25 INCREDIBLE Places to Visit in Canada

Last updated: 25 June 2023

Let me just say this right from the start, Canada has to be one of the most beautiful places on the planet! OK, so we haven’t had the opportunity to explore ALL of Canada (yet) but we have plans to return soon and visit more of this incredible country. So in the meantime we’re thrilled to share with you some of our favourite places to visit in Canada, well technically our favourite places in Alberta and British Columbia 😍

If you’re reading this then I presume that you’re probably interested in heading to Canada soon and, if so, boy are you in for the adventure of a lifetime! I don’t think that it’s an exaggeration to say that our road trip through Alberta and British Columbia was one of the best adventures we’ve ever had, and that’s saying a lot.

One of my favourite travel quotes is “travel far enough, you meet yourself” and I think that perfectly sums up our Great Canadian Adventure. We experienced moments which were the epitome of this quote, like the time we were sitting on the side of the road gazing out across a frozen pristine lake with staggering snow-capped mountain peaks in the foggy distance, the only sound, the cracking of the ice. The magnificence of nature. It was in these quiet moments that we marveled at the splendour of the natural world and felt incredibly small in the grand scheme of things. In other words, it was really pretty and we were left speechless 😉

Favourite Places to Visit in Canada

I’ve put the following 32 photos from 25 incredible places in the order that we took them so that it might be helpful to you when planning your own Great Canadian Adventure. These weren’t the only the only stops we made during our entire road trip but these are among some of the best photos we took so if you’re interested in more photos or insights for your travel planning then don’t hesitate to drop us a line 😊
So with that being said, let’s have a look at a 32 INCREDIBLE photos from 25 of our favourite places to visit in Canada.

Stop 1: Capilano River Regional Park

Welcome to the Capilano River Regional Park, it’s the perfect place to stop for a picnic and with views like this it, it’s hard to resist! Located a short 5 min drive from the world-famous Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. When we visited there were plenty of people enjoying the view and with wide open space it didn’t really make an impact. One point to note, the grassy area with the view doesn’t have any picnic tables so keep that in mind. There are tables to the side but they don’t have this view…which is kind of the whole point, right?

Stop 2: The town of Pemberton

We discovered Pemberton completely by accident! We were heading north along the 99 road from Whistler to Mt Currie but due to an avalanche we needed to stop in Pemberton and await the next road closure update. What a perfect place to stop. We’ve never been so happy to be delayed and spend time just admiring the view.

Stop 3: Lillooet Lake Road

We left Pemberton and headed north along the 99 road until we hit the avalanche road closure! It turned out that Google Maps was wrong and the road wasn’t clear and it was going to be a 3 hour wait to find out if the road was going to be clear. Faced with a challenge of waiting it out or sitting in the car and keep moving, we opted for the latter, which isn’t a bad thing when we came across this view. Too good not to stop, we pulled over and admired the view 😍

Stop 4: Three Valley Lake

The Trans-Canada Highway from Kamloops to Revelstoke took us by the extremely picturesque Three Valley Lake. You’ll know when you’re approaching it because you will see the Three Valley Lake Chateau in the distance, it looks like a red castle! As you get closer, you will see the hotel up close as well as the Ghost Town, a series of kitschy historic buildings which creates the 1800’s era of the Pioneers.   

Stop 5: Trans-Canada Highway

Once you admire the still waters of Three Valley Lake, hit the road again and continue driving the Trans-Canada Highway towards Revelstoke and take in the views. Seriously, it was like driving through a postcard 💖 I will never forget what it felt like being on the open road and having this view surround us, it felt like as far from real life as possible.

Stop 6: The Road to Banff

And just when you thought that the scenery couldn’t get any more dramatic, the final stretch towards Banff National Park raises the stakes! The only word I can think of is STAGGERING! The mountain ranges were spectacular! If you’re travelling with a friend, slow down and take plenty of photos because this view needs to be captured.

Stop 7: The View from the Banff Gondola

The Banff Gondola provides a spectacular view like none other 😍 The opportunity to take a photo from the sky really puts things into perspective and made us love the Canadian landscape even more. It takes about a full 8 minutes to reach the summit and it’s 8 minutes of BEAUTY!

Stop 8: The Top of Banff Gondola

Is the 8 minute Banff Gondola journey worth taking to the summit? Definitely 😍

Once you reach the top of the Sulphur Mountain you’ll be treated to an incredible view, a view which makes you feel like you are actually on top of the world. However, in addition to this, there’s also some really informative exhibits inside the centre which are worth visiting. Oh, and there’s a bear statue on the observation deck made out of mosaic mirror pieces which is ridiculously cool #glitterbear

Stop 9: Lake Louise

Welcome to Lake Louise. The turquoise crystal clear waters of the most well-known lake in Banff National Park, if not in all of Canada, is a MUST-VISIT during your road trip through Alberta. We visited in May so the lake was still frozen but there were pockets of blue peeking out from beneath freshly fallen snow, given a hint of the dazzling waters that Lake Louise is known for.

