1182 Best Sights in Canada

The naturally heated mineral waters here originate in three springs and are cooled to 40°C (104°F) to allow bathing in the two pools. At 15°C (59°F), the adjacent pool refreshingly negates all that heat. A short walk leads to the remnants of the original hot-springs facility, where several springs still pour hot sulfurous water into the nearby creek. Day passes and bathing-suit, locker, and towel rentals are available.

Both scenic and historic, Miles Canyon is a short drive south of Whitehorse. Although the dam below the canyon makes its waters seem relatively tame, it was this perilous stretch of the Yukon River that determined the location of Whitehorse as the starting point for river travel north. The dam, built in 1958, created a lake that put an end to the infamous White Horse Rapids. Back in 1897, though, Jack London won the admiration—and cash—of fellow stampeders headed north to the Klondike goldfields because of his steady hand as pilot of hand-hewn wooden boats here. You can hike on canyon trails or rent a kayak and paddle through. In winter, strap on skis or snowshoes, or travel the trails on a fat-tire bike.

Western Canada's largest military museum has a collection of memorabilia that depicts the history of Calgary-based regiments dating back to 1900.

This four-pillar, three-story-high, brightly painted arch spanning Pender Street was erected in 2002 to mark the millennium and commemorate the Chinese community's role in Vancouver's history. The gate incorporates both Eastern and Western symbols, and both traditional and modern Chinese themes. Just east of the Millennium Gate, a right turn will take you into Shanghai Alley. Also known as "Chinatown Heritage Alley," this was the site of the first Chinese settlement in the Vancouver area. By 1890, Shanghai Alley and neighboring Canton Alley were home to about 1,000 Chinese residents. At the end of the alley is a replica of the West Han Dynasty Bell, a gift to Vancouver from the city of Guangzhou, China. Surrounding the bell is a series of panels relaying some of the area's early history.

The cliffs that rim the Minas Basin are washed by the world's highest tides twice daily: the result is a wealth of plant and animal fossils revealed in the rocks or carried down to the shore.

A chain of about 30 limestone islands and about 1,000 islets and reefs stretches for about 160 km (100 miles) along the coast and river estuaries, displaying natural rock monoliths formed by the constant erosion caused by the forces of wind and sea. Forests, barrens, peat bogs, and beaches weave through the surreal landscape. A menagerie of animals—seals, dolphins, whales, and oh so many birds—populate this utopia where kayaking, fishing, boating, scuba diving, and photo opportunities abound. Various guided tours tell the archipelago’s stories. There are reception and interpretation centers in Havre-St. Pierre (1010 promenade des Anciens) and Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan (625 rue du Centre), both open mid-June to early September.

This huge island estate, once completely self-sufficient, was the summer home of Sir William Van Horne, chairman of the Canadian Pacific Railway from 1899 to 1915. Tours of the property include Covenhoven, Sir William's 50-room summer home; a tidal swimming pool; a livestock barn; a cottage; an old windmill; and the 1790 Minister's House from which the island takes its name. To get to the island you drive, walk, or bike at low tide; be sure to leave the island before the tide comes in or you will be stuck for another six hours. The website gives details of accessible hours for each open day.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is one of the most significant fossil sites in the world at 575 million years old. Fossils of more than 20 species of ancient organisms are found in the mudstones here, and almost all of them represent extinct groups unknown in our modern world. Mistaken Point is 152 km (94 miles) south of St. John's via Route 10. Access to the fossils is by guided hike only. Tours are offered daily at 1 pm from the Edge of Avalon Interpretive Centre in Portugal Cove South and include access to an exhibit at the Visitor Centre. Tours generally take from 3½ to 4 hours and include a 3-km (1.8-mile) one-way hike across the barrens toward the ocean to the fossil site. Call ahead to ensure availability and to check weather conditions. Proper footwear is required.

While you're here, travel 8 km (5 miles) farther along the road to Cape Race Lighthouse, famous for receiving one of the first SOS messages from the Titanic.

A 1.8-km (1.1-mile) loop trail leads from a well-marked highway pullout to a footbridge over a deep winding slot canyon where you can view the Mistaya River swirling far below. The highway pullout is 74 km (46 miles) northwest of Lake Louise.

The home of F. Gordon Bradley, a proponent of Confederation, has been restored to its 1939 appearance, the better to chronicle the days leading up to Newfoundland becoming a province of Canada a decade later. The house was built in the 1870s, when it was a fishery plantation. Interpreters lead tours of the plantation house known as the Bradley House.

Located right next to Lonsdale Quay and the SeaBus Terminal, this new museum explores North Vancouver's rich history–through the lens of artifacts, documents, and photographs. A definite highlight is the restored British Columbia electric streetcar located in the museum's gift shop. There are also plenty of interactive exhibits for kids.

Slides, a giant wave pool, a wading pool, and snack bars will all keep the kids occupied here. The river rafting attracts an older, braver crowd; the nine-minute ride follows the natural contours of steep hills. On the tandem slides, plumes of water flow through figure-eight tubes and make for a great time. But if you'd rather stay dry, take an adventure through the trees on the zip line or enjoy a fast ride with the Viking Alpine Coaster.

You'll find the trailhead for this 1.5-km (0.9-mile) interpretive loop trail at the visitor center. It's great for children and has views of forest, meadows, and seasonal wildflowers. Easy.

