The first thing that comes to mind for a future tourist with the word Canada is magnificent mountain resorts. Travelers are lured by such natural attractions of Canada as national parks, which combine natural beauty with high-class travel services. The trips here are always exciting, they promise a lot of vivid impressions and unexplored secrets. However, in order to travel to this country as complete as possible, you need a qualified guide or accompanying person. Local guides undergo serious training. Their services are indispensable for those who think in advance what to see in Canada. It is interesting that this country takes second place after the Russian Federation in the area. Three oceans wash its shores, so the natural resources here are extremely rich.
What to see in Canada first
It seems that in the vast expanses of this country, a tourist can easily get lost, but if you have guides in Canada and plan a route to the smallest detail, then no problems are expected during your vacation. See how many interesting places are here, make an individual program and pack your bags!
1. Canadian Parliament Building (Ottawa)
The architectural complex, which hosts the working sessions of the Canadian government, looks like a medieval castle from the side. It is located in a convenient place for travelers - in the heart of Ottawa. The gray stone of which the building is built seems gloomy at first glance. However, the overall composition of the building is so calibrated and accurate that the complex inspires involuntary respect. It seems that the architects who built the complex in 1860 were fanatically devoted to the idea of symmetry in architecture.
The pointed towers are located strictly symmetrically with respect to the central column, on which there are clocks visible from everywhere. The strength of the building is evidenced by the fact that gray stone is also covered with copper plates. However, in 1916 the building did not survive after a devastating fire. Reconstruction works were carried out in an organized manner, but they dragged on until 1922.
The events of the First World War were reflected in the overall composition of the complex. The Peace Tower, which is the central part of the building, is dedicated to the memory of Canadians who fell on the fronts of the First World War. By the number of parliamentarians, the main hall in which meetings are held has been named. It is called the Confederation Hall or the Hall of Two Hundred.
The symbol of unity of Canada is an eternal flame surrounded by coats of arms of all provinces. Composition with eternal flame is located on the parliament square. The parliament building opens a list of Canada's attractions. It is included in almost all sightseeing and tourist routes.
2. Oratorio of St. Joseph (Montreal)
Among the attractions that must be visited in Canada, is the St. Joseph Oratorio. The start of construction work dates back to 1904. The project initiative belongs to Andre Bessette . The initial version of the oratorio was a small chapel, which was comfortably located on the slope of Mont-Royal next to Notre Dame College. The church quickly became popular, the number of parishioners increased every year. Therefore, already in 1917, a church for 1000 people was built here.
Over time, and it began to increase in volume. The first project to enlarge the church was proposed in 1924. The final version of the oratorio, included in the modern list of Canada's attractions, was completed in 1967.
The church keeps the memory of many miracles performed by brother Andre Bessette. It is significant that Pope John Paul II recognized the miracles attributed to Brother Andrew. The recognition took place in 1982, and already in 2010, the canonization of brother Andrei took place. He was canonized by Pope Benedict XVII.
Official website: https://www.saint-joseph.org/en/
3. Basilica of Notre Dame de Montreal (Montreal)
Looking for what to visit in Canada? Do not hesitate for a long time, the Basilica of Notre Dame de Montreal should be the first point of your trip. The neo-Gothic style provided the basilica with a strict, almost ascetic look. The building was erected in the 19th century. It is truly luxurious. Tourists with surprise and admiration listen to stories that the sculptures are gilded and the interior is decorated with fleur-de-lis sheet gold.
A strict and extremely symmetrical building has become a real decoration of the city. Gray noble stone dilapidated over time, but this gives an additional charm to the structure. The area in front of the basilica is lined with the same gray stone, which gives the impression of a single composition.
The pointed spires of two symmetrical towers rise in the square, between them there are oval windows closed by large blinds. This attraction in Canada is also interesting because it has the largest pipe organ.
Official website: https://www.basiliquenotredame.ca/en/
4. Niagara Falls (Niagara Falls, Ontario)
Niagara Falls is on Canada's list of natural attractions. In addition, it is considered one of the wonders of the world. The waterfall is located on the border of Canada and America. With a terrifying roar, tons of water flows powerfully erupt every second. The waterfall is in a dense cloud of spray because the pressure of the water here is quite strong.
In translation, Niagara means "rumbling water." This is fully true, as a giant water stream collapses from a 50-meter height. Millions of travelers come here to see this unique natural phenomenon with their own eyes.
