Canada is a vast and diverse land. The world’s second-largest nation by area has a huge array of sights and activities to offer travelers looking to explore this enormous part of the world.
The country has something for everyone, with eclectic, modern cities that range from the French-influenced metropolises in Quebec to the outdoor loving inhabitants of the Pacific West Coast.
From temperate climes in the south to the cold chill of the Arctic north, Canada is a destination famed for its staggeringly beautiful landscapes. Explore national parks, crashing waterfalls, rural idylls, glacial lakes and much, much more. You can whale watch on the ocean, hike through mountain scenery, explore multicultural cities with local residents or enjoy endless foodie tours at the country’s best culinary locations.
There truly is a lot to do in Canada. To help inspire your trip to this North American destination, here are our favorite tours to take across this wide-reaching country.
1. Niagara Falls Classic Day Tour From Toronto
Source: TRphotos / shutterstockNiagara Falls is perhaps the most iconic waterfall to be found anywhere in the world. If you are in Toronto, Canada’s largest city, then it’s just an easy day tour away.
This trip will take you from the city to the international border between the USA and Canada, where the dramatic and imposing falls mark the divide between these two countries. Niagara Falls actually comprises three separate waterfalls; this tour will take you to the best viewpoints for all of them.
You can cruise out on the water at Horseshoe Falls, visit the local town of Niagara-on-the-Falls, and enjoy a delicious buffet lunch.
2. Toronto: Private Tour With a Local
Source: Diego Grandi / shutterstockWhile staying in Toronto, Canada’s most energetic and well-known city, you can join a private tour with a local to really immerse yourself in the culture.
This unique tour will team you up with a Toronto resident and give you a perspective on the city that only a true local can. Your guide will take you to their favorite haunts, the best secret cafes, bars, restaurants or markets, and show you the city’s hidden sights and attractions that few other tourists ever get to see.
3. St Lawrence Market and Old Toronto Food Tour
Source: Inspired By Maps / shutterstockFor a cultural, foodie perspective of Toronto, one of the best trips to join is the St Lawrence Market and Old Toronto Food Tour. This is one of the most historic parts of the city; markets have been held in St Lawrence for over 200 years.
At St Lawrence, you will enjoy some of the best local eats in one of the most famous and diverse food markets in the world. The tour also takes you through the historic parts of Toronto. Your local guide will regale you with stories of the city’s past as you walk through the sights and attractions of Old Toronto.
4. Jasper National Park, Alberta: 3 Hour Maligne Canyon Icewalk
Source: getyourguide.comA world away from urban life is the spectacular Jasper National Park. Found in the remote western interior, in the province of Alberta, this is one of the best outdoor attractions in Canada.
This adventurous tour takes you primarily to the Maligne Canyon, a frozen realm of ice caves, waterfalls, and glaciers nestled amongst the mountains. You’ll learn about the area’s geological history as you make your way through the impressive canyon on this intrepid ice walk.
5. Calgary: Private Tour With a Local
Source: Darko-HD Photography / shutterstockCalgary is one of the most exciting cities to visit in Alberta, and this tour will give you a unique local perspective on this fast-growing tourist destination.
You’ll be guided through the city’s lesser-known neighborhoods and sights by a resident, as you learn what local life in Calgary is like. Visit quiet cafes, unknown museums, and galleries and epic viewpoints that are hidden away from the crowds.
6. Montreal: 3.5 Hour Guided Bus Tour
Source: www.getyourguide.comMontreal is the largest city in the province of Quebec and one of the liveliest cities in the country. This multicultural city is predominantly French-speaking, but you can find influences from across the world here, in what is a truly modern city.
This guided bus tour allows you to see the best sights that Montreal has to offer, including beautiful, scenic views of the St Lawrence River. You’ll explore the historic center of the city and visit iconic locations such as Mont-Royal Park and the Place Jacques Cartier Plaza.
