which made the castle look more impressive. The construction work was finally completed in 1926.
Tourists will be interested to know that the Quebec Conference was held here in 1943. Franklin Roosevelt and Winston Churchill were staying at the hotel at that time. The castle hotel is located on a hill. It is built on the banks of the St. Lawrence River. Cape Diamant, on which the hotel stands, is quite high, so from the windows of the castle you can admire the surroundings and magnificent panoramic views.
The current owner of the hotel is Ivanhoe Cambridge Corporation. Its administration immediately began restoration work immediately after the conclusion of the purchase and sale agreement in 2011. 75 million dollars were allocated for the restoration.
Official website: http://www.fairmont.com/
10. The Underground City (Montreal)
View of the underground city in Montreal
The underground city is nothing but a pedestrian zone. Its length is 30 km. This is a good way to hide from the excruciating summer heat or from the cold winter winds. The underground pedestrian zone includes more than 1,000 shops, several dozen cinemas and about 200 restaurants.
This is a unique attraction in Canada that connects all metro stations. The underground city contains 1,600 apartments. About half a million people visit it every year. The subway is interesting because it expressively and vividly represents the power of modern engineering and technical thought.
Sights of Canada: what else to visit while in Canada
Even if there are few days to explore the northern country, there are excursions in Canada that you will definitely want to visit. It will not be difficult to understand which of them will be the most exciting for you and those who travel with you with the help of a list prepared by us with descriptions and fresh photos.
11. Thousand Islands (Ontario)
Thousand Islands Park is the most beautiful corner of North America
Have you decided what to see in Canada yet? So, the Thousand Islands Park will be a real discovery for you. It is located between the cities of Brockville and Kingston. There are many islands on a 2,000 square kilometer stretch of water. The name of the park “Thousand Islands” is conditional, it is impossible to accurately calculate their number. Especially the little ones, who sometimes hide completely under water. The islands have different sizes. There is an island the size of a football field, others are dozens of times larger in size.
The islands are formed on the basis of a mountain system. Over time, it was erased by the winds and polished by the waters of the glacier. The two largest islands are Wolf and Hut. The islands are a real paradise for tourists. First of all, it is a very beautiful natural landmark. It’s not worth looking for a long time to see what to see in Canada. The Thousand Islands Park must be included in your trip. Canadians themselves call the park the garden of God. Sightseeing programs are constantly held here.
The flora and fauna of the islands leaves an unforgettable impression. Interestingly, some of the islands are inhabited. Comfortable cottages are built on them, and living in them is considered prestigious. At the same time, the cottages are provided with electricity using environmentally friendly energy sources.
12. Banff National Park (Alberta)
Banff National Park – Rocky Mountain Park
In 1885, Canada’s first park was established in the province of Alberta. It is located 100 kilometers from Calgary and is Canada’s largest natural landmark. The hotels and restaurants of the park are completely subordinated to the tourism business. Depending on the season, the cost of hotel rooms varies. But in any case, tourists are provided with vivid impressions. And glacial Lake Moraine, located in the park, can be safely included in the rating of the most beautiful places of nature on our planet.
The most popular activities for travelers are gondola rides and golf. It is in the park that the famous golf course The Fairmont Banff Springs is located. It was designed by Canadian architect Stanley Thompson.
There are many sulfur springs here. Hot springs can improve your health in a short time. In addition, tourists are invited to visit the Canadian bathhouse, founded back in 1887.
Animals freely inhabit the park, which can be observed in their natural habitat. In particular, bears and cougars can be found in the park. It is absolutely impossible to approach them, it is better to look at animals through binoculars. Each tourist is given a set of rules that must be followed when meeting wild animals.
Finally, Banff Park offers a high-class ski service. The ski and snowboard trails here are among the best in the whole world.
Official website: http://www.pc.gc.ca/en/
13. Bay of Fundy (Nova Scotia Province)
Fantastic scenery of the Bay of Fundy
The bay is a fantastically beautiful place. Its highlight was the huge red stones covered with bright greenery. The bay is also known for the highest tide level. He reaches the 17-meter mark. Tourists are always shocked by this information: over 100 million tons of water come and go to the shore in 12 hours.
It is not surprising that the stones of the bay are so smooth and polished. The bay is one of those attractions that you should definitely visit in Canada. Moreover, it is recommended to visit it twice a day — before and after high tide. This will give you the opportunity to see the unique phenomenon in its entirety. This feature (fast and powerful tide) is used in the tourism business.
A special entertainment is offered here — boating at high tide. The sensations are indescribable for those who are in the bay area. The water arrives literally by the minute and for those who are in the boats, it seems that they are rising higher and higher on some incredible attraction.