The waterfall is part of a complex of three streams: American, Bridal Veils and Niagara. Canada owns only Niagara Falls. The composition that nature itself created stretches for almost a kilometer. The greatness of this unique phenomenon is worth seeing at least once in a lifetime.
Official website: https://www.nps.gov/nifa/index.htm
Be sure to watch this beautiful video about Canada!
5. Royal Ontario Museum (Toronto)
The Royal Ontario Museum's collections contain over 6,000,000 items. It has more than 40 galleries. In the expositions, you can see artifacts, dinosaur collections, art objects from Africa and the Middle East. The museum often holds exhibitions, so it will be interesting to those who decide what to see in Canada. The year of the foundation of the museum is 1857.
The University of Toronto completely controlled all the exhibits and affairs of the museum until 1968. In 1969, the Royal Museum received the status of an independent institution. Nevertheless, the Royal Museum has preserved to our time the cultural and historical ties with the university. University experts often provide museum staff with advisory services and help resolve disputes regarding the origin of art.
Official website: https://www.rom.on.ca/en
6. Great Lakes (basin of the Atlantic Ocean)
The group of freshwater lakes includes Upper, Huron, Michigan, Erie, and Ontario. The formation of lakes is considered the last ice age. According to scientists, they arose due to the pressure of the glacier on the earth's crust.
In the process of glacial isostatic (lowering and rising land), the lakes were gradually filled with water, which was a direct consequence of the melting of the ice. Great Lakes are Canada's natural attractions. They are the largest freshwater reservoir on Earth.
Interestingly, the water in the lakes moves from one to another according to the principle of communicating vessels. The fact is that the lakes are connected by rivers. The basin area is 768,000 square kilometers, and the volume of water is 22,671 cubic kilometers. The deepest lake is Upper, the shallowest is St. Clair. The government protects this unique natural ensemble. In particular, large amounts are allocated annually to wastewater treatment plants. All 5 lakes are navigable. In addition, they are the resting place of thousands of tourists.
7. Capilano Suspension Bridge (Vancouver)
Among Canada's attractions, the landmark is the Suspension Bridge. This unique building was built in 1899. The authorship of the project belongs to the Scottish engineer George Grand McCain. Initially, it was made of cedar boards connected by hemp rope. Of course, such a structure could not last long. Reconstruction began in 1956.
Currently, the bridge is more than 130 m long. It connects the two banks of the Capilano River at an altitude of 70 m. It is a powerful river with a fast flow, but it seems to be a tiny stream from the bridge. With modern means of communication between different settlements, the bridge has lost its original purpose. Currently, it belongs exclusively to the tourism infrastructure. Locals rightly consider it to be just entertainment.
But this is entertainment of the highest class. An unforgettable experience is guaranteed to everyone who passes through it at least once. Below, under the bridge, you can see not only the river but also the endless green forest. Of course, the passage over the bridge is completely safe. On both sides, it is surrounded by sturdy railings and a metal mesh.
A tiny restaurant on one of the shores is never empty. Several viewing platforms are also fortified and fenced with a metal mesh. Tourists love this bridge. It makes it possible to feel the pettiness of all human problems in comparison with the pristine grandeur of nature.
Official website: https://www.capbridge.com/
8. Wood Buffalo National Park (Alberta)
In the province of Alberta, there is a natural attraction of Canada - National Park. Its area exceeds 44,000 square kilometers. This is a protected corner of Canadian nature. The territory is protected by the state.
Here all the conditions for the prosperity of flora and fauna are created. The climate in the park is temperate, with pronounced warm summers and cold winters. The protected area includes coniferous, mixed forests, as well as tundra woodlands. The purpose of creating a conservation area in 1922 was to preserve the livestock of bison.
The government’s efforts to protect the territory were not in vain; at present, the number of bison has been increased. In addition, many forest dwellers safely live here: beavers, wolves, caribou reindeer. Tourists will also be interested to see cranes and pelicans, who feel at ease here.
Excursion routes to the park are thought out to the smallest detail. In particular, the park has 36 campsites. However, special permission is required to organize night parking. A unique feature of the park is that here you can see the world's longest beaver dam, the length of which exceeds 800 meters.
