Things to do in  Canada

Vancouver’s Stanley Park is beloved for its stunning natural setting, surrounded on three sides by the Pacific Ocean and set against the backdrop of the snow-capped North Shore Mountains. At nearly 1,000 acres (405 hectares), it offers a combination of coastal rainforest, lakes and lagoons, and scenic meadows. A walk or cycle along the public park’s seawall is an essential Vancouver experience.

The powerful border-straddling Niagara Falls is composed of the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls (also known as the Canadian Falls). A riverside park offers expansive views of the bright turquoise water, and there's always a layer of mist hovering in the air, sparkling as the sun catches it. The crowds of visitors in colorful ponchos add to the vibrant atmosphere.

Butchart Gardens, established in 1904, treat visitors to an enchanting floral show that changes with the seasons. Covering 55 acres (22 hectares) on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, the botanical space is intricately laid out into separate themed gardens with landscaping that impresses and inspires gardeners and nature lovers alike.

Hemmed in by the dramatic snowcapped mountains that make up the Valley of the Ten Peaks, Banff National Park’s glacier-fed Moraine Lake is renowned for its bright blue-green waters. The impossibly vivid color is the result of light refracting off tiny glacial rock particles, while a dense evergreen forest stretches down to the lakeshore.

Surrounded by water on three sides, downtown Vancouver is the place to go for sea views, bright lights, and action. As the city’s commercial core, it encompasses several distinct areas including shop-lined Robson Street, the green expanse of Stanley Park, historic Gastown, and one of the largest Chinatowns in North America. The wide, tree-lined streets offer shade and greenery, so you never feel too overwhelmed by the city.

The jewel-blue water of Johnston Creek streams through the sheer-sided canyon, foaming white as it careens down waterfalls into pools below. A well-maintained trail—including a cliff-affixed walkway with incredible views—makes Johnston Canyon one of Banff National Park’s most accessible and beloved day hikes.

Admire Vancouver’s natural beauty at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, one of the city’s most popular attractions. Its highlight experience is walking out onto the 450-foot (137-meter) suspension bridge, over the rushing Capilano River and amid temperate rainforest scenery. With plenty more to see and do besides, the park is a must for adventurous visitors in Vancouver.

Dropping off a 30-foot (9-meter ledge, Bow Falls is not particularly high though it is powerful, with the strong flow creating a dramatic frothy torrent. Easy trails along the Bow River lead to scenic viewpoints from where the falls can be observed, with the glacier-carved valley and the Canadian Rockies visible in the background.

While Niagara Falls is justifiably famous for the force of nature that is the falls themselves, the Floral Clock is one of several other impressive attractions in the area. Comprising thousands of colorful plants and flowers, the clock blooms from spring to fall. It’s a fun photo opportunity, especially for nature lovers and avid gardeners.

The impressive Lions Gate Bridge spans the Burrard Inlet, connecting North and West Vancouver with the downtown area. This suspension bridge originally opened in 1938, and is designated as a National Historic Site of Canada. At the bridge’s south end is leafy Stanley Park, another major attraction in Vancouver.

One of Vancouver’s oldest and buzziest districts, Gastown is packed with Victorian architecture and cobbled streets. Named after John “Gassy Jack” Deighton, an English mariner who opened a saloon in the area in the 19th century, the district is filled with heritage buildings now hosting boutiques, coffee shops, hip restaurants, and bars.

Niagara Falls is an incredible sight from land and by boat, but Journey Behind the Falls is all about experiencing the waterfall's power while getting up close and personal—and wet. Standing on an observation deck behind the falls, where the equivalent of more than 1 million bathtubs worth of water thunder over the edge every minute, is a truly one-of-a-kind experience of Niagara.

A cultural and culinary hub of Vancouver, Granville Island is a colorful collection of artists’ studios, specialty grocers, excellent restaurants, and performance venues. Here, you’ll see kayakers paddling in False Creek and buskers charming the crowds. You'll also get to try plenty of classic Canadian favorites, including candied smoked salmon, Nanaimo bars, and poutine. It’s the ideal spot to spend a leisurely afternoon, or to take in a play, comedy show, or concert.

Located on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, Skylon Tower is a popular tourist attraction that’s famous for its sweeping views. Boasting a panoramic observation deck, a revolving restaurant, shops, and an entertainment center, the tower is fun for the whole family. It’s also the perfect place to access photo opps of the American Falls and Horseshoe Falls, along with the wider Niagara landscape.

Vancouver Cruise Port serves as the home port for Alaska-bound cruise ships, as well as for vessels traveling south to locations along the Pacific Coast and 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.