The top 10 most-loved attractions in Canada

With its breathtaking natural beauty and vast wilderness, Canada is easily one of the most sought-after destinations on the planet. As the second-largest country in the world, home to 20% of global surface freshwater and more lakes than anywhere else on Earth, it has iconic landscapes that are a mainstay on almost every traveller's bucket list.

And we’re certainly not the only ones dreaming of a Great White North getaway. Search data shows that holidaymakers are looking for Canadian escapes in record numbers, with Google searches for Canada soaring by an impressive 669% over the last five years.

To help inspire your next adventure, our team here at Iglu Cruise decided to take a closer look at the country’s standout highlights. By crunching TripAdvisor data to see which spots earned the highest percentage of glowing five-star reviews, we’ve put together the ultimate ranking of the top 10 most-loved attractions across Canada.

Data: Iglu Cruise 

Contents:

1. Konzelmann Estate Winery - Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
2. Moraine Lake - Banff National Park, AB
3. Niagara Falls - Niagara Falls, ON
4. Old Quebec - Quebec City, QC
5. Peyto Lake - Banff National Park, AB
6. The Butchart Gardens - Brentwood Bay (Victoria), BC
7. Peak 2 Peak Gondola - Whistler, BC 
8. Emerald Lake - Yoho National Park, BC
9. Stanley Park - Vancouver, BC
10. Canadian War Museum - Ottawa, ON

1. Konzelmann Estate Winery - Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON

Score 86.4%

Konzelmann Estate Winery is a family-owned vineyard located on the beautiful shores of Lake Ontario in Niagara-on-the-Lake. It is the only winery by the lake in Niagara, offering visitors great waterfront views and excellent tastings. The winery started in Germany in 1893 and brought its winemaking traditions to Canada in 1984. The unique climate created by Lake Ontario helps grow aromatic white wines and full-bodied red wines. Guests appreciate the friendly atmosphere, helpful staff and award-winning Vidal Icewine.

2. Moraine Lake - Banff National Park, AB

Score 83%

Moraine Lake is a famous glacier-fed lake in Banff National Park, Alberta. It sits in the beautiful Valley of the Ten Peaks and is known for its bright turquoise waters. The view from the Rockpile Trail is iconic and was even shown on the back of Canadian twenty-dollar bills. Visitors can hike the surrounding trails or rent canoes to row on the lake. To protect the environment and manage crowds, personal vehicles are not allowed. Instead, visitors must use park shuttles and transit.

3. Niagara Falls - Niagara Falls, ON

Score 82.4%

Niagara Falls is a famous natural wonder on the border of Ontario, Canada and New York State. The Horseshoe Falls pours a huge amount of water every second, creating a mist that can be seen from miles away. Visitors can get close to the falls by taking boat tours or walking through scenic boardwalk tunnels. At night, colourful lights illuminate the water, creating beautiful displays year-round. The town around the falls has parks, historic viewpoints and lively entertainment options.

4. Old Quebec - Quebec City, QC

Score 81.9%

Old Quebec is a historic area in Quebec City. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the only fortified city in North America north of Mexico. The preserved stone walls and ramparts show a glimpse of North America's European history. Visitors can walk along cobblestone streets filled with French-style bistros, artisan shops and old buildings. A key attraction is the Château Frontenac hotel, which stands out in the skyline above the St. Lawrence River. Old Quebec offers a rich cultural experience, whether you visit during summer festivals or in the winter snow.

5. Peyto Lake - Banff National Park, AB

Score 81.7%

Peyto Lake is a beautiful alpine lake along the Icefields Parkway in Banff National Park. From Bow Summit, visitors can enjoy great views of the lake, which resembles a wolf's head. The lake's bright turquoise colour comes from fine glacial rock flour in the meltwater during summer. A paved path from the main parking area leads directly to the viewing platform. The lake is named after Bill Peyto, a famous mountain guide, and it is one of the most photographed spots in the Canadian Rockies.

6. The Butchart Gardens - Brentwood Bay (Victoria), BC

Score 80.5%

The Butchart Gardens is a famous garden located near Victoria on Vancouver Island. It covers 55 acres and was once a limestone quarry. Jennie Butchart began transforming it into a beautiful garden in 1904. Today, visitors can explore different themed areas, including the stunning Sunken Garden and the peaceful Japanese Garden. The gardens feature bright flower displays that change with the seasons, offering different colours all year. In summer, you can enjoy evening lights, outdoor concerts and festive light displays during the winter holidays.

7. Peak 2 Peak Gondola - Whistler, BC 

Score 78.6%

The Peak 2 Peak Gondola connects the tops of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains in British Columbia. It is the highest gondola ride in the world, standing 436 meters above the valley floor. Passengers get to see stunning 360-degree views of the mountains, glaciers and ancient rainforests. There are two special glass-bottomed cabins for those who want to look directly down into the mountain pass. The ride takes 11 minutes and is perfect for winter skiers and summer visitors who want an amazing view of the peaks.

8. Emerald Lake - Yoho National Park, BC

Score 78.5%

Emerald Lake is the largest lake in Yoho National Park in eastern British Columbia. Its bright emerald-green water comes from sunlight reflecting off glacial sediment in the shallow basin. There is a gentle 5.2-kilometre trail that circles the shore, perfect for peaceful walks with stunning mountain views. Visitors can rent traditional wooden canoes from the local boathouse to paddle on the water. The quiet area has historic lodge dining and serves as a calm entrance to the backcountry of Western Canada.

9. Stanley Park - Vancouver, BC

Score 76.7%

Stanley Park is a large urban park covering 1,000 acres, located right next to downtown Vancouver, British Columbia. A paved 9-kilometre seawall goes around the park, offering paths for walking, running and cycling. Inside the park, visitors can walk through dense West Coast rainforests, enjoy scenic beaches and see historic Indigenous totem poles. The park also includes the Vancouver Aquarium, beautiful rose gardens and scenic coastal lookouts. Its combination of natural beauty and easy access makes it one of Canada’s top urban attractions.

10. Canadian War Museum - Ottawa, ON 

Score 73.9%

The Canadian War Museum, located in Ottawa, Ontario, is Canada’s national museum of military history. The museum features a unique building with an energy-efficient design, including a grass-covered roof. Its galleries showcase Canada’s role in major global conflicts through personal artefacts, military vehicles and artwork. Regeneration Hall provides a quiet space with a view of Parliament Hill’s Peace Tower. Through its carefully designed exhibits, the museum honours military service and educates visitors about the impacts of conflict.

Ready to experience Canada’s ultimate bucket-list hotspots for yourself?

If you want to take in the sheer scale of the Great White North without the hassle of long drives or internal flights, taking to the water is hard to beat. We love how a Canada cruise lets you visit multiple top-ranking cities and dramatic coastal landscapes in a single seamless trip, waking up to breathtaking new views every morning without ever needing to unpack twice. From family-friendly itineraries to no-fly sailings, there are many options when cruising Canada.