Where to Visit in Canada? 13 Canadian Destinations You Don’t Want to Miss in 2024

Canada is the second-largest country in the world after Russia, so planning a trip here can be complicated. What’s available? What to see? How to prepare? The editorial team presents 13 must-see destinations for a 10- or 15-day stay in Canada. Travel to a country as surprising as it is welcoming!

Montreal no longer needs an introduction. It may not be an official capital, but it is in a way the cultural capital of Quebec – perhaps, of Canada. The city is packed with live music venues, picturesque cafés, small independent booksellers and local boutiques, alleyways brimming with street art and awe-inspiring colourful murals, and many art galleries.

Our favourite neighbourhoods include the Plateau Mont-Royal and the Mile End, where artists and students mingle, and Old Montreal, with its architecture reminiscent of Europe. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, Old Montreal’s iconic monuments, charming cobblestone streets, and splendid river views continue to inspire the same fascination.

To prepare for your stay in the largest city in Canada’s French-speaking province, be sure to read our various guides on what to do in Montreal in spring, summer and winter.

Québec City, the capital of La Belle Province, is undeniably charming with its cobblestone streets and a distinguished European ambience. Visitors enjoy strolling through the historic fortifications of Old Quebec and making sure not to miss the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, a true symbol of the city. Place Royale and the Petit-Champlain district attract visitors with their quaint boutiques and cafés, while the Plains of Abraham offer a vast green space to relax in. The Saint-Roch district boasts a dynamic culinary and artistic scene.

For culture buffs, the Musée de la Civilisation offers captivating exhibitions on Quebec history and society, while the Musée National des Beaux-arts du Québec presents a rich collection of Quebec and international art.

Festival-goers will be delighted by the Carnaval de Québec in winter, with its ice sculptures and festive atmosphere, or by the Festival d’été de Québec, which attracts world-renowned artists every year.

For those with enough time in Quebec City, a detour to Montmorency Falls, which surpasses Niagara Falls in height, is a must-see. Nearby, Île d’Orléans offers a countryside escape with its orchards, vineyards and charming villages. You won’t be bored!

Gaspésie is one of Quebec’s most beautiful regions. Whether it’s for its sheer cliffs, its high peaks (over 25!), its picturesque villages with particularly charming inhabitants or its many national parks, you’ll never tire of it.

Parc national de la Gaspésie, located in the heart of Quebec’s Gaspé Peninsula, is one of our favourite parks. This natural gem is distinguished by its breathtaking scenery, combining towering mountains, dense forests and crystal-clear lakes. Hiking enthusiasts will be delighted by the many trails, including the famous Mont Jacques-Cartier, the second highest in Quebec. It culminates in an alpine zone reminiscent of the Arctic, home to moose and a multitude of birds.

In 2024, access to the trail is only possible from July 1 to September 30, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. As it’s impossible to get there by car, a shuttle service is available from the Centre de découverte et de services du Mont-Albert, at $28 per person for a round trip. Remember to reserve your place on the Sépaq website.

As the region is well north of Quebec, it takes about 10 hours by car from Montreal to get there. Although Gaspé has an airport, its small size and limited flight frequency mean high airfares. The most efficient (and cost-effective) way to explore the region is by car. Get ready for a memorable road trip, and keep your eyes peeled for whales in the St. Lawrence River along the way!

The Saguenay Fjord, one of the longest fjords in the world, offers breathtaking panoramas with its dizzying cliffs plunging into deep waters. This natural site, sculpted by glaciers, is ideal for hiking, with trails like those in Parc National du Fjord-du-Saguenay offering breathtaking views of the fjord. Kayak enthusiasts will also find much to enjoy here, navigating through epic landscapes and occasionally encountering seals and belugas. For the more languid traveller, opt for a whale-watching cruise from Tadoussac; migratory whales can be seen in the St. Lawrence from June to October.

Although summer is the best time to explore the region (which culminates in the Saguenay and not far from magnificent Lac-Saint-Jean, home of the Mashteuiatsh Ilnu Museum), October promises an unforgettable fall spectacle: the maple forests turn red, orange and yellow before winter arrives.

If you love city life, Toronto won’t disappoint! It’s often referred to as little New York, in part due to its many skyscrapers. But it’s not just for its tall buildings (and the CN Tower) that we love it.

In Toronto, the opportunities for urban exploration are as diverse as they are captivating. Start your visit with a stroll through St. Lawrence Market, where stalls overflow with fresh produce and local crafts. Nearby, Kensington Market transports you into a bohemian atmosphere with its vintage boutiques, eclectic cafés and artistic murals.

For a cultural experience, don’t miss the Distillery District, a historic neighbourhood converted into a hip spot with art galleries, design boutiques and gourmet restaurants, as well as Queen Street West, which stands out with its avant-garde art galleries, independent boutiques and lively street festivals.

Located on the border between Canada and the United States, Niagara Falls is a world-renowned natural wonder. These impressive waterfalls, formed by the Niagara River, attract millions of visitors every year. The Canadian side offers spectacular panoramic views of the three main falls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. It’s a great place to visit in summer and winter, both seasons offering an exceptional setting for this natural wonder.

Are you a thrill-seeker? Opt for an excursion aboard a high-speed boat, which will take you as close as possible to the falls to offer you a unique and grandiose perspective.

The best way to get there is from Toronto. You can opt for a one-day guided tour, or rent a car and drive yourself. One day is more than enough to visit the falls; there’s no need to sleep in the city, where everything is often overpriced given the number of tourists who visit every day.

If you’re looking for the cheapest car rental deal, we recommend you use Discover Cars, a comparison tool that analyzes the prices of different car rental agencies, whether Europcar, Hertz or Sixt.

