The 25 cities in Canada to visit once in a lifetime!

Vast and still sparsely populated, Canada is a great country for those who love a mix of large metropolises and wild territories. If you choose to visit, make a list of the cities you want to discover. This will enable you to create a suitable itinerary.

For my part, here are the 25 Canadian cities I recommend you visit first.

Toronto

The Province: Ontario

The best things to do in Toronto :

• CN Tower.
• The Royal Ontario Museum.
• Ripley’s Aquarium.
• A visit to the historic Distillery District.
• Discovering Toronto Island.
• St. Lawrence market.
• A walk in the High Park.
• Kensington Market.
• A visit to Casa Loma.

Weather by season :

• Spring: Cool mornings, bright afternoons.
• Summer: Pleasant warmth, clear skies.
• Autumn: Cool, with often clear skies.
• Winter: Cold, with frequent snowfalls.

Typical dish to eat: the peameal bacon sandwich, a back bacon sandwich rolled in pea flour.

 

Montreal

The Province: Quebec

The best things to do in Montreal :

• Old Montreal, for its historic architecture and cobblestone streets.
• Notre-Dame Basilica.
• Mount Royat.
• The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.
• The Montreal Biodome.
• Jean Talon Market.
• A visit to the Plateau Mont-Royal district.
• The Olympic Park, the legacy of the 1976 Olympic Games.
• The Mile End district.
• The McCord Museum.

Weather by season :

• Spring: Rising temperatures, often clear skies.
• Summer: Comfortable warmth, plenty of sunshine.
• Autumn: Freshness, with brightly colored scenery.
• Winter: Intense cold, heavy snow.

Typical dish: poutine, French fries topped with cheese curds and brown gravy.

 

Vancouver

The Province: British Columbia

The best things to do in Vancouver :

• Stanley Park.
• Granville Island Market.
• The seawall walk.
• The classic Chinese garden of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen.
• A visit to the Gastown district, with its steam clock.
• Discover Capilano Suspension Bridge.
• A visit to the Vancouver Art Gallery.
• Relaxation on the beaches of Kitsilano.
• Explore the Yaletown district for its stores and restaurants.

Weather by season :

• Spring: mild temperatures, bright weather.
• Summer: Pleasant, with sunny, dry weather.
• Autumn: Cool, with nature’s shimmering colors.
• Winter: Mild, with frequent rainfall.

Typical dish to eat: West Coast salmon, often served grilled or smoked.

 

Quebec

The Province: Quebec

The best things to do in Quebec City :

• Old Quebec, for its European charm and fortifications.
• The Château Frontenac, the city’s landmark.
• The Plains of Abraham for lovely walking in summer and skiing in winter.
• Quartier Petit Champlain, picturesque and lively.
• A visit to the Musée de la civilisation.
• Discover Montmorency Falls.
• Walking on Dufferin Terrace.
• Notre-Dame de Québec Cathedral Basilica.
• The Quebec City Summer Festival for music and culture.
• A cruise on the St. Lawrence River with a view of Quebec City.

Weather by season :

• Spring: Persistent coolness, bright skies.
• Summer: pleasant temperatures, fine weather.
• Autumn: Cool, with a landscape of flamboyant colors.
• Winter: freezing cold, heavy snow.

Typical dish to eat: Tourtière, a traditional meat pie.

 

Ottawa

The Province: Ontario

The best things to do in Ottawa :

• The Parliament of Canada.
• The Canadian Museum of History.
• Walk along the Rideau Canal.
• A visit to the National Gallery of Canada.
• The ByWard Market.
• A visit to the Canadian War Museum.
• The Canadian Museum of Nature.
• Walks in Gatineau Park.
• The Rideau Canal Skateway in winter.

Weather by season :

• Spring: Gentle, with nature in full bloom.
• Summer: Comfortable warmth, generally clear skies.
• Autumn: Cool, with brightly hued leaves.
• Winter: Intense cold, regular snow.

Typical dish to eat: BeaverTails, a sweet fried pastry.

 

Calgary

Province: Alberta

The best things to do in Calgary :

• A visit to the Calgary Tower.
• Heritage Park.
• The Calgary Stampede, a major rodeo festival.
• Discover the Glenbow Museum.
• Visit Fish Creek Provincial Park.
• The historic Inglewood district.
• The walk on Prince’s Island.
• Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre.
• Excursions to the nearby Rocky Mountains.

Weather by season :

• Spring: Rising temperatures, variable weather.
• Summer: pleasant heat, frequent sunshine.
• Autumn: Fresh, with clear moments.
• Winter: Cold, with snowfall and the chinook phenomenon.

