1.

Toronto

Often mistaken for the nation's capital (which is actually Ottawa), Toronto is probably the best known Canadian city, in large part due to the Toronto International Film Festival, the CN Tower and major sports franchises, including the Blue Jays, the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Raptors. Toronto is less than two hours from both the U.S. border and Niagara Falls and within two to three hours of magnificent cottage country and provincial parks. 2. Vancouver

Vancouver where the ocean meets the mountains. Aside from spectacular natural beauty, Vancouver has a laid-back charm that makes it one of the most popular Canadian cities to visit. Millions of people saw the allure of Vancouver both first hand and on the screens of their TVs in 2010 when the city hosted the Winter Olympic Games. Many of the events took place in Whistler, one of the world's premier ski destinations, but also a year-round visitor draw.
3. Montreal

Photograph by Chris Cheadle / Getty Images French and English are the main influences, but this unique Canadian city is truly international. Montreal has an energy and joie de vivre found only in the world s best cities. Whether you prefer modern conveniences like the vast Underground City and the Casino de Montreal complex or enjoy a quainter, more historic experience, Montreal will not disappoint.

4. Niagara Falls

Although the main draw to Niagara Falls, Canada, is to view the two waterfalls, the surrounding area has much more to offer. The Niagara wine region and the Shaw Festival are just two more reasons to visit. Niagara Falls is probably best known as a honeymoon destination, attracting millions of newlywed or just plain romantic couples each year. In recent years, the area has become more sophisticated - in large part due to a new Casino that ushered in other fine dining and hotels.
5. Quebec City

Photo: Gary Cralle / Getty Images Quebec City offers an experience unlike any other in North America. Quebec City s Old Town itself is a work of art: cobblestone walkways, well-preserved 17th century architecture, caf culture and the only North American fortress walls that still exist north of Mexico - all of which has given it status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. French is still the prevalent language spoken is Quebec and can't help but add a certain allure to this already alluring town. 6. Victoria

Photo courtesy Fairmont Hotels and Resorts.

The capital city of British Columbia is located on Vancouver Island (an island that is confusingly not home to the city of Vancouver). Victoria is a charming harbour city that is a gateway to all the wonderful towns, inlets, coves and Pacific Ocean scenery that is Vancouver Island.
7. Calgary

Uyen Le / Getty Images The Calgary Stampede put Calgary on the map and the city's role as host of the 1988 Winter Olympics solidified its place as one of Canada's top destinations. The Old West spirit is alive and well in Calgary

where cowboy hats and line dancing are always in fashion. The city has enjoyed great prosperity since the 1990s and grown significantly. Calgary's proximity to Banff and other ski hills, icefields and other grand scenery is a big part of Calgary's draw. 8. Ottawa

Though Toronto and Montreal may be better known, Ottawa, Ontario, is Canada's capital city. Ottawa is a charming city to visit; it has a cultured, yet friendly atmosphere. So much of Ottawas allure is due to the well-planned city that is pedestrian friendly and human in scale. The many historic buildings most prominently the Parliament Building and the Chteau Laurier are lovingly preserved.
9. Edmonton

Photo courtesy Edmonton Economic Development Corporation Alberta's capital city is probably best known as a city of festivals, the two most famous being the Edmonton Folk Music Festival and the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival. Edmonton is also a launching pad for northern Alberta adventure. 10. Halifax

Darwin Wiggett / Getty Images Nova Scotia's capital city has the amenities of a big city but the charm of a small town. Part of Halifax's charm is due to the hospitality of the people, something for which the whole Maritime region is famous. More of the city's charm can be attributed to an oceanside location, rugged shorelines, sandy beaches, nearby fishing villages and historic architecture.

