Destinations in Canada We Can't Wait To Visit Again

Canada will officially reopen its borders to vaccinated Americans beginning August 9. This wonderful news has been a long time coming, with the country's borders being closed for more than a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We've all sorely missed visiting our northern neighbors, so check out these awesome Canadian destinations. Who knows? You might just find that one of these destinations makes the perfect weekend trip. Please visit the U.S. Department of State's Canada-specific page for all entry requirements, and remember to adhere to all regulations while visiting the country.

Ah, Quebec City. With Old World charm and plenty of French influence, Americans who are afraid to take the jump across the pond will love spending a vacation in this city. It's great for using the French you studied for that trip you had to cancel because of the pandemic, and it's lovely in all seasons: in the fall, travelers can bask in the bright red colors of the signature Canadian maple leaves along cobblestone streets, while in the winter the entire city dresses itself in twinkling lights, red ribbons and evergreen boughs, amplifying its European charm. The spring brings new buds of green growth along with delicate pink cherry blossoms. Pro tip: take a carriage ride through the city and you'll feel as if you've stepped back in time.

Montreal is the largest city in Canada's province of Quebec, offering its visitors a blend of modern and European styles. Another great place to practice French, this city perched on the St. Lawrence River offers incredible nightlife and so much to explore out-of-doors. A trip to this city isn't complete without panoramic photos of your vacation destination from Mount Royale, the city's highest point, or a trip to its many cathedrals, which rival any you've seen on this continent. Our recommendation is the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal, which was built in the early 1800s to resemble a Gothic cathedral, complete with ornate wood carvings and incredible stained glass windows. Pro tip: make use of Montreal's more than twenty miles of underground tunnels, which residents and travelers alike utilize to get away from the cold in winter.

Canada's capital is Ottawa. This big city was once the meeting place for local Native Americans to trade and became a thriving epicenter for commerce when Europeans arrived, its history as a city dating back to the 1600s. Here you'll find all of Canada's culture on display, from the historic to the modern, with plenty of museums to satisfy your curiosity. Take a trip to see Parliament Hill, enjoy the city's architecture, explore the region's outdoor activities and eat your way through its delicious cuisine. Pro tip: no stop to Ottawa is complete without taking a ride on the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don't worry about missing a cruise along the canal if you arrive in winter: the canal freezes completely each winter, allowing residents and visitors alike to skate along its length and take in the beautiful views of the city festooned in festive lights.

Toronto is one of Canada's largest cities, and definitely one of its most modern. With an eye for design and the arts, this city is perfect for chasing down Insta-worthy pics of street art and buildings that resemble no other buildings in the world, like the Crystal building at the Royal Ontario Museum or the Brookfield Place, an indoor area with offices, shops and restaurants in 19th-century buildings. A trip to this city isn't complete without a meander through Trinity Bellwoods Park and the historic St. Lawrence Market. Pro Tip: Make use of the city's many iconic bridges, the coolest of which is easily the CF Toronto Eaton Centre Bridge, covered with panels of bronze and glass to give it an ultra-modern design.

Why do people love visiting Vancouver? There are so many reasons! Vancouver is Canada's most ethnically diverse city, and it's famous for being the set of so many beloved movies and shows because of its great weather and beautiful design, from hit shows like Riverdale and Once Upon a Time to movies such as The Twilight Saga, both Deadpool movies and Superman: Man of Steel. The city's location grants it access to whale-watching and sailing activities, plus it has access to incredible coniferous forests that boast awesome hiking trails. Throughout the city, you'll find beautiful cherry blossom trees, making it a perfect spring destination. Pro Tip: A Vancouver vacation means that you must visit Stanley Park, the world's longest uninterrupted waterfront path, which includes sights of the seawall.

Across the way from Vancouver is the charming Victorian-era city of Victoria. Named after the beloved English queen, this gorgeous city boasts European charm and ample gardens. A trip here isn't complete without touring the city's historic Chinatown, the oldest in Canada, as well as a walk around Butchart Gardens and a trip up to Craigdarroch Castle. The "most British city in Canada" offers the English-lover plenty to enjoy without traveling across the pond, from world-class museums to historic attractions, like the gorgeous Fairmont Empress hotel. Pro tip: make sure you have extra space on your phone or camera to take photos: you'll want to photograph everything in this incredibly photogenic place.

Wolves, foxes and bears, oh my! Banff is a resort town located next to Banff National Park, with ample ski resorts to enjoy during the colder months and plenty of outdoor activities to do in the spring and summer, like kayaking on the glacier-green Lake Louise or hiking through the stunning wilderness in the national park. It's truly an outdoor lover's paradise here, but the city itself boasts small mountain-town charm, featuring quaint lodges, palatial resorts and every accommodation type in between. Pro tip: purchase a pass prior to visiting the town to ensure that you can access the park when you want.

Thunder Bay is located right on Lake Superior and prides itself on being one of Canada's best cities for outdoor adventures. Hike to the city's highest point, Anemki Wajiw (Mount McKay) to find incredible views of the city and the lake. Ouimet Canyon is another great hiking area, featuring an accessible walking trail and plenty of arctic plant life. Also located here is the "Niagara of the North," Kakabeka Falls, which is just as stunning as Niagara. Families will enjoy mining for their own amethyst gems, found aplenty in the region's mines. Visitors who'd like to immerse themselves in Thunder Bay's history will enjoy the Fort William Historical Park, which recreates the harsh lives of Native Americans, fur traders and foresters who first settled here.

Halifax, located in Nova Scotia, is a city with a close connection to nature and the arts. Visitors here can enjoy the culinary and nightlife offerings, enjoy the city's street art and enjoy plenty of outdoor activities, like picnicking on a neighboring island or kayaking the Shubie Canal. Visit the Georges Island National Historic Site, the Halifax Citadel or Fisherman's Cove, where visitors will find charming, brightly painted historic cottages along the bay. The Halifax Public Gardens offers beautiful scenes in the spring and summer, while the city's historic buildings charm its visitors throughout the year. Pro tip: take advantage of the city's maritime history and partake in its delicious locally caught seafood, as well as the historic brews at Alexander Keith's Brewery, which began in 1820.

While very few Americans even know that St. John's exists, the capital city of Newfoundland and Labrador offers so much to the traveler who'd like to visit a truly unique destination. This city, located on the bay and climbing the high rocks of the island, offers historic and brightly painted houses and businesses, showcasing its 500 years of maritime history with pride. The area features some of the oldest streets in North America and offers many great restaurants, pubs and shops to enjoy. The region has plenty of outdoor activities, both on water and on land. With dramatic cliffs, sweeping forests and ancient geological formations, this isle truly resembles something from the Old World. Pro tip: no trip here is complete without exploring Cabot Tower, built to commemorate John Cabot's 400th anniversary of his sailing to Newfoundland, or without tasting a shot of screech, the locally brewed (and very strong) liquor.

Charlottetown is located on Prince Edward Island and offers Instagrammable areas everywhere you look. Visitors will love the city's small-town vibes and freshly caught seafood. History lovers will especially enjoy a walking tour with the Confederation Players, who dress in Victorian outfits to teach visitors about the city's past. While it may not be as remote as St. John's, Charlottetown is a perfect home base for the outdoor lover, who can find plenty of fishing, boating, kayaking, biking and hiking opportunities here. Pro tip: stay at a historic B&B or hotel to really immerse yourself in the local culture and history.