Typical dish to eat: Alberta beef, renowned for its quality.

 

Edmonton

Province: Alberta

The best things to do in Edmonton :

• The West Edmonton Mall, one of the world’s largest shopping centers.
• Fort Edmonton Park.
• The Art Gallery of Alberta.
• A walk through the river valley.
• TELUS World of Science.
• The University of Alberta Botanical Garden.
• The Edmonton Fringe Festival, one of the largest theater festivals in the world.
• Discover the historic district of Old Strathcona.

Weather by season :

• Spring: Moderate temperatures, changeable weather.
• Summer: Pleasantly warm, with plenty of sunshine.
• Autumn: Cool, with often clear skies.
• Winter: Cold and snowy, typical of Canadian winters.

Typical dish to eat: Perogies, an Eastern European dish popular in the region.

 

Victoria

The Province: British Columbia

The best things to do in Victoria :

• A visit to Butchart Gardens.
• The Parliament of British Columbia.
• Discovering the Royal BC Museum.
• A stroll through the city’s historic district.
• A visit to Craigdarroch Castle.
• Discover marine life on a whale-watching excursion.
• Shopping and dining in Inner Harbour.
• Visit Fisherman’s Wharf for its colorful floating houses.

Weather by season :

• Spring: Gentle, with bright days.
• Summer: moderate temperatures, sunny climate.
• Autumn: Fresh, with clear moments.
• Winter: Relatively mild, with occasional precipitation.

Typical dish to eat: Seafood from the Pacific coast, especially salmon.

 

Halifax

The Province: Nova Scotia

The best things to do in Halifax :

• Visit the historic Halifax Citadel.
• A stroll along the Halifax waterfront.
• Discover the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.
• A visit to the Halifax Public Garden.
• Discover the historic district of Peggy’s Cove.
• Visit McNabs Island.
• Participation in the Halifax Jazz Festival in the summer.
• Taste the local cuisine in the many seafood restaurants.

Weather by season :

• Spring: Cool temperatures, variable weather.
• Summer: Pleasant, with often sunny weather.
• Autumn: Gentle, with beautiful autumn foliage.
• Winter: Cold, with snowstorms possible.

Typical dish to eat: Nova Scotia lobster, often served as a lobster sandwich.

 

Winnipeg

The Province: Manitoba

The best things to do in Winnipeg :

• A visit to the unique Canadian Museum for Human Rights.
• Exploration of The Forks historic district.
• Discovering the Manitoba Museum.
• A visit to Assiniboine Park.
• A stroll through St. Boniface’s French Quarter.
• Visit the Cathedral Basilica of St. Boniface.
• Discover the art scene and galleries of the Exchange District.

Weather by season :

• Spring: Progressively milder, bright weather.
• Summer: Warm, with plenty of sunshine.
• Autumn: Cool, with bright autumn colors.
• Winter: Very cold, with heavy snowfall.

Typical dish to eat: Tourtière, a traditional meat pie.

 

St. John’s

The Province: Newfoundland and Labrador

The best things to do in St. John’s :

• Visit Signal Hill National Historic Site.
• A stroll through the colorful Jellybean Row district.
• Discover Cape Spear Lighthouse, Canada’s most easterly point.
• Exploration of The Rooms, a museum and cultural center.
• An iceberg and whale-watching cruise.
• A visit to the Basilica of St. John the Baptist.
• A walk in Pippy Park.

Weather by season :

• Spring: Cool, often foggy.
• Summer: Temperate, with sunny spells.
• Autumn: Mild, with clear days.
• Winter: Cold, with frequent snowstorms.

Typical dish to eat: Jiggs dinner, a traditional Newfoundland dish.

 

Charlottetown

The Province: Prince Edward Island

The best things to do in Charlottetown :

• Visit Province House, the birthplace of Canadian Confederation.
• Explore the historic district and its charming streets.
• A visit to the Confederation Centre of the Arts.
• The promenade along the Victoria Park waterfront.
• The discovery of the home of Lucy Maud Montgomery, author of “Anne of Green Gables.”
• Visit Prince Edward Island National Park.

Weather by season :

• Spring: mild temperatures, variable weather.
• Summer: Pleasantly warm, with frequent sunshine.
• Autumn: Fresh, with vibrantly colored foliage.
• Winter: Cold, with snow, typical of Canadian winters.

Typical dish to eat: Prince Edward Island mussels, renowned for their quality.

 

Whitehorse

The Province: Yukon

The best things to do in Whitehorse :

• Observe the aurora borealis, particularly spectacular in this region.
• Visit the SS Klondike, a former steamboat.
• Discover the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre, dedicated to the region’s prehistory.
• Hiking in Miles Canyon Territorial Park.
• Visit the MacBride Museum of Yukon History.
• Dog sledding, a typical experience of the Far North.
• Fishing and canoeing on the Yukon River.

