Best Place To Visit In Canada For First Time Tourists +9 More

Canada’s calling in 2024, and it’s got a lot to say. From the roar of Niagara Falls to the gentle lapping of Prince Edward Island’s shores, this country’s got a voice like no other. But where should you listen first?

After years of traveling the Great White North, I can confidently say that Toronto is the best place to visit in Canada for first time in 2024. It’s got everything a first-timer could want – but it’s not the only star of the show.

So, let me explain why Toronto takes the crown and introduce you to other must-see Canadian destinations that’ll make your trip unforgettable. I’ll help you figure out where to go and what to do when you get there.

Before we dive in, here’s a quick look at some top places to visit in Canada for first time travelers:

Place	What It’s Great For	Must-See Attraction	Best Time to Visit
Toronto	Big city experience	CN Tower	May – October
Vancouver	City and nature mix	Stanley Park	June – September
Banff National Park	Mountain views	Lake Louise	July – August
Montreal	Culture and food	Old Montreal	June – September
Quebec City	European charm	Old Quebec	June – August
Niagara Falls	Natural wonder	Horseshoe Falls	June – August
Prince Edward Island	Relaxation	Cavendish Beach	July – August
Calgary	Western culture	Calgary Stampede	July
Victoria	British charm	Butchart Gardens	April – October
Halifax	Maritime history	Halifax Waterfront	June – September

Now, let’s talk about each place in more detail!

1. Toronto – Canada’s Biggest City

Toronto is the largest city in Canada and the capital of Ontario. This most populous city in Canada is busy and exciting, with lots of different things to see and do. I love the energy here!

Why Toronto is Awesome

Toronto is the best place to visit in Canada for first time travelers because it has all the exciting stuff you’d expect in a big city, but it’s still pretty easy to get around. There are fantastic museums, delicious food from all over the world, and always something fun happening. Plus, it’s a travel destination that’s super diverse – people from all over the world live here.

Cool Things to Do in Toronto for First Time Visitors

• CN Tower: This super tall tower is the most famous building in Toronto. You can go up to the top and see the whole city. If you’re feeling brave, you can even walk on the glass floor or try the EdgeWalk!
• Royal Ontario Museum: This huge museum has all sorts of interesting stuff, from dinosaur bones to ancient Egyptian artifacts. The building itself is pretty cool too, with a modern crystal structure attached to the old building.
• Kensington Market: This is a funky Canadian neighborhood with lots of unique shops and food places. It’s fun just to walk around and explore. You’ll find vintage clothes, cool cafes, and street art everywhere.
• Toronto Islands: You can take a short ferry ride to these islands for a break from the city. They have beaches, parks, and even a small amusement park. You also get an amazing view of the Toronto skyline from here.

Here’s a quick table of Toronto facts:

Population (2024 estimate)	About 3 million (6.2 million in Greater Toronto Area)
Founded	1834
Nickname	The Six
Number of neighborhoods	Over 140

Toronto is known for having all kinds of food from different countries. You should try poutine (fries with gravy and cheese curds) and a peameal bacon sandwich – they’re Canadian favorites!

If you like sports, try to watch a hockey game. The Toronto Maple Leafs are the local team, and Canadians are crazy about hockey. The atmosphere at a game is really exciting.

Summer is a great time to visit because there are lots of festivals and events. But winter can also be fun with outdoor ice skating rinks and cozy cafes to warm up in.

Remember that Toronto is a big city, so it can be busy and a bit expensive. But there’s so much to see and do, you’ll never be bored! In fact, the city has so many fun things to do in Toronto with kids that show what Canada is all about.

2. Vancouver – Where City Meets Nature

Vancouver is this amazing city in British Columbia where you can enjoy city life and nature all in one day. It’s one of my favorite places in Canada because it’s so unique.

