1182 Best Sights in Canada

Here the automobile has been banished, and shoppers and browsers can wander carefree in warm weather among fountains, rock gardens, sculptures, and outdoor cafés.

The cornerstone of Summerside's waterfront revitalization project is this collection of cheery little structures that are linked by a boardwalk and designed to evoke a seaside fishing village. The development offers a good blend of craft, clothing, and souvenir shopping, history, and entertainment; plus you can climb a lighthouse lookout for panoramic views of Bedeque Bay and the city. In summer, weather permitting, there's often free weekend entertainment (usually starting at 6 pm, earlier on Canada Day) on the outdoor stage over the water.

The Kicking Horse Pass is one of the steepest terrains in North America for a railway, which posed a real problem for the engineers who were tasked with punching a railway line through it. To solve the problem of numerous runaway trains and crashes, two circular tunnels were driven into the valley walls of Cathedral Mountain and Mt. Ogden to reduce the 4.4% grade to a safer and more normal 2.2%. The viewing platform at Lower Spiral Tunnel lookout is one of the best places to watch passing freight trains (25–30 trains pass through daily) going in and out of the tunnels, and there are several interpretive panels explaining the facts and history of building the railway through the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

Locally grown tender fruits bruise so easily when they fall off the tree, but that led veteran farmer Arnie Lepp to turn these crops into spirits. The small-batch copper pot distillery crafts specializes in American-style bourbon, as well as fruit-based Eaux de Vie, gin, and vodka, made from pears, cherries, plums, and other locally grown fruits that are rarely seen in Canada. And, cleverly, there's also an on-site cocktail bar and restaurant, The Confessional Lounge, with á la carte and tasting menu experiences showcasing some of the best culinary talent that Niagara has to offer. Drop in on a Friday night for live Blues and cocktail classes.

Considered a sacred place by the Stoney Nakoda First Nation, this is one of the most famous scenic spots in the Canadian Rockies, perhaps because an image of the island, taken by Peter Gales, hung in Kodak’s Colorama showcase in New York City’s Grand Central Terminal in 1960. Since then, images of Spirit Island have been used in many advertisements and displays including Apple's 2014 campaign to launch their new iPad. Spirit Island lies 14 km (8.7 miles) up-lake and can only be reached by canoe or kayak or on a boat cruise that operates several times per day. For most of the year, Spirit Island isn't really an island; it's connected to the shore except in the early spring when water levels are high.

The site of several tragedies, the Springhill coalfield gained international attention in 1958 when an earthquake created a "bump" that trapped mine workers underground (75 of them died), but today at this museum you can descend into a mine under safer circumstances. Some of the guides are retired miners who provide firsthand accounts of their working days. Children under four are not admitted.

On sunny summer days you can join the folks who gather in these two green squares, located across from each other on boulevard René Lévesque in the center of the city, to eat lunch under the trees and perhaps listen to an open-air concert. Dorchester Square features a Victorian-style fountain designed to appear cut in half and two arched footbridges. Even the vespasienne, the public toilets built in the 1930s as make-work projects just after the Depression, was restored and turned into a little summer café with outdoor tables.

This large, leafy square is an oasis in the middle of Montréal's urban jungle of noise, traffic jams, and chronic road works. Entering the square, which is surrounded by colorful and ornate Second Empire–style graystone homes, feels a little like entering a children's picture book, especially in winter, when the ground and the houses are blanketed with snow and the white stuff muffles all sound. In summer, locals spread out on the grass by the fountain or take a bistro table at the little gray kiosk (a public toilet, once upon a time) café that serves coffee, sandwiches, salads, ice cream, and other cold refreshments—it even offers a book exchange. And for an unexpected bonus, some of the lanes to the side and rear of the square's beautiful houses have been lovingly "greened up" with street art and vegetation, thanks to a lot of hard work and effort on the part of the residents.

Although Square Victoria officially lies within the Quartier International, or International District, Montrealers consider it a part of Old Montréal. The square nicely blends its French and English heritage with an 1872 statue of Queen Victoria on one side and an authentic Parisian métro entrance and a flower market on the other. Both are framed by a two-block stretch of trees, benches, and fountains that makes the square a pleasant place to relax and admire the handsome 1920s office buildings on the east side. The Art Nouveau métro entrance, incidentally, was a gift from the French capital's transit commission.

