10 essential hotspots for your Canada bucket list

1. Toronto

Toronto is Canada’s largest city in both by population and area. This city offers a widely popular nightlife, the busiest shopping mall in North America, concerts, sporting events, etc. You can also visit the Toronto islands or the world famous CN Tower. When deciding where to visit in Canada, Toronto will not disappoint.

2. Niagara Falls

Niagara falls is a group of waterfalls on the border between Ontario and New York. The waterfall drains Lake Erie into Lake Ontario at a rate of 168,000 m3 per minute. At 50 m high, this waterfall offers breathtaking views. At night, LED lights make the Niagara Falls glow all different colours, making it look like something out of a fantasy. You can go on a cruise near the bottom of the falls, check out a museum about its history, or simply admire one of Canada’s most amazing natural wonders.

3. Montreal

Montreal is an island city in Quebec connected to the mainland by bridges. This French-speaking metropolis is arguably one of the most famous cities in Canada and it’s easy to see why. The city is named after a hill in its centre called Mount Royal which is a popular tourist destination. Montreal has developed into a hub for music, with popular concerts and music festivals offered year-round. It also has the highest restaurants per capita in Canada, so you’ll have a wide selection to choose from.

4. Vancouver

Vancouver is a city located on the Pacific coast of Canada. This city has the highest population density in Canada, and is consistently named one of the top 5 cities in the world for quality of life. This city has it all – from popular nightlife to hiking mountains to beaches. Explore the beautiful nature surrounding this area or enjoy a getaway in the city.

5. Whistler, British Columbia

Whistler is a resort town north of Vancouver. The resort here is Whistler Blackcomb. Whistler and Blackcomb are two side by side mountains that offer 200 ski trails in total. In the summer, these ski trails become hiking and biking trails. The resort also offers horseback riding, bungee jumping, zip lining, a spa, among many other things. The adventure seeker in you will be in paradise here.

6. Mont Tremblant

Mont Tremblant is a city in Quebec located in the Laurentian Mountains. Mont Tremblant Ski Resort is a great place to go to with friends and family on a ski trip in the winter. The resort has a village that has bars, ski shops, restaurants, and an ice skating rink. Peaking at 875m, this mountain offers intense slopes for the advanced skiers, but also mellow green circle trails for beginners. A gondola takes you all the way to the top, with amazing views along the way. This resort is not just for skiing, however. In the summer, this place comes alive with vegetation. You can go hiking, mountain biking, ziplining, or take a plunge in the lake at the base of the mountain. It’s the perfect getaway!

7. Ottawa, Ontario

Ottowa is Canada’s capital city. It is no surprise that this city is packed with interesting history which you can learn about in the Canadian Museum of History or the Canadian War Museum. The Ottawa River is a great place to go kayaking, white water rafting, or river touring. Ottawa is a city of celebrations, offering festivals like the Canada Tulip Festival, the Ottawa Chamberfest, and the Ottawa Jazz Festival.

8. Banff National Park

Banff National Park is a park located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. It’s towering snowy mountains, turquoise glacial lakes and green larch trees make it one of the most awe-inspiring places in nature. The town of Banff is a great small town to visit, and is the town with the highest elevation in Canada. Go hiking, biking, skiing, or simply marvel at the breathtaking views.

9. Long Beach, Tofino

Long beach has its name for a reason, as it is the longest beach in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve at 16 km. The beach is surrounded by trees, mountains, and wildlife. With nice rolling waves, this is a popular destination for surfers and windsurfers, as well as people who just love the beach. Vancouver Island is also full of culture and nature that you can check out while you’re not at the beach.

10. Kelowna, British Columbia

Kelowna is a great town to visit during any season. In the summer, visitors enjoy the Okanagan Lake. In the winter, visitors flock to ski resorts near the town, such as Big White Ski Resort. Either way, this town offers lots to do, such as sports, restaurants and wineries.

Interested in moving to Canada to check out these hotspots? For more information on the Canada IEC Visa, check out Work Canada.