#25 Famous Landmarks in Canada

This post of the World Landmarks series explores the famous landmarks in Canada. From the natural monuments of Banff and Jasper to the historic buildings of Quebec, Canada is packed with attractions and fantastic destinations worth visiting. As usual in these articles, we invited a few other bloggers to contribute with some of the most famous Canadian landmarks.

From ice hockey to and poutine and maple syrup, there are many things Canada is famous for. Still, the Canadian landmarks are spectacular and contribute significantly to Canada’s popularity as one of the best destinations in the world. With pristine lakes, impressive landscapes, colonial cities, and monuments, Canada has everything you need to have a wonderful trip.

So, without further delays, let’s explore some of the most famous landmarks in Canada.

Famous Landmarks In Canada – British Columbia

Emerald Lake

By Jan Robinson from Budget Travel Talk

The largest front country lake in Yoho National Park is Emerald Lake. By front country, I mean easily accessible by vehicle.

From November to June, the lake is usually frozen. To see the stunning Emerald color, arrive as the surrounding glaciers begin melting. The glacial rock flour will still be suspended in the water, resulting in brilliant color. Later in Summer, the rock flour settles to the lake bottom, but Emerald Lake is worth visiting in any season. The photo below was taken in early June.

If by chance, you have arrived at the famous Lake Louise only to find it is still frozen, it is good to know that the less visited Emerald Lake is at a lower altitude and so melts earlier. It is an easy and exciting drive from Lake Louise to Emerald Lake.

The President Ranges tower behind Emerald Lake provides a magical backdrop, while an easy 5.2 km lakeside walk offers photo opportunities and the chance to leave any crowds behind. Emerald Lake Trail can be extended to 10.8 km by adding a diversion to Emerald Basin to see the Glacier.

Canoes are available for hire, and in winter, snow sports are popular. It is best to drive yourself to Emerald Lake, but it can also be visited by bus tour from Banff.

By Campbell Louw from Stingy Nomads

Stawamus Chief Mountain

Stawamus Chief Mountain, locally known as “The Chief,” is the second-largest granite rock in the world; only the Rock of Gibraltar is bigger. Hiking on the Stawamus Chief is a very popular activity.

This massive rock is located just outside the tiny village Squamish and is a famous landmark in British Columbia, Canada. The Chief is a beautiful site towering 700m above the waters of Howe Sound that joins a network of fjords nearby. Hiking to the top of this mountain will reward you with breathtaking views.

The hiking trails to the top of the Chief are suitable for different fitness levels. There are shorter routes to the top of the three individual peaks, or you can hike the complete trail of 8.11km. At the foot of the Chief, there are several campsites for a fantastic weekend outing.

Named by the first nations people after their village on the Squamish River, the Stawamus Chief comprises three peaks separated by several deep gullies. A world-renowned rock climbing destination, the steep walls of the Chief have hundreds of climbing routes for every level of climber.

The Chief is located on Highway 99, about 5 km from Squamish and 55km from Vancouver.

Peak 2 Peak Gondola

By Nicole Hunter from Go Far Grow Close

Whistler is located 120 km north of Vancouver in British Columbia. To reach it, you drive, take a shuttle or bus along the Sea To Sky Highway, one of the most beautiful drives in the world. For most of it, you hug the side of mountains while you look at the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and mountainous islands.

Whistler is internationally renowned for its two enormous mountains, Whistler and Blackcomb, that offer skiing and snowboarding in the winter and biking and hiking in the summer. They are each approximately 2200 meters or 7300 feet high.

Constructed in 2007, the Peak 2 Peak Gondola connects the two mountains so that you can ski, snowboard, sightsee or hike on both mountains in one day.  It is one of the longest unsupported lift spans globally at 3.024 kilometers or 1.88 miles and the highest with an elevation of 436 meters or 1,427 feet. It takes 11 minutes to cross one way, and the views are absolutely breathtaking. 

In addition to the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, there are gondolas from Whistler Village, creating the first three gondola connection in the world between two mountains – Whistler and Blackcomb.