Our suggestion is to take your time and soak in as much of the grandeur as possible.

Stop 10: Lake Louise

If the crowds of people get a little too much for you at the main entrance to Lake Louise then it’s worthwhile taking a walk because 5 min in either direction will give you a bit of space to yourself another perspective to appreciate the view.

Stop 11: Waterfowl Lakes, Icefields Parkway

After spending the morning at Lake Louise, we hit the road and commenced our journey along the world-famous Icefields Parkway (93 road). The Icefields Parkway is considered to be one of the world’s greatest scenic drives and after driving it, we couldn’t agree more!

One of our favourite stops along the Parkway was Waterfowl Lakes, which was about an hour drive from Lake Louise. Roadside parking was available and unlike our stop at the frozen Bow Lake, we could walk right up to the water’s edge. This provided a unique opportunity to just take a quiet moment and appreciate the view.

Stop 12: Waterfowl Lakes, Icefields Parkway

I had a hard time trying to decide which of the Waterfowl Lakes photos I wanted to include in this point because I loved them both so much so I decided to include both. Doesn’t the view look like a postcard? Seriously, the beauty of Waterfowl Lakes was simply mind-blowing 💕

Stop 13: Howse Pass Viewpoint

And speaking of postcard perfect views, this is Howse Pass Viewpoint and where we stopped for lunch. Yup, picnic lunch on a bench with this view… just spectacular. Howse Pass Viewpoint is located on the Icefields Parkway, near Saskatchewan River Crossing, just before the David Thompson Highway intersection.

Stop 14: Weeping Wall

Located 25 min north of the Howse Pass Viewpoint is the Weeping Wall, a section of cliffs which, during summer, has cascading waterfalls which gives the appearance of a crying mountain. During our May visit, we did see several waterfalls but I imagine that during the warmer months it’s much more intense. Oh, and during the height of winter, the waterfalls free and ice climbers ascend to the top! Incredible!

Stop 15: Valley Floor (Opposite Weeping Wall)

Literally located opposite the Weeping Wall, take a walk on the valley floor and experience a completely different side of the Icefields Parkway. This is where I appreciated the changing contrasts of the landscape, everywhere we looked there was something else to marvel at. We spent longer than we expected (in typical fashion) and filmed some slow-mo videos with the areas covered in snow and only made it to the middle island of rocks by stone-stepping our way across the small rivers.

Stop 16: Spot the local wildlife

Oh my God! Stop the car! Stop the car!

To say that Roma was excited to see her first bear during our road trip would be a complete and utter understatement! Grabbing her camera, Roma was out of the car in a flash and heading back to the side of the road to photograph this magnificent animal 😍 Roma was quickly joined by other people eager to capture this amazing moment and before long the park rangers arrived and politely asked everyone to get back in their cars and enjoy the rest of their trip. Want to capture your own furry photo? Our advice is to drive slowly along the Icefields Parkway and keep your eyes peeled. Memories for life!  

Stop 17: 93A Scenic Drive

As we continued our drive north towards Jasper along the Icefields Parkway, we decided to take the 93A scenic drive as recommended by our Lonely Planet which is how we came across one of the most tranquil places of our trip. We stood there admiring the view and listening to the sounds of the babbling river and nothing else seemed to matter. It was just us and nature.

I have a 60 second video taken from this stop along the 93A scenic drive and I watch it whenever I need to take a break from the real world and go back to the serenity that we experienced here.

Stop 18: On the Road

“Nothing behind me, everything ahead of me, as is ever so on the road.”

– Jack Kerouac, On the Road

Stop 19: Glacier Skywalk

The Glacier Skywalk provides a unique opportunity to to walk on air and experience the Canadian Rockies like never before! Stand 918 feet (280 metres) above ground and look directly beneath you through glass floors! The hardest step is your first on to the glass, I can definitely attest to feeling it in my knees! After you get over that, you tend to be a little too distracted by the gorgeous view to realise just how high above ground you really are. Plus the staff were really friendly and willing to answer all your questions (and you know I had plenty of questions…)

One thing to note, you can’t drive to the Skywalk because all visits start and end at the Columbia Icefields Glacier Discovery Centre along the Icefields Parkway. This means that you will need to drive to the Discovery Centre, park your car (plenty of free parking), and then purchase your tickets from the ticket box, and then take the tour bus there and back.

If you’re a regular road tripper then this may not sound like the most ideal option but believe it or not, it actually works pretty well. There is no time limit at the Skywalk so you just take your time when you’re there and then take the next available bus to back to the Discovery Centre.

The benefit of taking your time is that once the crowds leave, you can have the whole place to yourself!

Stop 20: Glacier Skywalk

Seriously, why wouldn’t you go visit the Glacier Skywalk?!? Just look at this view!

Stop 21: Goats and Glaciers Lookout

If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you’ve stepped into an oil landscape painting then you need to make sure you stop at the Goats & Glaciers Lookout, not too far from the 93A scenic drive turn off, and witness something spectacular.

