Choose from 290 Fun Things to Do in Canada
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Vancouver Lookout
Perched atop a downtown high-rise, this circular observation platform yields panoramic views of glassy skyscrapers, Vancouver Harbour, and the magnificent peaks of the North Shore and Olympic ranges. A glass-enclosed elevator zooms up to the platform so that street scenes seem to shrink before visitors’ very eyes.
The Basics
The Vancouver Lookout is an excellent place to familiarize yourself with the city, as most of Vancouver’s main attractions—from Stanley Park to the Harbour Centre to Grouse Mountain—are visible from the deck. Information plaques beneath each window reveal more about the prominent sights within view. Visitors can purchase an admission ticket to use when they choose, or join a sightseeing tour that includes access to the Vancouver Lookout.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Vancouver Lookout is a must for first-time visitors to Vancouver.
- Bring a camera to capture the far-reaching views.
- Vancouver Lookout is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Vancouver Lookout is in the Harbour Centre in downtown Vancouver, within walking distance of Gastown and Canada Place. Take the SkyTrain Expo Line or Canada Line to Waterfront Station. The SeaBus passenger ferry also stops here.
When to Get There
Admission tickets are valid all day, so you can scope out the daylight views and return at dusk to witness the city come alight. Though the lookout is usually busier in the evenings, it’s well worth braving the crowds for sunset views.
Where to Watch the Sunset in Vancouver
Part of the beauty of Vancouver is its near-to-nature setting, with the mountain peaks, forests, and sparkling waters that surround it making sunsets truly spectacular. One of the best places to watch the sun sink in the sky is the Vancouver Lookout. Kitsilano Beach and Grouse Mountain are also popular sunset-watching spots.
Address: 555 W Hastings St, Vancouver, British Columbia V6B 4N6, Canada
Admission: Varies
From $ 14
Vancouver Aquarium
Vancouver Aquarium is one of the city’s most popular family-friendly attractions, with many visitors coming as part of a day out in Stanley Park. More than 50,000 living creatures—from sharks to sea otters to sea stars—dart, dive, and splash around the nonprofit aquarium, the largest in Canada. As well as marine life exhibits, the aquarium also stages shows, feedings, animal encounters, and trainer talks.
The Basics
Time-tight travelers can pre-book tickets for fast entry. It’s also possible to combine admission to the aquarium with a hop-on hop-off bus tour of the city. Daily shows, including 4D experiences in its theater, trainer talks, touch pool sessions, a BC Waters Dive (during which a scuba diver helps introduce visitors to the inhabitants of British Columbia’s waters), and dolphin training sessions, are included in the price of admission. Additional feels apply for encounters with creatures such as penguins, stingrays, dolphins, and sea turtles.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The aquarium is particularly well-suited for families, with engaging and informative kid-friendly displays.
- Allow 2.5 to three hours to properly explore the facility.
- Bottled water is not sold at the aquarium. Bring along a reusable water bottle to fill at stations around the site.
- The aquarium facilities are accessible to wheelchair-users.
How to Get There
Vancouver Aquarium is located in Stanley Park in the city of Vancouver. Ride the 19 bus to the park; the aquarium is just a 2-minute walk away.
When to Get There
The aquarium is open year-round and a wide array of shows and talks take place daily. Mornings are quietest. In summer, consider bringing along a picnic to enjoy after strolling along the seawall at Stanley Park.
Amazing Animals in the Aquarium
The aquarium is split into zones that focus on different marine habitats. The Tropic Zone hosts blacktip reef sharks, endangered seahorses, and pajama cardinal fish, while Penguin Point is home to a colony of waddling African penguins. Treasures of the B.C. Coast highlights the diversity of British Columbia’s coastal habitats, the Pacific Canada Pavilion showcases life in the Strait of Georgia, while Canada's Arctic gallery focuses on the cold waters of the frozen north. The Graham Amazon Gallery—a recreated rain forest habitat where simulated thunderstorms occur hourly—not only houses marine life but also sloths and scarlet ibises.
Address: 845 Avison Way, Vancouver, British Columbia V6G 3E2, Canada
Hours: Daily 10am - 5pm
Admission: Adults: $39, youth/seniors/students: $30, children: $22
From $ 30
Underground City
Montreal’s Underground City (Montréal Souterrain) is a vast indoor complex that extends across a large portion of Downtown Montreal. Subterranean tunnels connect malls, hotels, cinemas, theaters, offices, museums, banks, universities, and metro stations, serving as a warm refuge during the city’s brutal winters.
The Basics
With some 20 miles (33 kilometers) of tunnels, 190 access points, and thousands of shops, the Underground City can be something of a maze, especially to the uninitiated. To avoid getting lost, consider joining a guided tour. Tours of the complex show off highlights of the underground realm, which features everything from shopping malls to public artworks and even a segment of the Berlin Wall.
