Canada Highlights
Rocky Mountain glaciers, Niagara Falls and the world's most liveable cities
Canada is a country of extraordinary scale and natural beauty — the Canadian Rockies with Banff and Jasper, Niagara Falls, the cosmopolitan cities of Toronto and Vancouver, the French culture of Québec City, and the wilderness of the Yukon and Newfoundland make it one of the world's great travel destinations.
Top Canada Highlights to Visit
Handpicked destinations for the ultimate canada highlights experience
Banff National Park
The Canadian Rockies at their most spectacular
Banff National Park is Canada's oldest and most visited national park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the heart of the Canadian Rockies featuring turquoise glacial lakes, towering peaks, glaciers, hot springs, and an extraordinary diversity of wildlife. Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, the Icefields Parkway, and the town of Banff itself make it one of the world's great national parks. The Icefields Parkway — a 230km drive between Banff and Jasper — is widely regarded as the most scenic road in North America.
Highlights
- Lake Louise — turquoise glacial lake with Victoria Glacier backdrop
- Moraine Lake — the most photographed lake in Canada
- The Icefields Parkway — the most scenic drive in North America
- Athabasca Glacier — walk on a 10,000-year-old glacier
- Wildlife — bears, elk, wolves, and mountain goats
Things to Do
- Canoe on Lake Louise
- Hike to Moraine Lake viewpoint
- Drive the Icefields Parkway
- Walk on Athabasca Glacier
- Soak in Banff Upper Hot Springs
Practical Info
Best Time to Visit
June–September; December–March for skiing
Recommended Duration
5–7 days
Typical Cost
Park pass CAD$21/day; accommodation from CAD$150/night
Travel Tips
- ·Fly to Calgary (9 hours from London), then 1.5 hours to Banff by car
- ·Book accommodation 6–12 months in advance in peak season
- ·Moraine Lake road closes to private vehicles — take the Parks Canada shuttle
- ·Bears are active June–October — carry bear spray
Nearby Attractions
Québec City Old Town
The only walled city in North America — a piece of France in Canada
Québec City's Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only walled city north of Mexico — a remarkably well-preserved 17th-century French colonial city perched on the cliffs above the St. Lawrence River. The Château Frontenac, the Plains of Abraham, the cobbled streets of the Lower Town (Basse-Ville), and the fortifications make it one of the most beautiful and distinctive cities in North America. In winter, the Québec Winter Carnival transforms the city into a magical ice and snow festival.
Highlights
- UNESCO World Heritage Site — the only walled city in North America
- Château Frontenac — the world's most photographed hotel
- The Plains of Abraham — site of the 1759 Battle of Québec
- The Lower Town (Basse-Ville) — cobbled streets and French cafés
- The Québec Winter Carnival — one of the world's great winter festivals
Things to Do
- Walk the fortification walls
- Explore the Lower Town (Basse-Ville)
- Visit the Château Frontenac
- Walk the Plains of Abraham
- Attend the Winter Carnival (January–February)
Practical Info
Best Time to Visit
June–September; January–February for the Winter Carnival
Recommended Duration
2–3 days
Typical Cost
Moderate; most sights free to explore
Travel Tips
- ·Fly to Montréal (7.5 hours from London), then train or bus to Québec City (3 hours)
- ·The old town is compact and walkable
- ·French is the primary language — a few words of French are appreciated
- ·Combine with Montréal (3 hours) for a Québec province trip
Nearby Attractions
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