Montreal, c’est si bon! This French-speaking city is considered the cultural capital of Canada, and is a cosmopolitan celebration of Québécois style. A horse-drawn carriage ride around the cobblestone streets and grand buildings of Vieux-Montréal will give you a taste of European flavour. The Basilique Notre-Dame is a confection of stained glass, and the Plateau Mont-Royal district will delight you with its quaint boutiques and cafés. Dig in to a massive plate of poutine to fuel up for a tour of the epic Olympic Park.

We've heard Toronto described as "New York City run by the Swiss," and it's true—you can find world-class theatre, shopping and restaurants here, but the sidewalks are clean and the people are friendly. The best place to start is literally at the top—the CN Tower, the tallest freestanding structure in the Western Hemisphere.

We won't lie: Niagara Falls is uber-touristy. There are wax museums and a Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum, and if it's a fast-food chain, you can probably find it here. But even the most jaded hipster shouldn't pass up a chance to visit this town, because the Falls themselves are spectacular.

What happens when a "gassy" Englishman rows into town feeling thirsty? A pub is born. And from that a city—in this case Vancouver. Though the pubs are plentiful, food and drink aren’t the only things to take in during your trip. In its 150 years, Vancouver has grown into a cosmopolitan city nestled in the great outdoors. Enjoy the snow-capped mountains, waterfront forests, cityside beaches, Olympic history and the world’s highest suspension bridge. Hipsters welcome. (Don’t worry, they don’t bite.)

Quebec City may be the only fortified city north of Mexico, but it welcomes visitors with open arms. Explore the Citadel, where you might catch Canadian troops staging a military ceremony. As for food, you could splurge on afternoon tea at the Chateau Frontenac, or do as the locals do and snack on poutine—french fries with gravy and cheese curds.

Soaring mountains, jewel-coloured lakes and pristine wilderness await you in Canada’s first National Park. The irresistible beauty of the landscape invites travellers to immerse themselves in the outdoors all year round — whether hiking through untouched forests and paddling the turquoise lakes in summertime, or skiing the slopes and soaking in the steamy hot springs during the winter. Travellers also enjoy the warm hospitality of Banff or Lake Louise, the region’s charming mountain townships.

Whistler, British Columbia, is a short trip from Vancouver by road or air. The stunning landscape, pedestrian-only Village and genuine, down-to-earth mountain culture make Whistler an unforgettable year-round destination. Winters provide reliable snow for skiing, snowboarding and Nordic sports while golf, mountain biking and hiking fill the warmer months. Festivals, spas, restaurants and bars combine with endless outdoor activities to make Whistler the ultimate place to escape and unwind.

Ottawa is a compact, clean, cleverly planned centre of culture and politics. And it's an ideal choice for a weekend getaway. Start downtown at the architecturally stunning National Gallery of Canada, and don't miss the Canadian Nature Museum and the National Aviation Museum. Rideau Canal offers boating in the summer and ice-skating in the winter. Gatineau Park attracts cyclists and walkers, while Byward Market blends old and new Ottawa.

It's still one of the most British cities in North America, but there's more to Victoria than tearooms, antique shops and galleries (though there are plenty of those). Driven by the younger generation, the city has sprouted a collection of cool shops, authentic coffee bars and unique restaurants. It also has more cycling routes than any other Canadian city, providing a great way to explore the picturesque location (and avoid an afternoon of antique shopping).

The crashing waters of Niagara Falls—comprising two American falls and one Canadian—are truly a sight to behold. Get up close on a boat ride (be prepared to get soaked!), enjoy amazing aerial views from the Skylon Tower or on a helicopter tour, stroll along the White Water Walk, or hit the Journey Behind the Falls attraction that offers views of the falls from below and behind. Adventure seekers can also go zip-lining, jet-boating, hiking and cycling with the falls as the backdrop. For a truly magical experience, stay after dark when the falls are illuminated. For peak water flow, visit between June and August. – Tripadvisor

North America's third-largest park draws eight million visitors per year, many of whom may skate or walk past you on the Seawall, a scenic, 5.5-mile path running along the water on the park's perimeter. It's just one of many trails among the park's 1,000 acres, which also house an aquarium, nature center and other recreational facilities.

Montreal's oldest Catholic church, built in 1656, is known for its intricately designed interior, which includes stained glass chronicling the history of the city.

Sulphur Mountain summit is easily accessible via the Banff Gondola. The ride takes just 8 minutes—you’ll get to enjoy the amazing views of six mountain ranges as you coast over the treetops. Once you’re at the 7,486-foot-high mountaintop, take a stroll along the ridgetop boardwalk before spending the afternoon at the multi-sensory theater, rooftop observation deck, restaurant and interactive exhibits.

Come enjoy our breathtaking 22 ha (55 acres) of gardens year around. In Spring, countless tulips, daffodils and hyacinths will give you a buffet of fragrances and colours. You’ll be saying “wow” when you experience our Summer: The Rose Garden, evening entertainment, subtle night illuminations, the Saturday firework show, and boat tours to name a few of the delights. Perennial borders start their stunning show in late summer, and the Japanese maples turn to russet, gold, and red in the fall. Be captivated by the Magic of Christmas with its decorations, expansive lighting and outdoor ice skating rink. Top off the day with a ride on the carousel and a great meal. Come see why we’ve been designated a National Historic Site.

This large sandbar and former industrial site is now a posh, artsy neighborhood filled with quaint shops, eateries, breweries, and year-round arts and cultural festivals. Located in False Creek, it's famous for the Granville Island Public Market where you can get fresh produce, gourmet food, and artisanal handicrafts. Visit during summer when the island is exceptionally bustling with outdoor entertainment acts, or during the holidays for twinkling festive lights. You can get to Granville Island by car by crossing the Granville Bridge. Otherwise, you can also take a scenic ferry ride, or a walking or bike tour of the waterfront. – Tripadvisor

Climb this 1,815-foot-tall observation tower to have the whole of Toronto at your feet and overlook up to 100 miles on a clear day. Once the tallest structure on Earth for over 30 years, the CN Tower attracts travelers to its two observation decks—one of which features a glass floor. If you’re looking for an extra thrill, try Edgewalk, where you can walk hands-free on a ledge surrounding the top floors. The tower is also home to the award-winning 360 Restaurant, which completes a rotation around the structure every 72 minutes, giving you an ever-changing view of the city while you dine. – Tripadvisor

Old Montreal is a historic neighborhood in Canada with a charming Parisian flair. Be transported back in time as you wander down the cobblestone streets and admire the stunning architecture. Check out the Bonsecours Market for some unique shopping, stroll along St. Paul Street, and visit the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal to admire the incredible stained glass windows. You can also head to the old port for a Ferris wheel ride, zipline, or cruise. Take a walking tour to learn more about its history or a ghost tour to explore the neighborhood after dark. Visit in the winter to see the beautiful holiday decorations. – Tripadvisor

This park is one of Montreal's largest greenspaces and is a great place for admiring a wide variety of flora and fauna. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the same person behind New York's Central Park, Mount Royal Park boasts miles of trails and superb views of the city. Here, you can stroll down the tree-lined paths and recharge with a picnic on the grass by Beaver Lake. You can also enjoy outdoor activities year-round, such as canoeing in the summer and skiing in the wintertime. There’s a mild climb to reach the viewing area at the top. Alternatively, you can hop on a public bus to reach the peak. – Tripadvisor