The Top Tourism Attractions in Canada
Vancouver
Stanley Park
Stanley Park is a public park that borders the downtown of Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada and is almost entirely surrounded by waters of Vancouver Harbour and English Bay. The park has a long history and was one of the first areas to be explored in the city. The land was used by indigenous peoples for centuries before it was Colonized by the British in 1858. A large number of the trees in the park are giant sequoias brought to Vancouver from California during the late 19th century.
The park is named after Lord Stanley of Preston, who was the Governor General of Canada from 1888 to 1893. During his tenure, he helped establish many key cultural institutions in Vancouver including Stanley Park. The park was originally conceived as a temperance park where people could come to picnic and get away from the drunkenness and rowdiness of the city. However, over time it has become one of Vancouver's most popular tourist destinations with over 8 million visitors each year.
There are many different attractions within Stanley Park including the Vancouver Aquarium, Canadian First Nations Totem Poles, Brockton Point Lighthouse, and Lost Lagoon. The Aquarium is home to over 70,000 animals including stingrays, sea turtles, sharks, and dolphins. The Totem Poles were brought to Vancouver from various First Nations villages around British Columbia and depict stories and legends from these cultures. The Brockton Point Lighthouse is one of the oldest lighthouses in British Columbia and offers stunning views of both the city skyline and North Shore mountains. Lost Lagoon is a man-made lake that is home to many different species of birds and fish.
Capilano Suspension Bridge
Spanning 450 feet (137m) across and 230 feet (70m) above Capilano River, the Capilano Suspension Bridge is one of Vancouver's top tourist attractions. The current bridge was built in 1953 and is made of cable, with a wooden deck. It sways slightly as you walk across, providing amazing views of the river and canyon below.
The bridge is just part of the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, which also includes seven acres (2.8 hectares) of forest with hiking trails, the Treetops Adventure - a series of suspended bridges high up in the forest canopy, and the Cliffwalk - a completely different perspective on the Capilano Canyon.
Vancouver Aquarium
The Vancouver Aquarium is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Vancouver, and for good reason. Situated in Stanley Park, the Aquarium is home to more than 70,000 aquatic animals from around the world. Highlights include beluga whales, sea otters, dolphins, and sharks.
Visitors can also take part in behind-the-scenes tours, sleepovers, and hands-on educational programs. The Aquarium is open every day of the year except for Christmas Day.
Grouse Mountain
Grouse Mountain is one of Vancouver's most popular attractions with over 1 million visitors each year. The peak of Grouse Mountain is accessible by the Skyride, a gondola lift that carries visitors from the parking lot to the mountaintop in just eight minutes.
At the top of Grouse Mountain, visitors can enjoy stunning 360-degree views of Vancouver, the Pacific Ocean, and the North Shore mountains. There are also several restaurants, cafes, and shops, as well as a theatre that shows nature films. In winter, Grouse Mountain is a popular spot for skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating.
Toronto
Toronto is the capital of Canada and the most populous city in the country. It is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with a rich history and culture. Toronto is home to a number of world-renowned tourist attractions, including the CN Tower, the Royal Ontario Museum, and the Toronto Zoo.
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Canada. More than 30 million people visit the falls every year. Niagara Falls is made up of three waterfalls: the Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls, and the Bridal Veil Falls. The Horseshoe Falls is by far the most famous and is located on the Canadian side of the border. The American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls are located on the US side of the border.
CN Tower
CN Tower is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Toronto. Originally built as a communications and observation tower, it has since become an iconic symbol of the city. Standing 553.3m (1,815 ft) tall, it offers stunning views of the city and surrounding area from its observation decks and restaurants. It is also home to EdgeWalk, the world's highest outdoor walk on a building.
Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
Ripley's Aquarium of Canada is a public aquarium in Toronto, Canada. The aquarium is one of three facilities in North America operated by Ripley Entertainment. It is located in Downtown Toronto at the base of the CN Tower. The aquarium has 5.7 million litres (1.2 million gallons) of marine and freshwater habitats from across the world. The facility opened to the public on October 16, 2013. The Ripley's Aquarium of Canada contains more than 16,000 sea and freshwater creatures from over 450 species. The main exhibits include the Dangerous Lagoon, Shark Alley, the Canadian Waters Gallery among others.