Stanley Park, Vancouver

By Debbie Fettback from World Adventurists

Frequently recognized as one of the best and well-known urban parks in the world, Stanley Park attracts 8 million visitors a year. This 1001-acre public park neighbors downtown Vancouver and is mostly surrounded by the Burrard Inlet and English Bay. It is one of the first areas visitors flock to explore.

Stanley Park officially opened in 1888 and was not created by a landscape architect. Instead, it came to be what it is today through the evolution of a forest and urban space over many, many years. Much of the park is forested and has over half a million trees, some as tall as 76 meters and hundreds of years old.

One of the highlights of Stanley Park is the massive 8.8 km seawall that stretches along the outer rim of Stanley Park, built to protect the perimeter of the park from eroding into the ocean. Exploring the seawall path gives you the chance to experience the best of Vancouver. It is easy to hop on and off the seawall to explore the most popular areas, beaches, and parks. There are several entrance points to the seawall, making it easy to access by bus, Skytrain, car, or a walk.

Stanley Park was named after the Governor-General, who hockey’s Stanley Cup is also named after, Lord Frederick Stanley.

Panorama Ridge, Garibaldi Provincial Park

By Cecily Protsack from Groovy mashed potatoes

Between Squamish and Whistler, you will find Garibaldi Provincial Park, one of the most stunning areas in Canada known for its alpine lakes, glaciers, extinct stratovolcanoes, and mountainous landscape. This park has one of Canada’s most famous landmarks – the Panorama Ridge. From atop this ridge, you get a bird’s eye view of Garibaldi Lake, a massive glacial lake that was formed by volcanic activity around 9,000 years ago. Surrounding Garibaldi Lake are towering stratovolcanoes and mountains that will take your breath away. It’s one of the most incredible sights in Canada.

The hike starts at the Rubble Creek trailhead about 30 minutes north of Squamish down Daisy Lake Road. Getting to the ridge is no easy feat, however. The 32 km round trip hike is best done by doing a multi-day hiking and camping trip to Panorama Ridge. You can camp at Garibaldi Lake Campground, which sits right on the turquoise-colored lake. It gets its vibrant color from the suspended rock flour running off of the Glacier. The campground is a great base to do the hike up to Panorama Ridge the next day. You can keep your heavy belongings behind and take a small day pack up to the ridge and back.

Oldest Chinatown in Canada – Victoria BC

By Mayuri from Discover Victoria BC

Victoria is the capital city of the Canadian province of British Columbia. One of the interesting things about Victoria is that it is home to the oldest Chinatown in Canada (and the oldest in the whole of North America after San Francisco).

Victoria Chinatown is located on Fisgard Street near the city’s Inner Harbour and was first established by Cantonese immigrants who came to Canada as early as 1858. It has since grown into a vibrant hub of Chinese culture that attracts tourists from all over the world. 

This neighborhood is home to many restaurants including pho, dim sum, and dumplings which offer some of their best dishes for under $15. The area also contains specialty shops such as one that sells only soy sauce packets. 

One of the quirky things to do in Victoria Chinatown is to walk through the narrowest alley in Canada! That’s the Fan Tan Alley. It is located in the Chinatown neighborhood and runs south from Fisgard Avenue to Pandora Avenue at the block between Government Street and Store Street.

Exploring Victoria Chinatown, and Fan Tan Alley is completely free. Although not as huge as some of the Chinatowns in North America, it is still a great visit and you can spend a few hours here.

Olympics Rings Plaza in Whistler

By Mayuri from tosomeplacenew

Canada has hosted 2 winter Olympics, and if you are into skiing you must visit the beautiful resort town of Whistler. Vancouver – Whistler in British Columbia hosted the 2010 winter Olympics. 

The Olympic Rings Plaza in Whistler is a must-see for any visitor. It is an iconic landmark that signifies the start of the 2010 Winter Olympics. It is a beautiful spot to take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This location sits on Whistler Mountain, overlooking Blackcomb Mountain and the Village below. 

