7 best places to visit in Eastern Canada
Curious about the best places to visit in Eastern Canada? Canada is a country in the northern part of North America. It is one of the largest countries in the world. Look at the previous article the best places to visit in Western Canada.
The sheer size and diversity of this North American country make it a great travel destination. There is everything for everyone in Canada. Some of the world’s most beautiful natural wonders, picture-perfect old towns, vibrant cities and renowned national parks & trails.
As Canada is very rich in sights and landmarks, it’s not too easy to choose only a few. To make this task easier, in this article we will focus on Eastern Canada only.
Here is a list of some of the best places to visit in Eastern Canada.
7 best places to visit in Eastern Canada
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is a group of three waterfalls spanning the border between Canada and the United States. Niagara Falls is North America’s top natural wonder and one of the best places to visit in Eastern Canada.
Niagara Falls are comprised of Horseshoe Falls, American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. The largest of the group is Horseshoe Falls, which lies at the international border of the two countries.
Niagara Falls have one of the highest flow rates in the world.
Every night at Niagara Falls, there is a light show when the group of waterfalls are lit up in a rainbow of colours.
Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Cape Breton Highlands National Park is one of the most charming places in Eastern Canada.
In Cape Breton Highlands National Park the sea meets the mountains. The park also includes valleys, waterfalls, rocky coastlines and the Cape Breton Highlands, a tundra-esque plateau.
With an abundance of hiking trails, Cape Breton Highlands National Park is an outdoor lover’s paradise. The park’s 26 hiking trails will lead you through green highlands, dense forests and sandy beaches. Not only you’ll be able to enjoy the beauty of the forests but also take in marvellous ocean views.
The level of difficulty ranges from easy (e.g., Skyline trail) to challenging (Franey trail). Most of these 26 trails take just 2-3 hours to complete.
The Cabot Trail, one of the best trails in Nova Scotia, is lining the craggy coastline and captures the beauty of the area. The trail is 298 km long, and it takes about 5-6 days to do the trail.
Toronto
Toronto is the most populous city in Canada and the fourth most populous city in North America.
Toronto is an international centre of business, finance, arts, and culture. The city is also a prominent centre for music and theatre.
Not only Toronto is the most populous city in Canada, but it’s also the most diverse and very dynamic. In fact, it is recognised as one of the most multicultural and cosmopolitan cities in the world.
As there is no shortage of things to see and do in Toronto, the city is one of the best places to visit in Eastern Canada.
Toronto’s most famous landmark is the 553-metre tall CN Tower — a communications and observation tower located in the city centre.
As the tower dominates the skyline, it’s not that easy to miss it. Completed in 1976, it was once the tallest free-standing structure in the world. Now it’s the 9th tallest free-standing structure.
The CN tower boasts one of the highest observation platforms in the world. At a height of 447 m, the SkyPod boasts unique views of the city which on clear days extend to Niagara Falls and New York State.
There’s another viewing platform located in the tower — the LookOut located at 346m.
Toronto has an abundance of great museums for all kinds of travellers and tastes. Just to name a few:
- Royal Ontario Museum has an expansive collection of cultural and historic artefacts.
- Bata Shoe Museum is a museum of footwear with a collection of over 13000 shoes.
- The Art Gallery of Ontario is one of the largest and most distinguished museums in North America.
Do not miss Casa Loma — a Gothic Revival style mansion and garden. It’s not one of those super-ancient buildings (it was built in 1914), but it’s still very impressive. The building also houses a museum.
Quebec City
Quebec City is the capital of the French-speaking Quebec province.
The city is mainly known for its historical quarter — Old Québec. It is one of the oldest European settlements in North America and the only fortified city north of Mexico.
Old Quebec is often called the “Birthplace of French North America”.
The skyline of Old Quebec is dominated by the historic, grand hotel, Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, which is situated within the historic district’s Upper Town.
Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the streets of Old Quebec City. Visit Petit-Champlain, one of the oldest shopping streets in North America.
Do not miss the Montmorency Falls which is a large waterfall on the Montmorency River very close to Quebec City centre.
Montreal
Montreal is the second-most populous city in Canada and the largest in Quebec province.
The City of Montreal takes its name from Mount Royal hill which is a must-see in the city. In Mount Royal, you’ll find an expansive city park with forested pathways. Enjoy a sweeping view of the city from the top of the hill.
Stroll along the streets of Old Montreal where buildings date back to the 17th and early 18th centuries. Admire Notre Dame Basilica that dates back to 1687 and Château Ramezay, which was built in 1705.
Do not miss the Montreal Botanical Garden. It is a large botanic garden comprising 75 hectares of thematic gardens and greenhouses.
Visit the Montreal Biodome. It is a museum that contains replicas of four ecosystems found in the Americas.
Gros Morne National Park
Gros Morne National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the west coast of Newfoundland.
It is known for its fjord-like inlets with steep cliffs, which were carved by glaciers millions of years ago.
Gros Morne National Park is also rich in other natural wonders — waterfalls, dense forests and mountains.
It is a perfect place for outdoor activities, particularly hiking. Gros Morne National Park numbers marked and unmarked trails of various lengths and difficulty levels.
Bruce Trail
The Bruce Trail is Canada’s oldest and longest trail.
The trail stretches for nearly 900 km and can be done over 30 days. The trail begins in the Niagara Peninsula and terminates in Tobermory.
Much of the trail follows the edge of the Niagara Escarpment which is 725 km long. It is one of the thirteen UNESCO World Biosphere Reserves in Canada.
The views from the Niagara Escarpment are really impressive, and this natural phenomenon is truly unique.
The Bruce Trail also passes through various parks and conservation areas. There are many waterfalls along the trail.
Canada travel tips
- If you are a citizen of the EU, you don’t need a visa to travel to Canada. Only an eTA is required when arriving by air. It must be purchased online prior to your arrival in the country.
- Canada is the second-largest country in the world. You need months if not years to explore the whole country. We suggest you explore one or two provinces at a time.
- Canada is a huge country with a varied landscape and weather. Make sure you pack for the right temperatures.
- Summer is the peak season. To avoid the crowds and the higher prices, visit Canada during the spring and fall.
- If you are planning to hike or camp, know how to avoid an encounter with a bear.
- The official language in Canada is English, but in Quebec it’s French. However, English is widely spoken in major cities, especially in tourist areas.
- The Canadian dollar (CAD) is the currency of Canada.
- Travelling by car is the best way to see Canada. This gives travellers maximum flexibility.
