Where should I go in Canada? ABCs of 26 Canadian Cities & Towns

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UPDATED: As the new year begins, we can start planning our summer vacation. Looking in our backyard means considering interesting and smaller destinations in Canada. From sea to shining sea we rejoice in all that is Canadian. The second-largest country in the world, you may find yourself asking: where should I go in Canada? I think the best people to ask would be Canadian Travel Bloggers. They have stories to tell about their cities and provinces.

Where Should I Go in Canada?

I continue to find more and more Canadian blogs to read and follow every year. I created the ABCs of Canadian Cities and Towns as suggested by Canadian content creators. A few travel bloggers should already be familiar to you but you may also find some new ones.

If you are looking for information on Alberta, you may want to check out Road Trip Alberta or Merry About Town. If you have been to Vancouver but not Vancouver Island you can read more travel advice from Powered by Mom or Going Awesome Places. You’ll also find a few new voices from Casey Palmer, Dale Allen and Raymond Cao.

Regardless of where you go, you will want to figure out where you should go in Canada? From Ucluelet, British Columbia to St. John’s Newfoundland, you will learn something new. I hope this inspires you to make plans for future travel when we can all enjoy our home and native land!

A – “Avonlea Village” (Cavendish, PEI)

PEI hotel Bay Fortune Inn Mariellen Ward Bay Fortune PEI
View from Inn at Bay Fortune, PEI (Mariellen Ward)

Prince Edward Island is a delightful, pastoral province surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean. The smallest province in Canada, you could drive from one end to the other in a day and enjoy the gently rolling hills, dramatic red cliffs, and charming rural communities. But of course, you would be missing the slow pace of life, bounty of nature, and other delights of this friendly province. For among other wonderful things, Prince Edward Island is home to Canada’s favourite feisty heroine, Anne Shirley of Green Gables.

Famous around the world, the redhead from Prince Edward Island is immortalized in Avonlea Village, a recreation of the fictional home author Lucy Maud Montgomery patterned after Cavendish. A mix of purpose built and heritage homes line red earth streets dotted with flower gardens to create a pretty, tranquil village. When you visit Avonlea, you can step back in time and get the full Anne of Green Gables experience — plus enjoy restaurants that serve up locally produced dishes bursting with fresh flavour. There’s something for everyone to love in Prince Edward Island.

Mariellen Ward, Breathe Dream Go

B- Banff, Alberta

Banff Alberta RTA 1
Banff, Alberta (Road Trip Alberta)

Banff is a town that needs little introduction. It is adored by the millions who flock to it every year and regularly earns top accolades like “Best in the World” by National Geographic Traveler.

A small town nestled in the Canadian Rockies in a national park bearing its name, Banff offers mountain experiences year-round. From skiing and dog-sledding in winter to hiking and kayaking in summer, the opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors are endless.

Are outdoor adventures not your thing? Then spend your time soaking in the natural hot springs or exploring the many museums and art galleries that highlight the history and beauty of this iconic spot. Don’t miss visiting the extraordinary Fairmont Banff Springs hotel (even just to walk through the lobby!) and take cable car up nearby Sulphur Mountain to see the town in all its glory from above.

Dalene Heck, Road Trip Alberta

C – Charlottetown, PEI

Charlottetown PEI photo Credit Casey Palmer
Charlottetown, PEI (Casey Palmer)

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island—the birthplace of Confederation. A seaside city of 36,000, it offers great walks along the harbour, plenty of Maritime cuisine, and a whole lot of history since it held the Charlottetown Conference in 1864, sowing the seeds of the Canada we know today. Our time there with five- and three-year-old boys was a whirlwind, but I’d recommend: (1) The Confederation Centre of the Arts to see the seats where the fathers of Confederation sat and some relics of the time; (2) COWS Ice Cream because it’s delicious and you’ll hate yourself if you don’t; (3) lunch at Dave’s Lobster, because you should enjoy the crustacean sensation as much as possible when you’re out east; (4) a stop at St. Dunstan’s Basilica if you’re looking for some century-old Catholic architecture to take in. Make sure you have a grand old time in the Maritimes!