The plaza has been used as an event space for weddings, receptions, concerts, trade shows, and more! It was built with the intention of being a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. Visitors can walk up to enjoy breathtaking views or visit one of the many events hosted by this popular venue. 

In the winter this area turns into an ice skating rink. But don’t worry there are tons to do in Whistler for non-skiers including hanging out and admiring the festive decorations. 

Remember, it is completely free to visit and explore the site. Don’t forget to bring your camera and snap a photo!

Famous Landmarks Canada – Alberta

Horseshoe Canyon

By Casandra Karpiak from Karpiak Caravan Adventure Travel Family

Horseshoe Canyon is a valley located in Drumheller, Alberta. The canyon stretches for 12 kilometers and is best known for its hoodoos – a pillar-shaped rock formation that stands out against the rest of the landscape. Within the canyon itself, there are several hoodoos and spires and a small box canyon with a narrow opening.

Horseshoe Canyon was created by water erosion from an ancient river approximately 75 million years ago. The rocks in Horseshoe Canyon Formation contain marine fossils, which indicate that an ocean once covered the area.

The most famous dinosaur fossil found in Horseshoe Canyon is a rare, almost complete specimen of the duckbilled hadrosaur, Gryposaurus. Other dinosaurs found here include Albertosaurus and Struthiomimus, as well as some aquatic reptiles. Over 100 dinosaur remains have been discovered within Horseshoe Canyon, making it the most important site in Canada for dinosaur bones.

Horseshoe Canyon is located 17 km (11 mi) west of Drumheller, Alberta, along Highway 9. Visitors can stand on the platforms to view the incredible vistas, and the more adventurous can descend the stairs into the canyon for a day hike among the hoodoos.

West Edmonton Mall

By Nick Kembel of Fun World Facts

West Edmonton Mall is more than just a mall. This enormous shopping and entertainment complex in Alberta’s provincial capital is the largest such facility in Canada and used to be the largest mall in the world. According to these facts about West Edmonton Mall, it is larger than the Vatican, so if it were a country, it wouldn’t even be the smallest one!

Besides 800+ shops and 100+ dining facilities, WEM contains a long list of enticing attractions. World Waterpark is aptly named, for it is the largest indoor waterpark in the Americas. Galaxyland, the Mall’s colossal amusement park, has the tallest indoor roller coaster in the world. There’s a life-sized replica of Christopher Columbus’ ship in the Deep Sea, while the Ice Palace is a regulation-sized skating rink.

Other fun things to do in the Mall include mini-golf, a shooting range, go-karts, and an IMAX theatre. The Mall even has its own Chinatown, European Boulevard, and Bourbon Street, a New Orleans-themed strip of bars and restaurants!

Last but not least, visitors to WEM can spend the night in the attached Fantasyland Hotel, which has various themed rooms. The Space room, the newest addition, is the pick of the bunch!

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump

By Nick Kembel of Spiritual Travels

For over five millennia, indigenous people on the plains of Canada hunted bison by driving them off cliffs. The most well-known of such hunting sites is Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, or Estipah-skikikini-kots in the indigenous Blackfoot language, near the southern Alberta city of Lethbridge. The site is located around the point where the plains meet the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.

Today, Head-Smashed-In is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An excellent Interpretive Centre is located on-site. The Centre is built naturally into the hill, so it is hardly visible from the exterior. Visitors begin their experience by taking an elevator right to the top, from where a trail leads to the original cliff. Looking down from the top of the cliff, one can imagine what the hunts must have looked like. The cliff base is 12 meters higher than what it used to be because so many bison bones are piled up there.

After contemplating the hunt site and surrounding rolling plains, visitors descend through the multiple levels of the museum, learning more about the site, the lands surrounding it, and the indigenous people’s culture.

Abraham Lake Ice Bubbles

By Jenifer from The Evolista

In the Canadian Rockies between Banff and Jasper National Parks, off the David Thompson Highway, is one of the prettiest places to visit in winter. Abraham Lake freezes to an icy wonderland with bubbles trapped in the ice. You can walk out on the ice to see hundreds of thousands of bubbles stacked and frozen as they were rising to the top.

