Canada is the second largest country in the world by size, second only to Russia, and is home to more than 37 million people. Narrowing down a list of the 10 best cities in Canada is no easy feat since there are countless towns and cities worth seeing, and this list should by no means be the extent of your exploration. Canada is beautiful and huge and offers travellers everything from built-up cities to sleepy towns to lakeside getaways and even snow-covered mountain peaks you can ski down during winter or hike up during summer.
Despite the difficulty, I’ve we’ve done my our utmost to nail down the 10 best cities for you, including the largest cities in the country, cities considered to be the most beautiful, those that are home to large national parks and quintessential cities housing some of the most iconic landmarks and attractions in Canada. I’ve also added an extra list at the bottom of a few of my favourite towns.
1. Toronto | Ontario
There are various cities on this list that will take your breath away the moment you step into them, but Toronto is a city that reveals itself over time and often ends up being the most loved of all. It’s one of Canada’s largest cities and a melting pot of cultures and experiences thanks to a large population of immigrants, which adds to the diverse food scene and nightlife. One of the biggest drawing factors of Toronto is the amazingly rich music that includes an audience and community for pretty much anything you’re looking for. A few of the best places to check out include Handlebar, Burdock, The Baby G and the Opera House.
Another reason people love Toronto is the city is incredibly pedestrian friendly and you can explore the city on foot without any problems. In fact, there are various free walking tours worth partaking in to get to know Toronto while making friends at the same time. A couple worth mentioning include the Kensington Market & Chinatown Tour, Downtown Toronto Tour, Old Town History Tour and, my personal favourite, the Original Haunted Walking Tour of Toronto, which typically takes place at around 8 pm every evening.
2. Calgary | Alberta
Calgary is one of the unique Canadian cities that offers the best of both worlds, from vibrant city life to some of the most sensational mountain ranges on the planet, the Canadian Rockies. You can spend your evening dancing and drinking in the nightlife scene or take weekend trips to Banff National Park and explore the wilderness. If you’re in the city during the winter, make sure you catch the Ice Magic Festival held in the Rockies, to experience an ice-carving competition unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. If you’re in Calgary during the summer, don’t miss out on the Calgary Stampede, which turns the entire city into one massive party with various musical acts, an in-city rodeo, chuckwagon races and more.
3. Vancouver | British Columbia
Vancouver is another one of Canada’s big cities embracing the big city life that people love, while also enjoying the mountainous and natural surroundings. With a diverse population, including immigrants from all over the world, such as the Philippines, China and the UK, Vancouver is one of the most welcoming cities in Canada thanks to the friendly nature of the now locals.
One of the biggest draws to visiting Vancouver is the wide array of markets available, offering everything from food to clothing to carnival games and even a dinosaur park. As a history or art fan, there’s scarcely a better place for you than the streets of Vancouver, home to a variety of museums, architectural marvels, art galleries and classical gardens.
Toonie Tours – Vancouver is a free walking tour company that offers various tours around the city, which will expose you to some of the magic the city has to offer.
4. Quebec City | Quebec
Quebec City is the capital of the French region of Quebec and one of the best cities in Canada if you’re interested in anything historical, architectural or natural, not to mention an Old Town that’s a treasured UNESCO World Heritage site.
Old Quebec is the only fortified city on the continent north of Mexico and is considered the cradle of French America, with a long heritage and storied past hidden amid the cobblestone streets. The provincial slogan of Quebec is “la belle province” (the beautiful province, for those that don’t know), and you’ll know why from the moment you arrive. The city is the gateway to an array of luscious green valleys, fields, forests, mountains, wide lakes and coastal cliffs that will take your breath away.
5. Victoria | British Columbia
A list of the best cities in Canada wouldn’t be complete without mentioning one of the most talked about and exquisite cities in the country: Victoria. Victoria stands as the capital of BC, located on Vancouver Island, and is a popular destination for worldwide travellers as well as Pacific Northwesterners and British Columbians. In addition to having one of the most picturesque downtown areas in Canada, the city also boasts some of the tastiest fish and chips, especially along the acclaimed Fisherman’s Wharf. The Butchart Gardens are world renowned and said to be some of the top gardens in the world, plus they are one of the top attractions in Victoria.
These gardens include a variety of landscapes, including the Rose Garden, Sunken Garden, Italian Garden, Japanese Garden and Mediterranean Garden, all worthwhile visiting throughout the year.
6. Charlottetown | Prince Edward Island
Charlottetown is the capital city of Prince Edward Island, and although it’s a small city, it’s absolutely brimming with a lovely atmosphere and island vibes you’ll appreciate. What makes Charlottetown well worth a visit is the many culinary delights on offer, as well as historical streets like Victoria Row and French Gothic architecture.
St. Dunstan Basilica is one of the most sought-after attractions in the city, built back in 1913, with a towering pipe organ inside the cathedral that projects beautiful hymns across the grounds. For the art lovers among you, make sure you don’t miss out on the Lorimer Gallery on Victoria Row, where you’ll find an array of exhibits from local painters and sculptors, as well as a variety of other mediums including jewellery and drawings.
7. St. John’s | Newfoundland
St. John’s is a colourful seaside city in Newfoundland that might just be the most underrated city in Canada, and certainly one of the most intriguing to visit. Boasting some of the most memorable cliffside views of a mesmerising natural harbour, St. John’s was the first colonial settlement in North America and served the country as far back as the 1500s as a centre for fishing vessels.
