Canada

Canada is a very large country blessed with natural beauty and cultural heritage, which is why visitors have plenty of things to explore. Different people have different expectations, so it’s hard to say which attractions hold the greatest appeal. Still, Canada has so many specific buildings, outdoor locations, and tourist spots that even the most demanding visitors will be satisfied.

We tried to select a few essential experiences that are patently Canadian and are easily accessible to pretty much everyone. Try doing some of the following things if you want to create memories that will last a lifetime.

See the Northern Lights

This natural phenomenon can only be experienced in high latitudes, which is how it got its name. In Canada, aurora borealis or Northern Lights are visible throughout the year in many areas, particularly in the Northwest. To get the best view, you should ideally be in a location far away from artificial lights during nighttime. Some of the best places for viewing the dance of lights and colors in the sky are worth visiting for other reasons, so you can really kill two birds with the same stone. Make sure to pick a location that is easy to reach, as you don’t want to get stuck in the snow and spoil the experience.

Visit the Niagara Falls

The massive waterfall on the US-Canada border is one of the most famous tourist attractions in either country. Located in Ontario near the lake of the same name, this hydrological wonder is close to major urban areas and has all the infrastructure needed to ensure a pleasurable stay. With a vertical drop of more than 50 meters and a very voluminous flow, Niagara Falls is truly a breathtaking sight that will look amazing in your photos. Late spring is the best time to visit when the flow is the most powerful but be aware that lots of tourists come in this period so the place could be crowded.

Explore Old Quebec

For a taste of colonial history, you can head to the picturesque Old Quebec neighborhood in Quebec City. This is one of the rare locations in Canada where 18^th century architecture remains nearly intact, and it attracts a steady stream of visitors from other parts of the country as well as from abroad. The area has a protected status as a World Heritage Site, and it features several museums that complement the enchanting streets, palaces and churches. Every corner has a story in this amazing place, and if you invest a bit of time, you could learn the original purpose of every building.

Watch the Whales

The Pacific coast is a region that is different from the rest of Canada in many respects, not the least by its wildlife. If you find yourself in British Columbia, you should take this opportunity to observe the largest mammals in their natural habitat. Vancouver Island offers the best chance to see the whales, but you could also do this in Victoria. Some of the whale species that inhabit this region include humpbacks, orcas, minke, and gray whales – all of whom are enormous in size and quite elusive. That’s why you should take a guided tour and ensure that your expedition is successful.

Spend a Night in a Casino

Canada is not all about the outdoors and history – there are plenty of leisure activities that will help you relax and enjoy your time. Many visitors are thrilled by the Canada’s casinos, some of which occupy old and beautiful buildings. Casino de Charlevoix, the Woodbine Racetrack, and Casino de Mont-Tremblant all have cultural value that stems from the history of the venue, so they are perfect for first-time visitors who would like to feel the authentic spirit of the country. A visit to one of them requires an investment of time and money but is a different experience than playing blackjack in Canada on your phone or tablet.

Climb the CN Tower

If you are looking for a perfect vantage point from which to take incredible photos, CN Tower is just what you need. This building used to hold the title of the tallest structure in the world and remains among the most iconic symbols of Canada. The building is open to the public and has an observation deck with a glass floor at more than 340 meters above the ground, accompanied by a nice restaurant with a great view of downtown Toronto. More than 2 million people visit the CN Tower every year, so you might have to share the experience with a bunch of strangers.

Ride the Banff Gondola

Banff national park in Alberta is among the premier locations for winter sports in Canada, but you don’t have to be an avid skier to enjoy it. You can get an even better experience if you soak in the surroundings while riding high above the ground in the gondola. For a reasonable price, you can book a round trip that will take you over 6 mountain ranges and several rivers before leaving you to take a walk on the summit of Sulphur Mountain. The whole trip lasts around 2 hours, and you will be comfortably seated and protected from wind and precipitation most of the time.