The Rockies, Niagara and cities scented with maple syrup
Banff's turquoise lakes, the roar of Niagara, the walled old town of Québec and Vancouver between the mountains and the ocean. A guide to travelling Canada through its nature and its food.
November 14, 2026 · 2 min read
Canada is one of the largest countries in the world and its nature makes you feel that size: endless forests, glacial lakes, mountains and two ocean coasts. The country has two official languages, English and French; in Québec especially, French is the language of daily life.
Banff and the Rockies
Established in 1885, Banff is Canada's first national park. Banff, Jasper and the surrounding parks became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 as the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks.
The turquoise colour of the lakes fed by glacier water is the region's most photographed sight. The Icefields Parkway between Banff and Jasper, passing glaciers and peaks, is often called one of the most beautiful drives in the world.
Niagara Falls
Most of the horseshoe-shaped Horseshoe Falls, the largest part of Niagara Falls on the US border, lies on the Canadian side. Getting close to the base of the falls on a boat tour lets you feel the power of the water up close.
Québec City and Montréal
The historic district of Québec City, one of the few walled cities in North America, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. With cobbled streets and a château-like hotel overlooking the river, the city feels like a corner of Europe.
Montréal is a lively French-speaking city of culture, known for its festivals, markets and its own wood-fired bagels.
Vancouver: between mountain and ocean
Vancouver, on the west coast, is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean on one side and mountains on the other. Walking or cycling the seawall around Stanley Park shows how closely the city lives with nature. In the north, the Yukon and the Northwest Territories are known for watching the northern lights on winter nights.
The table: maple syrup and poutine
Most of the world's maple syrup is produced in Québec. In spring, sap is boiled down at farms called sugar shacks, and maple taffy is made by pouring the hot syrup onto snow.
Poutine, fries topped with fresh cheese curds and hot gravy, started in Québec and became the whole country's favourite. On the west coast, Pacific salmon is the star of the table.
Good to know
- Winters can be very cold; choose your season well for trips outside the cities.
- Tipping is customary in restaurants.
- Distances are long; flying is the usual choice between the east and west coasts.