The historical significance of the city can be explored all around and is one of the biggest drawing factors for many travellers. A few of the sites worth checking out include Signal Hill and Cabot Tower, Cape Spear (the earliest surviving lighthouse in Newfoundland), The Rooms (incorporating the Regional Archives, Regional Museum and Art Exhibit), and Water Street and Harbour, which is the earliest primary avenue on the continent.
8. Winnipeg | Manitoba
The prairie capital of Winnipeg is located in Manitoba and is dubbed the cultural cradle of Canada by many Canadians. Winnipeg boasts one of the most spirited and lively arts and culture scenes in the country, showcasing endless collections of homegrown, talented artists that shine a light on the artistic potential of the city. Urban Shaman is one of the most sought-after contemporary art exhibition spaces and a leader in Aboriginal art programming across the country; it’s well worth a visit if you’re a lover of art.
Another popular attraction in Winnipeg is The Forks, located at the intersection of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers; it is a global meeting place and for the past 6,000 years has been a place of trade for the likes of the early indigenous people, Metis buffalo hunters, railway pioneers and European fur traders. It now stands as a community centre that’s visited year round and boasts various performances, activities, shops and restaurants.
9. Ottawa | Ontario
A list of the best cities in Canada has to include the vibrant capital of Ottawa, a history buff’s dream city. A popular thing to do once you get to Ottawa is to join a guided sightseeing tour of the city that takes you past major attractions like Parliament Hill and the Parliament building, for a glimpse into the Canadian government’s world. You can spend time exploring the Canadian War Museum for some insight into the battle history of Canada and how the shape of the country has been determined by these conflicts.
A big reason why so many people choose to settle in Ottawa every year is the green and environmentally friendly nature of the city, which is home to various parks and gardens. The city is neither too big nor too small and offers a thrilling arts and culture scene, as well as a wealth of historical information to soak up.
10. Saskatoon | Saskatchewan
Saskatoon could possibly be the most overlooked city destination in Canada, though for the life of me I couldn’t tell you why. Located in the exquisite province of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon offers visitors a plethora of things to do and places to see and some of the friendliest locals you’ll ever meet. The Saskatoon Farmer’s Market might be the biggest drawing factor, since it’s the oldest and largest farmer’s market in the province and produce is brought in by multi-generational farm families who pride themselves on producing the best quality food for everyone. Saskatoon is also one of the few cities in the country where you can hop on a horse-drawn carriage and take a ride.
Towns worth an honourable mention
Obviously, if nailing down the best cities in the country is a task, it’s pretty much impossible to make a list of the top towns in Canada, especially since it would be hard to visit them all. I We have, however, decided there are a few towns in the North American country worth mentioning. Check them out below.
Banff | Alberta
If Banff was a city, it would be at the top of the list of best cities in Canada. The main street in Banff was even designed to be a dream for every visitor, oriented to provide an ideal view of the Cascade Mountain range. The picturesque streets of the town are lined with local art galleries and shops, and you may even catch a glimpse of a few local deer passing through while shopping or sipping on your coffee.
Banff is situated in the middle of the first national park in Canada, the breathtaking Banff National Park. A favourite pastime for most is to grab a canoe or kayak and head to Moraine Lake, where you can paddle across the crystal-clear, glacier-fed waters located in the Valley of the Ten Peaks and lose yourself in the silence of it all.
Niagara-on-the-Lake | Ontario
Niagara-on-the-Lake might just be the prettiest town in Canada and is most well known for its locally produced wine and picturesque downtown area. The historic downtown area is the ideal place to be, teeming with boutiques, shops and galleries on both sides of Queen Street, where you can meander through and window shop, grab a bite and a hot drink or buy a few souvenirs. Wandering through the pretty parks and streets of the town is something well worth doing. The Laura Secord Homestead is another popular attraction, the home of the famous heroine who warned the British of a surprise American attack by walking 32 km during the 1812 war.
Mahone Bay | Nova Scotia
Mahone Bay is the epitome of a beautiful and charming town in Nova Scotia, with its old-fashioned architecture, curving shoreline and bobbing sailboats. The town boasts a lovely way of life, with the calm waters of the bay setting the tone and its long-standing history providing interesting attractions. The unique artisans, shops and colourful streets provide a mesmerising simplicity, with the famous Three Churches offering the ideal Instagram-worthy shot. You can take to the lake on a canoe or kayak for a relaxing paddle or take part in one of the guided tours on offer.
Best cities in Canada FAQ | Which is the nicest city in Canada?
As you can see from the lists above, this question is incredibly difficult to answer because it depends entirely on what you’re looking for. If you’re in Canada looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and want to explore mountain ranges, snow-capped peaks or glistening lakes amid stunning foliage and wildlife, head to cities or towns in BC, particularly Banff or Vancouver. On the other hand, if you’re looking to experience city life and see how the major parts of Canada run and what they have to offer, Toronto or Ottawa are your best bet. For a quiet getaway with beautiful scenery and incredible views, check out cities like St. John’s or Charlottetown.
Your preference decides which city is the nicest in Canada. The infrastructure throughout the country is set up beautifully and well-run no matter where you end up, and Canadians are notoriously nice, so live it up and enjoy it wherever you choose to explore.
Once you’re done with Canada, have a look at the other lists of best cities we have, including the best cities in Ireland, the best places to visit in Greece and the best places to visit in Switzerland