Weather by season :

• Spring: Persistent coolness, longer days.
• Summer: moderate temperatures, bright nights.
• Autumn: Cool, with frequent aurora borealis.
• Winter: Very cold, but ideal for winter activities and auroras.

Typical dish to eat: Yukon salmon, often smoked or grilled.

 

Niagara Falls

The Province: Ontario

The best things to do in Niagara Falls :

• Explore Niagara Falls, one of the natural wonders of the world.
• A boat cruise to get as close as possible to the falls.
• A visit to Queen Victoria Park.
• The Journey Behind the Falls experience to feel the power of water.
• Discovering the Butterfly Conservatory.
• The Niagara Parkway.
• Fun and games at Clifton Hill.

Weather by season :

• Spring: Gentle, with waterfalls in full flow.
• Summer: Comfortable heat, busy tourist season.
• Autumn: Fresh, colorful foliage.
• Winter: Cold, partially frozen falls offer a unique spectacle.

Typical food: Fresh fruit and Ontario wine, especially ice wine.

 

Mississauga

The Province: Ontario

The best things to do in Mississauga :

• A visit to Port Credit, a charming fishing village.
• Explore Square One Shopping Centre, one of Canada’s largest.
• Stroll through Kariya Park, a peaceful Japanese garden.
• Discovering the Living Arts Centr.
• A walk along the Waterfront Trail.
• A visit to the Art Gallery of Mississauga.
• Outdoor activities at Jack Darling Memorial Park.

Weather by season :

• Spring: Rising temperatures, clear weather.
• Summer: Warm and sunny, ideal for outdoor activities.
• Autumn: Cool, with a colorful landscape.
• Winter: Cold, with snow, typical of Ontario’s climate.

Typical dish to eat: Multicultural dishes reflecting the diversity of the city.

 

Regina

Province: Saskatchewan

The best things to do in Regina :

• Visit the Royal Saskatchewan Museum, to learn more about the province’s natural and cultural history.
• Discover the Wascana Centre, a vast urban park around Lake Wascana.
• Visit Saskatchewan’s Legislative Building and its gardens.
• Exploring the MacKenzie Art Gallery.
• Discover Cathedral Village, an artistic and bohemian district.
• Walk in White Butte Trails Provincial Park.
• A visit to the Regina Floral Conservatory.

Weather by season :

• Spring: Rising temperatures, variable weather.
• Summer: Warm, with plenty of sunshine.
• Autumn: Cool, with often clear skies.
• Winter: Very cold, with regular snowfalls.

Typical dish to eat: Le pouding chômeur, a traditional French-Canadian dessert.

 

Hamilton

The Province: Ontario

The best things to do in Hamilton :

• Visit Webster and Tew Falls.
• Explore the Art Gallery of Hamilton, Ontario’s third-largest public art gallery.
• The walk in Hamilton Beach Park.
• Discover Dundurn Castle, a 19th-century neoclassical manor house.
• Hike the Bruce Trail, Canada’s longest hiking trail.
• A visit to the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum.

Weather by season :

• Spring: Moderate temperatures, abundant flowering.
• Summer: Warm, with mostly sunny weather.
• Autumn: A fresh, autumn-colored landscape.
• Winter: Cold, with frequent snowfalls.

Typical food to eat: The region’s culinary delights, especially dishes made with maple syrup.

 

Gatineau

The Province: Quebec

The best things to do in Gatineau :

• A visit to the Canadian Museum of History.
• Exploring Gatineau Park.
• Discovering the Canadian Children’s Museum.
• Visit the Maison du vélo for picturesque cycling routes.
• A visit to Mosaïculture Gatineau, an exhibition of plant sculptures.
• Hiking and cross-country skiing in Gatineau Park.
• Discover the architectural heritage of Old Hull.

Weather by season :

• Spring: Freshness, with nature awakening.
• Summer: pleasant temperatures, sunny skies.
• Autumn: Cool, with brightly colored leaves.
• Winter: Cold, with a thick blanket of snow.

Typical dish to eat: Poutine, a popular Quebec specialty.

 

Kamloops

The Province: British Columbia

The best things to do in Kamloops :

• Visit the Kamloops Art Gallery.
• Exploring the desert landscapes and hiking trails nearby.
• Rafting on the Thompson River.
• Discover local heritage at the Kamloops Museum and Archives.
• A walk in Riverside Park.