Casey Palmer, CaseyPalmer.com

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D – Dildo, Newfoundland

On land or from the sea, this is a fishing village as pretty as can be. From historic boat tours to treasure troves, craft beer, whale sightings, icebergs and lovely accommodations, Dildo can captivate and excite you like no other. Just south of Heart’s Content and Heart’s Desire, and east of Come By Chance on the Dildo Arm of Trinity Bay, the recent claim to fame of this tiny village in Newfoundland is talk show host and comedian Jimmy Kimmel is the honorary Mayor. Complete with a Hollywood style DILDO sign, the picturesque place was home to the world’s first cod hatchery. Why this town is named Dildo, well no one knows for sure. The origins could be French, as in ile d’eau – the island of freshwater or it could be from a Spanish word meaning bottom of a boat. Ask a town local, you’ll get a different story, which is part of the charm of the area. Because the name has brought so much notoriety and tourism, the locals refuse to consider changing it. Once you come, you’ll leave with a little Dildo in ya!

Kathryn Dickson, KathrynAnywhere

E – Edmonton, Alberta

Going back in time at the Ukranian Cultural Village Merry About Town
Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village (Merry About Town)

Canada has a long history of immigration. There are many nationalities including a large influx of Ukrainians who started a new life in western Canada at the turn of the 20th century. These families came to farm the land and became the largest community to settle in Alberta’s capital Edmonton. Although a modern urban centre, Edmonton remains very proud of its roots and continues to celebrate that immigration experience. On your next trip to Edmonton, Alberta, take a trip back in time with a visit to the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village just outside the city. The village brings the region’s cultural heritage to life with period homes, businesses and Ukrainian villagers. Before you leave, make sure to sample some of the delicious Ukrainian food from the restaurant onsite.

Merry K., Merry About Town

F – Fredericton, New Brunswick

Fredericton New Brunswick Canadian Cities and Towns CANVAPRO
Historic Garrison District, Fredericton, New Brunswick (CanvaPro)

The provincial capital of New Brunswick, Fredericton has a very unique 3-day event: Raise your Spirits – Canada’s oldest whiskey festival. It includes special tastings hosted by world-leading authorities on whiskies & premium spirits offering appreciation techniques. The festival offers over 150 of the world’s finest Spirits, Single Malt Whiskies, Scotches, Cognacs, Rums, Gins and Liqueurs. The event is chaired by Frank Scott, co-owner of Fredericton’s Lunar Rogue Pub (named a Great Whiskey Bar of the World by UK Whiskey Magazine).

With a population just over 50,000, Fredericton may be considered small in size, but it’s known for its richness in arts, crafts and culture which is prevalent in many of the attractions and activities around the city. From the New Brunswick College of Craft & Design to the renowned Beaverbrook Art Gallery, Boyce Farmers’ Market, Casemates craft shops (open during the summer months) to the many galleries and shops peppered along the downtown. It’s no wonder Fredericton has more artisans per capita than any other city in Canada!

Tourism Fredericton

G – Gatineau, Quebec

GT gatineau ThriftyMommasTips
Gatineau, Quebec (Thrifty Momma’s Tips)

Quebec never disappoints me and the Gatineau, Outaouais Region is a rich cultural destination that also appeals to outdoor adventure lovers. Start in Gatineau Park and keep the kids engaged with hiking through the 361 square kilometres of remarkable hiking trails and be sure to take in Pink Lake while there. Pink Lake is a unique natural phenomenon and a meromictic lake. Keep the entire family learning while exploring the park, then retire for the night nearby in one of the many comfortable well-appointed accommodations. The next day, book time to visit Arbraska Lafleche Cave and Aerial Park in Val Des Monts, which was about a 25-minute drive from the Ramada, where we stayed. Finally, make the time to tour all of the various museums in Gatineau. My favourite of these is the Canadian Museum of History, located on the Gatineau side of the Ottawa River. The exhibits are well curated, and dynamic and contain Indigenous people’s content.