All of this is a result of the Bighorn dam construction in 1972 that flooded the area, turning it into a lake. The plants at the bottom of the lake release methane gas that bubbles to the top. 

During summer, you would never know what was happening underneath. In winter, however, it’s a stunning visual experience worth the trek to go see it. 

The Abraham Lake ice bubbles may be a hidden gem to most of us but it’s a bucket list destination for photographers all over the world. You can join them at sunrise and sunset as the reddish-orange sky is the perfect backdrop for capturing the bubbles. The best time to see the bubbles is in December or January before snow accumulates on the ice. 

Moraine Lake

By Luke from Wild About BC

Canada is home to many glacial blue lakes but Moraine Lake may just be the pick of the bunch. This vibrant blue lake can be found in the mountains of Banff National Park in Alberta. It is about a 1-hour drive from Banff town and is actually only a few minutes drive from Lake Louise, another globally famous natural landmark in Alberta, Canada. There are regular shuttle bus services available from Banff town center if you don’t have a car to drive yourself.  

The lake itself is not only one of the most beautiful places in Canada, it is one of the most impressive places you will see anywhere in the world. The water from the lake is a vivid shade of bright blue and what makes it more impressive is the mountains on the far side of the lake which tower above the water. Don’t be surprised to see a fresh dusting of snow on these mountains even in the summer. The lake is also surrounded by dense forest and the whole scene is breathtaking.  

If you want to see the lake from a different angle you can rent canoes and paddle across the water. It is recommended to come here for sunrise as the morning light catches the top of the mountain peaks and basks them in golden light. This is such an amazing place to visit and should be one of the top destinations on your Canada bucket list.

Lake Louise in Banff National Park, Alberta

By Mayuri from Canada Crossroads

Located in the province of Alberta is Lake Louise. It is a 50-minute drive away from Banff National Park, the oldest national park in Canada.

Lake Louise is one of the most well-known lakes in the country and it provides an amazing backdrop for vacationers visiting the area. The lake itself is gorgeous with its deep blue water reflecting off the mountains that surround it. 

The water also has a great clarity to it which makes for some great underwater exploration opportunities as well! 

Lake Louise offers plenty of scenic views but there are many other things to do while you’re here like fishing, hiking, camping or even swimming!

In the summer months, you can soak in the turquoise glacial waters, and go kayaking or hiking in the trails nearby. Kayaks and canoes can be rented from the nearby office.

Agnes Tea House is a popular hike to reach the top of the tea house for a drink and views!

Lake Louise in winter turns into a lovely natural ice skating rink. You can bring your own skates, or rent them from the Fairmont Chateaux located near the lake. In January every year (sometimes beginning to February), you can participate in the ice carving competition where artists and sculptors from all over the world come in to participate. 

There are no entry fees to the lakeside, except for the National Park fees paid at the gate entrance. There is ample parking space, and washrooms for visitors to use.

Canada Landmarks – Ontario

CN Tower, Toronto

By James Ian from Travel Collecting

The CN Tower dominates the skyline of downtown Toronto.  Named after the Canadian National railway company that built it in 1976, it serves as a communications tower. However, at 553.33 meters high, it is also a major tourist attraction and one the the most famous landmarks in Canada. There is an observation level at the top that has incredible views over Toronto’s downtown and suburbs and Lake Ontario. There is a section with a thick glass floor that you can walk out onto and look straight down to see the ground very far below you. There is also the appropriately named 360 restaurant with 360° views. This makes a wonderfully romantic dinner destination. 

Thrill-seekers will really love the EdgeWalk. You walk out, hands-free, on the outside edge of a 1.5-meter-wide platform that completely circles the main observation pod.  At 356m, it’s the world’s highest hands-free external walk.  You are attached to a harness, but it’s still not for those with a fear of heights!

The CN Tower is one of the top attractions in Toronto and an absolute must-do when you visit. Try to visit on a clear day for the best views.

