I spent a year and a half living in Canada on a Working Holiday permit and travelled as much as possible during this time. It’s impossible to experience absolutely everything this vast country has to offer in one go, so I’ve put together the ultimate Canada bucket list. After everything I’ve seen and done, these are the top destinations that really stood out. If you can only prioritise a handful of places in Canada when planning your own trip, be sure to start with these!
The Rockies
It doesn’t matter how touristy or popular the Rockies have become; nothing compares to that first glimpse of the towering mountains and glacial lakes. Whether it’s the heavy-hitters like Banff and Jasper National Parks or quieter, off-the-beaten-track parks like Yoho and Kootenay, the views and hiking opportunities are first-class. The Rockies remain one of my favourite places in Canada (and also in the world). You simply cannot miss out on the Rockies.
Discover more things to do in the Rockies: 10 free things to do in the Canadian Rockies
Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island has everything you could need for a vacation in one island: rugged coastline, ancient rainforests, beautiful beaches, vibrant cities… I especially fell in love with the laidback vibes and delightful weather in Victoria. Vancouver Island is also one of the best places for wildlife spotting; on a tour from Campbell River, I got to witness grizzly bears enjoying the salmon run, whales, dolphins and eagles, all in one day.
Discover more things to do on Vancouver Island: Top 10 places to visit on Vancouver Island
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is one of those iconic spots I think everyone should experience at least once. Yes, the area around it is tacky and resembles a sad Las Vegas strip, but the actual waterfalls are one-of-a-kind. Hearing the thunder of the water and feeling the mist on my face on the Niagara City Cruise is a memory that will last a lifetime. You can return again and again and have a different experience each time; visiting in summer is completely different to winter, where you can see the frozen falls and magical Christmas lights.
Discover more things to do in Ontario: 15 of the best weekend trips from Toronto
Quebec City
Quebec City is pure European charm. I can’t get over how the old town feels exactly like you’ve been transported to the streets of France, with cobblestones, stone buildings and a breathtaking chateau. It’s probably the closest you can get to experiencing European culture within Canada and it’s my favourite city in the province (with Montreal a close second). Slow down and enjoy a relaxed pace of life that is quintessentially European.
Discover more things to do in Quebec: The best weekend trips from Montreal
The Okanagans
I’m a sucker for a wine tour and the Okanagan Valley is home to one of my favourite white wines in the world (high praise, because I’ve spent a lot of time in vineyards in Australia and New Zealand, too). It’s such a great place to unwind, cycling between wineries, sampling local delicacies and enjoying the surrounding lakes and beaches. I highly recommend visiting in fall, when the leaves are changing colour and the food and wine festivals take place.
Discover more things to do in British Columbia: The best weekend trips from Vancouver
The Yukon
I only managed to scratch the surface of the Yukon with a day trip (as part of a week-long trip to Alaska) and I’m already desperate to go back. The raw, untouched wilderness offers some of the most amazing scenery in the country. If I could brave the cold temperatures, I’d love to go dogsledding in winter, chase the northern lights and learn more about Indigenous culture. If you can make it to this remote part of the world, you’ll be in awe of how expansive and impressive Canada really is.
Discover more things to do in the Yukon: The best time to travel to the Yukon
The Maritimes
The Maritimes (the provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island) each have a unique charm of their own. Don’t miss the red cliffs, lighthouses and Anne of Green Gables history on Prince Edward Island. Driving the Cabot Trail in Cape Breton is always a recommended Nova Scotian highlight, but I also enjoyed the lesser-visited Annapolis Valley and, of course, Peggy’s Cove and Lunenberg. The Bay of Fundy is a must-visit, especially Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park in New Brunswick. You won’t get bored on a road trip around the Maritimes!
Discover more things to do in the Maritimes: Top 10 places to visit in the Canadian Maritimes
Newfoundland
I’m half-Irish and Newfoundland really feels like home, with its pub culture, rolling green hills and charming people. From the colourful jellybean houses of St. John’s to the dramatic mountains and tablelands in Gros Morne National Park, it was love at first sight. I recommend a visit to Gander to learn more about the community and watch the musical Come From Away, getting screeched in (a Newfoundland tradition) in St John’s and watching the puffins on the Bonavista peninsula. Newfoundland stole my heart and I’m sure it’ll steal yours, too.
Discover more reasons to visit Newfoundland: 10 reasons Newfoundland is the best province to visit in Canada
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