Official website: http://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/
9. Frontenac Castle (Quebec)
The castle is included in the list of national attractions of Canada. The authorship of the project belongs to the American architecture Bruce Price. The architecture of the castle hotel meets the style of a medieval castle. The grand opening took place in 1893, but it continued to be completed and increased in volume. Architect William Sutherland Maxwell designed the central tower, thanks to which the castle began to look more impressive. Construction work was finally completed in 1926.
Tourists will be interested to know that in 1943 the Quebec Conference was held here. Franklin Roosevelt and Winston Churchill stayed at the hotel at this time. The castle hotel is located on a hill. It is built on the banks of the St. Lawrence River. Cape Diamond, on which the hotel stands, is quite high, so from the windows of the castle, you can admire the surroundings and magnificent panoramic views.
The current owner of the hotel is Ivanhoe Cambridge Corporation. Her administration immediately began restoration work immediately after the conclusion of the contract of sale in 2011. 75 million dollars were allocated for the restoration.
Official website: http://www.fairmont.com/
10. Underground City (Montreal)
An underground city is nothing more than a pedestrian zone. Its length is 30 km. This is a good way to hide from the excruciating summer heat or from the cold winter winds. The underground pedestrian zone includes more than 1000 shops, several dozen cinemas, and approximately 200 restaurants.
This is Canada's unique attraction that links all metro stations. The underground city contains 1600 apartments. About half a million people visit it every year. The subway is interesting in that it expressively and vividly presents the power of modern engineering and technical thought.
Sights of Canada: what else to visit, being in Canada
Even if there are a few days to explore the northern country, there are excursions in Canada that you will definitely want to visit. It will be easy to understand which of them will be the most fascinating for you and those who travel with you using the list we prepared with descriptions and fresh photos.
11. Thousand Islands (Ontario)
You have not decided yet what to see in Canada? This means that the Thousand Islands Park will be a real discovery for you. It is located between the cities of Brockville and Kingston. The water area of 2,000 square kilometers contains many islands. The name of the park “Thousand Islands” is conditional, it is impossible to accurately calculate their number. Especially small ones that sometimes hide completely underwater. The sizes of the islands are different. There is an island with a football field, others are ten times larger in size.
The islands are formed on the basis of the mountain system. Over time, it was wiped away by the winds and polished by the waters of the glacier. The two largest islands are Wolf and Hut. The islands are a real paradise for tourists. First of all, it is a very beautiful natural attraction. You should not look for what to see in Canada for a long time. The Thousand Islands Park must be included in your trip. Canadians themselves call the park the garden of God. It constantly hosts excursion programs.
The flora and fauna of the islands leave an unforgettable impression. Interestingly, some of the islands are inhabited. Comfortable cottages are built on them, and living in them is considered prestigious. At the same time, cottages are provided with electricity using environmentally friendly energy sources.
12. Banff National Park (Alberta)
In 1885, the first park in Canada was laid out in Alberta. It is located 100 kilometers from Calgary and is Canada's largest natural attraction. Hotels and restaurants in the park are completely subordinate to the tourism business. Depending on the season, the cost of hotel rooms varies. But in any case, tourists are provided with vivid impressions. And the glacial lake Moraine, located in the park, can safely be included in the rating of the most beautiful places of nature on our planet.
The most favorite activities for travelers are gondola rides and golfing. It is in the park that the famous The Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course is located. It was designed by Canadian architect Stanley Thompson.
There are many sulfur sources. Hot springs can restore health in a short time. In addition, tourists are invited to visit the Canadian bathhouse, founded in 1887.
In the territory of the park, animals live freely, which can be observed in the natural habitat. In particular, in the park, you can meet bears and cougars. It is categorically impossible to approach them; it is better to consider animals with binoculars. Each tourist is given a set of rules that must be followed when meeting with wild animals.
Finally, Banff Park offers an upscale ski service. The slopes for skiing and snowboarding here are some of the best in the world.
Official website: http://www.pc.gc.ca/en/
13. The Bay of Fundy (Nova Scotia)
The bay is a fantastically beautiful place. Its highlight was huge red stones covered with bright greenery. The bay is also known for the highest tide. It reaches a 17-meter mark. Tourists are always shocked by this information: over 12 million tons of water come and go to shore in 12 hours.
No wonder the bay stones are so smooth and polished. The bay is one of the attractions that you must visit in Canada. Moreover, it is recommended to visit it twice a day - before and after the tide. This will provide an opportunity to see the unique phenomenon in its entirety. This feature (fast and powerful tide) is used in the tourism business.
