This list of the top Canada attractions and destinations represents a combination of the most visited Canada attractions (pure numbers) as well as those attractions or destinations that are particularly unique and contribute to Canada's national identity (more subjective and open to debate).
The Canada attractions and destinations on this list begin with those in western Canada and move to the east.
Pacific Rim National Park, B.C.
(c) Parks Canada
Backed by mountain range and facing the open Pacific Ocean at the tip of Vancouver Island, Pacific Rim National Park has a rich natural and cultural heritage. This park boasts one of the country's most famous hiking trails, the West Coast Trail; long, sandy beaches; Aboriginal culture; rainforest and an overall laid-back charm.
Whistler, Blackcomb, B.C.
Taylor S. Kennedy / Getty Imanges
The resort town of Whistler is about a two hour drive away from Vancouver along one of the most scenic drives you'll ever take - the Sea to Sky Highway.
Whistler is most famous as a ski destination - one of the best in the world - and this is thanks to two spectacular mountains, Whistler and Blackcomb that loom a mile above the village and provide over 8000 acres of skiable terrain
Year-round, Whistler offers visitors fine food, spas, and plenty of opportunity for adventure, all in a breathtaking locale.
Whistler is most famous as a ski destination - one of the best in the world - and this is thanks to two spectacular mountains, Whistler and Blackcomb that loom a mile above the village and provide over 8000 acres of skiable terrain
Year-round, Whistler offers visitors fine food, spas, and plenty of opportunity for adventure, all in a breathtaking locale.
Banff National Park, Alberta
Peter Adams / Getty Images
A prized national treasure, Banff National Park is one of five national parks in the Canadian Rocky Mountains that attract millions of visitors each year for camping, hiking, biking, skiing, fishing or just relaxing. The resort towns of Banff and Lake Louise are both located within Banff National Park and offer a full range of accommodation, restaurants and shops. Two of the most famous and historic Canadian Hotels, the Fairmont Banff Springs and the Chateau Lake Louise.
Niagara Falls, Ontario
With more than 6 million cu ft (168,000 m³) of water falling over its brink per minute, Niagara Falls is the most powerful waterfall in North America and maybe the most famous in the world, attracting millions tourist each year.
Niagara Falls has had a reputation for being a tad on the tacky side - mix a small-time Las Vegas with a mediocre theme park - but with the addition of the Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort in 2004, fine hotels and restaurants quickly followed.
Niagara Falls is a city you only need to visit once or twice. The Niagara region as a whole, though, is worth deeper exploration.
Niagara Falls has had a reputation for being a tad on the tacky side - mix a small-time Las Vegas with a mediocre theme park - but with the addition of the Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort in 2004, fine hotels and restaurants quickly followed.
Niagara Falls is a city you only need to visit once or twice. The Niagara region as a whole, though, is worth deeper exploration.
CN Tower, Toronto
Photo Courtesy Tourism Toronto
At 1,815 feet the CN tower is the tallest free standing structure in the world and it is located in downtown Toronto. Tourists are naturally drawn to tall buildings where they can get a bird's eye view of a city. Unfortunately the elevated observation usually comes at an elevated price and zero cultural appeal. The CN Tower is no different, but kids love it and the glass elevator that takes you to the 1,122 foot glass floored outdoor observation deck is a real thrill for kids. Skip the lineup by making a reservation at the tower's top-floor restaurant, 360, which is actually quite good.
Old Port, Montreal
Uyen Le / Getty Images
Old Montreal is a part of downtown Montreal that has been preserved in much of its original state, with the oldest buildings dating back to the 1600's. This historic neighborhood is a safe and vibrant community and tourist attraction, with hotels, restaurants, shops, residences and commercial spaces.
Quebec City, Quebec
Photo: Gary Cralle / Getty Images
Quebec's provincial capital, Quebec City, is steeped in history and European in flavour. The old town is the only fortified city north of Mexico in North America and is a World Heritage Site. Quebec City offers an experience unlike almost any other in North America.
Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia
Photograph by Henry Georgi / Getty Images
The 300 km (185 mi.) long Cabot Trail is famous for the vistas it offers of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Atlantic Ocean and lush landscapes, particularly spectacular in fall. The Cape Breton National Highlands Park is at the trail's most northern points and where the trail reaches its highest elevation. The trail takes a few hours to drive, but tourists generally spend a day or two, stopping in at one or two of the towns along the way.