Why Vancouver is Special

In Vancouver, you can go shopping downtown in the morning and then hike in the mountains in the afternoon. It’s right by the ocean too, so you can even go to the beach. People from all over the world live here, which means you get to try lots of different foods and experience various cultures.

Fun Things to Do in Vancouver

• Stanley Park: This huge park is right in the city. It’s even bigger than Central Park in New York! You can walk or bike around it and see awesome views of the mountains and ocean. There’s also an aquarium here if you want to learn about sea creatures.
• Granville Island: This is a fun area with lots of little shops and a big food market. You can try all sorts of yummy Canadian foods here. I love watching the street performers too!
• Grouse Mountain: You can take a cable car up this mountain and see the whole city from the top. In winter, people go skiing here. In summer, you might see a lumberjack show or visit the wildlife refuge.
• Gastown: This is the old part of the city. It has neat old buildings and a steam clock that whistles every hour. At night, the streets are lit up with pretty lights.

Here’s a quick look at some Vancouver facts:

Population (2024 estimate)	About 2.6 million (Metro Vancouver)
Founded	1886
Known for	Mountains, ocean, diverse cultures
Popular attraction	Stanley Park

Vancouver has great food. You should try the sushi – it’s really good here because we’re so close to the ocean. If you like being outside, you can go kayaking, hiking, or even try stand-up paddleboarding.

Just remember to bring a raincoat if you visit in fall or winter. It rains a lot in Vancouver, but that’s why everything is so green and pretty!

3. Banff National Park – Mountain Magic

Banff National Park is in Alberta, and it’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. It’s full of huge mountains and lakes that are so blue they almost look unreal.

Why Banff Will Amaze You

There are so many things to do in Banff in summer, and it’s all about nature on a grand scale. The mountains are so big, they make you feel tiny! And the lakes are this amazing blue-green color because of rock flour in the water from glaciers. If you love being outside and seeing incredible views, you’ll have a blast here.

Awesome Things to Do in Banff

• Lake Louise: This is probably the most famous spot in Banff. The water is incredibly blue, and there are mountains all around it. In summer, you can rent a canoe. In winter, it turns into an ice skating rink!
• Moraine Lake: Another stunning lake. The view here is so pretty, it used to be on our $20 bill. Try to get here early in the morning to beat the crowds.
• Banff Gondola: This cable car takes you up Sulphur Mountain. The views from the top are incredible. You can see for miles in every direction.
• Johnston Canyon: This is a fun hike where you walk on paths attached to the side of a canyon. You get to see waterfalls up close. In winter, the waterfalls freeze and it looks magical.

Here’s a quick table of Banff National Park facts:

Established	1885
Size	6,641 square kilometers (2,564 square miles)
Annual visitors	About 4 million
Highest peak	Mount Forbes (3,612 meters / 11,850 feet)

The town of Banff is cute because it’s small but has lots of shops and restaurants. You might even see elk walking down the street!

Summer is the best time to visit if you want to hike. But winter is great too if you like skiing or snowboarding. Just remember, it gets really cold!

If you’re lucky, you might see some wildlife like bears, moose, or mountain goats. But always stay far away and never feed them.

Banff can be expensive, especially in summer. If you’re trying to save money, try camping or visit Banff in spring or fall when it’s less busy.

Planning your first trip to Canada? Pair it with these top hiking trails in Banff National Park for an unforgettable adventure!

4. Montreal – Where Old Meets New

Montreal is the largest city in Quebec and it’s unlike anywhere else in Canada. It’s where French and English Canada meet, creating a unique vibe that I absolutely love.

Why Montreal is Special

Montreal stands out because it mixes old-world charm with modern city life. You can walk down cobblestone streets in Old Montreal, then turn a corner and see skyscrapers. Plus, the food here is also amazing!

Must-Do Things in Montreal

• Old Montreal: This is the historic part of the city. Walking through the narrow streets feels like you’ve traveled back in time. The Notre Dame Basilica of Montreal is here, and it’s incredibly beautiful inside.
• Mount Royal Park: This big park is right in the middle of the city. I love hiking to the top for great views of Montreal. In winter, you can go cross-country skiing or snow tubing here.
• Jean-Talon Market: This is one of North America’s largest outdoor markets. It’s a feast for your eyes (and stomach!) with all the Canadian fresh produce, flowers, and local specialties. I always end up buying way more food than I can eat!
• Montreal Botanical Garden: This Canadian place is huge and beautiful. My favorite part is the Japanese Garden, but the Insectarium is pretty neat too if you like bugs.

Now, let’s talk food. Montreal is famous for a few dishes you’ve got to try:

• Poutine: French fries topped with gravy and cheese curds. It sounds weird but tastes amazing!
• Montreal-style bagels: They’re different from New York bagels – smaller, sweeter, and cooked in a wood-fired oven.
• Smoked meat sandwich: Try one at Schwartz’s Deli, a Montreal institution.

Here’s a quick table of Montreal facts:

Population (2024 estimate)	About 1.8 million (4.2 million in Greater Montreal)
Founded	1642
Official language	French
Number of islands	234 (Montreal is an archipelago)

If you visit in summer, try to catch one of Montreal’s many festivals. The Jazz Festival is world-famous, and Just for Laughs is great if you like comedy.

Winter is cold in Montreal but beautiful. The city has an “underground city” – a huge network of connected buildings and tunnels where you can shop, eat, and stay warm.

Don’t worry if you don’t speak French. Most people in Montreal speak English but it’s fun to learn a few French phrases to use while you’re there!

5. Quebec City – A Slice of Europe in North America

Quebec City feels like a little piece of Europe right here in Canada. It’s one of the oldest cities in North America and it’s full of history and charm.

Why Quebec City is a Must-Visit

If you’ve always wanted to visit Europe with kids but can’t make it there, Quebec City is the next best thing. It’s got old stone buildings, narrow streets, and a big castle-like hotel called the Chateau Frontenac. And it’s the only walled city north of Mexico in North America!

Top Things to See in Quebec City

• Old Quebec: This is the historic part of the city, and it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walking around here feels like you’ve stepped back in time. The streets are narrow and winding, and there are cute shops and cafes everywhere.
• Montmorency Falls: These waterfalls are actually higher than Niagara Falls! You can take a cable car to the top for amazing views. If you’re feeling brave, try the zipline that goes right across the front of the falls.
• Plains of Abraham: This big park is where a famous battle happened that changed the course of Canadian history. Nowadays, it’s a great place for picnics in summer or cross-country skiing in winter.
• Petit Champlain District: This is the cutest neighborhood with narrow streets lined with little shops and restaurants. It’s especially magical during the holidays when it’s all lit up.

Quebec City is a place to visit in Canada for first time visitors to try traditional French-Canadian food. Look for things like:

• Tourtière: A meat pie that’s especially popular around Christmas.
• Poutine: Yes, they have it here too!
• Maple everything: Quebec produces most of Canada’s maple syrup, so you’ll find it in all sorts of dishes.

Here’s a quick table of Quebec City facts:

Population (2024 estimate)	About 550,000 (800,000 in metro area)
Founded	1608
UNESCO World Heritage Site	Old Quebec (since 1985)
Known as	The most European city in North America

In winter, the city hosts a huge winter carnival with ice sculptures, night parades, and even a hotel made entirely of ice. It’s cold but so much fun. Just make sure to bundle up!

Summer here is lovely because the best restaurants in Quebec City are more active and you can take boat trips on the St. Lawrence River. Fall is beautiful with all the changing leaves, especially if you take a trip to Île d’Orléans, an island just outside the city.

Most people in Quebec City also speak French, but many speak English too. It’s a good idea to learn a few basic French phrases before you go. Even just saying “Bonjour” (hello) and “Merci” (thank you) goes a long way.

Remember, Quebec City is built on a hill, so be prepared for some uphill walking. But the views are worth it!

6. Niagara Falls – Nature’s Power on Display

Niagara Falls is one of the top places visitors must go when traveling to Canada for the first time that’s famous for a reason. It’s not just one waterfall but three big ones that’ll take your breath away. I remember the first time I saw it – I couldn’t believe how much water was rushing over the edge!

Why Niagara Falls is Amazing

There’s something about the sheer power of Niagara Falls that’s hard to explain. The sound of all that water, the mist in the air, the rainbows on sunny days – it’s an experience you won’t forget. It’s one of those natural wonders that makes you realize how incredible our planet is.

Fun Things to Do at Niagara Falls

• Hornblower Cruise: This boat ride takes you right up to the base of the falls. You’ll get pretty wet, but it’s totally worth it. The power of the falls up close is incredible.
• Journey Behind the Falls: This is a series of tunnels that lets you see the falls from behind and below. It’s a different view that’s really neat, especially in winter when ice formations build up.
• Niagara SkyWheel: This big ferris wheel gives you great views of both the American and Canadian falls. I like going at night when Niagara Falls are lit up with colorful lights.
• Clifton Hill: This street is full of fun, silly attractions like wax museums and haunted houses. It’s very touristy but can be a fun way to spend an evening.

The Niagara Falls are impressive any time of day, but I really love seeing them at night when they’re illuminated. The lights change colors and sometimes they even do special shows for holidays.

Here’s a quick table of some Niagara Falls facts:

Height of Horseshoe Falls	57 meters (187 feet)
Width of Horseshoe Falls	790 meters (2,590 feet)
Water flow rate	About 2,400 cubic meters per second
Number of visitors per year	About 13 million

Summer is the busiest time at Niagara Falls. If you don’t like crowds, try going in spring or fall. The weather is still nice and it’s less crowded.

In winter, the falls can partially freeze, creating amazing ice sculptures. It’s beautiful, but bundle up because it gets very cold!

Niagara Falls is about an hour and a half drive from Toronto. You can visit for a day trip or stay overnight. The area right around the falls is quite touristy with lots of hotels and restaurants.

If you have time, explore some of the surrounding area too. There are some great wineries nearby in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Traveling Tip: The Canadian side of Niagara Falls has the best views. The American side is nice too, but most people agree you get a better overall experience from the Canadian side.

7. Prince Edward Island – Laid-Back Island Charm

Prince Edward Island, or PEI as we usually call it, is Canada’s smallest province. It’s an island on the east coast known for its red-sand beaches, rolling green hills, and super friendly locals. I love coming here when I need a break from the busy city life.

Why PEI is Worth a Visit

If it’s you’re first time visiting Canda and looking for a relaxing vacation with beautiful scenery, PEI is perfect. It’s got a slower pace of life that helps you unwind. Plus, it’s famous as the setting of the “Anne of Green Gables” books, so it’s got this storybook quality to it.

Top Attractions in PEI

• Cavendish Beach: This is part of Prince Edward Island National Park. The beach seems to go on forever, with red sand and warm water in the summer. It’s great for swimming, building sandcastles, or just taking long walks.
• Green Gables Heritage Place: If you’re an “Anne of Green Gables” fan, you can visit the house that inspired the books. Even if you haven’t read them, it’s a beautiful old farmhouse that gives you a sense of what life was like here in the past.
• Charlottetown: This is PEI’s capital city. It’s small but charming with lots of historic buildings. The Confederation Centre of the Arts always has interesting exhibits and shows.
• PEI National Park: Besides Cavendish Beach, the park has hiking trails, cycling paths, and amazing wildlife. Keep an eye out for foxes and great blue herons!

PEI is famous for its seafood, especially lobster and mussels. You can go on a lobster fishing tour or just enjoy them at a local restaurant. The island also grows lots of potatoes, so try some local potato dishes too.

Here’s a quick table of PEI facts:

Population (2024 estimate)	About 165,000
Size	5,660 square kilometers (2,185 square miles)
Capital city	Charlottetown
Famous for	Anne of Green Gables, seafood, beaches

One of my favorite things to do in PEI is bike the Confederation Trail. It’s an old railway line that’s been turned into a cycling path that goes across the whole island. You get to see beautiful countryside and cute little towns along the way.

Summer is the best time to visit PEI. The weather’s warm and everything’s open. In fall, the leaves change color and it’s really pretty, but some tourist attractions start to close for the season.

You can drive to PEI over the Confederation Bridge (which is an experience in itself – it’s 13 kilometers long!) or take a ferry. It’s a great place for a road trip in Canada – the island has lots of scenic drives with beautiful views of the coast and farmland.

PEI is pretty small, so you can see a lot of it even if you only have a few days. It’s a nice, calm place to end your Canadian adventure!

8. Calgary – Where Cowboy Meets City Life

Calgary is a big city in Alberta, in western Canada. It’s known for its cowboy culture, but it’s also a modern city with lots going on.

Why Calgary’s Worth Your Time

Calgary is interesting because it blends Western traditions with city life in a way you don’t see anywhere else. You might see someone in a business suit walking next to someone in full cowboy gear, and neither looks out of place. It’s also a great base for exploring the Rocky Mountains.

Top Things to Do in Calgary

• Calgary Stampede: If you’re here in July, you can’t miss this. It’s a huge rodeo and festival that takes over the whole city. Even if you’re not into rodeos, the atmosphere is amazing. There’s great food, music, and everybody gets into the western spirit.
• Calgary Tower: This tall tower gives you great views of the city and the Rocky Mountains in the distance. There’s a glass floor section that’s pretty thrilling to walk on!
• Heritage Park Historical Village: This is like stepping back in time to the old West. It’s a living history museum where you can ride an old steam train, see how people used to live, and even taste old-fashioned candy.
• Studio Bell, Home of the National Music Centre: This is a really cool museum all about music. You can see instruments from famous Canadian musicians and even try playing some yourself.

Calgary has some great food too. Alberta is famous for its wagyu beef, so try a steak if you eat meat. There’s also a dish called ginger beef that was invented in Calgary – it’s really tasty!

Here’s a quick table of Calgary facts:

Population (2024 estimate)	About 1.4 million
Founded	1875
Nickname	Cowtown
Famous event	Calgary Stampede

Calgary is also known for its pathway system – it’s the longest urban pathway and bikeway network in North America. If you like biking or walking, you can explore a lot of the city this way.

The best time to visit is in summer when the weather is warm and the Stampede is on. But winter can be fun too if you like skiing or snowboarding – there are several ski resorts in the nearby Rocky Mountains.

One thing to know about Calgary – the weather can change really quickly. It’s not unusual to have warm weather one day and snow the next, especially in spring and fall. So always be prepared!

Calgary is a friendly city and easy to get around. It’s a great place to experience Canada’s western culture while still enjoying all the perks of a big city.

9. Victoria – A Bit of Britain on the Pacific

Victoria is the capital city of British Columbia. It’s on Vancouver Island, just off the west coast of Canada. I love visiting Victoria because it feels like a little piece of England, but with a laid-back West Coast vibe.

Why Victoria is Special

Victoria is known for its beautiful gardens, historic buildings, and British-style afternoon tea. But it’s also got all the relaxed feel of the West Coast. It’s a smaller Canadian city, which makes it easy to explore and enjoy at a slower pace.

Must-See Spots in Victoria

• Butchart Gardens: These are some of the most famous gardens in Canada. They’re beautiful all year round, but especially in spring and summer when everything’s in bloom.
• Inner Harbour: This is the heart of the city. You can watch boats come and go, or take a water taxi tour. The Parliament Buildings are here too, and they’re lit up at night – it’s really pretty!
• Royal BC Museum: This museum has cool exhibits about the history and nature of British Columbia. The First Peoples gallery is really interesting.
• Fisherman’s Wharf: This is a fun area with floating homes, food kiosks, and sometimes seals in the water! You can buy fish to feed them, but be careful – they can be pretty demanding!

Victoria is known as the “Garden City” because it has so many pretty parks and gardens. The weather here is milder than most of Canada, so flowers bloom early.

You should try having afternoon tea in Victoria. The Fairmont Empress hotel is famous for it, but there are lots of other nice places too. It’s a fun way to feel a bit fancy for an afternoon!

Here’s a quick table about Victoria:

Population (2024 estimate)	About 390,000 (Greater Victoria)
Founded	1843
Known for	Gardens, British charm, mild climate
Popular activity	Whale watching

Victoria is a great place for whale watching. You can take boat tours to see orcas (killer whales) and other sea life. The best time for this is from May to October.

The city is pretty small, so it’s easy to walk around. You can also rent bikes – there are lots of nice cycling paths.

Victoria has a milder climate than most of Canada, so it’s a nice place to visit year-round. But summer is especially lovely, with lots of outdoor events and festivals.

Remember, Victoria is on an island in Canada, so you’ll need to take a ferry or a small plane to get there. But the journey is part of the fun – you might even see some whales on the way!

10. Halifax – Maritime Charm on the Atlantic Coast

Halifax is the biggest city in Canada’s Atlantic provinces. It’s in Nova Scotia, right on the ocean. I love visiting Halifax because it’s got this great mix of history and modern city life, all with a really friendly maritime vibe.

Why Halifax is Worth a Visit

Halifax is perfect if you’re interested in maritime history or just love being near the sea. It’s got a friendly, small-city feel but still lots to do. The people here are known for being super welcoming, so you’ll feel right at home.

Top Attractions in Halifax

• Halifax Citadel: This old fort sits on a hill overlooking the city. It’s a National Historic Site where you can learn about Halifax’s military history. The view from up here is amazing!
• Halifax Waterfront: This is a fun area to walk around. There are shops, restaurants, and sometimes street performers. You can watch big ships come in and out of the harbor.
• Maritime Museum of the Atlantic: This museum tells stories about ships and the sea, including exhibits about the Titanic. Did you know that Halifax played a big role in the Titanic rescue efforts?
• Peggy’s Cove: This isn’t in Halifax, but it’s a short drive away. It’s a tiny fishing village with a famous lighthouse. The rocks here are really cool, but be careful – the waves can be dangerous!

Halifax has awesome seafood. You should try lobster or “donairs” – a kind of wrap that’s popular here. It was invented in Halifax!

Here’s a quick table about Halifax:

Population (2024 estimate)	About 460,000 (Halifax Regional Municipality)
Founded	1749
Known for	Maritime history, friendly people, seafood
Popular event	Halifax Jazz Festival (July)

Halifax City has lots of pubs and live music so it’s a fun place to go out at night. There’s a special kind of music from this part of Canada called Celtic music – you might hear some while you’re here!

In summer, you can take ferries to islands in the harbor or go to beaches near the city. Crystal Crescent Beach is really pretty if you have time to visit.

Halifax is pretty hilly, so be ready for some uphill walks! But the views of the harbor are totally worth the effort.

The weather in Halifax can be a bit unpredictable. It can be foggy one minute and sunny the next. But that’s part of the charm of being in a coastal city!

Good Luck on Your First Time Visit to Canada!

Each place we’ve talked about has its own special character. If you love nature, Banff or Vancouver might be your favorite. For city excitement, Toronto or Montreal could be perfect. If you’re into history, Quebec City and Halifax have tons to explore.

Remember, this is a big country, so don’t try to see all the best places to visit in Canada for first time visitors in one trip. Pick a few places that sound most interesting to you and take your time enjoying them.