After you immigrate to Canada and settle down in your new country, you will likely want to start visiting the various points of interest.

There are so many incredible things to see and do in Canada that it might be difficult for a newcomer to know where to begin.

The good news is that as a Canadian permanent resident, you will have plenty of time to explore this big, beautiful, friendly country!

Outdoor enthusiasts will want to visit Canada’s spectacular national parks and other scenic areas.

Canada’s vibrant cities offer diverse dining options, top-notch cultural and entertainment activities, great shopping venues, peaceful places to relax, dynamic nightlife – and more!  

Below, are several of the top places for newcomers to visit in Canada chosen for you by Canadian Visa Expert:

Must-See Places to Visit in Canada

Toronto, Ontario 

Toronto is the largest city in Canada and the #1 destination for new immigrants. Major points of interest in this magnificent multicultural metropolis include: CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto Island Park, Casa Loma, High Park, Toronto Island Park, the Distillery District, Toronto Music Garden, Kensington Market, Queen Street West, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, Art Gallery of Ontario, Rogers Centre, the Hockey Hall of Fame, St. Lawrence Market, and the Toronto Zoo. 

Niagara Falls, Ontario

Niagara Falls is a spectacular natural wonder with its iconic Horseshoe, American, and Bridal Veil Falls, complemented by immersive experiences such as the Journey Behind the Falls, thrilling zipline rides, and panoramic views from the Skylon Tower, while the nearby city of Niagara Falls buzzes with its vibrant Clifton Hill attractions, such as the Niagara Sky Wheel, and local world-class wineries offer tours and tastings.

Quebec City, Quebec

Quebec City enchants visitors with its cobblestone streets and centuries-old architecture in Old Quebec—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—highlighted by the iconic Château Frontenac, the vibrant Petit-Champlain district, dramatic views from Dufferin Terrace, the beautiful Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral, the historic Plains of Abraham, the impressive Musée National des Beaux-arts du Québec, all blending European charm, rich history, and a lively French Canadian culture in one walkable, picturesque destination. While you are near Quebec City, it is well worth the short drive to visit majestic Montmorency Falls. 

Banff National Park, Alberta

Banff National Park captivates visitors with iconic turquoise lakes such as Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, panoramic mountain vistas seen from the Banff Gondola on Sulphur Mountain, serene relaxation at the Banff Upper Hot Springs, and endless opportunities for hiking, biking, wildlife watching, scenic drives along the Icefields Parkway and Bow Valley Parkway, plus cultural gems such as the Cave and Basin National Historic Site—making it a world-class destination for adventure, sightseeing, and natural beauty all year round. 

Vancouver, British Columbia

As Canada’s third largest city, Vancouver entices travelers with the lush trails and iconic seawall of Stanley Park, bustling markets and artisan studios on Granville Island, scenic city and mountain views from the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain, vibrant neighborhoods like Gastown and Yaletown, world-class museums and galleries such as the Vancouver Art Gallery and Museum of Anthropology, and easy access to beaches and waterfront adventures—all set against the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Ocean and Coastal Mountains for the perfect blend of urban excitement and outdoor adventure.

Jasper National Park, Alberta

Jasper National Park in Alberta offers unparalleled experiences for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike, featuring stunning mountain vistas along the Icefields Parkway and Jasper Sky Tram, thrilling whitewater rafting on the Athabasca River, serene canoeing on crystal-clear lakes, abundant wildlife viewing including elk and moose, and immersive activities like hiking to Mount Edith Cavell Meadows, soaking in Miette Hot Springs, and stargazing in Canada’s largest Dark Sky Preserve—all within the park’s vast and pristine wilderness.

Montreal, Quebec

Montreal, Canada’s second most populous city, dazzles visitors with its blend of historic Old Montreal’s cobblestone streets and the majestic Notre-Dame Basilica, panoramic cityscapes from Mount Royal Park (be sure to visit Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal), world-class art museums such as the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, lively festivals in the Quartier des Spectacles, and a vibrant culinary scene centered around bustling markets and renowned eateries. One of the biggest events held each year is the Montreal International Jazz Festival, which usually occurs during the last week of June and first week of July. 

Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland & Labrador

Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland & Labrador is a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site where visitors can experience towering fjords on a scenic Western Brook Pond boat tour, trek challenging trails to the panoramic summit of Gros Morne Mountain, explore the rare exposed Earth’s mantle at the Tablelands, stroll historic coastal villages and sandy beaches, and immerse themselves in vibrant local culture—all set amidst one of the planet’s most spectacular and ancient landscapes.

Calgary, Alberta

Calgary, Alberta, uniquely blends its vibrant Western heritage and modern urban charm, inviting visitors to experience the world-famous Calgary Stampede rodeo and festival held in early July, immerse themselves in pioneer history at Heritage Park, admire panoramic city and mountain views from the Calgary Tower, explore family-friendly attractions like the Calgary Zoo and TELUS Spark Science Centre, and enjoy lively cultural festivals and scenic urban parks. Calgary is also the gateway to the Canadian Rockies, with the scenic Bow River Valley and Banff National Park a relatively short drive from the city.

Ottawa, Ontario

Ottawa, the national capital of Canada, is known for its iconic Parliament Hill overlooking the Ottawa River, scenic year-round activities (such as skating or kayaking) along the UNESCO-listed Rideau Canal, vibrant shopping and dining in the historic ByWard Market, world-class collections at the National Gallery of Canada and Canadian Museum of History, and lively festivals that celebrate Canada’s rich cultural heritage.

Fundy National Park, New Brunswick

Fundy National Park in New Brunswick invites visitors to explore over 120 km of scenic hiking trails through lush Acadian forests and breathtaking coastlines, witness the world’s highest tides along the Bay of Fundy by walking the exposed ocean floor at low tide or kayaking at high tide, relax on sandy beaches like Herring Cove and Bennett Lake, and discover cascading waterfalls such as Dickson and Laverty Falls.

Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta

Nestled where the Canadian Rockies tumble into the prairies, Waterton Lakes National Park beckons travelers with glassy emerald lakes perfect for scenic boat cruises to Crypt Lake, wildflower-carpeted trails like Bear’s Hump, iconic vistas from the Prince of Wales Hotel, and unforgettable wildlife sightings under star-studded skies. Other points of interest in Waterton Lakes National Park include Red Rock Canyon, Cameron Lake, and Cameron Falls. 

Churchill, Manitoba

Churchill, Manitoba—renowned as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World”—offers tourists an unparalleled Arctic adventure to safely witness majestic polar bears from specialized tundra vehicles, marvel at thousands of beluga whales in summer, experience mesmerizing northern lights in winter, explore rich Indigenous and fur trade history, and engage in activities like kayaking, dog sledding, and helicopter tours over the stunning Hudson Bay coastline.

Victoria, British Columbia

Victoria, British Columbia, delights visitors with its vibrant Inner Harbor lined by historic architecture and lively marinas, world-renowned Butchart Gardens bursting with seasonal blooms, strolls through the lush Beacon Hill Park and its iconic totem pole, immersive history at the Royal BC Museum and elegant Parliament Buildings, charming afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel, and unforgettable wildlife experiences from whale watching tours to scenic coastal walks and colorful First Nations murals along Ogden Point.

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, British Columbia

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, which is southeast of Tofino on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, is a spectacular playground of rugged Pacific coastline, pristine temperate rainforests, and expansive sandy beaches—where visitors can stroll iconic Long Beach’s dramatic shorelines, hike the challenging West Coast Trail, kayak among the serene Broken Group Islands, immerse in Nuu-chah-nulth culture, and revel in surfing, storm watching, and wildlife spotting within one of Canada’s most breathtaking coastal wilderness areas.

Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia

Cape Breton Highlands National Park in Nova Scotia gratifies visitors with the world-famous Cabot Trail weaving through its dramatic highlands and rugged coastal wilderness, offering breathtaking ocean vistas from scenic hikes like the Skyline Trail, as well as cycling some of the world’s finest routes, relaxing on pristine beaches, camping under starry skies, golfing at the renowned Highlands Links, and immersing in local culture and culinary delights—all amid spectacular views and abundant wildlife.

Whistler Ski Resort, British Columbia

Whistler Ski Resort in British Columbia entices visitors year-round with world-class skiing and snowboarding on North America’s largest terrain, breathtaking rides on the record-breaking Peak 2 Peak Gondola, exhilarating summer mountain biking, scenic alpine hiking, ziplining, vibrant après-ski and village nightlife, and a wealth of outdoor adventures ranging from bear viewing to bobsleigh tours and paddle-boarding on pristine lakes.

Whitehorse, Yukon

Whitehorse, Yukon, offers unforgettable adventures in the heart of the wilderness, where you can witness the awe-inspiring Northern Lights dancing across the Arctic sky in winter, explore Indigenous and Gold Rush history at the SS Klondike and MacBride Museum, paddle or canoe along the legendary Yukon River, relax in the soothing Takhini Hot Springs, encounter northern wildlife at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, and enjoy hiking, biking, and seasonal festivals—all set against the stunning backdrop of pristine northern landscapes.

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

The Okanagan Valley in British Columbia invites visitors to savor award-winning wines at more than 120 picturesque wineries, cruise or swim in the warm waters of Okanagan Lake, cycle the scenic historic trestles of Myra Canyon Park, explore charming markets and orchards, hike through fragrant sage and lavender fields, and enjoy year-round outdoor adventure—from summer boating and beaches to winter skiing—all set amidst breathtaking mountain and valley landscapes.

Lunenburg, Nova Scotia

Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, enchants visitors with its vibrant UNESCO World Heritage Old Town filled with brightly painted colonial buildings, immersive maritime traditions at the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, the legendary Bluenose II schooner offering unforgettable harbor cruises, picturesque strolls along the bustling waterfront lined with restaurants and artisan shops, and cultural landmarks like St. John’s Anglican Church—all set against a backdrop of seafaring history and stunning views of the harbor.

Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island enchants visitors with its storybook Green Gables Heritage Place, sweeping red and white sand beaches in Prince Edward Island National Park, iconic lighthouses, picturesque coastal villages, scenic cycling trails, vibrant arts and theatre in Charlottetown, and culinary delights from fresh seafood and farm-to-table experiences—all woven together by rolling farmland and a gentle island charm.

Conclusion

Canada is one of the most popular destinations for tourists and immigrants.

As a tourist, you might need to travel to Canada several times in order to visit all of the places on the “bucket list” provided above and, perhaps, you would feel a bit rushed trying to fit everything into a relatively short vacation itinerary.

If you were a Canadian permanent resident, however, you could take your time visiting these destinations in Canada, spending quality time at each one and re-visiting your favorite spots as often as you like. 

Of course, most people who immigrate to Canada don’t do so in order to be on an endless vacation in one of the world’s most beautiful countries.

Rather, they immigrate to Canada for the good-paying jobs, better opportunities for their children, free healthcare, access to quality education, freedom, equality, safety, stability, and to have an overall high standard of living. 

Since 2012, Canadian Visa Expert has been working with a team of authorized immigration consultants who can evaluate your eligibility to apply for permanent residency in Canada and guide you through each step of the application process if you qualify.

Would you like to move to Canada as a permanent resident and have the opportunity to access all that this amazing country has to offer? 

The first step is to receive your eligibility evaluation so you will know your best option for immigration to Canada.

APPLY NOW!