Summer’s Here: Top 10 Destinations in Canada

After a long, harsh winter, the delightful warmth of summer is finally here!

Gone are the days of staying indoors under layers of blankets next to the fireplace – or in front of your laptop watching your nth movie on Netflix. Now is the time to make the most out of your summer.

Pack your bags and do a little bit of stretching because here are the top 10 destinations in Canada as rated by travelers on TripAdvisor – the world’s #1 travel resource website.

Vancouver skyline (Dan Breckwoldt / Shutterstock)

#1 VANCOUVER
Vancouver is a sprawling city where nature and metropolis meet. You will never run out of things to do and explore in Vancouver – from shopping to dining to mastering the art of doing nothing just by sitting in one of its numerous grand parks. For a hint of nostalgia, hit Gastown, the historic section of Vancouver where old timey pubs will transport you back in time with a pint in hand.

Frontenac Castle in Old Quebec City ( Almanino / Shutterstock)

#2 QUEBEC CITY
When visiting the old city of Quebec, there are three things you must remember and try for yourself: Explore the Citadel; visit the Frontenac Castle and – if you’re willing to splurge – have tea at Chateau Frontenac; and eat authentic poutine – a delectable medley of french fries, gravy, and cheese curds.

Interiors of Basilique Notre Dame in Montreal (Denis Roger / Shutterstock)

#3 MONTREAL, QUEBEC
Brush up on your French and go to Montreal to immerse yourself in some French-Canadian culture. Spend your summer Québécois style and take a tour of this grand city. Start with Basilique Notre-Dame and make your way to the Plateau Mont-Royal district to enjoy its quaint boutiques and cafés. A must-try in Montreal according to the reviewers at TripAdvisor is poutine (surprise surprise) at Olympic Park.

Captivating lighted hotels at night in Victoria (Ariena / Shutterstock)

#4 VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA
It’s all in the name. Named after Queen Victoria of England, this city screams “British!” with its tearooms and antique shops and art galleries. With the recent shift in its generation, more young people have somehow influenced the city of Victoria, making way for more hip and happening spots like coffee shops and bars. Rent a bike, and have a great roll enjoying its scenic landscape.

The CN Tower in Toronto (Songquan Deng / Shutterstock)

#5 TORONTO, ONTARIO
One TripAdvisor reviewer described Toronto as “New York City run by the Swiss” and perhaps it’s true. The city boasts of world-class and state-of-the-art theaters, shopping centers, and numerous restaurants. Do not forget to visit the tallest freestanding structure in the Western Hemisphere, the CN Tower.

Niagara-on-the-lake: Where Niagara River meets Lake Ontario (Kiev Victor / Shutterstock)

#6 NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, ONTARIO
Where the Niagara River meets Lake Ontario is also the place where you can find a perfectly preserved 19th century village. Dubbed as “Canada’s Wine Country,” Niagara-on-the-lake take you back in time in just one afternoon (or more, it’s up to you). Take a tour of the Fort George National Historic Site, rent a horse or a bike and ride to the Niagara Escarpment, or for the more intrepid in spirit: rent a boat for a white-water encounter to Niagara Falls.

Whistler: Canada’s resort town hosted the 2010 Winter Olympic Games (Volodymyr Kyrylyuk / Shutterstock)

#7 WHISTLER, BRITISH COLUMBIA
Not a fan of the summer heat? Head to the stunning ice-capped landscapes of Whistler in British Columbia. You can enjoy winter activities all-year-round like skiing, snowboarding, or even snowball fights. No cars are allowed in a certain area of this resort city, so you can stroll leisurely anywhere and everywhere. Aside from outdoor activities, visitors can also book spa treatments in the resort, as well as enjoy the fare Whistler has to offer in its award-winning hotels and restaurants.

Panoramic view of the Tofino coast (Mark Skalny / Shutterstock)

#8 TOFINO, BRITISH COLUMBIA
Want to surf but no time (or budget) to go all the way to California? Tofino is a closer – and maybe even better – alternative. Called the “Tree Loving Capital of the World,” Tofino is the perfect place to spend summer (especially if you don’t mind the crowd) and go surfing Canadian-style.

The world famous Niagara Falls is equally stunning at night (Songquan Deng / Shutterstock)

#9 NIAGARA FALLS, ONTARIO
The world famous Niagara Falls is more than just a destinations – it’s an experience. Make sure you bring a poncho and board the Maid of the Mist to get as close to the falls as possible. As the adrenaline rush wears off, you can head to Clifton Hill to visit its numerous tourist attractions and a great choice of restaurants.

Georges Island Lighthouse in Halifax (Meunierd / Shutterstock)

#10 HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA
The maritime city of Halifax is best explored on foot. Visit the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and get a bird’s eyeview of the city from the 18th-century Citadel National Historic Site. You can also go all the way to the Georges Island Lighthouse for more peace and quiet. Halifax also has numerous bars and restaurants for every tourists’ fancy.