Seemingly suspended between Upper and Lower Town, Montmorency Park is an essential stop for visitors navigating Côte de la Montagne. This leafy urban oasis once played a pivotal role in Canadian history, serving as home to the Parliaments of Lower Canada, Canada East, and Québec from 1791 to 1883. While few structures from that era remain, it's now a cherished national historic site, inviting visitors to wander among centenary trees and explore walkways adorned with interpretive panels detailing the site's profound significance. Along its southeastern edge, the park meets the ancient ramparts and defensive walls, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Lower Town and the St. Lawrence River.

Overlooking the marshes, fields, and birding sites of the lovely Memramcook Valley, this historic site commemorates the survival of the Acadians and celebrates the renaissance of Acadian culture. This monument is in the original home of St. Joseph's College, the first degree-granting French-language institution in Atlantic Canada, founded by Father Camille Lefebvre in 1864. A permanent interactive exhibit, "Reflections of a Journey—the Odyssey of the Acadian People," provides an excellent overview. Guided tours are available.

This family-owned, award-winning winery is a bit different than most in the Okanagan. The winery grows grapes not typically seen here, like Tannat, Touriga Nacional, and Carménère. They also have more traditional varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon. In addition to the wine, you should come here for the panoramic views and three charming tasting rooms.

Keep an eye out for wildlife, especially moose, when you come to Moose Marsh and Moose Lake. A variety of waterfowl are found here and there's a good chance to spot moose, especially at dawn or dusk. This 11.7-km-long (7.3-mile-long) lake is the only lake along the course of the Fraser River. The Fraser flows into the lake on its east end and exits the lake on its western side. Moose Marsh is on the east end of the lake and the Yellowhead Highway runs along its north shore. If you have a B.C. fishing license, you can fish for wild rainbow trout.

Set in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, 11 km (7 miles) south of Lake Louise, this beauty is a photographic highlight of the park thanks to reflections of the snow-clad mountaintops that rise abruptly around it. It's also a major stop for tour buses and is popular with hikers and canoeists, too, so visit early or late in the day to avoid crowds. Moderate hiking trails lead from the lodge at Moraine Lake into some spectacular alpine country. During peak times (larch season), Parks Canada operates a shuttle service from the hamlet of Lake Louise to Moraine Lake. Private vehicles are not allowed at Moraine Lake.

One of the most beautiful lakes in the Canadian Rockies is the setting for this picnic area near the village of Lake Louise. The site has two kitchen shelters, a few tables, and toilets.

This stately graystone heritage site has led a fascinating life since its construction in 1813, shifting from an execution site to a repository for national archives and Canada's first modern prison. A major transformation occurred in 1868, as it became Morrin College, one of the city's earliest private schools, and simultaneously welcomed the Literary and Historical Society of Québec—a direct forerunner to Canada's National Archives. Today, the building comes alive with historical and cultural talks presented in English, heavily focusing on Québec City's often-forgotten British heritage. Guided tours offer a compelling journey through its past, revealing two blocks of original prison cells, the grand Victorian-era library, and College Hall. This unique space proves particularly captivating for children and families alike.

The largest and most remote of New Brunswick's nine provincial parks is a vast area of unspoiled wilderness. It is centered on Mt. Carleton, at 2,690 feet the highest point in all of the Maritimes. From its summit, you can look out over 10 million trees, and it is particularly worth the climb in the fall for the dazzling patchwork of colors below. Rich in wildlife, including moose, white-tailed deer, lynx, marten, and porcupines, the park is also a Dark Sky Preserve, so an overnight camping trip on a clear night would be well rewarded. Most people come to hike the trails or mountain bike on old logging roads, and there's canoeing on several lakes. Check out guided hikes and other park events

A footpath and a road lead to the 213-meter (758-foot) summit of Mt. Douglas, offering a 360-degree view of Victoria and the Saanich Peninsula. On a clear day, you can even see the Gulf and San Juan islands and the Olympic Mountains of Washington. The park, known locally as Mt. Doug, is also home to a long sandy beach, evergreen forests, hiking trails, and wildflower meadows. 

When you mention backpacking in Mount Robson Provincial Park, most people automatically think of the world-famous Berg Lake Trail, but it isn't the only backpacking trail in the park. The Mount Fitzwilliam Trail, also known as Fitzwilliam Basin Trail, is another backpacking option in the park that is practically unknown. While the Berg Lake Trail is well constructed and maintained and fully booked months in advance, the Mount Fitzwilliam is "user maintained" and backpackers can self-register at the trailhead.

There are two campgrounds along the 14-km (9-mile) trail, one with six tent pads about halfway up at Rockingham Creek and another with two tent pads at the end of the trail. The first half of the trail to Rockingham Creek is a well-constructed trail, but the second half is a far rougher track with roots and rocks. For that reason, some people choose to stay overnight at the first campground and hike to the end of the trail on a day hike. The total elevation gain for this hike is 950 meters (3,120 feet).

Mount Fitzwilliam, an imposing 2,901-meter (9,518-foot) peak, was named in 1863 by Dr. Walter Butler Cheadle in honor of his traveling companion William Wentworth Fitzwilliam the Viscount Milton. The pair were likely the first tourists in this region and wrote a book entitled The North-West Passage by Land documenting their adventures. Moderate.

A 7.4-km (4.6-mile) round-trip hike will take you through the forest to a fire lookout with amazing views of Mount Kidd. Be careful if you do this hike in winter as it is in an avalanche area and proper safety measures must be taken. There's a 734-meter (2,408-foot) elevation gain. Moderate.