Some tours split their time between the Underground City and the ground-level attractions of Downtown Montreal, stopping at landmarks such as Christ Church Cathedral and the monument-dotted Dorchester Square.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Underground City is a must for visitors who want to shop, eat, or simply escape the frigid winter temperatures.
- Find Underground City maps at Montreal metro stations.
- Many of the major complexes, malls, and attractions in the Underground City are wheelchair-accessible with street-level access and elevators, though some of the tunnels and metro stations are not.
How to Get There
Access points to the Underground City can be found throughout Downtown Montreal. Easy-to-find entrances include malls such as the Eaton Centre, Les Cours Mont-Royal, and Complexe Desjardins. The underground complex is also connected to metro stations, including Atwater, Peel, McGill, Place des Arts, Berri UQAM, Bonaventure, Square-Victoria, and Place d’Armes. Entrances to the Underground City are marked RÉSO.
When to Get There
With heating and air-conditioning keeping temperatures in the tunnels pleasant, the best time to visit is during extreme weather—whether that be humid summer days or the freezing chill of winter.
What to See in the Underground City
For shopping, head to the Eaton Centre and Complexe Desjardins, where you’ll find high-street chains, independent stores, cafés, restaurants, and fast-food outlets. For something a little more cultural, browse the exhibits at the Montreal Museum of Contemporary Art (Musée d'Art Contemporain) or head to the Palais des Congrès de Montréal, which hosts numerous conventions and events every year, including Montreal Comiccon. For a bird’s-eye view of the city, ascend to the 607-foot-high (185-meter-high) observation deck at Place Ville Marie.
Address: 800 Rue de la Gauchetière O, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
From $ 19
Via Ferrata
Thrill-seekers, listen up! Banff, one of the leading ski destinations in the world, now offers a new mountaineering experience on the cliffs of the Canadian Rockies: Via Ferrata (the Iron Road in Italian). Located in the Mount Norquay ski area, and thus offering splendid views, this exhilarating odyssey takes visitors on rarely-before-seen areas of Banff on a journey that could both be described as terrifying and demanding, but highly satisfying. Led by a certified mountain guide, visitors will make their way up the cliffs assisted by a fixed anchoring system of cables, ladders and a suspension bridge – and despite popular belief, previous experience is not required to participate in or enjoy Via Ferrata. Experts say that it’s like climbing up a ladder, except this time, the proverbial ladder is the cliffside of Canada’s highest mountain range. Rewards include a rock-your-socks kind of experience, potential encounters with local wildlife (like bighorn sheeps, foxes and elks) and unparalleled panoramas of Banff.
The Via Ferrata routes depart from the Cliffhouse Bistro, a historic and stunning restaurant built in 1950 as a tea house. It now serves scrumptious treats to visitors wishing to relax, unwind, enjoy the splendid view – or in this case, reward their climbing efforts!
Practical Info
Banff is located in the Canadian Rockies in southern Alberta. Explorer route lasts two hours, costs $139 per person and departs four times daily (8:30am, 10:30am, 12:30pm and at 2:30pm). The Ridgewalker route lasts four hours, costs $169 per person and departs three times daily (8:30am, 10:30am and 12:30pm). Via Ferrata routes are only open in the summertime.
Address: Banff, Canada
Hours: Via Ferrata routes are only open in summertime
Admission: Varies
From $ 136
Victoria Inner Harbour
Victoria Inner Harbour is perhaps best known as a picturesque port frequented by more than a two hundred cruise ships each year, pouring a quarter of a million passengers, charmed I'm sure, onto shore. Their first view of the pretty city is dominated by the Olympic mountain range in the distance, and 1908 Fairmont Empress Hotel in the foreground, overlooking the magnificent yachts moored in the marina. Reflected in the crashing Pacific, this romantically lit Victorian masterpiece is famed for its afternoon high tea.
Though it's hard to top the bay's natural beauty, the dramatic coastline is aptly framed with more delightful Victorian homes, watched over by winsome Craigdarroch Castle, completed in 1890 by a Scottish coal billionaire with a taste for luxury. There's plenty of culture (and even more tourist claptrap, including a wax museum, aquarium, IMAX theater…you get the idea) to keep you busy. Consider strolling vividly landscaped Buchart Gardens, or taking a whale watching (April through October) cruise, then finishing your day with a meal in Victoria's vibrant Chinatown.
Though it's hard to top the bay's natural beauty, the dramatic coastline is aptly framed with more delightful Victorian homes, watched over by winsome Craigdarroch Castle, completed in 1890 by a Scottish coal billionaire with a taste for luxury. There's plenty of culture (and even more tourist claptrap, including a wax museum, aquarium, IMAX theater…you get the idea) to keep you busy. Consider strolling vividly landscaped Buchart Gardens, or taking a whale watching (April through October) cruise, then finishing your day with a meal in Victoria's vibrant Chinatown.