Doesn’t the view look like a painting? Seriously?!

Stop 22: Horseshoe Lake

Horseshoe Lake is located on the other side the 93A scenic drive exit so we had to double back on ourselves in order to experience both places but Horseshoe Lake was absolutely worth it, it was easily one of the most amazing places we visited during our entire trip. It was also one of the most photogenic too. One tip, once you park your car and walk towards the lake, make sure you find the path which leads you up to the cliff face to take your photos from above. It’s worth it.

Roma and I took a slew of photos and then just sat with each other and watched the scenery unfold in front of us. One of my happiest memories. You MUST add Horseshoe Lake to your Great Canadian Adventure itinerary.

Stop 23: Horseshoe Lake (another perspective)

If you look to the left side of this photo, this is the spot you need to be in order to take the first Horseshoe Lake photo. However, when you first arrive at the lake, this is the view you will be treated to. Take your time and admire the splendour of nature.

Stop 24: Patricia Lake

Patricia Lake was one of places I was most excited about visiting because it holds a special place in history – Project Habakkuk (ok, I promise I’ll be brief). During World War II, it was Geoffrey Pyke who had the idea to construct an aircraft carrier made completely out of ice (later Pykrete – a mix of ice and wood pulp) for use against German U-Boats in the Atlantic Ocean. This idea was approved by Prime Minister Winston Churchill and the green light was given to build a scale model (1:50 scale) and test it in the waters of Patricia Lake, Alberta. Eventually Project Habakkuk was scrapped and the scale model was left to melt and sink into the waters of Patricia Lake, the wreck can still be reached by divers today!

After spending years wanting to visit Patricia Lake and gaze out across the waters where WWII history took place, was it worth it? You better believe it!

Stop 25: Elk Island National Park

Following our drive through Banff and Jasper National Parks, we hit the road and headed towards Edmonton. This is where we discovered the existence of Elk Island National Park, located just 35 min from the middle of Edmonton, it’s a national park which is open round the clock every single day of the year, which makes it perfect for visitors and campers alike.

We drove into the National Park and followed the driving paths to each of the specific areas (Wood Bison, Beaver Pond, Shirley Lake, and many others). We parked the car and headed out to the hiking trails… for views for this one).

Beautiful,right?

Stop 26: Bison in Elk Island National Park

We had hope to see Bison during our visit to Elk Island National Park and look who came out to greet us! I think we almost swerved off the road in excitement seeing our first Bison in real life!

Would I recommend Elk Island National Park? Yes! Oh my goodness, yes!

Stop 27: Kananaskis (K Country)

Following on from our time in Edmonton we headed south towards Calgary because we wanted to experience Kananaskis Country, affectionately referred to K-Country. Kananaskis is home to 4,000 square kilometres of parks, hiking trails, and wildlife aplenty. If you’re a film buff then then you may appreciate that this is where Brokeback Mountain was filmed.

Taking the 40 road though K-Country was wonderfully scenic, and despite the fact that we didn’t encounter any wildlife (as advertised), the roadside stops and magnificent views more than made up for it. Highly recommended.

Stop 28: Kananaskis (another perspective)

Another perspective from our road side stop in Kananaskis Country, what an truly beautiful part of the world

Stop 29: Three Sisters Dam

Our drive through Kananaskis Country ended in a detour along Smith Dorrien Trail due to an unexpected road closure but it actually worked out pretty well because we ended up stopping at Three Sisters Dam, one of the most atmospheric stops in all of our trip.

This stop was one of my favourites because of the sensational view, the grey mist, the low-hanging clouds, and the complete absence of noise.

Stop 30: Port Mann Bridge, Vancouver

After spending a remarkable time exploring Banff, Jasper, Edmonton, and Calgary, we headed back towards Vancouver which meant crossing the ridiculously scenic Port Mann Bridge. Timing was on our side with this photo but make sure your travel companion is ready to take shot, fortunately for me, Roma was ready with her camera in hand.

Stop 31: Dominion Building

This is the interior staircase of the Dominion Building, one of the most beautiful and historic buildings in all of Vancouver. Located in the very trendy neighbourhood of Gastown, the Dominion Building was Vancouver’s first steel-frame high rise. It’s said that the staircase is the most instagrammed staircase in the world…

Stop 32: Vancouver Lookout

And last but by no means least, welcome to the Vancouver Lookout! There’s no better way to experience Vancouver than by viewing it 167 metres above sea level in a 360 degree purpose-built lookout with really detailed information boards and helpful guides on hand. You know that I love a good bit of history so a good information board is always very much appreciated! Plus free WiFi too!  

Final Thoughts

I think it’s fair to say that if you’ve made it this far into this post then I hope you’re convinced that a visit to Canada MUST be on your To Travel List! And if Canada is already in your travel plans then I hope you’re even more excited to go exploring!  I do have one favour to ask, when you do make it to Canada and you start your own adventure,drop us a line because we want to see your photos and hear all about your travel!