Banff Beat Some Seriously Iconic Global Destinations In A 'Best Places To Visit' Ranking

Better luck next time, Great Barrier Reef.

Contributor

If you're looking for can't-miss travel destinations, you'd be remiss not to look right here in Canada before you set your sights on a more global scale. A ranking of the 30 best places to visit in the world has been released by U.S. News and Banff, Alberta, made the cut.

It's no secret that the Alberta mountain town is worth the trip, and people travel from around the world to see the awe-inspiring alpine terrain for themselves.

While Banff landed at number 18 on this list, it actually beat out some pretty spectacular global destinations including the Great Barrier Reef, Yosemite National Park, Santorini, Florence, Rio de Janeiro, and more.

It wasn't the only Canadian location to make the list; Niagara Falls snagged the last spot, coming in at number 30.

From the bustling Banff Avenue and the iconic Banff Springs Hotel to all of the nearby lakes, hiking trails, and mountain adventures, Banff is a pretty special place that you should probably experience at least once.

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.

  • Britanny Burr was a Staff Writer at Narcity Canada, who drove growth within Narcity's Western coverage and readership. Having lived between her hometown, Canmore, Alberta and Calgary, Montreal, Vancouver, and NYC over the past 10 years, she is obsessed with finding the best local hot spots. She holds a B.A. in English and has over six years of professional writing experience as Head Writer and Editor for YUL.Buzz in Montreal, and Creative Copywriter at JAKT in NYC. News by day, poetry by night — the written word is Britanny's nearest and dearest.

Gunman at Mexico pyramids kills Canadian tourist

Canadian tourist killed, another injured after gunman opens fire at Mexico pyramids

Alberta to do away with twice-a-year time change

Alberta's government says it will do away with twice-a-year time change

Poll suggests more Tory voters now want new leader

Poll suggests more Conservative voters now want to replace Poilievre as leader

Ontario to sell $29-million jet bought for Ford

Ontario to sell $29-million jet bought for Premier Doug Ford after backlash

Canada, Mercosur look to sign trade deal in 2026

Canada, Mercosur aiming to sign free trade deal this year: Brazilian official