Practical Info
Enormous Vancouver Island (about the size of the Netherlands) is an impossibly scenic spot and the gateway to its spectacular snow-capped fjords and pristine beaches is the city of Victoria. You'll probably arrive here on the southern tip of the island by sea: a cruise ship, private vessel, or public ferry (two lines cross the Straight of Georgia to Vancouver; five serve Washington State in the USA.
Though the Pacific Northwest is notably rainy, Victoria is generally sunny and dry, in summer at least. It gets chilly and wet in winter, but temperatures rarely drop below freezing.
There's a useful tourist bureau InfoCentre with maps and brochures galore on the inner harbor; you can download a free phone app with maps and information at their official website.
Though the Pacific Northwest is notably rainy, Victoria is generally sunny and dry, in summer at least. It gets chilly and wet in winter, but temperatures rarely drop below freezing.
There's a useful tourist bureau InfoCentre with maps and brochures galore on the inner harbor; you can download a free phone app with maps and information at their official website.
Address: British Columbia, 100km (62mi) south of Vancouver, Canada
Hours: Open daily
From $ 12
Victoria Cruise Port
Arriving in Victoria by ship is a fantastic introduction to the British Columbian capital city. The cruise ship terminal is at Ogden Point, not far from downtown and Inner Harbour attractions. With growing passenger traffic in recent years, the Victoria Cruise Port is now the busiest cruise ship port-of-call in all of Canada.
The Basics
Victoria’s mild climate and concentration of top attractions along the Inner Harbour and downtown make the city a great spot to explore on foot or by bike. To maximize your time in port, join a tour that hits the points you want to see, be it the Edwardian architecture of the provincial Parliament Buildings or the Fairmont Empress hotel, the lavish gardens of the perpetually green city, or the city’s top foodie haunts via bicycle. Alternatively, temporarily swap your cruise ship with a smaller vessel and head out on a whale-watching expedition.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Tours generally depart from downtown Victoria, not the cruise port.
- Dockside you will find gift shops, a currency exchange, and pay phones.
- The climate in Victoria is mild but tends to be rainy. Bring an umbrella or rain jacket.
- Butchart Gardens, a Victoria highlight, requires a tour or taxi to get there, as it is about a 20-minute drive.
How to Get to Victoria from the Victoria Cruise Port
It is simple to get to downtown Victoria from the terminal, as taxis, buses, shuttles, and even pedicabs and horse-drawn carriages are readily available dockside. To stretch your legs and enjoy more of the seaside city, walk about 20 minutes on wide paved sidewalks to the center of town.
Port Information
The currency is the Canadian dollar, although some stores accept US dollars (change will be given in Canadian dollars.) Major credit cards and bank debit cards are generally accepted. Sales tax is added at the register. Canada’s official languages are French and English, but in Victoria signage and communication are typically only in English.
Address: Ogden Point, Victoria, BC, Canada
From $ 39
Toronto Financial District
Toronto’s Financial District has been the heart of Canada's finance industry since a mass relocation of global bank headquarters from Montreal in the 1960s. Situated in historic Old Toronto, the area hosts an impressively dense collection of skyscrapers and architectural gems, from First Canadian Place to Scotia Plaza.
The Basics
One of Toronto’s busiest neighborhoods, the Financial District is a stop on most hop-on hop-off bus tours, a convenient way for visitors to explore without the hassle of navigating on their own. Others opt for private tours, including a walk through Downtown and Old Toronto in the day’s customized itinerary. A private guide provides context about historic landmarks that visitors often miss when exploring alone, from the Flatiron Building to the Fairmont Hotel.
What to Know Before You Go
- As home to three of Canada’s tallest skyscrapers and a variety of historic 19th-century buildings, Financial District is a must-visit for architecture buffs.
- Don’t forget comfortable shoes, as the area’s best explored on foot.
- There’s a 3-hour time limit for parking in the area unless otherwise specified.
How to Get There
Situated in the heart of Old Town Toronto, the Financial District is easily accessible using the city’s comprehensive public transit system. Take the metro’s 1 line or street car 509 to Union Station, or take bus 6 or streetcar 504 to Bay Street and King Street. Alternatively, the area has a number of bike-share docks, which can be easily located on the Bike Share Toronto website.
When to Get There
As a major hub for banks, law firms, and insurance companies, the Financial District is buzzing during weekday business hours. For a quiet visit, explore in the evenings or on weekends. Summer farmers markets are held at various locations in the Financial District, including Scotia Plaza, Brookfield Place, and Royal Bank Plaza. In addition, a range of restaurants in the area offer prix-fixe menus during Summerlicious restaurant week every July.
PATH
Toronto’s PATH holds the title of the largest underground shopping network in the world. At 4 million square feet (371,600 square meters), PATH connects public transit stops, shopping centers, and office buildings in the core of Downtown Toronto. A visit to the Financial District offers an opportunity to explore the tunnels, which are lined with shops and cafes hidden beneath the city.