Paula Schuck, Thrifty Momma’s Tips

H – Halifax, Nova Scotia

Halifax Waterfront Travelling Foodie Raymond Cua scaled
Halifax, Nova Scotia (Tavelling Foodie)

I always enjoy a trip to Halifax, having visited four times already. What makes Nova Scotia’s capital so special is it has something for everyone: family fun, history buffs, nature lovers and serious foodies. History buffs will enjoy learning about Halifax’s seaport history including the devastating Halifax Explosion to its aid in recovery after the sinking of RMS Titanic. Go back in time to relive the living history at the Halifax Citadel including a rifle shooting demonstration.

Families will enjoy exploring the popular Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk, one of the world’s longest downtown boardwalks, filled with shops, eateries, artwork and museums. On the south end of the boardwalk is the Discovery Centre, a multi-level interactive science museum that is sure to be a hit for kids. Nature lovers are sure to enjoy Halifax since it is surrounded by water. The Halifax Public Gardens is a Victorian garden doubling as a sculpture park. A quick 45-minute road trip brings you to Canada’s most photographed lighthouse, the Peggy’s Point Lighthouse. For foodies, you will be in foodie heaven! Nova Scotia is most known for seafood: lobsters, scallops, oysters, fish… all the fresh seafood to be had plus some of Canada’s best restaurants are in Halifax.

Raymond Cua – Travelling Foodie

I – Iqaluit, Nunavut

Iqaluit, Nunavut is Canada’s youngest capital city and a must-see on any Canadian’s bucket list. Lying on Baffin Island, Iqaluit is a part of the Arctic Archipelago. A drive through town will take you passed a school constructed like an igloo, houses propped on slits to protect from the permafrost and sprawling tundra in every direction.

The winters bring over 20 hours of darkness, but gorgeous northern lights; the summer days extend long into the night beneath the midnight sun. Snowmobiling or kayaking on the arctic ocean, dog sledding or hiking on tundra – these are just a few of the many unique activities visitors to Iqaluit may experience. Come during one of the many festivals and receive an introduction to the vibrant Inuit culture alive and thriving in the territory. Your time spent in Iqaluit is sure to be unlike any other city in Canada.

Mikaela Ferguson, Voyageur Tripper

J – Jasper, Alberta

Indigenous Tourism Alberts Warrior Women Jasper Alberta
Indigenous-Tourism-Alberts-Warrior-Women-Jasper-Alberta

The tiny town of Jasper radiates like a beacon to all lovers of the outdoors. Smaller in scale than its mountain-town rival of Banff, Jasper still hosts many of the same amenities but on a smaller scale and with fewer tourists. Visit both and make the comparison for yourself – the drive from Banff to Jasper is a worthy journey of its own and is known worldwide as the ultimate Canadian Rockies road trip.

When you do make it to Jasper, strap on your hiking boots in summer or ice cleats in winter and take your time to know the area. Don’t miss Maligne Lake and Spirit Island, plus keep your eyes peeled for an array of wildlife in the area. On top of all of the outdoor activities, Jasper also offers a surprising number of excellent restaurants for such a small town. Sink your teeth into something delicious at Evil Dave’s Grill and wash it down with a drink from the Jasper Brewing Company. And whether you decide to curl up in a tent at night or splurge on a stay at Jasper Park Lodge, you’ll wake surrounded by alpine aromas in the fresh mountain air. You surely won’t be disappointed.

Dalene Heck, Road Trip Alberta

K – Kelowna, British Columbia

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Kelowna, British Columbia (Dale Allen Berg)

Kelowna is the third largest population centre in British Columbia nestled deep in the stunning Okanagan Valley. Known globally for its wine and fresh fruit, Kelowna’s mild winter temperatures and hot summers attract tourists from around the world. In addition to wine tours and fruit picking, popular summer activities include playing on the famous Okanagan Lake (the home of Ogopogo), sunbathing on one of the many sandy beaches or hiking/biking through Myra Canyon or up Knox Mountain. If hot sunny summers are not your thing, there is plenty to do in winter too. You will find several world class ski resorts within an hour of downtown Kelowna, the opportunity to go ice skating by the lake in a downtown park or just enjoy a meal at one of the many diverse restaurants. Kelowna offers year round events, attractions and activities for all ages. Simply put Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley are something you need to see and experience to fully believe and appreciate.

Dale Allen, Dale Allen Berg

L – Louisbourg, Nova Scotia

Louisburg Parenting To Go
Louisbourg, Nova Scotia (Parenting to Go)

Louisbourg, a cute coastal town on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia that’s an easy day trip from Sydney. The main attraction is the Fortress of Louisbourg where you can roam around the National Historic Site and experience what life was like in the bustling French town in 1744, including visiting the baker. If you’re into camping, book an overnight spot at the Fortress because I’ve been told that “You haven’t seen stars until you’ve visited the Fortress after dark”.

For scenic views and a hike, swing by the Louisbourg Lighthouse and take in one of the easy trails. For avid hikers, there are plenty of other trails including the one to Gooseberry Cove. There’s no better way to get lunch than by hanging out at the wharf and chatting with the local fishermen. Fresh lobster or cooked crabs can easily be purchased from select boats and enjoyed as a picnic. There’s truly something for everyone in Louisburg, you can scuba dive among shipwrecks, enjoy live tunes at The Playhouse and swim in Kennington Cove beaches.

Yashy Murphy, Parenting to Go

Where should I go in Canada?  Montreal, Quebec Photo Credit DownshiftingPRO
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M – Montreal, Quebec

Where should I go in Canada?  Notre Dame Cathedral, Montreal, Quebec Photo Credit DownshiftingPRO
Notre-Dame Cathedral in Montreal, Quebec (DownshiftingPRO)

In 2017, I was in Montreal (my hometown) to celebrate its 375 Anniversary. It was marvellous to visit the city of my youth with my husband who is from Vancouver. We happily spent the majority of the time exploring Old Montreal. Full of quaint restaurants, cobblestone streets and amazing museums, you will not want to miss the most bilingual city in Canada.

Full of history, you’ll want to stop by the Pointe-à-Callière, Montréal Archaeology and History Complex it will bring you back to the days when voyageurs traded furs, settlers made their way from France and England and Indigenous peoples taught them how to live through the cold Canadian winters.

Where should I go in Canada?  Montreal, Quebec Photo Credit DownshiftingPRO
Montreal, Quebec (DownshiftingPRO)

Walk along the the St. Lawrence River or take a cruise and learn about how this seaway became so important in building this nation. You’ll catch a glimps of the 1976 Olympic Stadium!

Montreal is all about great food so make sure to stop off and get poutine (fries, cheese curds & gravy), a smoked meat sandwich from Schwartz’s Deli or choose between a Fairmont or St. Viateur bagel! There are thousands of restaurants with food choices from around the world, you will not go wrong in La Belle Provence!

Where should I go in Canada?  Montreal, Quebec Photo Credit DownshiftingPRO
Good Eats in Montreal – Bagels! Photo Credit: DownshiftingPRO

N – Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

Niagara Falls Out With Ryan
Niagara Falls, Ontario (Out with Ryan)

The Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake region is one of the most popular and unique places to visit when exploring Ontario, let alone Canada! Niagara Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in the world that you can get extremely up-close to by walking alongside it or even take a Niagara Boat Tour to go right towards and under the falls!