Special entertainment is offered here - boating at high tide. Sensations are inexpressible for those who are in the gulf. Water arrives literally in minutes and to those who are in the boats, it seems that they rise higher and higher in some incredible attraction.
14. Vancouver Aquarium (Vancouver)
Sights of Canada are crowned by the Vancouver Aquarium. It is located in Stanley Park and is always open to the public. The aquarium began to receive tourists and everyone in 1956. This is one of the oldest aquariums in the country. Exhibitions are divided by subject. Most of them are devoted to the underwater world. Here you can admire the tropical butterflies, which have incorporated all the colors of the rainbow. From time to time, butterflies break out of transparent enclosures and fly freely between tourists. Spectators are enthralled. They do not try to catch butterflies, it is forbidden. But to see this fluttering flowering means to experience a real aesthetic shock.
The water kingdom is represented here in all its diversity. Spectators have the opportunity to enjoy dolphins, sharks, seals. At the same time, professional guides will tell you in detail about any species that interested visitors. You can walk around the aquarium for a long time. Many travels with children, and for kids equipped with special game corners, where they can relax to continue the journey.
Official website: http://www.vanaqua.org/
15. The Johnston Strait
Huge waves, giving surfers the opportunity to show their skills, made the strait extremely popular. Extreme sports enthusiasts from around the world seek this place. The waves are amazing. They are approaching rapidly. And just as rapidly melting near the shore. There are all conditions in order to admire the water element and measure its strength.
The strait is beautiful at any time of the year and at any time of the day. Its feature is the ability to reflect the rays of the sun so that it acquires a bright green hue.
This place also has a second name: "Pacific Cemetery." However, it does not deter surfers. The bay as a magnet pulls those who love speed and movement. In addition, in these parts, there are many tourists who like to travel "savages." Near the strait, there is always some kind of tent city in which travelers pass the time.
The underwater world of the bay is no less interesting than the beauty of the coast. The fact is that it is near the shores of the strait that killer whales are often found. They hunt and frolic here. It is considered great luck to catch a killer whale in the camera lens.
16. National Gallery of Canada (Ottawa)
The capital of Canada, of course, cannot do without historically significant sights. One of the striking examples of this is the country's leading art museum - the Canadian National Gallery in the heart of Ottawa. The gallery itself was founded in 1880 and previously occupied the parliament building. But over time, the collection began to expand rapidly, it took more space, and the gallery repeatedly wandered from place to place for decades, until it was decided to erect its own building. Today in the museum you can see six permanent exhibits located on two floors. And you can relax here in the restaurant, whose large windows offer wonderful views of the Parliament and the Ottawa River.
Official website: https://www.gallery.
17. Castle of Casa Loma (Toronto)
Toronto, Canada - a major metropolis of the country and its industrial center. In the city, ultra-modern buildings coexist in the neighborhood with historical buildings. For example, in the city, you can visit the Royal Museum, the creative building of which resembles a huge crystal of glass and metal, and here you can also see the exquisite neo-Gothic castle of Casa Loma. The original mansion was built at the beginning of the last century for one wealthy entrepreneur who later sold these luxury apartments because of the inability to maintain them. Later, a hotel worker in the construction, and then the castle began to serve as a landmark with beautiful architecture.
Official website: https: // casaloma
18. Habitat 67 (Montreal) unusual residential building
An amazing modernist building adorns Montreal Street, Ville-Marie - a strange house in the form of combined Habibat 67 cubes. Despite the modern look of this house, its history began back in 1967, when the young architect Moshe Sadfi, chosen to represent Canada at the world exhibition, presented at Review your graduation project. The defense of the diploma turned out to be a stunning success, and the project formed the basis of a real building, which to this day is one of the most interesting and extraordinary in the city. The complex of 354 cubic meters, assembled on 12 floors, is a residential building. According to the initial project, it was possible to make housing comfortable and interesting, but it did not become accessible - this complex surrounded by greenery has some of the most expensive apartments in the city.
Official website: http: //www.habitat67.
19. Chateau Lurie (Ottawa)
Despite the relatively warm winters in Canada, the weather makes adjustments to travel and relaxation. Choosing what to see in Canada in the winter, it’s worthwhile to set aside time to visit the Chateau-Laurier, one of the oldest hotels in Ottawa, the building of which is a beautiful castle. The opening of the castle hotel took place back in 1912 - it was for this event that the most distinguished passengers of the famous Titanic were once in a hurry. Thus, the two events, solemn and tragic, were intertwined and connected together. The majestic castle is decorated in the French chateau-style, which is a mixture of the French Renaissance and Neo-Gothic. The characteristic features of the facade are graceful pointed turrets and some asymmetry of the facade. Inside the castle, there are almost three hundred luxurious rooms.
