If you’re going to Canada, go here! 14 recommended sightseeing spots you should visit at least once

Canada, with a vast land area about 30 times the size of the Philippines, is full of must-see tourist attractions. These include Yellowknife, a northern city enveloped in the auroral belt; the Canadian Rockies, packed with scenic spots; the breathtaking Niagara Falls; Quebec City, with its French atmosphere; and Prince Edward Island, which feels like stepping into a storybook. Canada is famous for its maple leaf, featured on its national flag, but the autumn leaves that dye the whole area bright red are also not to be missed. This time, we will carefully select and introduce 14 recommended tourist spots that you should definitely visit in Canada.

1. Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls, located on the border between Canada and the United States, is a scenic spot known as one of the three largest waterfalls in the world. It is made up of three waterfalls: Canadian Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. The largest of these, Canadian Falls, is also called "Horseshoe Falls" because of its horseshoe-like shape.

You can also enjoy attractions at Niagara Falls. Don't miss "Table Rock" where you can experience the roar and spray of the falls, the famous "Hornblower Niagara Cruise" boat tour, "Journey Behind the Falls" where you can see the falls from behind, "Terrapin Point" on Goat Island, and the "Skylon Tower" which offers a panoramic view of all three falls.

2. Maple Road

The "Maple Road," stretching approximately 800km from Niagara to Quebec, is a seasonal beauty that can only be seen from late September to early November.

In Canada, it is called the "Heritage Highway" because of the historical spots scattered along this road.

The most popular spot on Maple Road is the "Laurentian Plateau," a famous tourist destination visited by many tourists. Take a gondola ride through the mountains colored with autumn leaves and climb to the top of Mont Tremblant.

Algonquin Provincial Park, Canada's oldest provincial park, reaches its peak autumn foliage around early October. With approximately 2,400 lakes within its vast grounds,12 times larger than Metro Manila, the reflection of the autumn leaves on the water is like a vivid carpet.

3. Prince Edward Island

"Prince Edward Island" is a small island floating in the Gulf of St. Lawrence in southeastern Canada. This island, which was the setting for the novel "Anne of Green Gables," is also the birthplace of the author, Lucy Maud Montgomery. The island, adorned with beautiful coastlines, red cliffs, blue skies, and peaceful rural landscapes, continues to captivate tourists from all over the world.

There are spots related to "Anne of Green Gables" and Lucy Maud Montgomery on the island, allowing you to enjoy realistic sightseeing that feels like you've wandered into the world of the story. There are three routes to access the island: air, land, and ferry. However, taking the ferry while enjoying whale watching is recommended.

4. Quebec City

The World Heritage City of "Quebec City" is the only fortified city in North America. Founded by French settlers, it is characterized by its strong inheritance of French culture and history. Cobblestone streets spread throughout the old town, and in Upper Town, the "Chateau Frontenac," a symbol of the city, displays its majestic presence.

If you want to enjoy sightseeing unique to a fortified city, head to the "Citadel" located on a hill. This star-shaped fortress was built by the British Army in 1831 and is currently used as a base for the Canadian Army. Among the many highlights, the changing of the guard ceremony held every morning at 10:00 from May to September is worth seeing.

5. Notre Dame Basilica (Montreal)

Located in Old Montreal, Notre-Dame Basilica is a Roman Catholic church built in the 1820s. Its main attraction is one of the world's largest pipe organs, boasting 7,000 pipes. You can hear its beautiful sounds during Sunday Mass, and concerts are also held in the summer.

If you want to fully enjoy the splendor of the basilica, check out "AURA," a light and music show using projection mapping. The show is held 2-3 times a day from Monday to Saturday. It's convenient to buy tickets online.

6. CN Tower (Toronto)

Standing tall at 533.33m, the CN Tower reigned as the world's tallest freestanding structure for about 32 years until it was surpassed by the Burj Khalifa in Dubai in 2010. The tower houses an observation deck, restaurants, shops, and offers various events and activities.

If you want to experience the air 300m above ground, head to the fenced "Outdoor Terrace." At 342m, the "Glass Floor" offers both thrills and spectacular views.

It's amazing that from the "SkyPod," the highest point, you can see as far as New York State, 160km away! Also noteworthy is the "EdgeWalk," a thrilling attraction where you can walk around the edge of the observation deck.

7. Rideau Canal (Ottawa)

The Rideau Canal, the oldest canal in North America, is a 202km waterway built to defend against American invasion. In the 19th century, it began to be used for commercial purposes, and today it is loved by many as a place of recreation for Ottawa citizens. In 2007, it became the first World Heritage Site in Ontario.

While strolling along the canal or enjoying a cruise is nice, the recommended activity is the skating rink, which is only open in winter. This outdoor skating rink, which stretches for approximately 7.8km, is even recognized by Guinness World Records. Skate rentals are available, of course, and there are restrooms and snack stands along the way, making it perfect for sightseeing.

