The 10 most beautiful cities in Canada

Do you want adventure? Discover the most beautiful cities in Canada here, which make perfect starting points for excursions into the wild nature of the country.

The “true north”, as Canada is also called, is an absolute natural paradise for adventurers. The second largest country in the world also offers a variety of vibrant cities that are ideal starting points for exploration tours. Here are the ten most beautiful cities in Canada.

1. Vancouver, British Columbia

Though locals debate whether Toronto on the east or Vancouver on the west is cooler, Vancouver clearly wins when it comes to beauty. Directly on the sea with an exciting mountain backdrop, the modern young city with its glittering glass skyscrapers really pulls out all the artillery to enchant. As soon as you arrive here, the best thing to do is walk along the harbor from Canada Place towards Stanley Park, the green lung of the very green city. From there you have a first-class view of the skyline and mountains of Vancouver and can really look forward to your vacation here. Here you can also see why it is one of the most beautiful cities in Canada.

Highlights:

Sample all the specialties Vancouver has to offer at the Granville Island Market.
Just outside of town, crosses the Capilano Suspension Bridge at a height of 70 meters.
In Summer: Relaxing at English Bay. In winter: Ski at Groose or Cypress Mountain or in the nearby winter sports paradise of Whistler.

2. Montreal, Quebec

Montréal brings the classic charm of France into play: the capital of the province of Québec impresses with quarters in which you almost feel like you are in Paris, without having to forego the typical North American skyline with high-rise buildings. The city is located on the Île de Montréal in the Saint Lawrence River and from the west the Ottawa River also flows into the city, which empties into the Lac des Deux Montagnes, a 150 square meter lake. As you can see, you are never really far from the water in this enchanting city.

Highlights:

Walk through the charming old town, built by the first French settlers in the 17th century.
Sample all sorts of goodies at the Jean Talon Market, which opened its doors in 1933.
Don’t leave Montréal without trying the traditional fast-food poutine (French fries with cheese curds and gravy).

3.Toronto,Ont

While Toronto may not quite match the first two cities for picture-perfect beauty, it is the beating heart of the country and feels like the capital (sorry Ottawa). It’s like Canada’s New York with its cosmopolitan attitude to life, many cultural influences, numerous shopping opportunities, classic concrete skyscrapers and many events. Toronto may not be on the sea, but it is on the huge Lake Ontario, which connects Canada to the USA. In addition, Drakes’ birthplace is also the ideal starting point to visit Niagara Falls.

Highlights:

Climb the 553-meter CN Tower and get a bird’s-eye view of Toronto.
Eat your way through all sorts of culinary cuisines, ranging from Indian to Chinese to the latest foodie trends.
Visit Niagara Falls in just 1.5 hours drive.

4. Victoria, British Columbia

It’s not easy to “just” put Victoria in fourth place, as this cute little town leaves a very special place in the hearts of visitors. Not only because it is in the real holiday paradise of Canadians, namely on Vancouver Island (world-famous surfer hotspot and true hippie island with many farmers’ markets, urban farming initiatives and vegan delicacies). Victoria is simply a feast for the eyes with its beautiful harbour, the magnificent British-inspired buildings, the red brick houses and the small but splendid Chinatown. In addition, you always feel just a stone’s throw away from the sea.

Highlights:

For the ultimate diner experience with a giant slice of apple pie, visit quaint John’s Place near the center.
Victoria has many beautiful beaches with huge driftwood logs – ideal for a picnic in front of the wild Pacific.
Visit Butchart Gardens for the ultimate garden experience or Fisgard Lighthouse for the ultimate lighthouse experience – your choice.

5. Calgary, Alberta

Alberta’s largest city, with its classic skyscraper skyline, Calgary should be on every traveler’s trend radar as it’s already one of Canada’s most sought-after cities among locals. The economic center, which had to reinvent itself in the early 1980s due to the oil crisis, is attracting more and more (creative and innovative) industries. It has developed into a cultural center whose tourism continues to grow.