Official website: https: //www.fairmont
20. Zoo (Toronto)
Back in the 70s of the last century, Canada became the second country in the world where the Ministry of Environmental Protection was created, designed to solve the environmental problems of Canada. And not so long ago, one of the Canadian cities, Toronto, was recognized as the best city on the planet for work and life - this was facilitated by its excellent ecological situation. It is not surprising that it is here that one of the largest zoos in the world works, where animals are kept in conditions as close to natural as possible. The zoo is located in the Red Valley and contains about 5 thousand species of fauna, and the total length of its paths reaches 10 kilometers. Due to the huge size of the park, with the aim of comforting visitors, a train with 4 trailers was launched here - a pet car.
Official website: http: //www.torontozoo
21. Harbor Center (Vancouver)
By exploring the sights of Canada on a map, you can see how many interesting places you can visit in Vancouver. One of the most prominent buildings in Vancouver is located in the central business district of the city. This is a famous skyscraper - the Harbor Center Tower, on top of which there is an observation deck with a 360-degree view of the surroundings. From here you can see the Pacific coast, the city port, consider the urban layout and architecture of buildings. The snow-capped peaks of Solibern and Mount Seymour, the expanse of the sea surface, the arteries of the rivers, as if dissecting the city into parts - all this and much more can be seen from the top of the famous tower. You can get here by the high-speed elevator in just 40 seconds.
Official Website: http: // harbourcentre
22. Gastown (Vancouver)
The main treasury of Vancouver’s history is located in his heart - this is the Gastown area, named after its first resident, Jack Dayton, nicknamed Grassie. Gastown’s history is covered with other legends, but it’s especially interesting to visit its narrow streets, where the architecture of ancient buildings recalls the brilliant period of Queen Victoria’s reign, and modern fashionable shops and restaurants are hidden in the courtyards, which are not so easy to find - only the indigenous population every nook, passage and gateway here knows. Among the interesting finds of the area are a steam clock, Queen Elizabeth National Park, the police museum, as well as an abundance of souvenir shops.
23. Stanley Park (Vancouver)
When choosing what to see in Canada in the fall to see the local nature in all its beauty, you should definitely pay attention to Stanley Park, located very close to the center of Vancouver. Despite the proximity of urban civilization, this park occupies an impressive area of 405 hectares, and the total length of its paths exceeds 200 kilometers. It is not necessary to go around all of them, it is enough to look around and see autumn in the brightest colors: various centuries-old trees in this period are dressed in colorful dresses, and the fantastic riot of yellow, brown, gold, crimson flowers and their midtones is simply amazing. The local inhabitants of the park will definitely please - almost tame raccoons, squirrels, gulls, ducks, swans, geese.
Official website: https: // vancouver.
24. Montmorency Falls (Quebec)
You can plunge into the atmosphere of centuries-old antiquity and comprehend the unique history of the country by visiting ancient towers, museums, galleries and other historical sights of Canada. The presentation of the country, however, would not be complete without mentioning the beautiful natural creations. Montmorency Falls is one of the prime examples. A huge foamy stream of water with a continuous 84-meter wall collapses into the Montmorency River, which, making a short path, flows into the St. Lawrence River. A suspension bridge is equipped above the waterfall, from which you can see the outlines of the city of Quebec City and the island of Orleans. Around the waterfall there are also several other sites, allowing you to look at it from a variety of angles.
Official website: https: //www.sepaq.
25. Rocky Mountains (western Canada)
In the system of the North American Cordillera, a mountain range stands out - the Rocky Mountains, which have the status of both US landmarks and Canadian sights, due to their border located at the junction of the two states. It is on the territory of this massif that the two most famous national parks of Canada are located - Jasper Park and Bank. The rocky mountains are truly teeming with magically beautiful lakes. Among them is the alpine lake Peyto with bright blue and white waters. When the glaciers that feed the lake melt, its waters are saturated with “glacial flour”. This tiny sand, formed from the grinding of stones by descending glaciers, falls into the lake waters, giving them an incredible shade.
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