Address: Toronto Financial District, Toronto, Canada
From $ 65
Toronto Harbor
The Toronto Harbour comprises of a few areas. Running east to west from Jarvis, just south of Queens Quay to lower- Spadina along and south of of Queens Quay is the downtown Harbourfront area. The focal point of the Harbour also known as The Harbourfront is where the Harbourfront Centre, Power Plant art gallery and Queens Quay Terminal are located. At Bay and Queens Quay, the walkway to the ferries ($7 per adult each way) to access the Toronto Islands.
The Harbourfront has transformed over the years due to the proliferation of condo developments and a new population that never existed. It is now become more of a destination due to its revitalization. You can picnic, rent a boat or take a tour over to the Toronto Islands or simply walk along the boardwalk. Key spots to picnic other than the islands are on the man-made beaches, mainly Sugar Beach (named after the Redpath Sugar Factory nearby) and the HtO Park, on Queens Quay near Rees Street, known for their pink and yellow umbrellas, respectively. You can get your picnic supplies at supermarkets Loblaws (at Jarvis St.) or at Sobeys (at York St.). Alternative dining options are plenty due to the number of sprawling patios with a lakefront view including The Watermark and the newly opened Amsterdam Brewery. Toronto’s food truck scene has also made wave for vendors to open in the newly opened Ontario and Canada Squares (appropriately opened on Canada Day, 2013).
There are plenty of photo opportunities and landmarks including the “Light Showers” waterfall installation at the Sherbourne Common urban park; the eco-friendly building housing the media company, Corus; the Simcoe wavedeck; the installations at Canada and Ontario Square; and the Toronto Music Garden, inspired by cellist Yo Yo Ma, where you can watch free concerts.
The Harbourfront has transformed over the years due to the proliferation of condo developments and a new population that never existed. It is now become more of a destination due to its revitalization. You can picnic, rent a boat or take a tour over to the Toronto Islands or simply walk along the boardwalk. Key spots to picnic other than the islands are on the man-made beaches, mainly Sugar Beach (named after the Redpath Sugar Factory nearby) and the HtO Park, on Queens Quay near Rees Street, known for their pink and yellow umbrellas, respectively. You can get your picnic supplies at supermarkets Loblaws (at Jarvis St.) or at Sobeys (at York St.). Alternative dining options are plenty due to the number of sprawling patios with a lakefront view including The Watermark and the newly opened Amsterdam Brewery. Toronto’s food truck scene has also made wave for vendors to open in the newly opened Ontario and Canada Squares (appropriately opened on Canada Day, 2013).
There are plenty of photo opportunities and landmarks including the “Light Showers” waterfall installation at the Sherbourne Common urban park; the eco-friendly building housing the media company, Corus; the Simcoe wavedeck; the installations at Canada and Ontario Square; and the Toronto Music Garden, inspired by cellist Yo Yo Ma, where you can watch free concerts.
Practical Info
Due to the revitalization of Queens Quay to be completed by 2015, construction from York to Spadina has affected streetcar service from Union Station. It is best to walk from Union Station over to Bay or York and south to Queens Quay if you are going to the central part of Harbourfront. The Harbourfront is best explored by foot or on bike; there are a number of Bixi bike stations available in the area and throughout downtown.
Address: Queens Quay at York St., Toronto, ON, Canada
Hours: Open 24 Hours
From $ 16
Tunnel Mountain Drive
Banff’s Buffalo Street transforms into the picturesque Tunnel Mountain Drive at Surprise Corner. It provides a view most visitors know before they’ve even seen it, as the area looks out on Banff’s most famous landmark, the historic Banff Springs Hotel, which has been featured in countless photos. The rest of the driving loop is equally beautiful with panoramic views of Bow Valley as it winds through pristine fir and pine forests. Even though Tunnel Mountain Drive is on the edge of Banff’s town limits, it’s common to see both elk and deer along the route. It’s also possible (especially in the spring and fall) to spot a black or grizzly bear in the area.
Whether jumping out of the car to explore Banff’s hoodoos (impressive geological formations) or to climb to the summit of Tunnel Mountain, the immense beauty of the Canadian Rockies is never far away. It’s even possible to spend the night in the mountain wilderness while remaining within walking distance of downtown. Hotels, cabin rentals, a youth hostel and several campgrounds lie along Tunnel Mountain Drive and most are only a little over a mile from town.
Practical Info
Beginning on Banff’s Main Street, Tunnel Mountain Drive is a three-mile, easy-to-follow scenic drive.
Address: Tunnel Mountain Drive, Banff, Canada
Hours: Daily
From $ 109
Vancouver Chinatown
Established in the 1890s by migrant workers, this Vancouver neighborhood is now among the biggest and most vibrant Chinatowns in North America. It’s packed with Asian grocers, Chinese herbalists, dim sum restaurants, trinket stores, and meat shops filled with tempting displays of hanging char siu and roast ducks.
The Basics
Vancouver Chinatown is one of Vancouver’s most distinctive and fascinating neighborhoods, one that’s a rewarding place to eat, shop, and wander. Explore as part of food tours, which not only show off key landmarks such as the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, but also include tastings of barbecue meats, dim sum, tea, and other Chinese delicacies. Many walking tours and bike tours pass through Chinatown and neighboring Gastown; hop-on hop-off buses and sightseeing coach tours also make stops here.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Vancouver Chinatown is a must for foodies and history buffs.
- Arrive hungry; there are myriad excellent bakeries, restaurants, and cafés in Chinatown.
- Some attractions, such as the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Gardens, are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Chinatown is situated in East Vancouver, next to the downtown neighborhoods of Gastown and Yaletown. The main thoroughfares are Main, Pender, and Keefer. To get there using public transport, ride the SkyTrain to the Main Street–Science World station.
When to Get There
Vancouver Chinatown is at its most atmospheric during the annual Chinese New Year celebrations, which typically fall between late January and late February. Celebrations usually include a parade complete with lion dancers and marching bands.
Chinatown’s Must-See Sights
Probably the most photographed landmark in Vancouver’s Chinatown is the Chinatown Millennium Gate, a lion-guarded gate that marks the entrance to the district. And although it’s small, the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden and adjacent park, which includes a pagoda and koi pond, serves as a peaceful sanctum—the perfect hideaway from the busy streets.
Address: Keefer and Pender Streets, Vancouver, Canada
Admission: Free
From $ 23
Vancouver Maritime Museum
Set on the seafront overlooking English Bay, the Vancouver Maritime Museum charts Canada’s connections to the Pacific and Arctic oceans. Collections include maritime art, model ships, the Children's Maritime Discovery Centre, and St. Roch, a 1928-built Royal Canadian Mounted Police schooner that once trawled the icy Arctic.
The Basics
The Vancouver Maritime Museum is devoted to all things nautical, with exhibits chronicling Canadian seafaring in the Pacific and Arctic oceans. The main attraction is the St. Roch, the first ship to sail through the Northwest Passage from west to east. Explore the ship’s cabins, wander the decks, and tour the living quarters. Children will enjoy the interactive exhibits at the Maritime Discovery Centre, where they can try and drive their own tug and play pirate for the day.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Vancouver Maritime Museum is a must for maritime enthusiasts and families.
- There is no café or food vendor inside the museum, but the gift shop sells model ship kits, souvenirs, and books.
- All exhibits are wheelchair accessible, with the exception of the St. Roch.
How to Get There
The Vancouver Maritime Museum is situated in Vanier Park in Kitsilano. To get here, take the False Creek Ferry to the Heritage Harbour at the Maritime Museum Ferry Dock. From Granville Island, walk along the seafront and you’ll reach the museum in about 20 minutes.
When to Get There
The Vancouver Maritime Museum is mostly inside, making it a great cold- or rainy-day diversion. The museum is busiest in the afternoon, so arrive in the morning to get in ahead of the crowds.
Other Nautical Highlights
Situated in front of the museum is the yellow-and-white Ben Franklin submarine, a vessel designed by Swiss explorer Jacques Piccard. Originally used by research teams to monitor and map the Gulf Stream, the submersible was also of interest to NASA, which used it to observe the effects of living in close confinement.
Address: 1905 Ogden Ave, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, Canada
Admission: Varies
From $ 27
Upper Town (Haute-Ville)
Perched atop Cape Diamond (Cap Diamant) overlooking the St. Lawrence River, Upper Town (Haute-Ville) is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Quebec (Vieux-Québec). Historic fortifications, built by the French and British, enclose a series of well-preserved streets lined with buildings dating back as far as the 17th century.
The Basics
Upper Town is where most Quebec City visitors spend the majority of their time. Many of the city’s top attractions are located here, including the Basilique-Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Québec, the Citadel of Quebec (La Citadelle de Québec), Chateau Frontenac hotel, and the Dufferin Terrace (Terrasse Dufferin) boardwalk, which offers sweeping views of the St. Lawrence River and the Laurentian Mountains.
Many walking tours cover parts of Upper Town, as well as attractions in Lower Town (Basse-Ville), such as Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church and Place Royale.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Upper Town is a must for all first-time visitors to Quebec.
- Wear comfortable shoes. While Upper Town is relatively compact, it’s also got lots of steep streets and uneven cobblestone surfaces.
- Some key sights in Upper Town, including the Basilique-Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Québec and the Citadel of Quebec, are wheelchair accessible, though many shops and restaurants offer only stepped access.
How to Get There
Upper Town and Lower Town are connected by around 30 sets of stairways. The Old Quebec Funicular, accessible via Rue du Petit-Champlain in Lower Town and Dufferin Terrace in Upper Town, also connects the two parts of the city.
