Best Places to Visit in Canada in 2026: Top 12 Must-See Spots

Ready to dive into Canada’s epic spots? The FIFA World Cup hype is already building in Vancouver, along with the fresh wellness vibes in the Rockies.  We’ve rounded up the top 12 best places to visit in Canada that will simply blow your mind. Think jaw-dropping nature scenes to cities that are buzzing with neon lights. Here is our list: 

1. Banff National Park (Alberta) - The Iconic Rockies Gem

This place is at the top of every list of the best places to visit in Canada and for a good reason. It has turquoise lakes such as the Moraine and Louise. You can take on epic hikes and go on exciting wildlife - perfect for an adventure. In 2026, new thermal spas and wellness spots near the Canmore/Bow Valley will also make it even better for those post-hike chills and relaxation. It’s even during fall with golden larches.

2. Vancouver (British Columbia) - Urban Meets Wild

This city’s going to be on fire for 2026 with seven FIFA World Cup games happening at B.C. Place. You can cheer the matches, hit Stanley Park or Grouse Mountain. Or if you’re up for it, go for the ocean-mountain-beach combo for triple the fun. It’s one of the best cities to visit in Canada. It has a lot of diverse food and natural scenery right at your doorstep.

3. Quebec City (Quebec) - Europe's Charm in North America

Think streets lined with cobblestone and Château Frontenac fairy tale vibes. Plus, that French flair. UNESCO Old Quebec is highly romantic with the historic view adding more to it. It’s ranked super high in the global “best places” list for 2026. It’s like a mini Europe without the flight. 

4. Jasper National Park (Alberta) - Quieter Rockies Magic

This is like Banff’s chill sibling with dark skies. It has one of the world’s largest accessible preserves and is great for October aurora hunting. You can also spot wildlife here. It is less crowded and, because of this, more peaceful than the most popular places. It’s ideal for stargazing and epic hikes. 

5. Toronto (Ontario) - Big City Energy

Easily one of the best cities to visit in Canada. This is the country’s buzzing hub. It has CN Tower views and a lot of diverse neighbourhoods. Visit Kensington Market to explore the best street food scenes and Niagara Falls is just nearby. It is great for taking in the culture, food and an urban escape if the outdoors is getting too much. 

6. Montreal (Quebec) - Festival Capital with Cool Vibes

It is poutine heaven and has countless festivals all year round. It’s famous for the Mount Royal views and that European-North American mix. The old port strolls and biodome are just the chef’s kiss here. It is one of the best cities to visit in the country. 

7. Niagara Falls (Ontario) - Thundering Wonder

How could one forget one of the most popular destinations in the world? You can take boat rides behind the falls as the mist rises. It is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Canada but it’s so worth going to. You can pair it with a visit to the nearby wineries for a more relaxed vibe.

8. Prince Edward Island (PEI) - Relaxed Island Escape

Think red cliffs, beaches and the spots from Anne of Green Gables (one of the best books and shows, mind you!). You can grab fresh seafood here and it’s super chill. The rolling hills and national park trails are a beauty to look at and great for a low-key getaway or picnic, and are one of the best cool places to visit in Canada.

9. Ottawa (Ontario) - Capital Charm

It has the Rideau Canal, where you can even skate in winter and extra gorgeous during the fall. It also has Parliament Hill and museums. It surely is an underrated gem, with great outdoor scenes with a bit of history.

10. Calgary (Alberta) - Gateway to the Rockies

It has stampede energy even during the off-season - that’s how popular it is. You can also gain quick access to Banff here and it’s highly affordable for many adventures. 

11. Halifax (Nova Scotia) - East Coast Seafood & History

It has waterfront walks and offers a taste of fresh lobsters. You can even take day trips to the famous Peggy’s Cove. It is budget-friendly with a rich culture and the perfect destination for seafood lovers. This makes it one of the cheapest places to go on a holiday.

12. Yellowknife (Northwest Territories) - Northern Lights & Aurora Magic

Regarded as one of the hot places in October.  For something truly cool, you can visit Yellowknife. Here you can chase the Northern lights, which is a prime time in October. You can also experience the indigenous culture and frontier feels. It is one of the most unique places you can visit and it's remote, as if it’s a different world in itself. 

Bonus: Hot Spots for October (Fall Foliage Heaven!)

For visiting the best holiday destinations, we recommend October. The country is an absolute killer in this month. The air is crisp, there are fewer crowds and it’s red/gold all around you. You can head to Algonquin Park (Ontario), the Laurentians (Quebec), and Cape Breton (Nova Scotia) for the best jokes. The weather’s mild, but it can get a bit chilly, so it’s best if you layer in. The prices also start to dip because of it, so it’s absolutely magical.

Stay Connected on Your Canadian Trip with eSIM Cards

Canada is huge, and you will be taking road trips, flights or even trains to go to the best places to visit in Canada. So, you wouldn’t want to get lost without data. So, grab a Canada eSIM from reliable eSIM providers like eSIM Cards before you set off. 

With the eSIM, you can easily activate a data plan before you land. And as soon as you set foot in the country, it will automatically connect to the major local networks and get instant, reliable data within minutes of landing. The provider partners with major network carriers to offer wide coverage, hotspots, and high-speed at affordable rates. 

Your Canada Bucket List: Locked & Loaded for 2026

So, there you have it. This is our best places to visit in Canada list - perfect for an epic 2026 adventure. So, are you ready to get planning a enjoy the country to its full glory? 

Which places are calling your name first? Start planning, packing (especially the layers) and snag a Canada eSIM while you’re at it. Let’s make some amazing memories this year!

FAQs

Q1. What are the absolute best places to visit in Canada right now?

Ans. If we have to pick one from our list of favourites, Banff National Park is the best one for both scenery and relaxation. If you love football, then Vancouver is just in time for the 2026 World Cup buzz or Quebec for a European feel.

Q2. What are the cheapest places to go on holiday in Canada?

Ans. Some of the cheapest places to go to in Canada include Halifax, where you can get seafood and waterfront at affordable prices. Winnipeg is also good for low-cost museum visits and Prince Edward Island for cheap eats and free beaches.

Q3. Do I need a special SIM card or eSIM for travelling around Canada?

Ans. Yes, Canada is a huge country, and you will be travelling a lot, so paying for roaming can get expensive fast. You can grab a Canada eSIM from eSIM Cards - it's completely digital and activates within minutes, and covers the whole country. Perfect for navigation and posting all the epic pictures you take.

Q4. How can I visit Canada's best places on a tight budget in 2026?

Ans. If you want to visit Canada on a budget, time the trip with the off-season period as prices will start to decrease, buy a Canada eSIM for data needs and you can also use the Canada Strong pass.