Bruce Peninsula National Park is a little-known destination, just a few hours from Toronto. Renowned for its pristine beaches, where the turquoise waters of Lake Huron meet the white-pebbled shoreline, this park offers an idyllic setting for relaxation.

Halfway Log Dump Beach, in particular, is an invitation to relax and swim. Along with the iconic Grotto, a stunningly beautiful aquatic cave. Accessible via picturesque hiking trails, the Grotto captivates with its crystal-clear waters and impressive rock formations. You can swim, dive or simply admire this natural jewel from the shore.

Contrary to popular belief, Toronto is not the capital of Canada. Ottawa, its Ontarian neighbour, holds this title and is home to the Canadian Parliament. Take advantage of a visit to the capital to visit the magnificent neo-Gothic building on Parliament Hill, or the gardens and historic buildings of the Governor General’s residence at Rideau Hall, before exploring the historic ByWard Market District, where colourful stalls offer local produce and diverse cuisine.

Don’t miss the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy its picturesque paths in all seasons. In winter, the Rideau Canal Skateway – the world’s largest naturally frozen ice rink – attracts many skaters.

Thanks to its privileged location – perched between the ocean and mountains – Vancouver is a paradise for urban adventurers and nature lovers alike. Discover historic Gastown, famous for its steam clock and cobblestone streets lined with artisan boutiques, art galleries and trendy cafés. Continue your exploration at the Granville Island Public Market, a haven of fresh local produce, artists’ studios, and street performances. Also in town, don’t miss Stanley Park, one of the world’s largest urban parks, with its breathtaking views of the Pacific.

For a dose of adrenalin and breathtaking panoramas, a visit to the Capilano suspension bridge is a must, offering a vertiginous view of the surrounding rainforest.

Tofino is emerging as Canada’s surfing mecca, where the waves dictate the rhythm of daily life. This coastal town attracts surf sports enthusiasts with its specialized schools and relaxed atmosphere, especially on famous beaches such as Chesterman Beach and Long Beach.

But Tofino is more than just a haven for surfers. It’s also an ideal base for exploring Vancouver Island and its wildlife, including whales, sea lions and seals. Nearby is Pacific Rim National Park, offering miles of trails through rainforests and home to one of North America’s most iconic hikes, the West Coast Trail.

Whistler, an iconic destination for winter sports enthusiasts, is renowned for its many ski resorts and for hosting the 2010 Winter Olympics. But it’s not just snowboarders who are attracted to the area! In summer, the snow melts to reveal numerous mountain lakes, much to the delight of hikers. One of these natural treasures is Lake Alta, bordered by snow-capped peaks. A 30-minute bike ride from Whistler Village takes you along the picturesque valley trail for a truly rural ride.

Not far from Whistler are Squamish and Mount Garibaldi, renowned for its breathtaking views over the turquoise waters of Lake Garibaldi. Surrounded by mountains and glaciers, this sublime lake lies in an absolutely fascinating natural setting. Don’t hesitate to make a short detour if you’re planning to stay in Whistler for several days.

Jasper National Park, a jewel of Western Canada, is full of natural wonders to discover. Among the places and activities not to be missed? The Athabasca Falls, Lake Maligne with its turquoise waters and unforgettable cruises to Spirit Island, the Columbia Icefield offering excursions on the Athabasca Glacier, and Mount Edith Cavell with its multiple trails offering breathtaking views of the glaciers and adjoining meadows.

The Icefields Parkway scenic drive through the park is also an experience in itself, offering spectacular views of snow-capped peaks, dense forests and rushing rivers.

Star gazers will be delighted with a visit to the park, as in 2011 the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada officially designated Jasper National Park a Dark Sky Preserve (DSR). The designation signifies a special commitment to reducing light pollution in all its forms. Pyramid Island, Maligne Lake, Old Fort Point Hill and the front of the Athabasca Glacier are four exceptional places to observe the night sky (and perhaps the northern lights!).

Banff, a true icon of Western Canada, enjoys a worldwide reputation that needs no introduction. For decades, the small village has attracted visitors from all over the world, drawn by natural gems such as Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and Upper Hot Springs, which are among the favourite destinations for travellers in search of splendour.

However, patience is advised, as these iconic attractions attract large numbers of tourists despite Canada’s vast size. For a little more peace and quiet, we recommend a visit in mid-June or during the Indian summer, around mid-September. The weather may be more unpredictable, but the panoramic view is just as impressive.

French nationals don’t need any special visa to come to Canada. It should be noted, however, that they require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before boarding their flight to Canada.

This formality is essential to guarantee access to Canadian territory. We strongly advise you to apply for your eTA before booking your flight, to avoid any complications on arrival. The cost of this authorization is CAD 7. Once obtained, the eTA remains valid for up to five years and allows multiple entries into Canada, provided your passport remains valid during this period.

To complete your application, visit the official Government of Canada website.

The best way to travel between Paris and Canada is with Air France. The French airline serves Canada several times a day, starting at just over 200 euros for a round trip in Economy cabin.

You can also get your hands on award tickets by paying for your flight with Flying Blue Miles. You could fly from France to Canada for as little as 40,000 Flying Blue Miles.

Canada offers an exceptional diversity of captivating destinations, from vibrant metropolises like Montreal and Toronto to natural gems like Banff and Jasper National Parks, the majestic fjords of the Saguenay and the wild beaches of Tofino. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff or in search of urban adventure, Canada has something for everyone.

Don’t forget to prepare your entry formalities, such as the electronic travel authorization (eTA), and choose the best time to visit each region!

* Air France fares for flights to Canada were taken from the French airline ‘s website in July 2024.