In the evening, the falls also light up with LED lights! You can take a stroll up Clifton Hills where there are lots of activities for kids to do with the family. You can also take a ride on the Niagara Skywheel for the best view of the falls, visit the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark for the day, or a romantic meal at the revolving Skylon Tower.

Niagara On The Lake Wine Tasting Out With Ryan
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario (Out with Ryan)

Niagara-on-the-Lake is a small little town about a 20-minute drive from Niagara Falls surrounded by Ontario’s largest wine region. You’ll find local and internationally-known vineyards with over 20+ wineries to experience wine-tasting in the area as well as over 80+ wineries along the Niagara Peninsula. If you want to learn more about wine-tasting in Niagara on the Lake, you can check out my blog post here Niagara on the Lake also offers more than wine tasting! Jet Boat Tours offer an incredible experience taking you on a powerful jet boat that takes you towards a giant whirlpool near Niagara Falls. The experience is perfect for those who seek adrenaline adventures. NOTL (short for Niagara-on-the-lake) also has breweries, many cute little shops, and even the Shaw Festival.

Ryan Thomas Woods, Out with Ryan

O – Ottawa, Ontario

Where should I go in Canada?  Ottawa, Ontario Photo Credit Ottawa Road Trips
Ottawa, Ontario, Ottawa Road Trips

No list of Canadian cities worth visiting would be complete without Ottawa, the nation’s capital! It’s full of must-see sights, including museums, the ByWard Market and Parliament Hill. (The latter is currently under renovation, so parliamentarians are meeting in temporary digs that are cool, too.)

But here’s something you might not know: Ottawa is a super place to enjoy the great outdoors. Over 600 kilometres of recreational paths wind through Ottawa and its sister city of Gatineau in Quebec, taking joggers, strollers and cyclists along rivers, past waterfalls, and through woodlands. Restaurant patios offer some stunning views—I’d recommend La Terrasse at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier Hotel, where you can sip marvelous martinis while enjoying a sweeping view of Parliament Hill and the Ottawa River.

And very appropriately for a country that prides itself on its wilderness, Ottawa is just a short drive from countless places to enjoy nature. You can camp or swim in Gatineau Park, paddle along the Rideau Canal (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), go whitewater rafting on the Ottawa River, or check out Canada’s highest bungee jump in Wakefield. O Canada, indeed.

Laura Byrne Paquet, Ottawa Road Trips

P – Percé, Quebec

Perce Rock Quebec Where to go in Canada @DownshiftingPRO

Imagine one or two iconic images for your country. Maybe it a tower made of steel, faces carved on a mountain, or an opera house resembling sails. In Canada, you will likely think of snow-capped mountains, great lakes or this, Perce Rock. It is one of the world’s largest natural arches located in water and is considered a geologically and historically rich natural icon of Quebec. Countless images of the sun setting over this island can be seen. Located in on the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula in Québec Maritime, Percé Rock is located in the small town of Percé where we had a marvellous seafood feast at La Maison du Pecheur. There is plenty of great food and unique accommodations in Quebec Maritime.

Northern Gannets on Bonaventure Island National Park in Perce Quebec @DownshiftingPRO
Bonaventure Island, Quebec (DownshiftingPRO)

The next day, we ferried past Percé Rock to Bonaventure Island National Park. Home of the largest northern gannet colony in the world.  Other birds found on the island include puffins, razorbills, black guillemot and kittiwakes, as well as over 200 other species.

Q – Quebec City, Quebec

Where should I go in Canada?  Quebec City, Quebec
Quebec City, Quebec

Quebec City is one of those magical cities that everyone falls in love with right away. It’s full of incredible architecture, including the iconic Château Frontenac, rich with history, and all the charm of a European city with its cobblestone streets and winding alleyways. There is a host of things to do in Quebec City for every traveller’s interest, whether it’s learning about it’s over 400 years of history from Parks Canada staff while exploring Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux National Historic Site, checking out street art, or diving into its delectable food scene. But Quebec City isn’t all mortar and silver spoons, there’s plenty of outdoor adventures to be had too. You can take a wander through the Plains of Abraham, stroll along the Governor’s Promenade with views over the St. Lawrence, or visit the mighty Montmorency Falls. If you’re looking for an amazing Canadian city to visit choose Quebec City.

