On 1st July 1867, the British North America Act was born, in which the provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and The Province of Canada came together to become one. The result of that day was magnificent. Today, we call it CANADA!! And in celebration of the birth of that great kingdom across the sea we love so dearly we have assembled our 10 favourite destinations to visit. So happy birthday, Canada. You’re great.

1. Whistler

What’s not to love about Whistler? This lovely Alpine-inspired resort town not only has some of the best snow conditions in all of North America, it played host for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver AND it’s a fantastic summer destination with fishing, camping, hiking, climbing and more. It’s less than a two-hour drive from Vancouver with views that won’t disappoint.

2. Banff National Park

So much of Canada is about connecting with the great outdoors and it doesn’t get much better than Banff National Park in the province of Alberta. Tucked away in the Rocky Mountains just west of Calgary, Banff is the country’s oldest park and home to amazing wildlife like bears, reindeer and elk. You can visit the park’s famous caves and hot springs, as well as go whitewater rafting, hiking or play golf. If that’s not enough then just marvel at the unbelievable natural environment that surrounds you.

3. Old Quebec

Quebec is a fantastic city but Old Quebec is undoubtedly its most charming feature. The historic walled citadel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that will make you think you’ve been taken back to 17th century France. Divided into two parts, the Upper Town towers above with its stand-out feature, Château Frontenac, while the Lower Town is comprised of cobblestone streets, shops and homes all centred around beautiful Place Royale.

4. Niagara Falls

North America’s most famous waterfalls are Canada’s ultimate natural spectacle. All of the falls are fascinating in their own right, but it’s the famous Horseshoe Falls that continue to grab the attention of tourists and newlyweds from around the world, earning Niagara the title of “Honeymoon Capital of the World”. And though they might not be the tallest waterfalls in the world, they are definitely among the widest and most powerful, and a truly mesmerising site to see.

5. Vancouver

For the outdoor enthusiast, it really doesn’t get much better than Vancouver. Few cities give you the opportunity to ski, surf, cycle and hike all in the same day. OK, it would be a busy day, but the point is that this city has it all! You can get lost in Stanley Park, head up to Whistler for the day or stroll down beautiful Kitsilano Beach. Vancouver also has an amazing food scene and some pretty great neighbourhoods to explore like Gastown and Yaletown.

6. Churchill

The polar bear capital of the world is not just a great place to come face to face with one of the world’s scariest predators, it’s also a hotspot to see beluga whales and Arctic birds. It’s also one of the best locations to see the mighty northern lights and go dog sledding! The only downside is getting there. You’ll need to take a two-hour flight from Winnipeg to this town in the north. And don’t bother hiring a car – there are no roads in Churchill. All part of the grand adventure!

7. Toronto

Canada’s most populated and diverse city is full of entertainment and excitement. First and foremost is a trip to the top of its most popular landmark – The CN Tower. Hop in the glass floored elevator and head to the SkyPod for the best views of the city and its surroundings. Don’t forget to take a trip to the historic Old Town and visit St. Lawrence Market, as well as visit the West Side for some outdoor adventures.

8. Cabot Trail

Located on Breton Island in Nova Scotia, the Cabot Trail is a 298-kilometre looped scenic route filled with endless views and unspoilt natural landscape. You’ll need a car for this one and at least two days to fully take in all that this beautiful journey has to offer. Visit some of the charming communities along the trail, explore miles of hiking trails and get involved with activities on land and sea.

9. Old Montreal

This historic district of Montreal has been well preserved to maintain much of the original character from its early days as a European settlement. Today, it’s the most popular attraction in Canada’s favourite French-speaking city. Its cobblestone streets are lined with shops, art galleries, restaurants and museums in some beautiful 17th-19th century buildings.

10. Ottawa

Ottawa is an attractive mix of parks, canals, and outdoor spaces scattered around an exciting and compact city centre. The city is most identifiable from the home of its federal government, Parliament Hill, as well as the lovely Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that freezes over every winter to become the world’s largest outdoor ice skating space. If that’s not enough, it’s also Canada’s capital city!