Highlights:

Climb the 190 meter high Calgary Tower for views as far as the Rocky Mountains.
Visit the Heritage Park Historical Village and see how Calgary used to go out – western flair included.
Relax in Prince’s Island Park, which hosts many summer events from theater performances to folk music festivals.

6. Ottawa, Ontario

Ottawa is a capital that doesn’t feel like it, because with less than a million residents at its heart, the leafy city is mostly laid-back. That is, until you fully indulge in the outdoor activities the city has to offer: Paddle down the Rideau Canal to explore Ottawa by kayak or canoe (you can also ice skate there in the winter), or burn out on the Ottawa River River while rafting. The beautiful city is also easy to explore by bike and if the weather isn’t great, there are also seven national museums where you can learn about Canadian history.

Highlights:

Take a trip to Gatineau, the city across the Ottawa River from Ottawa (the Quebec border).
Get an up-close look at Canada’s magnificent Parliament Buildings, free tours are also available.
Visit the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, where you can not only see airplanes, but also do simulations and flights.

7. Halifax, Nova Scotia

The easternmost city on our list is also the capital of the province of Nova Scotia, which means Nova Scotia in Latin and says a lot about the region’s history. Halifax is oceanfront and is one of the first land points reached in Canada from Europe. Accordingly, it developed into an important port city – with charm, because Halifax is almost wrongly so far down in our list with its historic facades and delicious farmers markets.

Highlights:

Visit the Halifax Public Gardens, established in 1867 during the Victorian era.
Relax with a drink on a cozy pub terrace or visit the Alexander Keith brewery.
Learn more about Halifax’s rich history at the city’s many historic sites.

8. Quebec City, Quebec

It’s not just Montréal that charms with old French flair, the capital of the province of Québec also has numerous magnificent buildings and is considered one of the most European cities in North America. As the province’s second largest city, Quebec is a little overshadowed by Montréal, but it doesn’t have to be, thanks to its beautiful location right on the banks of the Saint Lawrence River. The imposing Château Frontenac, a luxury hotel of the Fairmont chain, stands out in the skyline. When in Québec, be sure to take the funicular that connects the upper and lower towns of Old Town.

Highlights:

Marvel at the roaring Montmorency Falls on the outskirts of town
In winter, spend the night at the Hôtel de Glace Ice Hotel at the Valcartier Resort about 20 minutes outside of Quebec.
Visit Île d’Orleans for a relaxed dining experience. The island is known for its goodies, but also cute boutiques and galleries.

9. Winnipeg, Manitoba

Winnipeg, the capital of Manitoba, may seem a little nondescript at first, especially with the adorable competition. But don’t underestimate the city, because apart from architectural attractions such as the Museum for Human Rights, the beautiful city in central Canada offers many cultural, sporting and natural highlights. It’s a festival hub with a rich music and arts events program, it’s home to some successful sports teams, and it’s on two rivers, the Red River and the Assiniboine River.

Highlights:

Visit the Winnipeg Art Gallery, which also has a significant section dedicated to modern Inuit art.
Attend a festival: There are so many happening that you’re bound to find one that suits you.
Get moving: Whether it’s ice skating in the winter or hiking and biking in the summer, Winnipeg’s shores are waiting to be explored.

10. St. John’s, Newfoundland

If you think of colorful cities, you probably think of Cinque Terre, Buenos Aires, maybe Cape Town and Cartagena, but nobody thinks of Canada that quickly. Well, until now, because the colorful houses of St. John’s in Newfoundland clearly show why the city has landed in the list of the most beautiful cities in Canada. They just beam towards visitors in all tones. As if that weren’t fairytale enough, the city is also located on the Avalon Peninsula, named after the mythical site of Avalon in British Arthurian legend.

Highlights:

Visit Cape Spear with its two lighthouses and stare at the seemingly endless sea.
Take a leisurely hike (or drive) up Signal Hill.
Taste your way through the foodie small town: Small but powerful, the restaurant scene in St. John’s is impressive.