Stephanie Mayo, The World as I See It

R – Richmond, British Columbia

Where should I go in Canada?  Richmond, BC - Will Tang Photo Credit
Richmond, BC (Will Tang)

Home to the Vancouver International Airport and as Vancouver’s southern neighbour, many often pass through without a moment’s thought but those in-the-know will tell you that Richmond, British Columbia is somewhere worth exploring.  The city has two contrasting experiences that will delight and surprise.  The first is the region’s modern day Chinatown, filled with malls and plazas that can easily tout the best Asian food outside of Asia. 

Here, your tastebuds will be in for a treat whether it’s the Dumpling Trail, the largest night market in North America, and hole-in-the-wall BBQ pork takeout shops.  Travel to the city’s southern end and you have the historic Steveston village which sits along the banks of the Fraser River.  As one of the most significant sites for Canadian coastal heritage, you’ll be able to delve into two museums that give you a rare glimpse into the booming times of the late 1800s and early 1900s in the cannery and shipbuilding industries.

In Richmond, BC, you’ll also have your chance to go on a whale-watching expedition, eat legendary fish and chips, walk through the real-life set of Once Upon A Time, and take in the raw beauty of the Pacific Ocean.  

Will Tang, Going Awesome Places

S – St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador

Where should I go in Canada?  Cape Spear (St. John's) Newfoundland Photo Credit Lora Pope
Cape Spear in St. John’s Newfoundland, (Lora Pope)

I grew up in St. John’s, Newfoundland but didn’t realize how special a place it was until leaving and coming back! It’s a unique city unlike anywhere else in Canada.

What makes St. John’s so special is its colourful charm and access to nature. Although it’s the capital city, you are never far from amazing wilderness. The city is surrounded by the East Coast Trail, which is a stunning hiking trail that goes along the Avalon Peninsula. From the trail, you can see whales in the summer and icebergs in the spring. Part of this trail is Cape Spear Path, which is a stunning lighthouse as well as the most easterly point in all of North America.

St. John’s is also famous for its colourful houses, known as ‘Jellybean Row’. This isn’t a specific street, but refers to all the brightly colored townhouses you can see walking around downtown.

Another aspect that makes St. John’s special, and Newfoundland in general, is the amazing hospitality you will receive coming here! Guests are warmly welcomed, and it’s not uncommon to be invited into people’s homes for tea shortly after meeting them.

St. John’s also has an amazing food scene where you can get some of the best seafood in Canada, as well as a lively nightlife. The hub of nightlife is on George Street, which is home to more bars per capita than anywhere else in Canada!

Lora Pope, Explore with Lora

T – Toronto, Ontario

Where should I go in Canada?  Toronto, Ontario Photo Credit Pina Travels
Toronto Harbour, Toronto, Ontario – (Pina Travels)

There are many things that Toronto is known for. There’s the 553-meter tall CN Tower, the historic Distillery District, and the Royal Ontario Museum. While these spots are all worth visiting, it’s the lesser-known experiences of Toronto that make it special. In the summertime, you can grab the public ferry to the Toronto Islands. There, you can cycle through the islands’ green space and head to the beach for a swim in Lake Ontario.
You can spend your afternoon exploring Chinatown’s markets — and grab some dim sum while you’re there.

Toronto’s distinctive neighbourhoods like Kensington Market, Little Italy, Koreatown, the Danforth, and others all have something unique to experience in Canada. It might be a culinary dish you need to try, or a museum that deserves exploring, or park that’s perfect for lounging in. And if you’ve got extra time, you can fit in a day trip to explore what’s outside of the city. Just an hour away are beautiful hikes, like Rattlesnake Point and Dundas Peak. Or, you can visit one of Ontario’s alpaca farms!