Weather by season :

• Spring: Mild, clear weather.
• Summer: Warm and dry, perfect for outdoor activities.
• Autumn: Moderate temperatures, autumn-colored landscape.
• Winter: Cool, with winter sports activities nearby.

A typical dish to eat: local fruit, such as cherries and peaches.

 

Lethbridge

Province: Alberta

The best things to do in Lethbridge :

• Visit Fort Whoop-Up, a historic trading post.
• Exploring the Lethbridge Waterfalls Provincial Park.
• A visit to the Galt Museum for regional history.
• A stroll through the Nikka Yuko Japanese garden.
• Hiking and birdwatching in the Helen Schuler nature reserve.
• Visit Indian Battle Park for its history and green spaces.

Weather by season :

• Spring: Changeable climate, with periods of mild weather.
• Summer: Warm and sunny, ideal for outdoor activities.
• Autumn: Cool, with often clear skies.
• Winter: Cold, with the possibility of chinooks providing temporary respite.

Typical dish to eat: Grilled meats, especially Alberta beef.

 

Fredericton

The Province: New Brunswick

The best things to do in Fredericton :

• Beaverbrook Art Gallery.
• The Historic Garrison District.
• Fredericton’s Waterfront Trails boardwalk.
• Science East Science Centre.
• Guided tours of the New Brunswick Legislative Building.
• Odell Park, a peaceful green space in the city.
• Discover culture and history at the New Brunswick Museum.

Weather by season :

• Spring: Moderate temperatures, nature on the alert.
• Summer: Warm, ideal for outdoor activities.
• Autumn: Cool, with spectacular autumn foliage.
• Winter: Cold, with opportunities for winter sports.

Typical dish to eat: New Brunswick seafood, especially lobster.

 

St. John

The Province: New Brunswick

The best things to do in St. John :

• Saint John City Market, one of the oldest farmers’ markets in North America.
• The reversible falls of the Saint-Jean River.
• The New Brunswick Museum for local history and culture.
• A walk in Irving Nature Park.
• Discover the historic district and its Victorian buildings.
• A visit to Fundy National Park and its impressive tides.
• Stroll the lively streets of Uptown Saint John.
• Exploring the sea caves at St. Martins.

Weather by season :

• Spring: Rising temperatures, changeable weather.
• Summer: Temperate, perfect for exploring the coast.
• Autumn: Cool, with colorful landscapes.
• Winter: Cold, with regular snowfalls.

Typical dish to eat: Local seafood, especially scallops.

 

Saskatoon

Province: Saskatchewan

The best things to do in Saskatoon :

• Wanuskewin Heritage Park to discover First Nations culture.
• Meewasin Valley Park for its trails and wildlife.
• The Mendel Art Museum and its contemporary art collections.
• The walk along the South Saskatchewan River.
• The vibrant Broadway Avenue shopping and dining district.
• The Western Development Museum for a journey into Saskatchewan’s past.
• Participation in festivals and cultural events.
• Outdoor activities such as canoeing and hiking.

Weather by season :

• Spring: Fresh, with longer days.
• Summer: Warm and sunny, ideal for outdoor activities.
• Autumn: pleasant temperatures, often clear skies.
• Winter: Cold with snowfall, perfect for winter sports.

Signature dish: Bison steak, often accompanied by Saskatoon berries.

 

Banff

Province: Alberta

The best things to do in Banff :

• Exploring Banff National Park.
• Visit Lake Louise for its turquoise waters and mountain scenery.
• Take the cable car up to the summit of Mount Sulphur.
• Relax in the Banff Upper Hot Springs.
• Skiing at Sunshine Village and Lake Louise.
• Discover the park’s wildlife.
• A visit to the Banff Centre for Art and Culture.

Weather by season :

• Spring: Snowmelt, cool weather.
• Summer: Moderate temperatures, ideal for hiking.
• Autumn: Fresh, autumn-colored scenery.
• Winter: Cold, perfect for skiing and other winter sports.

Typical dish to eat: Bison, often served as a steak or burger.

 

Kelowna

The Province: British Columbia

The best things to do in Kelowna :

• A visit to the vineyards of the Okanagan Valley and wine tasting.
• Relax on the beaches of Lake Okanagan.
• Water sports on the lake, such as kayaking and paddleboarding.
• Hiking in Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park.
• Outdoor activities such as golf and mountain biking.

Weather by season :

• Spring: Mild, clear weather.
• Summer: Warm and sunny, ideal for outdoor activities.
• Autumn: Pleasant temperatures, vineyards in harvest.
• Winter: Cool, with winter sports activities nearby.

Typical dish to eat: Okanagan Valley fruit, especially cherries and peaches.