Six time zones, two official languages, and wilderness so vast you could wander for days without seeing another person. Canada holds glacier-fed lakes, ancient forests, and cities where cobblestone lanes meet glass skyscrapers. The things to do in Canada stretch from thundering waterfalls to mountain peaks that take your breath away.
This guide covers the best experiences across the country. You’ll find the turquoise waters of Banff, the European charm of Old Montreal, the raw power of Niagara Falls, and coastal drives that rank among the world’s most scenic. We’ve included practical details on timings, costs, and how to reach each spot so you can plan your trip without guesswork.
1. Niagara Falls, Ontario
Three waterfalls combine to create one of nature’s most powerful displays at Niagara Falls. The Canadian Horseshoe Falls alone sends 2,400 cubic meters of water crashing down every second. Standing at the edge, you feel the ground shake, and the mist settles on your skin.
Journey Behind the Falls takes you through tunnels carved into the rock, bringing you right behind the curtain of water. Niagara City Cruises puts you at the base, where you can look up at the cascade. After dark, colored lights transform the falls into a glowing spectacle. This remains one of the must see places in Canada that draws over 12 million visitors yearly.
- Google Rating: NA
- Location: Niagara Falls, Ontario (about 130 km from Toronto)
- Timings: Falls are viewable 24/7 | Attractions vary seasonally
- Entry Fee: Ticket prices start from $18/ INR 1200, set aside 2 to 3 hours to explore this waterfall
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2. Banff National Park, Alberta
Established in 1885, Banff became Canada’s first national park and still stands as the crown jewel of the Rocky Mountains. Lake Louise reflects Victoria Glacier in waters so blue they seem painted. Moraine Lake, surrounded by ten peaks, might be the most photographed spot in the country.
Hiking trails range from easy strolls along the Bow River to challenging climbs up Sulphur Mountain. The Icefields Parkway connecting Banff to Jasper ranks among the world’s most scenic drives. These mountains easily rank among the things to do in Canada for tourists seeking natural beauty.
- Google Rating: 4.8/5 stars
- Location: Improvement District No. 9, AB T0L, Canada
- Timings: Park open year-round | Visitor centers typically 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Starting price from $12.25/ INR 800, set aside 4 to 5 hours to explore this waterfall
3. CN Tower, Toronto
For over 30 years, the CN Tower held the title of world’s tallest free-standing structure. At 553 meters, it still defines Toronto’s skyline and offers views stretching across Lake Ontario to the United States border on clear days.
The glass floor on the observation level lets you look straight down 342 meters to the ground below. Those wanting more can try EdgeWalk, where you walk hands-free around the outside of the tower at 356 meters. This tower remains one of the fun things to do in Canada for thrill-seekers and sightseers alike.
- Google Rating: 4.6/5 stars
- Location: 290 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3L9, Canada
- Timings: Daily 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (hours vary seasonally)
- Entry Fee: General admission starting from $47/ INR 3,000, set aside 1.5 To 2 hours explore the tower
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4. Old Quebec City
Steep cobblestone streets wind through North America’s only walled city north of Mexico. Old Quebec earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 1985, and the 400-year-old architecture explains why. The Château Frontenac hotel towers over the skyline like a castle from a storybook.
Petit-Champlain Street is one of the oldest shopping districts on the continent. The Citadelle still houses an active military garrison and offers daily Changing of the Guard ceremonies in summer. History comes alive here, making Old Quebec essential among things to do in Canada today for culture enthusiasts.
- Google Rating: NA
- Location: Quebec City, Quebec
- Timings: Open 24/7 | Individual attractions have varying hours
- Entry Fee: Walking around – Free, ticket prices vary for other attractions, plan for 1 day or more to explore the area
5. Stanley Park, Vancouver
Eight million visitors walk, bike, or rollerblade through Stanley Park each year. This 400-hectare urban oasis sits on a peninsula surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and English Bay. The 9-kilometer Seawall path circles the entire park with mountain and ocean views.
First Nations totem poles at Brockton Point rank as British Columbia’s most visited attraction. Lost Lagoon attracts birdwatchers, while beaches like Second Beach and Third Beach draw swimmers and sunbathers. A day here gives you plenty of fun things to do in Canada without spending much money.
- Google Rating: 4.8/5 stars
- Location: Vancouver, BC V6G 1Z4, Canada
- Timings: Park open 24/7, Individual attractions vary
- Entry Fee: Park entry – Free, ticket prices vary for other attractions, 2 to 3 hours is enough to explore the entire park
6. Whistler, British Columbia
Two mountains and a pedestrian village create one of North America’s premier year-round resorts. Whistler hosted events during the 2010 Winter Olympics, and the ski infrastructure reflects that world-class standard. Over 200 marked trails spread across the Whistler and Blackcomb mountains.
Summer transforms the slopes into mountain biking territory and hiking paths. The Peak 2 Peak Gondola connects the two summits with record-breaking suspended cable cars. Whistler delivers some of the best night things to do in Canada during ski season with its bars, lounges, and live music venues.
- Google Rating: NA
- Location: Whistler, British Columbia (about 120 km north of Vancouver)
- Timings: Village open 24/7 | Ski lifts typically 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM in winter
- Entry Fee: Ticket prices vary based on attractions, set aside 3 to 4 hours for exploration
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7. Montreal
French is the first language here, and the culture reflects centuries of European influence blended with North American innovation. Old Montreal preserves stone buildings from the 1600s along streets where horse-drawn carriages still pass. Mount Royal offers panoramic views of the entire island city.