Toronto Zoo
The Toronto Zoo, founded in 1974 by the Metropolitan Toronto Zoological Society, is a large zoo located in Vaughan. The zoo is Canada's premier zoological experience, and is open every day except Christmas Day. The zoo features over 5,000 animals representing over 500 species. The zoo has been accredited by CAZA (Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums) since 2002.
Montreal
Montreal is the largest city in Quebec and the second largest city in Canada. It is a beautiful city with a lot to offer tourists. Montreal is home to many historical and cultural attractions, as well as a variety of restaurants and shops.
Notre-Dame Basilica
One of Montreal's most iconic landmarks, the Notre-Dame Basilica is a magnificent 19th-century Gothic Revival church located in Old Montreal. Construction of the church began in 1824, and it was designed by noted architect James O'Donnell, who also designed the city's historic Christ Church Cathedral. The Notre-Dame Basilica is known for its ornate interior, which features beautiful stained glass windows, intricate wood carving, and an imposing pipe organ. Visitors can take a free guided tour of the church to learn more about its history and architecture, or attend a mass or concert.
Montreal Botanical Garden
The Montreal Botanical Garden (French: Jardin botanique de Montreal) is a large botanical garden in Montreal, Quebec, Canada comprising 75 hectares (190 acres) of thematic gardens and greenhouses. It was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 2008 as it is considered to be one of the most important cultural landscaped in North America.
Old Port of Montreal
The Old Port of Montreal (French: Vieux-Port de Montreal) is the historic port of Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Located in Old Montreal, it stretches for over two kilometres along the St. Lawrence River in Old Montreal. It was used as early as 1611 for shipping, especially for fur trade with First Nations peoples in the Canadian West. The Port of Montreal is a major container shipping hub servicing eastern Canada and the Great Lakes.
Biodome de Montreal
The Biodome de Montreal is a must-visit for anyone interested in plants and animals. This indoor ecological park is home to four different eco-systems, each of which recreate the natural habitat of different plant and animal species. You can see everything from penguins to tropical birds to Canadian lynxes as you walk through the Biodome.
Quebec City
Quebec City is the capital of the Canadian province of Quebec. The city has a rich history, with a founding date of 1608. Quebec City is the site of the Battle of the Plains of Abraham, which took place in 1759. The city is also home to the Citadelle of Quebec, an important fortification built in the 17th century. Quebec City is a popular tourist destination, with a variety of activities and attractions to enjoy.
Chateau Frontenac
Constructed in 1892-1893, the Chateau Frontenac was part of a massive construction project undertaken by the Canadian Pacific Railway Company to build grand hotels across Canada that would encourage wealthy travelers to take their transcontinental train trips. The grand Chateau Frontenac hotel stands as a primary symbol of Quebec City and is perhaps its most photographed site. The hotel has 611 rooms and sits atop a cliff overlooking the St. Lawrence River. It is currently operated by Fairmont Hotels and Resorts.
Place Royale
Place Royale is perhaps the most iconic spot in all of Quebec City. Located in the heart of Old Quebec, this picturesque square is surrounded by historic buildings and charming cafes. Once the site of Champlain's Habitation, it is now a popular gathering place for locals and visitors alike. Don't miss the chance to snap a photo in front of the impressive Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church.
Petit Champlain
Petit Champlain is the oldest commercial district in North America and is located in the Lower Town of Quebec City. This quaint neighborhood is filled with cobbled streets, 17th and 18th-century architecture, cafes, restaurants, and boutiques. Visitors can explore the Place-Royale, an open-air museum that reconstructs the area as it would have looked during the French regime.
Montmorency Falls
Located just a few minutes from Old Quebec, the Parc de la Chute-Montmorency is one of the province's most popular tourist destinations. The main attraction is the magnificent Montmorency Falls, which is 83 metres (272 feet) high--30 metres (98 feet) higher than Niagara Falls! A suspension bridge spanning the falls affords spectacular views, and you can also descend stairs to the base of the falls. In winter, an outdoor ice staircase lets you walk right up to the edge of the frozen cascade.
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