Our writers and editors at Narcity not only live in various cities in Canada, but the team has also travelled from coast to coast.
So when I asked them to share which locations they would suggest as a must-see for Canadian newcomers, there was no shortage of recommendations.
Here are the 11 locations the Narcity team believes are the best places every newcomer should visit at least once!
Downtown Victoria, BC
A view of the parliament building in Victoria, BC.
Asymina Kantorowicz | Narcity
I moved from Ontario to Victoria, B.C. over seven years ago and I can whole-heartedly say this is one of the most beautiful cities in Canada.
During your visit I highly recommend spending some time walking along the waterfront downtown where you'll see the stunning parliament building and the iconic Fairmont Empress hotel.
If you want the full tourist experience you can explore the area in a horse carriage. There are also a lot of cute shops, cafés and restaurants along Government Street where you can stop for lunch or to pick up some souvenirs.
Don't forget to walk over to Victoria's Chinatown as well where you can walk through Fan Tan Alley, which is the narrowest street in North America.
Lake Louise, AB
Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are breathtaking lakes located in Banff National Park that you should add to your travel list.
Regardless of which lake you choose to visit, you'll be met with turquoise water and a view of the Rockies.
Our Interim Managing Editor Helena Hanson lived in Canada for years before moving back to the U.K. and says she can't recommend these spots enough.
"Those sights are so iconically Canadian and are just everything you imagine Canada to be like before you arrive," Hanson says.
"And they are a million times more beautiful than any guide book or Google image you see beforehand — which is saying something!"
Niagara Falls, ON
Another spot Hanson recommends is Niagara Falls, a city in Ontario known for its incredible waterfalls.
"For me Niagara Falls was one of those places that really felt like a big deal to visit for the first time! Yes, it’s a bit of a tourist trap and it’s not cheap to visit but seeing the falls IRL [in real life] is really something and its a very cool thing to be able to say you’ve done/seen if you’re not from Canada!"
Old Québec
If you're planning on visiting Québec then make sure you check out the Old Québec neighbourhood.
The area will transport you to Europe with its cobblestone streets and beautiful architecture.
Narcity writer Mike Chaar says its must-see status is thanks to a "blend of historic charm and old-world vibes."
"The cobblestone streets, architecture and iconic landmarks such as the Château Frontenac offer a glimpse into Canada’s rich history," Chaar says.
"Not to mention it’s home to some of the most charming cafés and shops that make you feel like you’re strolling through the streets of Paris. I love grabbing a hot chocolate from Baguette & Chocolat and popping into the cute arts and culture shops awaiting my meet-cute moment."
If you're going in the winter, Chaar recommends sledding down the ice luge that faces the Château.
CN Tower, ON
The CN Tower is the most iconic landmark in Toronto so of course it made the list!
Senior Writer Sarah Rohoman says even though it's "100% a tourist trap," you should still go up the Tower "at least once to get that magical 360 view of the city!"
Tofino, BC
Asymina walking along a beach in Tofino, BC.
Courtesy of Dave Mydlo.
Tofino is another spot on Vancouver Island in B.C. that I would recommend visiting at least once.
From Chesterman Beach to Cox Bay Beach, Tofino has plenty of beaches and rainforest hikes to choose from.
Tofino is a surfing town so if you have the time you can even rent a surfboard and try it out for yourself!
While you're there make sure to visit the OG Tacofino truck and treat yourself to a fish taco.
Or if you prefer a sit-down meal at a restaurant, you can check out the Wolf in the Fog where celebs like Neil Patrick Harris have dined at and raved about the food.
St. John's, NL
Over on Canada's East Coast you'll find St. John's, Newfoundland.
Narcity Editor Morgan Leet recently moved back there after living on the West Coast for several years and she highly recommends it to anyone who has recently moved to Canada.
"Such a beautiful town and Newfoundland is such a unique part of Canada! Jellybean row here is a classic," Leet says.
Bay of Fundy, NB
The Bay of Fundy is a bay between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia and is known for its incredible rock formations.
Senior Writer Sarah Rohoman says it's "so magical to walk on the seabed floor when only hours before it was filled with tonnes of water."
"It's one of those "woah, nature is so wild" moments!" she adds.
Anne of Green Gables, PEI
Another beloved Canadian destination for Rohoman is the Anne of Green Gables house on Prince Edward Island.
According to the PEI tourism website, millions of fans have travelled to the island to discover the place that inspired Lucy Maud Montgomery' books, which were published in 1908.
"Anne of Green Gables is really magical to visit if you've read the books as they do a very faithful adaptation and it's filled with all kinds of island charm," Rohoman says.
Blue Mountain Village, ON
For Narcity Writer Katherine Caspersz, Blue Mountain Village in Ontario is a destination newcomers can visit anytime of the year and you don't have to be a skier to enjoy yourself!
"You can enjoy so many classic Canadian experiences here in winter like ice skating on a mountaintop trail and skiing and snowboarding, but there's also tons to do in summer like hiking and taking in views," Caspersz says.
"Definitely great for newcomers looking to enjoy winter activities though!"
Kingston, ON
Kingston in Ontario has been dubbed the "Limestone City" thanks to its 19th-century buildings made from limestone and it's one that's favoured by one of our senior writers.
Madeline Forsyth highlights that Kingston was Canada's first capital so there "is a lot of history to take in."
She also notes that the city has plenty to offer when it comes to food and activities.
"The old-world downtown has tons of delicious restaurants and shops as well as attractions and activities to enjoy year-round," Forsyth explains.
"The beautiful lake views, limestone buildings, quaint streets and lively atmosphere make Kingston an idyllic spot for a getaway or day trip."