Top 10 Reasons to Visit Canada

The expanse of Canada's natural beauty, from mountains and glaciers to secluded lakes and forests, is almost unparalleled worldwide. But Canada's allure is not just the great outdoors, Canada has cosmopolitan cities that are clean, safe, friendly and multicultural. In fact, Canada repeatedly is lauded as one of the world's most livable countries. Whether your interests are river rafting or live theater, Canada won t disappoint. 1. Spectacular Canadian Cities

Although it s doubtful you ll get to all of them in one trip, the following cities are the most popular destinations for visitors to Canada.
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Vancouver Calgary Niagara Falls Toronto Ottawa Montreal Quebec City Halifax Victoria

2. Canada's Natural Wonders

Few countries boast the number and range of natural wonders that Canada does. The following are some of Canada s most spectacular and popular natural attractions:
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Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks Dinosaur Provincial Park Nahanni National Park Reserve Cabot Trail Niagara Falls

3. Affordability Canada is an affordable vacation choice. Historically the Cdn$ is worth less than the US$, thus prices in Canada generally seem reasonable to travelers. The 2005 Mercer Worldwide Cost of Living Survey ranked Canadian cities among the most affordable. Toronto, even as the most expensive Canadian city, sits at number 82 out of the 100 most expensive cities, and Ottawa stands out as the most affordable city in North America. Overview of Canadian Currency, including Sample Prices. 4. Canada's Amazing Array of Outdoor Activities One of the best reasons to visit Canada is to take advantage of the fabulous outdoors -- and there's a lot of it! We're happy to share our trails, mountains and lakes with visitors. Some of the most popular outdoor activities in Canada are:
y y y y y

Camping Skiing / Snowboarding Golfing Fishing Hiking, Mountain Biking, Climbing, Kayaking, Canoeing, Skiing, and Snowshoeing Trails across Canada.

5. Events & Festivals in Canada Canadians know how to put on a party. Just check out any one of these popular Canadian events and festivals to find out how hospitable a group we really are:
y y y y y y y

Celebration of Light, Vancouver (Largest fireworks competition in the world) The Calgary Stampede Edmonton Folk Music Festival The Toronto International Film Festival Canadian Tulip Festival, Ottawa Quebec Winter Carnival, Quebec City Celtic Colours International Festival, Nova Scotia

More Canadian Events & Festivals 6. Visit Canada Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall Lots of Canadians head for warmer climates in the winter, but while they're leaving the country, skiiers and other winter enthusiasts from around the world are pouring in. Canada is a famous "northern" destination, yet it's not all igloos and snowcaps. Spring, summer and fall have their own charms and add to Canada's appeal. Of course, because Canada is so large, the climate varies greatly, allowing for a wide range of activities year-round. More on Canada's Weather

7. Canada's French Heritage French culture remains a prominent part of Canada, mostly in Quebec, but also in Ontario and the Maritime provinces. Canada is officially bilingual, although it's certainly not necessary for tourists to speak French. Settled by the French in the 1600s, Quebec, is where visitors can visit Montreal and the provincial capital, Quebec City. Quebec remains very European in feel. Its rich history and distinct heritage make it a unique tourist destination. 8. Canada: Fun for the Whole Family Canada's laid-back attitude and huge variety of fun outdoor activities and events make it a fantastic travel destination for families travelling with children. From hiking or skiing / snowboarding to visiting Quebec Winter Carnival or the The Calgary Stampede, a Canadian vacation with kids is good fun for the whole family. 9. Diversity Diverse cultures, climates and landscape make Canada a destination to suit any interest. Canada is a country of immigrants and has a policy of encouraging diversity. Thus, urban hubs feature a range of ethnic neigbourhoods, restaurants, and shops. In addition to rich and varied urban centres, Canada s natural environment is one of the most beautiful in the world. From pristine coastlines to rugged mountains and sparkling lakes, Canada s geography inspires awe coast to coast. 10. Interesting Man-Made Attractions in Canada Canada's natural beauty is a given and the country's natural wonders are many, but Canada also features interesting man-made attractions. These include architectural feats, such as the CN Tower; historic sites, including Quebec City -- the only walled city north of Mexico -- and outstanding cultural attractions that include world-class museums and galleries.

Top 10 Canada Attractions and Destinations

This list of the top Canada attractions and destinations represents a combination of the most visited Canada attractions (pure numbers) as well as those attractions or destinations that are particularly unique and contribute to Canada's national identity (more subjective and open to debate). The Canada attractions and destinations on this list begin with those in western Canada and move to the east.

Pacific Rim National Park, B.C.

(c) Parks Canada Backed by mountain range and facing the open Pacific Ocean at the tip of Vancouver Island, Pacific Rim National Park has a rich natural and cultural heritage. This park boasts one of the country's most famous hiking trails, the West Coast Trail; long, sandy beaches; Aboriginal culture; rainforest and an overall laidback charm. Whistler, Blackcomb, B.C.

Taylor S. Kennedy / Getty Imanges The resort town of Whistler is about a two hour drive away from Vancouver along one of the most scenic drives you'll ever take - the Sea to Sky Highway. Whistler is most famous as a ski destination - one of the best in the world - and this is thanks to two spectacular mountains, Whistler and Blackcomb that loom a mile above the village and provide over 8000 acres of skiable terrain Year-round, Whistler offers visitors fine food, spas, and plenty of opportunity for adventure, all in a breathtaking locale. Banff National Park, Alberta

Peter Adams / Getty Images A prized national treasure, Banff National Park is one of five national parks in the Canadian Rocky Mountains that attract millions of visitors each year for camping, hiking, biking, skiing, fishing or just relaxing. The resort towns of Banff and Lake Louise are both located within Banff National Park and offer a full range of accommodation, restaurants and shops. Two of the most famous and historic Canadian Hotels, the Fairmont Banff Springs and the Chateau Lake Louise.

Niagara Falls, Ontario

With more than 6 million cu ft (168,000 m) of water falling over its brink per minute, Niagara Falls is the most powerful waterfall in North America and maybe the most famous in the world, attracting millions tourist each year. Niagara Falls has had a reputation for being a tad on the tacky side - mix a small-time Las Vegas with a mediocre theme park - but with the addition of the Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort in 2004, fine hotels and restaurants quickly followed. Niagara Falls is a city you only need to visit once or twice. The Niagara region as a whole, though, is worth deeper exploration. CN Tower, Toronto

Photo Courtesy Tourism Toronto At 1,815 feet the CN tower is the tallest free standing structure in the world and it is located in downtown Toronto. Tourists are naturally drawn to tall buildings where they can get a bird's eye view of a city. Unfortunately the elevated observation usually comes at an elevated price and zero cultural appeal. The CN Tower is no different, but kids love it and the glass elevator that takes you to the 1,122 foot glass floored outdoor observation deck is a real thrill for kids. Skip the lineup by making a reservation at the tower's top-floor restaurant, 360, which is actually quite good. Old Port, Montreal

Uyen Le / Getty Images Old Montreal is a part of downtown Montreal that has been preserved in much of its original state, with the oldest buildings dating back to the 1600's. This historic neighborhood is a safe and vibrant community and tourist attraction, with hotels, restaurants, shops, residences and commercial spaces.

Quebec City, Quebec

Photo: Gary Cralle / Getty Images Quebec's provincial capital, Quebec City, is steeped in history and European in flavour. The old town is the only fortified city north of Mexico in North America and is a World Heritage Site. Quebec City offers an experience unlike almost any other in North America. Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia

Photograph by Henry Georgi / Getty Images The 300 km (185 mi.) long Cabot Trail is famous for the vistas it offers of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Atlantic Ocean and lush landscapes, particularly spectacular in fall. The Cape Breton National Highlands Park is at the trail's most northern points and where the trail reaches its highest elevation. The trail takes a few hours to drive, but tourists generally spend a day or two, stopping in at one or two of the towns along the way. Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia

Photo Daryl Benson / Getty Images The Bay of Fundy extends from the northern coast of Maine into Canada between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Twice daily, the Bay fills and empties its 100 billion tonnes of water, creating the highest tides in the world - in some areas of the bay, tides reach more than 50 feet (16 m). The energy created by the force of these tides drudges up nutrients from the ocean floor that attract an interesting and wide range of animal life to the bay. The effects of the tides has also carved out a dramatic surrounding landscape of steep cliffs and sea stacks. In addition, water has worn away the shore's red sandstone and volcanic rock to reveal a plethora of fossils and signs of life from millions of years ago. View the Fundy tides at Hopewell Rocks.

Parliament Buildings, Ottawa

Photo GeoStock / Getty Images Parliament Hill is a stunning group of buildings that house Canada's parliament. Free tours are offered throughout the year and the Hill is also the setting for national celebrations, like Canada Day - a holiday when Ottawa really comes to life.