Toronto’s multiculturalism, diversity and vibrant energy make it a place that has something for everyone. So whether you’re a local (like me!) or just visiting, take the time to fall in love with Ontario’s capital city.

Erin Hynes, Pina Travels

U – Ucluelet, British Columbia

Wild Pacific Trail Ucluelet BC CanvaPro Image
Ucluelet, BC (CanvaPro)

Located on Vancouver Island facing the Pacific Ocean, you will love the wild beaches of Ucluelet and Tofino. Clean pure ocean air, breathtaking oceanside walks, temperate rain forests, stunning sunsets and wicked storm watching await you on the western shores of the Island. A laid-back fishing village perched, it is surrounded by the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.

Affectionately known as Ukee, the town is friendly, and welcoming. You will find a variety of accommodation options, small restaurants and outfitters ready to get you on the water. You can rent kayaks to challenge the Pacific waves on a surfboard. There are biking and hiking trails on The Wild Pacific Trail with stunning views.

Where should I go in Canada?  Tofino, BC - Powered by Mom Photo Credit
Tofino, BC (Powered by Mom)

Thirty-eight minutes north on #4 highway you will find yourself in Tofino. Larger than Ucluelet, you will find more restaurants, a shopping area and a variety of unique experiences. You can go whale watching, kayaking and surfing. You can hike Lone Cone, situated on Meares Island, which looms over Tofino as a prominent landmark.  At 730 metres elevation, the ascent over a relatively short 1.5 kilometres of the trail is quick and gruelling.  On a clear day, the views from the top of Tofino, Clayoquot Sound and the Pacific Ocean are unequalled.

V – Victoria, British Columbia

Where should I go in Canada?  Victoria, BC - Powered by Mom Photo Credit
Victoria, BC (Powered by Mom)

Victoria, the capital of British Columbia is a stop you don’t want to miss if visiting the province, especially if you’re going to be on Vancouver Island. Many think Victoria is like Vancouver, but it’s not it has its uniqueness and vibe. Victoria is known for oh so many things including being cyclist-friendly, with many more outdoor activities, a bohemian vibe in some areas, an amazing array of food and stunning sites and landscapes. From Butchart to Craigdarroch Castle (yes, a castle in Canada), oceanfront views, waterfalls, the Sooke potholes and of course the provincial parliament buildings, there’s so much to see and do in Victoria.

Michelle Sutter, Powered by Mom

W – Whitehorse, Yukon

Northern lights over Whitehorse, Canada.  Image found on CanvaPro -
Northern Lights over Whitehorse, Yukon (image from CanvaPro)

Whitehorse is an ideal place for outdoor lovers with a dash of a sophisticated culinary scene, funky coffee shops, a museum and trendy fashion. Enjoy hiking and wilderness adventures as well as theatre, dining and cultural offerings. The city has it all.

The story of Whitehorse is tied to the days of the Klondike gold rush when many came here to search for fame and fortune. This was once the home of a high society that enthusiastically spent that gold rush money on the latest Parisian fashions and fancy entertainment.

Today, it’s easy to fall in love with Whitehorse. Many of its residents have come to visit and never left, taken by what they found. It’s a great place to explore the natural beauty of the Yukon and the vibrant indigenous communities that have lived here for centuries.

Kasia, Kasia Writes

X – Cross-country skiing in Sudbury

Cross country skiing in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada Photo credit - Kathryn Anywhere
X-country skiing in Sudbury, Ontario (Kathryn Anywhere)

Kivi Park in Sudbury is an all-season, multi-sport recreation area set on over 450 acres of Cambrian Shield. One of the most beloved winter activities is X-Country skiing. X-Cross Country skiing is a must if you are in the Sudbury area in the colder, snowier months. Both of my children learned to XC-ski here and you do not need to own your own equipment to do it. Rentals are available for a price and there are trails upon trails of varying degrees to enjoy. Since winter days are shorter in sunlight hours, be sure to be in boots and out there before 10:00 am to maximize the daily enjoyment hours. You’ll not regret spending an amazing, sweaty day on the slopes.