8. Canadian Parliament Buildings (Ottawa)

Parliament Hill is located on a hill overlooking Ottawa, the capital of Canada. It was used as the Parliament Buildings from 1867, the year after its completion, but a large fire in 1916 destroyed most of it. It was rebuilt in 1922, and in 1927 the Peace Tower was completed to commemorate the seven lives lost in the fire.

The Library of Parliament, the only part of the Parliament Buildings that retains its original appearance, has bookshelves decorated with carvings and a marble statue of Queen Victoria standing in the center. The fantastic atmosphere reminiscent of a movie may leave you breathless.

9. Capilano Suspension Bridge (Vancouver)

Capilano Canyon, visited by 800,000 tourists annually, is Vancouver's oldest tourist spot. It's a place with a rich history, inhabited by indigenous people for over 8,000 years, and is appealing for its forest bathing and stunning views. Within Capilano Canyon is the Capilano Suspension Bridge, boasting a total length of 137m, making it the world's longest pedestrian suspension bridge.

While initially a simple bridge made of planks and hemp rope when constructed in 1889, it's now reinforced with wire steel, making it strong enough to support 1,300 people at once.

The grounds are overflowing with appealing attractions, including the "Treetops Adventure" where you walk among the trees, the "Cliffwalk" built along the cliff edge, and an exhibit of totem poles, famous as works of indigenous art.

10. Cape Breton Island

Cape Breton Island is an island abundant in nature, located in Nova Scotia, eastern Canada. It's dotted with spots that charm tourists, such as the Cabot Trail, a driving route that follows the coastline and mountain roads, and Cape Breton Highlands National Park, a treasure trove of nature spreading across the northern part of the island.

If you plan to join the popular activity, a whale watching tour, the ones run by local fishermen are recommended. Surprisingly, the encounter rate with whales reaches almost 100 percent, and there's even a guarantee of a full refund if you don't see any whales.

Also, with many immigrants from Scotland, Cape Breton Island is known for its strong Celtic cultural influences. Pay attention to spots unique to Cape Breton Island, such as scotch breweries and shops handling kilt goods.

11. Peggy's Cove (Nova Scotia)

Peggy's Cove, located on the outskirts of Halifax, is a small fishing village known as the setting for the movie "Hanamizuki". The Peggy's Cove Lighthouse, also the symbol of the village, has been loved by many photographers as the most picturesque lighthouse in the world.

The contrast of the pure white lighthouse, the red roofs, and the clear blue sky is beautiful. Unfortunately, however, it's said that because it's located in a place with drastic weather changes, it's often covered in fog and can't be seen. If you plan to visit, aim for a sunny day. And don't forget to try the famous lobster!

12. Hopewell Rocks (New Brunswick)

Between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia in eastern Canada lies the Bay of Fundy, which boasts the world's highest tidal range. Hopewell Rocks is a viewing spot where you can see tides rising and falling up to 16m.

Since it goes through a cycle of high and low tides every 12 hours, it's recommended to take two days to see it. However, be aware that you can only walk the beach for 3 hours before and after low tide. Also try visiting the Joggins Fossil Cliffs, a World Heritage Site located nearby.

13. Moraine Lake (Banff)

Moraine Lake, known as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, is located at an altitude of 1,885m in Banff National Park. The turquoise blue surface of the water is a natural color created by the reflection of sunlight on the mineral powder contained in the glacier. You can't help but feel the mystery of nature in this breathtakingly beautiful scenery.

The lake, which freezes over in winter, does not melt until June, and finally reaches its peak beauty when the water surface appears in late June. The best season for sightseeing is from July to August. It is recommended to visit early in the morning and watch the sunrise over the lake. It is also a good idea to rent a canoe and enjoy the blue Moraine Lake up close.

14. Yellowknife

Yellowknife, the capital of the Northwest Territories, was once a prosperous mining town that produced gold. It is famous for being able to see the aurora borealis all year round, regardless of the season, because it has many clear days and is located directly under the auroral belt. The aurora varies in color and shape depending on the time of year it appears, so be sure to visit many times.

The best seasons for auroras are twice a year: winter from November to April and August to September. In winter, you can enjoy various activities such as dog sledding, skating, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and snowshoeing trekking tours in addition to aurora viewing. Enjoy the great outdoors unique to Yellowknife.

There are still many more tourist spots in Canada

Canada, with its vast land area, has a truly diverse range of tourist attractions. In addition to scenic spots where you can enjoy magnificent nature, there are plenty of sightseeing spots for all ages, including historical sites, amusement parks, art galleries, and museums. The most common destinations for direct flights from Manila to Canada are Vancouver and Toronto making access convenient. Take this opportunity to visit Canada!