You can't really understand the scale of the gold rush without touring a riverboat. The SS Klondike, a national historic site, is dry-docked on the bank of the Yukon River in central Whitehorse's Rotary Park, just a minute's drive from downtown. The 210-foot stern-wheeler was built in 1929, sank in 1936, and was rebuilt in 1937. In the days when the Yukon River was the transportation link between Whitehorse and Dawson City, the SS Klondike was the largest boat plying the river. Riverboats were as much a way of life here as on the Mississippi of Mark Twain, and the tour of the Klondike is a fascinating way to see how the boats were adapted to the north. In the old days they were among the few operations that provided Indigenous people paying jobs, so there's a rich First Nations and Alaska Native history as well. Entry fees include a self-guided tour brochure. Guided tours are available through Parks Canada for C$8.

Venture under the Terrasse Dufferin to see archaeological treasures from the official residence and power base of the French and British governors. Massive excavations unearthed artifacts from the first château, built under the direction of Governor Montmagny, to the time the Château St-Louis burned in 1834. Wine bottles, kitchenware—even remains of walls and doorframes—give clues to the luxurious life of the governors, who were among the most powerful men in the nation. Don't miss the guided tours and activities. History buffs might consider attending one of the in-depth archaeology conferences held here.

Once an industrial area and now a technology hub, St-Roch is dotted with hip bars and trendy shops. Because there are so few locals living in the old part of the city, St-Roch is a great place to mingle with the locals. And if Old Québec is a magnet for European gastronomy and fine dining, St-Roch is where the younger chefs are having the most fun; as a result, new spots are popping up all the time.

Rue St-Joseph is the neighborhood's main street. It's a mix of office buildings, modern lunch spots, and after-work hangouts. You'll quickly find the neighborhood's main thoroughfare by looking for the Église St-Roch, a massive stone church. Curated shops, third-wave cafés, trendy bistros, crowded microbreweries, and oyster bars are plentiful, creating a thriving, vibrant atmosphere. For good people-watching, head to the Jardin Jean-Paul-L'Allier, a large leafy square.

Art also abounds in the neighborhood, from the famous street-art-covered viaduct (just off rue St-Paul) and modern sculptures to outdoor theater and circus acts.

St-Roch is a long but downhill jaunt from the Old City, though easily walkable if you have the time. If you're not in the mood for exercise, the best way to get there is by taxi. Plan on spending about C$9 each way. There are usually plenty of cabs available for the return trip. Taking the bus (800 or 801) is also an option.

One of Canada's largest churches, St. Dunstan's is the seat of the Roman Catholic diocese on the Island. The church is known for its fine Italian carvings and twin Gothic spires.

This is possibly the prettiest Anglican (Episcopalian) church in Montréal. Step into its dim, candle-scented interior and you'll feel you've been transported to some prosperous market town in East Anglia, England. The double hammer-beam roof, the rich stained-glass windows, and the Lady Chapel on the east side of the main altar all add to the effect. It certainly seems a world away from Centre Bell, the modern temple to professional hockey that's across the street.

Now dwarfed by bank towers, this Anglican church with its soaring Gothic spires still holds the tallest steeple in Canada. Its illuminated clock once helped guide ships into the harbor. St. James Cathedral is the fourth church built on this site—the third was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1849. As part of its bicentennial celebration in 1997, the church added a peal of 12 bells. Stand nearby most Sundays around 10:10, just after the 9 am service ends, and you’ll hear a glorious concert of ringing bells.

At the northeast corner of Parliament and Wellesley Streets, this cemetery contains interesting burial monuments of many prominent politicians, business leaders, and families in Toronto. The small yellow-brick Gothic Chapel of St. James-the-Less has a handsome spire rising from the church nave and was built in 1861. This National Historical Site is one of the most beautiful churches in the country.

Built in 1850 on the site of the area’s first public meeting space, St. Lawrence Hall showcases Renaissance Revival architecture at its finest. Originally designed for musical performances and balls, the hall hosted famous opera soprano Jenny Lind and became a venue for antislavery demonstrations and P.T. Barnum’s first presentation of Tom Thumb. Take a moment to admire the exterior of this architectural gem, now used for everything from concerts to wedding receptions. If you join one of the many walking tours in the area, you’ll likely find photos on the third-floor lounge of notable figures who performed, lectured, or were entertained here. 

