Canada is considered one of the biggest countries. Many rivers, lakes, and forests occupy almost half of the country’s territory. This country also has a rich history.
Therefore, it is not surprising that Canada offers many diverse tourist attractions within its borders spanning from the Pacific Ocean in the west to the Atlantic in the east, to the Arctic Ocean in the north, and to the world’s longest undefended border shared with the United States to the south.
1. The Calgary Stampede
Tourists captivated by the colorful culture of the west may be interested in witnessing “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” The Calgary Stampede, taking place for ten days each July. The Calgary Stampede is a spectacular event that draws more than 1.2 million visitors annually.
This popular Canadian tourist attraction takes us to the distant times of the development of the American continent when people in carts in search of a better life moved from the east – the place that was first explored by the discoverers of new lands from old Europe – to the west.
Tourists taking in the Stampede are treated to rodeo and agricultural competitions, including Chuckwagon races, a midway, stage shows, concerts, and First Nations exhibitions. In addition, this one of the most popular tourist attractions in Canada hosts year-round sports, trade shows, and other entertaining events. The site includes the hockey arena Pengrowth Saddledome, BMO Centre, a casino, and the racetrack flanked by the grandstand.
2. Toronto International Film Festival
In mid-September, movie fans and film creators from around the globe flock to Toronto, Ontario, for the Toronto International Film Festival, one of the most amazing tourist attractions in Canada, attending premier screenings of the season’s most relevant releases.
Film buffs visiting Toronto are entertained by the stars outside the cinemas as well; many of Hollywood’s “A list” thespians can be spotted on the red carpet en route to industry parties in the city’s entertainment district, in fashionable Yorkville or the more recently developed creative Mecca of Gooderham and Worts in the distillery district.
Stargazing in Toronto is possible any day of the year, with its film and TV production schedule contributing to past releases such as X-Men, Cinderella Man, and the Academy Award-winning musical Chicago.
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3. Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest
The most famous Bavarian festival in Canada was founded in 1969, and since then, Oktoberfest Kitchener-Waterloo has grown into a much larger festival. So, Canada hosts the world’s second largest Oktoberfest in Kitchener-Waterloo, a fabulous tourist attraction in Canada. Locals, as well as visitors on Canadian holidays and trips, flock to celebrate the Bavarian festival in Canada.
Inspired by the famous event held in Germany, this annual celebration features traditional costumes, Bavarian-style cuisine and beer, and of course, Polka bands in traditional attire. But the entertainment options are more diverse than that; recent itineraries have included rock music in a Rocktoberfest concert, a fashion show, the Miss Oktoberfest Gala Ball, and a Pro-Am Golf Classic. As a result, in mid-October, many travelers to Ontario, Canada, make reservations to enjoy a taste of Bavaria at Kitchener-Waterloo’s Oktoberfest.
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4. Grey Cup Festival
Football fans visiting “the great white north” may be interested in experiencing the uniquely Canadian game played by the Canadian Football League from British Columbia to Montreal. NFL fans unfamiliar with the game may be surprised at the CFL’s fond endorsement by Warren Moon and Doug Flutie, veterans of both professional leagues.
In addition to regular games, sports enthusiasts touring Canada in late November will be interested in events surrounding the historic Grey Cup festival. The Grey Cup game alternates between CFL cities, and unique events are offered at each location. In 1948, fans of the Calgary Stampeders dressed in western gear partied in the streets of Toronto and rode a horse through the lobby of the luxurious Royal York Hotel!
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5. Harbourfront Centre
Among the most popular tourist attractions in Canada is Harbourfront Centre in Toronto. The waterfront consists of about 10 acres of sheer beauty. About 12 million tourists visit the waterfront of Toronto every year.
This one of the most amazing tourist destinations is a year-round facility featuring dance performances, concerts, readings, kids’ shows each weekend, and numerous weeknights throughout the year. You will also find an extensive boardwalk, a wonderful ice skating rink, and many awesome ships on display. Additionally, this amazing entertainment area in Canada includes theaters, museums, music venues, and festivals.