When to Get There
Quebec City receives most visitors during the summer season, when cruise ships regularly dock in port. At this time, you’ll find a wide array of attractions, historic programs, and tours to experience, but should also expect crowds. Winter, when subzero temperatures and snow are the norm, is typically quieter, except during the Quebec Winter Carnival, which takes place in February in venues throughout Upper Town.
Chateau Frontenac
The jewel of Upper Town is the oft-photographed Chateau Frontenac hotel. Built by the Canadian Pacific Railway company in 1893 as bait to entice travelers to Quebec City, the elegant building wows with its copper turrets, dormer windows, and imposing setting atop Cape Diamond. Tours of the hotel interior are available to non-guests, and the hotel’s bar offers front-row views of the St. Lawrence River.
Address: Quebec City, Quebec, Canada, Canada
From $ 20
Vancouver Art Gallery
Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, British Columbia, the Vancouver Art Gallery is one of the most impressive collections of both historical and contemporary works in Canada. This extensive gallery contains over 10,000 different pieces of art and has a great focus on the local and regional artists, many of whom are of aboriginal decent. Among the most famous artists on display are Vancouver locals such as Jeff Wall and Rodney Graham. Moreover, the gallery also contains a substantial collection of the works of Emily Carr – perhaps British Columbia's most famous artist.
Like Emily Carr's work, most of the Vancouver Art Gallery's collection is geared towards art that has been inspired by the indigenous life style and culture in the Canadian Pacific Northwest. That said, there is also a significant collection of international works as well, including a series of important art from 17th-century Dutch artist Jan van Ravenstyn.
The Vancouver Art Gallery building itself is a piece of history within the otherwise relatively young city. While the collection has been around for over 80 years, it hasn't always remained in the same location. Today, the gallery is housed in a beautiful building that was built in 1906 and once served as the provincial courthouse.
Practical Info
The Vancouver Art Gallery is located on Hornsby Street and is accessible via the Granville or Burrard SkyTrain stations. The gallery is open daily from 10am to 5pm with the exception being Tuesday, when the doors are open until 9pm.
Address: 750 Hornby St, Vancouver, Canada
Admission: Varies by exhibit
From $ 18
Toronto Islands
Though Toronto’s high-rise skyline is in sight, the Toronto Islands—a chain of islands scattered off the shore of Lake Ontario—feel a world away. The islands, once a narrow peninsula, were cut off from the mainland by violent storms, and now their sandy coastlines and verdant parklands serve as a peaceful escape for the city-weary.
The Basics
The three most visited destinations in the Toronto Islands are Centre Island, Ward’s Island, and Hanlan’s Point, which together make up Toronto Island Park. Centre Island features an old-timey amusement park called Centreville, which encompasses a reconstructed turn-of-the-20th-century Main Street, a petting farm, and quaint rides including an antique carousel. Hanlan’s Point is known for its sandy beach—a portion of which is clothing optional—and barbecue-friendly fire pits. Ward’s Island, the easternmost tip of Centre Island, also has an attractive beach. The islands are car-free, so most visitors explore on foot or by bike. Rent a canoe, kayak, or paddleboat to get out on the water. To escape the crowds and reach off-the-beaten path locales, try a stand-up paddleboarding tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Toronto Islands are a must-see for families and beach lovers.
- Bring sunscreen and a hat if you plan on spending time on the beach.
- Rent a bike to travel between the main islands, which are connected by paths.
- Ferries to the island are accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
The Toronto Islands are accessible only by boat. City-run ferries depart from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, located at the end of Bay Street on Queen’s Quay, and connect with Centre Island, Ward’s Island, and Hanlan’s Point during spring, summer, and fall. During winter, only the Ward’s Island ferry route operates. Private water taxis also go to the islands.
When to Get There
On hot summer weekends, the Toronto Islands are often thronged. Get there early to stake out a good spot on the beach. Hanlan’s Point and Ward’s Island are usually quieter than Centre Island. Stick around until sunset to see the city skyline light up.
Best Swimming Spots on the Toronto Islands
Swimming is one of the most popular activities on the Toronto Islands, as the waters are calm and offer a great way to cool off from the sweltering summer heat. Centre Island Beach is a common choice for families who want to be near the attractions of Centreville. Quieter options include Hanlan’s Point Beach, half of which is a designated nudist beach; Ward’s Island Beach; and Gibraltar Point Beach, home to a supposedly haunted old lighthouse.
Address: Harbourfront, Toronto, Canada
Admission: Ferry rides: C$7.71 round trip for adults
From $ 19
VanDusen Botanical Garden
Meandering paths weave through this tranquil green retreat in the heart of Vancouver, where more than 7,500 plant varieties grow in themed displays, ranging from a Canadian heritage garden and a Japanese garden to a formal rose garden. Wildlife species, including blue herons, ducks, and turtles, live within the garden limits.