One of Ontario's oldest Anglican churches, St. Mark's was built in 1804, and its parish is even older, formed in 1792. The stone church still houses the founding minister's original library of 1,500 books, brought from England. During the War of 1812, American soldiers used the church as a barracks, and rifle pits dug in the cemetery are still visible. The church is open for concerts, lectures, and weekly services.

Opened in 1750, this is Canada's oldest Protestant church and the burial site of many colonial notables. It played a pivotal role during the 1917 Halifax Explosion, as the vestry was used as a makeshift hospital. Evidence of the damage done to the building can be seen in the still-broken Explosion Window and debris embedded above the Memorial Doors. Designated as a National Historic Site, St. Paul's remains an active church. A pew is always reserved for King Charles (and it is also used by the Queen's delegates/proxy, such as the Lieutenant Governor of NS) at Sunday morning services, and other out-of-town worshippers are welcome as well. 

The glorious murals adorning this Anglican edifice's All Souls' Chapel were painted by artist Robert Harris, and the chapel itself was designed in 1888 by his brother W.C. Harris, the most celebrated Island architect. (It is attached to the side of the cathedral. If it isn't open, just ask.) Within the main sanctuary, free summer organ recitals are given Thursday at noon.

Home of the world-famous Calgary Stampede, the park hosts a number of other events throughout the year. Part of the grounds, the BMO Centre, Big Four Building, and Agriculture Building host trade shows, and Boyce Theatre hosts theatre and small concerts.

This recently renovated, award-winning library is the second-most visited place in Edmonton, in part because of its new multi-story simulation wall in the lobby; made up of 278 screens, it's North America's biggest digital exhibit. Other innovations include a 10,000-square-foot makerspace area with 3D printing facilities, recording studios, robotics, and fabrication tools, and the Gamerspace that includes the latest gaming consoles as well as retro video games. Pîyêsîw wâskâhikan (Thunderbird House) is a dedicated Indigenous gathering space that includes an independent HVAC system, making it the first public space in the city to support unrestricted smudging.

A 1½ hour hike (4.2 km one way; 2.6 miles) up a switch-back trail will take you through a regenerated forest filled with wildflowers and lodgepole pines, up near the base of Stanley Glacier. The talus slopes beneath the cliffs and the glaciated peaks are home to the Burgess Shale fossils, discovered only in 2012. If you're inspired to learn more about these unique fossils, sign up for the Parks Canada guided interpretive hike which is offered several times a week. Moderate

This child-size steam train takes kids and adults on a ride through the woods. In summer, the railway travels a 2-km (1.2-mile) winding journey through Stanley Park. Halloween displays draw crowds throughout October for the annual Ghost Train. And at Christmas, an elaborate light display illuminates the route during Bright Nights. The train periodically runs outside of these special events, too. Call or check the website for details.

This family-friendly 1.9-km (1.2-mile) loop trail leads to a 10-meter (30-foot) waterfall. There's 86 meters (282 feet) of elevation gain on the trail and it's best used from June through October. In winter, you can hike up the creek with ice cleats and poles for a unique icewalk experience.

This station founded in 1979 was first to conduct long-term research on the Gulf of St. Lawrence cetaceans, in particular the endangered blue whales. Get a sense of the animal's grand presence in life-size painting and sculptures at the visitor center, and hear the mammal’s distinctive language in the acoustic room.

Across a causeway from Shippagan is Île Lamèque and Ste-Cécile Church. Although the church is plain on the outside, every inch of its interior is decorated with folk art, painted in the late 1960s by the priest and two students. Each July, the International Festival of Baroque Music takes place here.

A Jesuit mission was originally built on this spot in 1639. The reconstructed village, which was once home to a fifth of the European population of New France, was the site of the first European community in Ontario; it had a hospital, farm, workshops, and a church. Workers also constructed a canal from the Wye River. A combination of disease and Iroquois attacks led to the mission's demise. More than 20 structures, including two native longhouses and two wigwams, have been faithfully reproduced from a scientific excavation. Staff members in period costume demonstrate 17th-century trades, share Native stories and legends, and grow vegetables—keeping the working village alive.