14. Vancouver Aquarium (Vancouver)
Vancouver Aquarium Aquatic Enclosure
The attractions of Canada are crowned by the Vancouver Aquarium. It is located in Stanley Park and is always open to the public. The aquarium began to receive tourists and all comers in 1956. This is one of the oldest aquariums in the country. The exhibitions here are divided by subject. Most of them are dedicated to the underwater world. Here you can admire the tropical butterflies, which have absorbed all the colors of the rainbow. Periodically, butterflies break out of transparent enclosures and fly freely between tourists. The audience is delighted with this. They are not trying to catch butterflies, it is forbidden. But to see this fluttering multicolour means to experience a real aesthetic shock.
The water kingdom is represented here in all its diversity. The audience has the opportunity to admire dolphins, sharks, seals. At the same time, professional guides will tell you in detail about any view that interested visitors. You can walk around the aquarium for a long time. Many people travel with children, and special play areas are equipped for kids, where they can relax to continue their journey.
Official website: http://www.vanaqua.org/
15. Johnston Strait
Johnston Strait is a favorite place for surfers
The huge waves, which give surfers the opportunity to show their skills, have made the strait extremely popular. Fans of extreme sports from all over the world tend to come here. The waves are amazing. They’re coming fast. And they are also rapidly melting near the shore. There are all conditions for admiring the water element and measuring your strength with it.
The Strait is beautiful at any time of the year and at any time of the day. Its special feature is the ability to reflect the rays of the sun so that it acquires a bright green hue.
This place also has a second name: “Pacific Cemetery”. However, it does not deter surfers. The bay is like a magnet for those who love speed and movement. In addition, there are many tourists in these parts who like to travel as “savages”. There is always some kind of tent city near the strait, where travelers spend their time.
The underwater world of the bay is no less uninteresting than the beauty of the shore. The fact is that it is near the shores of the strait that killer whales are often found. They hunt and frolic here. It is considered a great success to catch a killer whale in the camera lens.
16. National Gallery of Canada (Ottawa)
Sculpture “Mother” by Louise Bourgeois at the main entrance to the National Gallery of Canada Radagast
Interior of the National Gallery of Canada en:User:GarrettRock
The capital of Canada, of course, cannot do without historically significant attractions. One of the clearest examples of this is the country’s leading art museum, the Canadian National Gallery in the heart of Ottawa. The gallery itself was founded in 1880 and previously occupied the Parliament building. But over time, the collection began to expand actively, more space was needed, and the gallery repeatedly moved from place to place for decades, until it was decided to erect its own building. Today, the museum has six permanent exhibitions spread over two floors. And you can relax here in the restaurant, from the large windows of which you can enjoy wonderful views of Parliament and the Ottawa River.
Official website: https://www.gallery .
17. Casa Loma Castle (Toronto)
The exquisite Neo-Gothic castle of Casa Loma on the northwestern outskirts of Toronto SimonP
Henry Pellatt’s Living Room at Casa Loma Castle Steven V. Rose
Toronto, Canada is a major metropolis of the country and its industrial center. In the city, ultramodern structures coexist next to historical buildings. For example, in the city you can visit the Royal Museum, the creative building of which resembles a huge crystal made of glass and metal, and here you can also see the exquisite Neo-Gothic castle of Casa Loma. The original mansion was built at the beginning of the last century for a wealthy entrepreneur, who later sold these luxury apartments due to the inability to maintain them. Later, a hotel worked in the building, and then the castle began to serve as a landmark with beautiful architecture.
Official website: https://casaloma
18. Habitat 67 (Montreal) an unusual apartment building
An unusual-looking residential complex with 146 apartments in Montreal
An amazing modernist structure adorns the Rue de Montreal Ville-Marie — a strange house in the form of combined cubes Habibat 67. Despite the modern look of this house, its history began back in 1967, when a young architect Moshe Sadfi, who was elected to represent Canada at the world Exhibition, presented his graduation project for review. The diploma defense turned out to be a stunning success, and the project formed the basis of a real building, which to this day is one of the most interesting and extraordinary in the city. The complex of 354 cubes, assembled into 12 floors, is a residential building. According to the initial project, it was possible to make housing comfortable and interesting, but it did not become affordable — this complex surrounded by greenery has some of the most expensive apartments in the city.
Official website: http://www.habitat67 .
19. Chateau Lurie (Ottawa)
Chateau Laurier Castle Hotel at night StupendousMan2008
Despite the relatively warm winters in Canada, the weather makes its own adjustments to travel and recreation. When choosing what to see in Canada in winter, it is worth taking time to visit Chateau Laurier, one of the oldest hotels in Ottawa, the building of which is a beautiful castle. The opening of the castle hotel took place back in 1912 – it was to this event that the most distinguished passengers of the famous Titanic once hurried. Thus, two events, solemn and tragic, intertwined and were connected together. The majestic castle is decorated in the French Chateau style, representing a mixture of French Renaissance and Neo-Gothic. The characteristic features of the facade are elegant pointed turrets and some asymmetry of the facade. There are almost three hundred luxurious rooms inside the castle.