The Basics
Purchase tickets for the garden in advance and make your own way to the garden or join a garden tour of Vancouver, which combines visits to the VanDusen Botanical Garden with other floral highlights such as the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden and Queen Elizabeth Park.
Once there, embark on a self-guided tour of the garden. Follow routes mapped out on leaflets, which are available at the information desk in the garden’s orchid-shaped visitor center. The theme of these self-guided routes changes monthly. Alternatively, wander at will. Find your way out of the Elizabethan maze, examine sculptures from artists including Bill Reid and David Marshall, and admire the panoramas from the stone garden, the second-highest vantage point in Vancouver.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The gardens are made for strolling so wear comfortable walking shoes. Bikes, skateboards, and roller skates are not allowed.
- Do not feed wildlife in the gardens.
- The gardens are wheelchair accessible with paved paths.
How to Get There
The VanDusen Botanical Garden is situated in the Shaughnessy neighborhood of Vancouver, just west of Queen Elizabeth Park. Bus 17 connects downtown Vancouver with the gardens. Get off at West 37th Avenue and you’ll find the park entrance across the street.
When to Get There
The garden is open year-round, but closes earlier in December, January, and February. Go in spring to see cherry blossoms and blooming camellias, in summer for roses and lilies, in fall to see the colorful foliage of Eastern North American and gingko trees, and in winter for winter berries and winter-flowering jasmine. Several festivals, notably the Festival of Lights in December and the Sakura Days Japan Fair in spring, take place throughout the year.
Visit the Bloedel Conservatory
Just a short stroll east of the garden in Queen Elizabeth Park sits a greenery-filled delight: the Bloedel Conservatory. Another hit among flora fanatics, this balmy domed conservatory is packed with tropical plants and birds and makes an ideal complementary attraction to the VanDusen Botanical Garden.
Address: 5251 Oak St, Vancouver, British Colombia V6M 4H1, Canada
Admission: Varies
From $ 5
Victoria Beacon Hill Park
Sheer natural beauty is just the start of the appeal of of Beacon Hill Park, which sprawls across the southern edge of Victoria, British Columbia. It’s a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, with a petting zoo, splash parks, playgrounds, sports fields, seemingly endless footpaths, and one of the tallest totem poles in the world.
The Basics
At 200 acres (75 hectares), this massive green space is an important part of the Victorian landscape, stretching almost from the Inner Harbour all the way to the Strait of San Juan de Fuca. It is full of places to play and explore, or just to sit and relax in the tranquil garden areas.
To maximize your time and orient yourself in the expansive park, a tour that includes a stop at Beacon Hill Park is the best way to visit. Many visitors love the charm of a horse-drawn carriage ride, or the pleasure of a bike tour or pedicab ride, all of which enable you see more of the area in less time than walking. City tours of Victoria generally make time to give visitors a chance to experience this lovely urban escape.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Beacon Hill Park is perfect for families with kids, gardening enthusiasts, and anyone who loves the outdoors.
- The park is generally accessible for wheelchair users, with paved pathways and accessible bathrooms.
- Pack swimsuits for the kids—if it’s hot they’ll want to splash in the water parks.
How to Get There
Just south of the Inner Harbour and near the Royal British Columbia Museum, Beacon Hill Park is an easy walk from downtown and the harbor attractions. Buses 2, 3, and 7 all stop near the park. If driving, park along the roadways in the park.
When to Get There
With Victoria’s mild climate, you can visit the park year-round. Peak season is in summer, when the flowers are in bloom and all the attractions are open. In the cooler months the water features are closed and the blooms are dormant, although a winter walk or ride through the park is still enjoyable.
Sightseeing in Beacon Hill Park
A frolic in the park is always nice, but its sightseeing attractions are what make Beacon Hill Park outstanding. Most popular sights include the 126-foot (38-meter) totem pole that is a tribute to the indigenous people of Victoria, the Mile 0 marker of the Trans-Canada Highway, and the touching monument to young Canadian hero Terry Fox.
Address: Douglas Street, Victoria V8V 4Z8, Canada
Admission: Free
From $ 31
Victoria Glacier
Named after Queen Victoria in 1897, Victoria Glacier created the iconic Lake Louise over 10,000 years ago and continues to feed the lake with the glacial waters that gives it its famous emerald hue.
Located in the heart of the hiking capital of Canada, the 3.4-mile Six Glaciers Trail is a great way to get up close to Victoria Glacier and make your way to the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House. From the Fairmont Chateau hotel, walk the shoreline trail, where the crowds will thin as you head up to the moraine trail left behind by Lower Victoria Glacier back in the 1850s and out along the high rocky banks of Louise Creek. The hike is quite challenge, taking about seven hours roundtrip, but knowing there’s a cup of hot tea and cake waiting at the tea house helps. Visitors can also take the trail even further past the end of Lake Louise along the Abbot Pass and down onto Mount Victoria itself.