7. Quebec City and Montmorency Falls Full Day Tour
Source: Pri Ma / shutterstockQuebec City is the capital of the province of Quebec, but despite this, it’s still not quite as large as nearby Montreal. It’s certainly got a lot to offer, however. This tour will take you through the French-inspired old streets of the city to historic parliament buildings and the Notre Dame church, in one of the oldest European settlements in North America.
It doesn’t end in the city though; you are whisked away to the staggering Montmorency Falls, where, in summer, you can watch the water crashing down from a tremendous height, or in winter, you can marvel at the frozen icicles hanging from the cliff.
8. Quebec Country Tour
Source: getyourguide.comThis wonderful tour takes you out of the city and into the beautiful countryside of Quebec, as you explore the rural idylls surrounding Quebec City.
Call in at waterfalls and charming villages before visiting the Island of Orleans on the famed St Lawrence River, soaking in French Canadian culture and hospitality along the way.
9. Whales and Saguenay Fjord 3 Hour Tour
Source: www.getyourguide.co.ukThe beautiful Saguenay Fjord is one of the most outstanding natural features found in Quebec. The long fjord is a haven for local wildlife and the beautiful landscapes here are protected as a national park.
Take to the waters on a cruise, as you look out for whales, belugas and other marine animals in the fjords.
10. Ottawa: Ultimate 6 Hour City Tour
Source: Vlad G / shutterstockOttawa is the under-visited Canadian capital that, despite its important status, is seemingly outshone by the larger cities of Toronto, Vancouver or Montreal.
This excellent city tour will show you just what everyone else is missing out on, as you explore Ottawa by bus and by boat.
Visit Parliament Hill, enjoy the Ottawa River, and visit the Royal Mint, amongst many other sights and activities.
11. Vancouver: 24 Hour Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Bus Pass
Source: www.getyourguide.comVancouver is the largest city on the shores of the Pacific on the far west coast of Canada. This pass will give you a great opportunity to experience the city’s best sights and attractions at your own pace, as you hop on and hop off at any of the many stops throughout Vancouver.
Visit Granville Island, beautiful green parks, or head into the multicultural streets of Chinatown.
12. Vancouver: Gastown Food, Craft Beer and Wine Tasting Tour
Source: www.getyourguide.comGastown is the area where Vancouver began; this tour takes you on a foodie adventure through this historic district.
The area is well known, not just for its heritage, but for its array of craft beer breweries and cocktail and wine bars. You’ll try the best local delicacies and work your way through the best bars and pubs too.
13. 3 Hour Zodiac Whale Watching Tour From Victoria
Source: getyourguide.comFrom Victoria, on the southern end of Vancouver Island in British Colombia, you can take to the open ocean on a fast Zodiac boat that whisks you across the waves in search of marine life.
This part of the Pacific is home to a marvelous variety of large marine mammals; you’re likely to spot orcas, humpback whales and more on this exciting adventure that’s accompanied by expert narration from your knowledgeable guides.
14. Sea to Sky Gondola and Whistler Day Trip
Source: getyourguide.comOn a rugged stretch of coastline north of Vancouver, you will find the beautiful outdoor paradise of Squamish. This tour takes you to the best spots, as you ride the Sea to Sky Gondola for breathtaking views over British Columbia.
From Squamish, you’ll then head into the mountains, to the famous ski resort of Whistler, where you can enjoy some snow sport action or just relax in the local town.
15. From Vancouver: 4 Day Rocky Mountains Tour
Source: getyourguide.comThis epic, multi-day tour will take you from Vancouver far into the spectacular Rocky Mountains as you explore some of Canada’s best natural sights.
From Vancouver, travel through beautiful landscapes to overnight in Revelstoke, before continuing on the following day to Banff – one of the best national parks in the country. Here you can enjoy the breathtaking sight of shimmering alpine lakes and the warmth of natural hot springs before carrying on to Valemont.
At Valemont, see icefields and glaciers, stopping in at Jasper National Park, and then turning around for the journey back to Vancouver again.