Official website: https://www.fairmont
20. Zoo (Toronto)
The main entrance to the Toronto Maelwys Zoo
Splash Island Educational Playground at Toronto Zoo Dennis Jarvis
Back in the 70s of the last century, Canada became the second country in the world where the Ministry of Environmental Protection was established, designed to solve Canada’s environmental problems. And not so long ago, one of the Canadian cities, Toronto, was recognized as the best city on the planet for work and life — this was facilitated by its excellent environmental situation. It is not surprising that one of the largest zoos in the world operates here, where animals are kept in conditions as close to natural as possible. The zoo is located in the Red Valley and contains about 5 thousand species of fauna, and the total length of its paths reaches 10 kilometers. It is precisely because of the huge scale of the park, in order to ensure the comfort of visitors, a train with 4 carriages — a petmobile – has been launched here.
Official website: http://www.torontozoo
21. Harbor Center (Vancouver)
The famous skyscraper in Vancouver is the Kelam Harbor Center Tower
By exploring the sights of Canada on the map, you can see how many interesting places you can visit in Vancouver. One of the most “prominent” structures in Vancouver is located in the central business district of the city. This is a famous skyscraper — the Harbor Center Tower, on top of which there is an observation deck with a 360-degree view of the surroundings. From here you can see the Pacific coast, the city port, consider the urban layout and architecture of buildings. The snow-capped peaks of Soliburn and Mount Seymour, the sea surface stretching to the horizon, the arteries of streams that seem to cut the city apart — all this and much more can be seen from the top of the famous tower. You can get up here by high-speed elevator in just 40 seconds.
Official website: http://harbourcentre
22. Gastown (Vancouver)
Steam Clock in the Gastown Historic District at Dusk Anthony Maw, Vancouver, Canada
The main treasure trove of Vancouver’s history is located in its heart — this is the Gastown area, named after its first resident, Jack Dayton, nicknamed Gussie. The history of Gastown is covered with other legends, but it is especially interesting to visit its narrow streets, where the architecture of ancient buildings recalls the brilliant period of the reign of Queen Victoria, and modern trendy shops and restaurants are hidden in the courtyards, which are not so easy to find – only the indigenous population knows every nook, passage and gateway here. Among the interesting finds of the area are the steam clock, the Queen Elizabeth National Park, the police Museum, as well as an abundance of souvenir shops.
23. Stanley Park (Vancouver)
View of downtown Vancouver from the lost lagoon of Stanley Zotium Park
Vintage brightly Colored Indian Totem Poles in Stanley Park
When choosing what to see in Canada in the fall to see the local nature in all its beauty, you should definitely pay attention to Stanley Park, located very close to the center of Vancouver. Despite the proximity of urban civilization, this park occupies an impressive area of 405 hectares, and the total length of its paths exceeds 200 kilometers. It is not necessary to go around all of them, it is enough to look around and see autumn in the brightest colors: a variety of centuries-old trees are dressed in colored outfits during this period, and the fantastic riot of yellow, brown, gold, crimson flowers and their semitones is simply amazing. The local inhabitants of the park will definitely be pleased — almost tame raccoons, squirrels, seagulls, ducks, swans, and cossacks.
Official website: https://vancouver .
24. Montmorency Falls (Quebec)
The picturesque and powerful Montmorency Waterfall in Quebec Leslie Mateus
You can plunge into the atmosphere of centuries-old antiquity and comprehend the unique history of the country by visiting ancient towers, museums, galleries and other historical sights of Canada. The presentation of the country, however, will not be complete without mentioning the beautiful natural creations. As one of the striking examples, it is worth mentioning the Montmorency Waterfall. A huge foaming stream of water with a solid 84-meter wall collapses into the Montmorency River, which, making a short way, flows into the St. Lawrence River. There is a suspension bridge over the waterfall, from which you can see the outlines of Quebec City and the island of Orleans. There are also several other sites around the waterfall, allowing you to look at it from a variety of angles.
Official website: https://www.sepaq .
25. Rocky Mountains (western Canada)
Mount Robson is the highest point of the Canadian Rockies User:とるる白白い/List/Sources/08
In the system of the North American Cordillera, a mountain range stands out — the Rocky Mountains, which have the status of both US attractions and Canadian attractions, due to their border location at the junction of two states. It is on the territory of this massif that two of Canada’s most famous national parks are located — Jasper Park and Bank. The Rocky Mountains are truly teeming with magically beautiful lakes. Among them is the high—altitude Peyto Lake with bright blue-white waters. When the glaciers feeding the lake melt, its waters are saturated with “glacial flour”. This tiny sand, formed from the grinding of stones by descending glaciers, gets into the lake waters, giving them an incredible shade. After visiting all the interesting places in Canada, how about going to the USA? The best attractions of the USA are waiting in this amazing country!