Toronto Islands

By Melinda Medley from Mel On The Go

The Toronto Islands, the only group of islands in Western Lake Ontario, is a chain of 15 small islands just south of the city of Toronto. Originally used for centuries for ceremonial gatherings by the indigenous peoples, they were eventually taken over by the Canadian government and used for military purposes.

More recently, Toronto converted the islands for recreational use and added an airport and a small residential community. Now Toronto Islands are one of Toronto’s most popular sites, with an amusement park, cycling and walking paths, several beaches, yacht clubs, and a disc golf course, among other attractions.

The car-free islands cover about 820 acres and are 4km south of the mainland of Toronto in Lake Ontario. All the accesses to the Toronto Islands is by water, with the most popular method of transport the public ferries, which take about 15 minutes either way.

Ferries run to three different locations on the island from the downtown Toronto ferry terminal and cost $8.50 return for adults, with reduced rates for children and seniors. Buy tickets in advance to avoid lines in peak periods, when ferries run hourly or more frequently.

Alternatively, use your own boat, hire a water taxi, or power yourself across the bay on kayaks or canoes with spectacular views of the Toronto skyline.

Niagara Falls

By Mariellen Ward from Breathedreamgo

Niagara Falls is arguably Canada’s most famous landmark. A natural wonder on the border of Canada and the United States in Ontario, Niagara Falls has been attracting tourists for well over 200 years. It was known for a long time as the Honeymoon Capital, and it has been the site of many stunts — from people going over The Falls in a barrel to tightrope walkers above The Falls. 

Niagara Falls is not the world’s highest waterfall nor is it the most picturesque. But it is one of the most powerful in terms of width and volume of water. Millions of liters of water drop 57 meters and land with a thunderous roar that sends up a churning tumult of foam and mist. While the flow of water changes from season to season, the average rate of about 85,000 cubic feet of water per second flows from Lake Erie, along the Niagara River, over The Falls, and into Lake Ontario. 

It’s terrifying and mesmerizing in equal measure, and there are numerous ways to experience The Falls on both the American and Canadian sides — though the Canadian side is the home of The Horseshoe Falls, which at 790 meters wide are much more spectacular. You can take a boat ride to the base of The Falls, where the water is a churning mist that will completely soak you, or walk behind the falls in old tunnels, or stroll along the Promenade, a riverside walkway.

The Grotto in Tobermory

 By Stephanie from The World As I See It

One of Canada’s famous natural landmarks can be found in Tobermory, Ontario. This charming small town, a four-hour drive north of Toronto, is a nature lover’s paradise. One of the top things to do in Tobermory is visiting the Bruce Peninsula National Park. It is here that you’ll find one of Ontario’s top attractions – The Grotto. Within the park, along the shores of Georgian Bay, sits a limestone cave filled with crystal blue waters and reminiscent of sea caves in Europe. The Grotto is a popular destination for hikers, nature lovers, and Instagrammers alike for its incredible beauty.

To access the Grotto, head to Bruce Peninsula National Park, 15 minutes south of Tobermory or four hours northwest of Toronto. The quickest way to get to the Grotto is from the Cyprus Lake parking lot off Highway 6. Take the Georgian Bay Trail to the coast from the Cyprus Lake parking lot, then follow the Bruce Trail to the Grotto. It’s a moderate 45-minute hike both ways.

Please note that visitors must reserve a timed slot online to visit the Bruce Peninsula National Park. During peak season and times, the slots can be booked days in advance, so be sure to book as far in advance as you can.

Rideau Canal, Ottawa

By Nina of Nina Out and About

The Rideau Canal is the biggest attraction in Ottawa, easily surpassing Parliament. People come from around the world every winter to visit the world’s largest outdoor skating rink.

Located around Downtown Ottawa, the Rideau Canal starts its journey beside Parliament before wrapping south around the city center and ending in Dow’s Lake. The 17.4km waterway entirely freezes for 6 to 8 weeks every year and becomes an amazing winter must-do.

On the ice, you’ll find skate rentals, Beaver Tail huts, maple syrup shacks, and even clothing stores! This makes it a great tourist destination, so you can spend hours outdoors enjoying the winter sunshine while you skate the Rideau Canal.

The Canal is actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but not because of its skating rink. It was used as a defensive structure during the wars between Canada and America. In fact, it’s credited as being the waterway that defines the two nations. Without its military usage and water locks system, Ottawa might have become American.

You can pay homage to this militaristic history by visiting the military museum in Ottawa on the banks of the Rideau Canal or stopping by one of the many war memorials along the banks of the Rideau Canal near Parliament.

Parliament Hill, Ottawa

By Emma Verhaeghe from Emma’s Roadmap

Another of the famous sites in Ottawa is without doubt Parliament Hill. Not only because this is the governmental epicenter of Canada, but also because these magnificent buildings are a wonderful place to visit and are listed as UNESCO World Heritage!

Parliament Hill was originally a military base, until 1859 when Ottawa was chosen as the capital of Canada. These gothic buildings attract about 3 million visitors each year and are the perfect place to visit when you want to get to know everything about Canadian politics. You can visit the Senate, East Wing, and House of Commons, but make sure to reserve your spot for a guided tour beforehand because it can get quite busy. The tours take about 30 to 50 minutes depending on which one you take and the good news is that these tours are completely free!

As there is no dedicated parking available at Parliament Hill, the easiest way to get here is by public transport, and then particularly by bus. There is a bus stop right in front of Parliament Hill, which is as easy as it can get! So, are you ready to discover the magnificently decorated, royal halls of Parliament Hill and watch the changing of the guard? Then, start planning your trip to Ottawa as soon as possible!

Canada Famous Landmarks – Quebec

Notre Dame Basilica, Montreal

By Sophie from solo Sophie

Montreal is one of the most famous cities in the French-speaking part of Canada, Quebec. The city is particularly famous for its foodie scene (it has one of the highest numbers of restaurants to inhabitants ratios in North America), its wealth of museums, and its international festivals.

When visiting the city, one place which you certainly cannot miss is the historic district of old Montreal, which is characterised by its Old Port and many centuries old buildings.

One of the most important structures in Old Montreal, which is likely where you’ll want to base yourself during any stay in the city, is undoubtedly the Notre Dame Basilica, which is widely regarded around the world as being one of the most beautiful examples of Gothic revival architecture.

The Notre Dame basilica is also a perfect place to visit during a rainy day in Montreal. Constructed in the first half of the 19th-century, today the ecclesiastical building boasts around a million visitors on an annual basis.

The building is of such historical importance that it has been designated as a Historic Site of Canada since 1989. Please note that visitors who wish to see the interior of the Basilica outside of mass hours will have to pay a standard entrance fee.

Mont Royal Park, Montreal

By Pamela from The Directionally Challenged Traveler

Montreal is one of Canada’s most beautiful cities and the second-largest in Canada. It has a rich history and culture and its natural beauty is unparalleled. It’s a wonderful east coast getaway with so many things to do. An icon of the city, Mont Royal Park is a must-visit destination in the city. 

It was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead in 1876, the same landscape architect who designed New York City’s Central Park. It’s a magnificent 200 hectares of urban green space – featuring the local natural beauty and biodiversity.

There are plenty of walking paths fit for any visitor. Pack a picnic and enjoy the numerous monuments and views. The best view is from Belvedere Kondiaronk that has panoramic views of the city. There is also a restaurant, public bathrooms, and a souvenir shop. You can also visit Smith House which is home to an exhibit featuring the history of the park.  

It’s easy to see Mount Royal Park is one of the best destinations in Montreal. It also gives outdoor excursions for everyone, and it offers breathtaking views.

Near Mont Royal is St. Joseph’s Oratory. It is the largest church in Canada and almost a match of St. Peter’s in Rome and worth at least a walk-by for its beauty. 