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6. Banff National Park
Located in the province of Alberta in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, the Banff National Park was the first national park established in 1885 in Canada. This one of the most fabulous tourist attractions covers 2,500 acres of land in the Canadian Rockies and attracts many tourists, especially nature lovers, to its old glaciers and lush meadows all year round.
There are two beautiful towns within the Banff National Park: Lake Louise and Banff. Both are packed with amazing museums, fantastic galleries, and numerous cultural attractions created to occupy tourists in between treks into the wilderness. More than 4 million visitors annually come to Banff National Park to enjoy nature and ski.
One of the most famous tourist destinations in Canada, Banff Park is beautiful at any time. In summer, people come here to go mountain biking, rowing, and climbing. From the end of autumn until May, Banff turns into a ski resort. Backcountry ski trails are available throughout the park, and for those who are confident on skis and snowboards, there are Sunshine Village, Lake Louise Ski Area, and Mount Norquay trails. In addition, tourists can enjoy ice skating, snowshoeing, sleigh rides, and dog sledding.
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7. Vieux Port
Known as Old Port, Vieux Port is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Canada. It used to be considered not just the main port but also the social, economic, and cultural center of Montreal. It was founded in 1611 for French fur traders.
This picturesque tourist trap in Canada draws about 6 million visitors every year. It offers visitors various activities, including the Montréal Science Centre, with the Montreal Clock Tower and an IMAX Theatre. It also offers riverfront access for cycling, walking, quadricycle, roller-blading, pedalo, etc. In addition, there are many fabulous circus shows and awesome dances during the summer months. During winter, there are the Montreal HighLights Festival and breathtaking fireworks shows.
8. Niagara Falls
This waterfall is considered the most amazing natural wonder in North America. Every year, millions of tourists come to North America to see this one of the most incredible tourist traps in Canada. Niagara can be seen and heard long before its appearance: a cloud of water vapor appears in front of you, and the sound of breaking water is heard.
The fact that Niagara Falls (Niagara Falls) is one of the wonders of the world is inevitably convinced by every lucky person who has felt on his skin the cool spray of giant streams loudly falling from the rocks in a picturesque place on the border of the USA and Canada.
The best view of the natural wonder is from the Table Rock observation deck, but many prefer to do so from the deck of one of the Maid of Mist boats that depart every 30 minutes from both the Canadian and American coasts. In addition, the surroundings of Niagara Falls are no less attractive than their main attraction. Here are national parks, museums, and historical monuments.
9. Ottawa’s Parliament Hill
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Parliament Hill is a majestic architectural complex that serves as the seat of the Federal Legislature of Canada. This one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ottawa stands on the south bank of the river. In every sense of the word, it is the heart of the city.
Today, Parliament Hill is an important historical and architectural monument and one of the most popular attractions in Ottawa. The architectural complex, built in the Gothic Revival style, is considered a national symbol and attracts about 3 million visitors annually.
Every morning during summer, the changing of the guard ceremony takes place on the front lawn of Parliament Hill. And every evening, the crowd of spectators gathers again to see the amazing light and sound show when giant images are projected onto the Parliament buildings.
10. Gros Morne National Park
Founded in 1973, one of the most spectacular destinations in Canada, Gros Morne Park is located on the west coast of the island of Newfoundland and occupies an impressive territory of 1.8 thousand km². Thanks to the beauty of nature and the unique landscape of Gros Morne, it was taken under the protection of UNESCO (1987).
Visitors to the park are offered many recreation options, ranging from the most “relaxed” to those requiring activity and energy. The park provides convenient walking and cycling trails. Water lovers can go on an exciting tour of the lakes or swim in a special kayak boat. The park also provides guests with an excellent opportunity to go fishing. In Gros Morne, you can spend a few days in a campground. During the winter season in Gros Morne, visitors enjoy snowshoeing, winter picnics, and skiing.
Various cultural events are held in the park throughout the year. Among them, you can find instrumental music festivals, meetings with writers, and theater performances. Master classes are also held here, where you can learn a simple and at the same time exciting activity, for example, painting dishes.
Canada is an exceptional destination of choice any time of the year and even more so during its many spectacular events.
Below, we have compiled a list of the most interesting questions about most popular tourist attractions in Canada: