Canada attractions

Situated in Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park, Spirit Island is—for most of the year, at least—not actually an island at all, but rather a pint-sized peninsula connected to the mainland by a thin strip of land. A long-standing symbol of the Canadian Rockies, the tree-topped islet has featured on countless postcards and images of the park.

Calaway Park, the largest outdoor amusement park in Western Canada, features 32 family-friendly rides and attractions, as well as live entertainment, from stage shows to street performers. Two dozen games, a 3D theater, and a splash park with 15 water features round out the fun.

Canada’s Wonderland, located just north of Toronto, Ontario, is the largest amusement park in the country. With 16 of the world’s top roller coasters and more than 200 attractions, including thrill rides, a water park, live shows, and several children’s areas, Canada’s Wonderland is a popular destination for visiting and local families.

The largest cultural museum in Western Canada, Glenbow Museum showcases the history and culture of indigenous Canadians—particularly the Blackfoot Confederacy, whose traditional land Calgary occupies. The museum's impressive collection spans artifacts, artworks, archives, documents, and fun interactive exhibits. Please note: The Glenbow Museum is currently closed for renovations, but you can see exhibits curated by the museum at its satellite gallery, Glenbow at The Edison, in downtown Calgary.

Much-maligned critters, from tarantulas to cockroaches, are celebrated at this insectarium, which specializes in large tropical insects. Visitors can observe more than 40 live species of invertebrates, including praying mantises, stick insects, and glow-in-the-dark scorpions, as well as handling some of the creepy-crawlies.

TELUS Spark encourages curious museum-goers of all ages to explore topics of science, engineering, technology, math, and art through a series of interactive exhibits and hands-on experiences. The center’s Dome Theatre hosts live planetarium shows and documentary-style movies on a huge screen.

The collection of historic civilian and military aircraft on display at the Hangar Flight Museum highlights the history of Canadian aviation and the stories of the men and women who designed and flew these engineering marvels.

Packed with fun photo opportunities, Niagara Falls’ Movieland Wax Museum of the Stars presents lifelike likenesses of screen and music world icons. Wax figures of celebrities such as Justin Bieber, Michael Jackson, and Elvis Presley are displayed alongside Hollywood stars like Johnny Depp and famous movie characters including Harry Potter.

Showcasing Canada’s aeronautical achievements, this large museum houses more than 130 aircraft. See a replica Silver Dart, the first airplane to fly in Canada, and a Canadarm, Canada’s contribution to the International Space Station, then strap yourself into the cockpit and experience the sensation of flight in the Redbird FMX flight simulator.

Covering an area of 480 square miles (1,245 square kilometers), the protected waters of the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park (Parc Marin du Saguenay-Saint-Laurent) are among Eastern Canada’s best wildlife-viewing hot spots. Many impressive cetaceans, from blue whales to belugas, as well as several types of seals and hundreds of different species of sea birds dwell here.

For a dash of spectacle during your trip to Niagara Falls, Ontario, don’t miss the world-class illusionists that grace the stage of the Greg Frewin Theatre, known for its magic show and tribute concert series. Make an evening of it and dine at the theater buffet, or grab a drink at the full bar.

The towering columns of Province House are fittingly impressive for the oldest legislative building in Canada. With classic Palladian symmetry and a sizable portrait collection, Province House is an ideal destination for history-lovers. Today, as a meeting place for the Nova Scotia legislative assembly, you can watch history in the making as you observe a House of Assembly sitting.

See creatures, from poison dart frogs to penguins, in their native habitats in the Montreal Biodome (Biodome de Montreal). It's among the top family-friendly Montreal activities. It’s not just a zoo: The biodome recreates the plant and animal life of five ecosystems of the Americas, including the sub-Antarctic islands, tropical rainforest, Laurentian maple forest, and maritime Gulf of Saint Lawrence.

La Fontaine Park (Parc La Fontaine), located just north of Montreal’s Gay Village, is an 84-acre green space where locals come to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Built in 1845 on what was once farmland, the park now boasts walking and bike paths, picnic areas, ponds, a dog park, tennis and pétanque courts, and outdoor swimming pools.

Winding through the front ranges of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, the glacial blue waters of the Kananaskis River offer exhilarating white water rafting adventures. Considered one of the most scenic rivers in Alberta, the Kananaskis also affords mountain views and the chance to spy wolves, elk, eagle, and black and grizzly bears.

Named after the now-demolished fur trading post of the Hudson’s Bay Company, Fort Street has long been at the heart of Victoria’s commercial life. Once a hotbed for vintage and collectibles, this central artery is now home to an eclectic mix of shops and eateries, among them several remaining second-hand stores and auction houses.

This Nova Scotia fishing town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts well-preserved wooden architecture. Visit the boat-filled harbor to take in its brightly painted clapboard homes and heritage buildings. Lunenburg is also the birthplace of the boat featured on the Canadian dime.

Travel up Whistlers Mountain on the Jasper SkyTram, Canada’s longest and highest aerial tramway, to see Jasper National Park from a brand-new perspective. The enclosed gondola takes you from 4,279 feet (1,304 meters) to 7,472 feet (2,277 meters) above sea level. From the top, enjoy stunning views of Jasper, the Rockies, and the Athabasca River.

The towering 1000 Islands Tower offers visitors to Ontario stunning 360-degree views of the Saint Lawrence River, it’s beautiful islands, and the nearby Thousand Islands International Bridge. The views—from 400 feet (122 meters) in the air—are particularly popular with photographers.

More than 2,000 butterflies representing about 45 different species flutter freely around this climate-controlled conservatory, occasionally landing on passersby. The glass-enclosed greenhouse, which is planted with lush vegetation and crisscrossed by paths, is part of Niagara Falls Botanical Gardens.

The scale of the Confederation Centre of the Arts is proof of Prince Edward Island’s dedication to arts and culture—the sprawling center takes up an entire city block in the heart of Charlottetown. The brutalist-style buildings give a modern frame to a space honoring Canadian history.

With sheer cliffs carved by glaciers, dozens of waterfalls and creeks, and thick, old-growth forests, this fjord is one of southern British Columbia’s wildest back-to-nature escapes. Though it’s only about 50 miles (80 kilometers) from Vancouver, its limited road access keeps it remote and unspoiled.

Descend via elevator to a 1,000-foot-long (305-meter-long) boardwalk along the Niagara River to see the swirling Class VI whitewater rapids up close. Information points along the boardwalk delve into the immense power of the river, as well as the geology and wildlife of the Niagara Gorge, while observation areas offer front-row views of nature’s power.

Calgary’s Heritage Park Historical Village stretches out across 127 acres (51 hectares), creating an experience that immerses you in Canada’s past. As a living museum, the park features a working steam train, a 19th-century paddle wheeler, and horse-drawn wagons. From the sights to the sounds to the treats on offer, every effort has been made to help visitors experience life in a centuries-old Canadian town.

Set in a former boat house on the edge of Lost Lagoon, the Stanley Park Nature House hosts exhibits about local wildlife and conservation projects. The nature house is run by the Stanley Park Ecological Society, and staff are on hand to offer tips and advice on wildlife-viewing and other things to do around the park.

Straddling the border of the Yukon Territory and British Columbia, Bennett Lake is known for its beaches and water sports activities. You can spend the day relaxing on sandy shores and enjoying mountain views or take to the water for canoeing, kayaking, or kite surfing. In the summer, the lake is even warm enough for a refreshing swim.

The historic Atlas Coal Mine, located in the Alberta Badlands offers visitors a glimpse into the region's coal mining history. The old wooden structures stand out starkly against the wide blue sky and the red soil of the region, while Atlas Coal Mine are a testament to the industry that once thrived in this area.

Miette Hot Springs in Jasper National Park are a gorgeous spot to soak your bones after a hike in the Rocky Mountains. Known as the hottest springs in the Canadian Rockies, the mineral-rich water gushes out of the mountainside at a steamy 129°F (54°C) before being cooled to 104°F (40°C) for a comfortable dip in the pool.

This privately owned island is one of several hundred forested islands scattered around Nova Scotia’s Mahone Bay. According to local legend, Oak Island is the site of buried treasure—some speculate that loot was hidden by plundering pirates such as Captain Kidd and Blackbeard. Treasure hunters are still drawn here in search of booty.

Stretching from the Canadian Rockies to Vancouver, the Fraser River is the longest river in British Columbia and is known as one of the most productive salmon fisheries in the world. Throughout its vast basin, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a range of recreation activities such as white-water rafting, fishing, wildlife viewing, and hiking.