The city hosts over 100 festivals annually, including the world’s largest jazz festival each summer. Saint-Viateur and Fairmount bagel shops battle for best bagel honors in heated local debates. Montreal nightlife runs late into the morning, placing it high on the list of night things to do in Canada.
- Google Rating: NA
- Location: Montreal, Quebec
- Timings: Attractions vary | Many restaurants and bars open until 3:00 AM
- Entry Fee: Walking Old Montreal – Free, Ticket prices vary based on attractions guided tour times vary based on your interest
8. Jasper National Park, Alberta
Larger and wilder than Banff, Jasper National Park spreads across 11,000 square kilometers of protected wilderness. The Columbia Icefield contains some of the largest glaciers south of the Arctic Circle. The Jasper SkyTram lifts visitors 2,263 meters for mountain views in every direction.
Dark sky preserves here rank among the best stargazing spots on the planet. Wildlife roams freely, with elk, bears, and bighorn sheep regularly spotted from roadsides. The 2024 wildfires affected some areas, but the park continues rebuilding and welcoming visitors. Jasper belongs on any list of must see places in Canada for wilderness lovers.
- Google Rating: 4.8/5 stars
- Location: Jasper, AB T0E 1E0, Canada
- Timings: Park open year-round, Icefields Parkway attractions seasonal (April – October)
- Entry Fee: Daily Pass starting from $12.25/ INR 800, set aside 4 to 5 hours for exploration
9. Vancouver Island
Ferries and floatplanes connect this island to mainland British Columbia, but the journey only adds to the adventure. Victoria, the provincial capital, maintains formal English gardens and afternoon tea traditions. Tofino on the west coast draws surfers who ride Pacific swells year-round.
Storm watching season, from November to March, brings massive waves crashing against the rocky shores. Old-growth rainforests contain trees that have stood for over 800 years. Whale watching trips spot orcas, humpbacks, and gray whales, depending on the season. The island offers varied things to do in Canada for tourists seeking both relaxation and outdoor adventure.
- Google Rating: 4.7/5 stars
- Location: British Columbia, Canada (ferry from Vancouver takes about 90 minutes)
- Timings: Attractions vary by season
- Entry Fee: Ticket prices vary based on attractions, expect to spend a full day to properly explore this island
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10. Churchill, Manitoba
This remote town on Hudson Bay calls itself the Polar Bear Capital of the World. Each fall, polar bears gather along the shores waiting for sea ice to form. Specialized tundra vehicles bring visitors safely close to these massive predators.
Summer brings beluga whales by the thousands into the Churchill River. Northern lights dance overhead from late August through April, with some of the best viewing conditions on Earth. Getting here requires a train ride or flight, as no roads connect Churchill to the rest of Canada. Few destinations match this for unique things to do in Canada.
- Google Rating: NA
- Location: Churchill, Manitoba (accessible by air or train from Winnipeg)
- Timings: Polar bear season October – November, Beluga whales June – August, Northern Lights August – April
- Entry Fee: Ticket prices vary based on attractions, plan to spend 1 to 2 days to explore this town
FAQs
What are the top things to do in Canada for first-time visitors?
Niagara Falls, Banff National Park, and Toronto make a strong first itinerary. These destinations give you waterfalls, mountains, and city life in one trip. Add Quebec City if you want a European atmosphere without crossing an ocean.
What are some fun things to do in Canada with kids?
Stanley Park in Vancouver has beaches, an aquarium, and bike paths. Niagara Falls offers boat rides and tunnels behind the water. Montreal’s science centers and festivals keep younger visitors engaged.
Are there night things to do in Canada worth experiencing?
Montreal and Vancouver have nightlife scenes that run into early morning hours. Niagara Falls lights up after dark with colored illuminations. Churchill offers northern lights viewing from August through April on clear nights.
What is the best time to visit Canada?
Summer (June–August) brings warm weather ideal for hiking and festivals. Fall (September–October) shows spectacular foliage, especially in Quebec and Ontario. Winter (December–March) suits skiing and northern lights viewing.
How many days do you need in Canada?
Two weeks will let you cover either the east or the west coast properly. One week works for focused regional trips like the Rocky Mountains or Quebec. Three weeks allow coast-to-coast exploration with time to breathe.
Is Canada expensive for tourists?
Accommodations and dining cost more than in many destinations, especially in cities like Vancouver and Toronto. National parks offer good value at CAD 11 per day. Free activities like walking in Old Montreal or Stanley Park help balance budgets.
Do I need a visa to visit Canada?
Indian passport holders need a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) for Canada. Citizens from some countries only need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Processing times vary, so apply several weeks before your planned travel date.
What should I pack for Canada?
Layers work best since the weather changes quickly, especially in mountain regions. Waterproof jackets and comfortable walking shoes are essential. Winter visits require serious cold-weather gear, including insulated boots and thermal layers.
What makes Canada worth visiting?
Few countries pack this much variety into one trip. You can walk through centuries-old neighborhoods in the morning and stand before glaciers by afternoon. With cities, wilderness, coastlines, and mountains spread across six time zones, things to do in Canada never run short, no matter how many times you return.
