Toronto

Canada's most popular tourist destination is a bustling mix of cultures, with roughly half of residents born outside the city. There is no shortage of things to see and do, from museums and historical sites to music and theatre.

Best time to visit: skip the heavy tourist periods and save money on hotels by booking either side of peak summer, around Mar/Apr or Sep/Oct. Remember to wrap up well — Toronto can be rather chilly!

How to get around: navigating a cosmopolitan city like Toronto is relatively easy. With punctual subways and buses dotted around the most popular tourist destinations, transportation is plentiful and easy to use.

Neighbourhoods to know: the West End is considered a "hip" part of town, home to students and creative professionals and full of leafy streetscapes and beautiful architecture. The East End is popular with families, featuring beautiful parks and boutique cafes.

Things to do: The Royal Ontario Museum showcases human and natural history with a bustling collection of more than 6 million artefacts. Island Park is an excellent family stop, featuring several beaches, fun trails, and kids' amusement rides. 

Niagara Falls

One of the world's most breathtaking natural wonders, Niagara Falls is an experience like no other. Witness spectacular sites closer than you could ever imagine from one of the world's most popular destinations.

Best time to visit: considering how cold and breezy The Falls are, we recommend visiting Canada's natural beauty during the warmer summer months. June and September are ideal for avoiding peak tourist times.

How to get around: depending on how adventurous you feel, there are several ways to get the best views. Journey Behind The Falls is a tour that takes you 125ft down to the base of The Falls. Boat trips bring you closer than you ever dreamed (don't forget to wear a rain jacket). There are even helicopter rides and zip slides!

Things to do: Niagara Falls Botanical Gardens is a beautiful and serene site, ideal for a summer afternoon stroll. For a quaint experience taking in local traditions, military costumes and art, there is the impressive Niagara Falls History Museum.

Montreal

Steeped in French history dating back as far back as the sixteenth century, Montreal is considered one of the coolest cities in the world. Discover cobbled streets, beautiful museums, unique cafes, and stunning parks.

Best time to visit: spring and autumn are the best times to book your flights, as the lower temperatures mean fewer tourists. Weather aside, there is no wrong time to visit this cultured and alluring city.

How to get around: with an affordable and reliable subway and bus service, Montreal is easy to navigate by public transport. However, with such beautiful sights and sounds, you would be amiss not to enjoy as much on foot as possible.

Neighbourhoods to know: Quartier des Spectacles places you at the heart of the festivities, including the Just For Laughs comedy club and the International Jazz Festival. Don't forget the up-and-coming Hochelaga-Maisonneuve with its hip vibes, botanical gardens, and burgeoning LGBTQ community.

Things to do: Montreal is all about jaw-dropping architecture and beautiful walks. From Notre-Dame Basilica, a Catholic church built in 1656, to Mount Royal Park and the Botanical Gardens, you'll need more than one visit to take it all in.

Quebec City

Founded in 1608, Quebec City is known for embracing its French heritage and North American roots. For a relaxing holiday like no other, get lost in old-world architecture, the welcoming people, artisan stores and gorgeous food.

Best time to visit: with particularly chilly winterers, we recommend the summer. Although busy, Quebec City comes alive between June and August with various festivals and fun events to enjoy.

How to get around: Quebec City's public transit service, The RTC, provides a bus network that can take you anywhere in the city. Taxis and rental cars are popular alternative options.

Neighbourhoods to know: Old Québec is for tourists looking to soak up 400 years of French North America. Popular with food lovers, Saint-Jean-Baptiste is a bohemian part of town not to miss. Montcalm is jam-packed with museums, theatres and art for culture vultures.

Things to do: take in the stunning, fortified sights of Old Quebec City. Visit Parc de la Chute-Montmorency with waterfalls that, believe it or not, are higher than Niagara Falls! Or, explore La Citadelle de Québec, an active military base with spectacular views over the town.