The 12 Most Beautiful Places In Canada You Need To Visit

The 12 Most Beautiful Places in Canada You Need to Visit

Between historic landmarks, gorgeous waterfalls, incredible glaciers, an abundance of National Parks, and stunning scenery, it's no wonder tourists flock to Canada year-round.

*Related: Otherworldly Landscapes on Planet Earth

The country is full of incredible wildlife, jaw-dropping mountains and an enormous amount of recreational opportunities to choose from.

Niagara Falls

Formed by receding glaciers, Niagara Falls links the international border between the U.S. and Canada. It consists of three waterfalls: The Horseshoe Falls (the most powerful waterfall in North America), the American Falls, and the Bridal Veil Falls. The falls are located on the Niagara River and they have a combined fall with the highest flow rate of all of the world's waterfalls.

The Athabasca Glacier

This gorgeous glacier is part of the Rocky Mountains Columbia Icefield located in Jasper National Park. You will want to visit this glacier soon. It has been shrinking for about 150 years and is losing more than five meters of ice every year. A review on TripAdvisor says: "It a beautiful and very interesting place to go. Amazing pictures after a small hike up to the glacier. It has markers all the way up the walk so you can see where the glacier used to be years before as it recedes further and further up the mountain."

Thousand Islands National Park

Thousand Islands was the first National Park east of the Canadian Rockies. It consists of more than 20 islands between Kingston and Brockville. The park is like heaven on earth for people who love all sorts of water activities. Visit the scenic granite islands; explore secluded bays by kayak or powerboat; enjoy a day by the river; discover rare species of turtles and birdlife alongside undulating hiking trails; and experience the magic of this captivating and historic wilderness, just a few hours from Toronto or Montreal, according to Parks Canada.

The View From the CN Tower, Toronto

Located in Toronto is the famous CN observation tower. It is one of the tallest free-standing structures in the Western Hemisphere. Look straight out from the towers Glass Floor and capture views of Lake Ontario and Toronto's beautiful skyline.

Abraham Lake

The view of Abraham Lake is surreal, especially during the winter months. Frozen bubbles fill the water and create a stunning icy landscape.

Banff National Park

Banff National Park was Canada's first national park. Visitors enjoy relishing in its gorgeous scenery; the park contains valleys, mountains, glaciers, meadows, rivers, and forests. Go camping, hiking, and view incredible wildlife. It is also home to one of The Planets Best Hotsprings.

Icefields Parkway

For some of the most spectacular scenery and gorgeous views of Canada's national treasures, drive Icefields Parkway. It's a 144-mile drive through the Canadian Rocky Mountains Parks World Heritage SiteViews tons of wildlife, mountain lakes, and glaciers. Bonus: You can travel by car, bus, bike, or on foot.

The Canadian Rockies

You can't visit Canada without going to the famous Canadian Rockies. View the spectacular Lake Louise, take a drive along Icefields Parkway, visit the beautiful Athabasca Falls, go on a Canmore Cave Tour, walk along the Johnson Canyon, and hike the Tunnel Mountain Trail.

Bay of Fundy

Bay of Fundy is one of Canada's natural wonders. It's home to some of the world's highest tides and contains some of the rarest whales on the planet. Explore Canada's history in this incredible coastal environment – dinosaur fossils and sea cliffs. Also go hiking, sea kayaking, tidal rafting or enjoy a boat tour. Click here for more information.

Jasper National Park

Located in Alberta, Jasper National Park is home to many regal summits, an abundance of outdoor quests, pristine wilderness, a variety of wildlife, and spectacular scenery. Visitors continue to go back to Jasper for its valleys, mountains, glaciers, forests, alpine meadows, more than 600 hiking trails, and whitewater rafting opportunities.

Lake Louise

Located in Alberta's Banff National Park is Lake Louise – one of Canada's most iconic lakes. It is a perfect summer or winter vacation destination. In the winter, Lake Louise provides one of the most scenic skating rinks in the country, while in the summer, it provides otherworldly paddling opportunities.

Ivvavik National Park

Ivvavik is the first national park in Canada to be created as a result of an aboriginal land claim agreement. The park protects a portion of the calving grounds of the Porcupine caribou herd and represents the Northern Yukon and Mackenzie Delta natural regions. If you are looking for an adventure in a secluded subarctic wilderness, you'll find it in Ivvavik. Hike the trail to Halfway to Heaven, raft down Firth River; camp out in the fall and see the aurora borealis. The best way to access the park is by charter plane.