You can also rent kayaks and canoes for a closer peek at Victoria Glacier, which is easily recognizable, nestled in the middle of the Mount Victoria area at the head of Lake Louise. Rock climbers can make their way up the glacier itself, though its deep crevasses and the risk of avalanche mean that it isn’t a climb for beginners.
In summer, popular activities around Lake Louise include horseback riding, rock climbing and taking a peek at the fairytale-like Fairmont Chateau hotel.
Practical Info
The Six Glaciers Tea House is open in July, August and sometimes in September, depending on the weather. Lake Louise is a 40-minute drive from the town of Banff, with regular buses from both Calgary and Banff. There are plenty of hotels in Lake Louise village, which is just a few minutes away from the lake itself.
Address: Lake Louise, Banff, Canada
Hours: Daily
From $ 141
Vancouver Cruise Port
Vancouver serves as the home port for Alaska-bound cruise ships, as well as for vessels traveling south to locations along the Pacific Coast and to Hawaii. Located on the Vancouver Harbour waterfront, the Canada Place Cruise Terminal is right in the heart of the city, providing easy access to downtown and to the North Shore Mountains.
The Basics
Cruise ship passengers in Vancouver can choose between a range of shore excursions. Those with limited time can take shorter tours, exploring neighborhoods such as Granville Island or Chinatown with a guide. Half-day sightseeing tours usually check off highlights, such as Gastown, Stanley Park, and the Vancouver Lookout observation platform, while full-day tours often venture out of town to destinations such as the North Shore, Sea to Sky Highway, or Fraser Valley wine region.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Most shore excursions include round-trip transport to and from the cruise port. Pre- or post-cruise tours include pickup and drop-off at downtown hotels.
- Full-day tours to out-of-town destinations usually require more travel time, though many North Vancouver attractions, such as Grouse Mountain and Capilano Suspension Bridge, are less than 30 minutes from the city.
- Though you can use taxis or public transit to tour downtown Vancouver and the North Shore, a shore excursion with round-trip transport is the best way to maximize your time.
How to Get to Vancouver From the Vancouver Cruise Port
Cruise ships in Vancouver dock at Canada Place Cruise Terminal in downtown Vancouver. The terminal is near Waterfront Station, which is serviced by the SkyTrain, local buses, the SeaBus passenger ferry, and the West Coast Express commuter train.
Port Information
Taxis and car rentals are available at the cruise port. The port also offers luggage storage facilities, and wheelchair and mobility scooter rentals. Restaurants and cafés can be found within easy walking distance.
Address: Canada Place & Ballantyne Pier, Vancouver, BC, Canada, Canada
From $ 54
Victoria Butterfly Gardens
Fluttering butterflies and moths flit amid a rainforest environment at the popular Victoria Butterfly Gardens.
The indoor butterfly house is a tranquil tropical retreat for butterflies and visitors alike, with a waterfall and stream, exotic plants and warm humid atmosphere.
Around 75 species of butterflies and moths live here, and you can even see the young butterflies fluttering into life in the nursery.
The tropical orchid gardens here are also justifiably famous, with ponds filled with golden carp and tropical birds like parrots and flamingos in residence.
Practical Info
The Victoria Butterfly Gardens are 20 km (14 miles) north of downtown Victoria, on the Saanich Peninsula. The Butchart Gardens are just five minutes away.
It’s a 30-minute drive from Victoria if you’re driving. Buses run here from downtown Victoria, as well as from the Swartz Bay ferry terminal.
Why not combine two of Victoria’s major highlights on an organized tour taking in both the Butterfly Gardens and the Butchart Gardens?
Address: 1461 Benvenuto Avenue, Brentwood Bay BC V8M 1J5, Canada
Hours: Open daily
Admission: CA$12.50
From $ 185
Victoria Chinatown
Although the gold was nowhere close to Victoria, the city was the defacto supply center for the 1858 gold rush on the Fraser River. Thousands of gold miners headed north from San Francisco towards new gold strike claims along the Fraser River, including many Chinese. Soon Victoria grew to become both British Columbia’s biggest city and the home base to Canada’s largest Chinese community.
When Chinatown was founded, in 1858, it was the first in Canada and second in North America, behind the former gold-rush community in San Francisco. Today, it remains a vibrant part of Victoria’s downtown area, even if the local Chinese-Canadian population is considered small compared to many other cities. The impressive Gate of Harmonious Interest marks the entrance to Chinatown and the community reveals itself along Fisgard St.
The recently reopened Dragon Alley, the Chinese Public School and all the many colorful shops will all draw considerable attention, but self-guided visitors shouldn’t miss the opportunity to walk through Fan Tan Alley, which is undoubtedly the most famous part of Victoria’s Chinatown, if not the city itself.
Practical Info
The main entrance to Victoria’s Chinatown is located at the corner of Government and Fisgard Streets.
Address: Government and Fisgard Streets, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
From $ 11