St. Joseph’s Oratory, Montreal

By Rachel from TheRxForTravel.com

Towering at the top of Mount Royal’s summit is the highest building in Montreal, Canada, St. Joseph’s Oratory. While now considered a basilica, when it was built in 1904, it was just an oratory (which means small chapel).

The original chapel still remains on the property but was moved to make way for the beginning of construction for what is now the basilica. While the exterior of the basilica is Italian renaissance, the inside is more contemporary given the many styles that have passed through since the start of construction in 1924 till its completion in 1966.

When you visit, there are a few locations to see, like the crypt church, votive chapel, as well as one of the grandest organs in the world housed inside the great basilica. Outside of this beautiful church, you are afforded an impeccable view that, on a clear day, you can see out for miles.

And, with a bus stop at the bottom of the property and a metro station about a 10-minute walk away, St. Joseph’s Oratory is easy to get to. It is open daily, so do not miss out on one of the great things to do in Montreal.   

Chateau Frontenac Hotel, Quebec City

By Claire from Claire Pins Travel

The iconic Chateau Frontenac hotel is situated high on a rock formation overlooking the St. Lawrence River and it is surrounded by the historic 19^th century buildings of the Upper Town in Old Quebec City.

The hotel was developed for the Canadian Pacific Railway in the 19^th century as part of a series of hotels designed to attract more visitors and construction was completed in 1893. While the hotel itself is not a UNESCO site, it has been designated as a National Historic Site of Canada since 1981. 

This Château Style building was designed by Bruce Price and the architecture reflects elements of historical French castles, including many towers, turrets and a sharply-pitched roof with spires.

You can visit inside the hotel as part of a guided historical tour or book a stay as a guest in one of the 611 rooms and suites. The lower level hosts some museum style exhibits and the expansive Dufferin Terrace behind the hotel offers beautiful views of the St. Lawrence River. The hotel is one kilometre from the Quebec City train and bus terminal, which can be reached in about three hours from Montreal or eight to ten hours from Toronto.

Montmorency Falls

By Cosette from KarsTravels

The Montmorency Falls are just outside of Québec City in the province of Québec. They’re situated in the Parc de la Chute-Montmorency. The falls are reachable by car, there’s a parking lot close by. There are several busses going this way from the center of Québec City.

Although less famous and grand compared to Niagara Falls, the Montmorency Falls are 30 meters (98 feet) higher than Niagara Falls. They measure 84 meters (276 feet).

The falls are at the mouth of the Montmorency River, where it flows into the St. Lawrence River. It has 2 drops, the second drop plunges over a cliff into the St. Lawrence River. It’s a perfect stop on a Toronto to Halifax Road Trip.

In the park the falls are visible from different perspectives. Over the crest of the falls is a suspension bridge, on which there are beautiful views. By crossing this bridge you have access to both sides of the park. There’s a funicular that brings you to the top of the falls. Further there’s a zipline, viewpoints, staircases and a Via Ferrata. In short enough ways to enjoy the Montmorency Falls.

Hopewell Rocks

By Nina of Nina Out and About

Have you ever wanted to see 40ft tall tides? Maybe not before, but now you do!

Along the coast of New Brunswick lies the Bay of Fundy. This natural wonder sees the highest tides in the world, with daily levels rising and falling by an average of 35ft. Every day, the ocean sucks out thousands of gallons of water, lowering the tide to the point that a kilometer of the shore is uncovered. Then it returns the rushing water with crushingly powerful waves.

The best place to take in this stunning tidal show is at Hopewell Rocks in New Brunswick. The rocks are unique features of sandstone that have been carved out by coastal erosion. During high tide, you can kayak amongst the tops of the rocks, where vegetation manages to thrive. When the tide goes out, you can walk beneath these towering structures, exploring caves that were hidden hours ago and getting your toes wet in the clay-like sand.

A visit to Hopewell Rocks requires two stops: one when the tide is high and one when it’s low, so you can really appreciate the majesty of this natural wonder.

You will need a car to get to Hopewell Rocks from nearby Saint John. Follow the signs along the highway, and you’ll get to the rocks with no problem. 

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