Kathryn Dickson, KathrynAnywhere

Y- Yellowknife, NWT

Where should I go in Canada?  Yellowknife, NWT - Lindsay Davis Photo Credit
Yellowknife, NWT (Lindsay Davis)

Chances are if you’re visiting the capital of the Northwest Territories, it’s to do some aurora hunting. What you might not realize is that Yellowknife is considered the Northern Lights capital of the world! If the fact that you have a chance to see this natural phenomenon 200+ nights out of the year alone isn’t enough of a reason to visit Yellowknife, there’s plenty more where that came from!

While it has that small-town vibe, Yellowknife has so much to offer visitors. There is a wide range of top-notch restaurants including the famous Bullock’s Bistro where you’ll indulge in some of the freshest fish you’ll ever taste. Yellowknife offers incredible cultural experiences and there’s plenty of fascinating history too! No matter what time of the year you visit, be sure to spend some time with the deepest lake in North America. Great Slave Lake has plenty of outdoor adventure to offer, though my personal favourite is the infamous ice roads that come with winter.

First things first though, you’ll want to take a tour of Yellowknife to get your bearings. After that, you’ll feel right at home above the 60th parallel!

Lindsay Davis, I’ve Been Bit! Travel Blog

Z – Zealandia, SK

Zealandia Saskatchewan Main Street 2010
Canadian2006 / CC BY-SA

A most notable letter but not used often for the names of cities. I decided to feature Zealandia, Saskatchewan not because it was a booming metropolis but because I wanted to bring attention to the province that it resides in. Zealandia is a town that is one of the smallest communities in the province to be designated as a town. Within Saskatchewan, you will find two national, 36 provincial and 80 regional parks with more than 400 campgrounds.

You will love the vast prairies and see kilometres and kilometres of wheat fields. As the third-largest producer of durum wheat and is the world’s top
exporter of lentils and dry peas in the world. It is a province in Canada is full of natural resources.

The two largest cities are Regina, the provincial capital and Saskatoon. Zealandia is 3.5 hours northwest of Regina and one hour south-west of Saskatoon.

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ABCs of Canadian Cities and Towns - Where should I go in Canada @DownshiftingPRO

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Margarita Ibbott is a travel and lifestyle blogger. She blogs about travel in Canada, the United States and Europe giving practical advice through restaurant, hotel and attraction reviews. She writes for DownshiftingPRO.com and other online media outlets.

10 thoughts on “Where should I go in Canada? ABCs of 26 Canadian Cities & Towns”

    • Nicole, you need to come and visit. This is a huge country but you can certainly do this in a few visits. I’m partial to Montreal and Quebec City but my husband is from Vancouver so I also love British Columbia! It’s spectacular.

  1. Aw this is a genius post! I’ve always love Canada and is been on my go to list. Hope I can go A-Z with Canada soon. I love this so I’m saving it for later!

    • Lauren, it is an amazing country and with the times that we live in we are likely sticking close to home. Hope you can and see this amazing place.

  2. Great list! I spent last summer living in Victoria & can highly recommend. Next up I’d love to get to Whitehorse & Quebec City

    • I know right? I did not know that either. I’ve only seen them in Edmonton, Alberta but they were pretty spectacular. They do whistle, that surprised me.

  3. Happy Canada day!!

    I love travelling around this beautiful country, although this just shows, I have soooo much more to see!

    p.s. I can’t believe I never heard of dildo! My sister lives in France near a town called condom – those towns should have a sister city relationship!! 😉

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