Canada has a big tourism sector, attracting more than 22 million visitors in 2019. Its cities are inviting, and paying a visit to its natural attractions would make any Canadian journey complete. Some of its famous sites include the Rockies, Niagara Falls, Okanagan Valley, Quebec, and Churchill in Manitoba.Canadians are known for being nice people, and maybe it’s because of their nice surroundings, which they are eager to share with others. Visiting Canada is a chance to explore unique attractions, but more than that, it’s all about feeling the warmth of the locals’ hospitality. In Canada, satisfaction is more than just a word — it's a certainty.
9 The Old Country Market Is Just That
The Coombs Old Country Market in British Columbia is known for its goats that graze on the roofs. The attraction has been serving guests and the local community since the early 70s, and tourists are attracted to its hoofed ambassadors. The marketplace has a variety of treats like fruits, vegetables, deli, international products, bread, ice cream, donuts, clothes, gardening items, and the list goes on and on. From food to novelty items, this Coombs attraction is the place to be. When the goats are removed, it’s really just a market.
8 Clifton Hill: A Tourist Trap?
Travel company Atlas Obscura calls Clifton Hill in Ontario “tacky” because of its varied tourist spots — like the Ripley’s Museum and a zombie-themed 3D motion simulator theater — that are not related to the main attraction, the Niagara Falls. Some call Clifton Hill a tourist trap, and it’s easy to understand why. Even locals are not fans of it because of its mishmash of attractions aside from the crowds. Niagara Falls is already crowded, and visiting an over crowded promenade does not sound thrilling.
7 The Crowded Banff Upper Hot Springs
More than 300,000 people visit this hot spring yearly, making it among the most popular destinations in Alberta. Though the place looks like an ordinary pool, it’s a favorite hangout spot, thanks to the views of Mount Rundle. The lines are sometimes long, and it gets easily crowded, so a dip would be the only thing tourists can do; lucky if they can swim the stretch of the pool. Banff Upper Hot Springs, just like any other of its kind, is known for its waters believed to relieve muscle stress — unless the crowded place adds up to the stress.
6 Robson Street Is Just Like A Mall
Robson Street in Vancouver is a popular attraction because it hosts lots of retail and food stores. It’s a shopper’s paradise — and maybe that’s just it. It’s a local icon because it has been around since the late 1800s. Through the years, it grew to become an upscale shopping destination. However, some locals agree the street has lost its shine, with some shops closing, especially the mom-and-pop stalls. Though it’s still popular even among tourists, Robson Street seems like a mall nowadays but is still a fine destination for some good food and worthwhile shopping.
5 Gopher Hole Museum For Taxidermy Fans
Gopher Hole Museum in Alberta claims they are world-famous, maybe for taxidermy enthusiasts. The place is filled with dioramas depicting stuffed gophers doing various stuff, like hunting, farming, hockey, and business. Sure, they are cute, but that’s about it in this place. Those who are not fans of taxidermy may not be amused by this attraction. Those nearby can visit it, but it might not be worth a trip if tourists expect much from a destination. The gophers look cute, though.
4 Peggy's Cove Gets Easily Crowded
Vacationing in Nova Scotia might mean tourists visiting one of its most popular attractions, Peggy’s Cove. It’s flocked by tourists and others go beyond the designated viewing points to reach the rocks for some photo opportunities. Given that problem, authorities are doing infrastructure work to limit tourists’ access to the rocks and the lighthouse. Peggy’s Cove can easily get crowded especially when tourists from cruise ships arrive. The place is thankful for tourism, but some locals remain true to what the area is — a fishing town. Tourists are always welcome, only if they are patient with long lines and can tolerate crowds.
3 The Underwhelming UFO Landing Pad
The UFO Landing Pad is one quirky attraction in Alberta that might interest lovers of the unknown — and conspiracy theorists. It was built in 1967 and is considered the first of its kind on the planet — because other planets might already have landing pads, right? The government-funded centennial project hosts a museum while it waits if the landing pad will ever be used by outsiders. Aside from that, it has a tourist information booth. Those are the three things about this place: the landing pad, the museum, and the booth, so tourists planning to visit it should not expect much. They might as well wait for the Northern Lights.
2 The Big Apple: Just A Bakery?
If Queensland has the Big Pineapple, Ontario has the Big Apple. It’s not New York, but it’s a famous roadside attraction in Colborne. It’s a big red ball, so anyone will not miss it. It’s believed to be the world’s biggest apple structure, too. The compound where Mr. Applehead is located has a bakery that sells — wait for it — apple pies. That’s mostly about it at this destination. Maybe bread lovers will have a fun time munching some of their favorites here, plus a photo with the Big Apple as a remembrance.
1 Columbia Icefield Skywalk: Is It Worth It?
Travel influencers flex on Instagram about what makes a destination beautiful but not if the place lives up to the hype. One example is Columbia Icefield Skywalk in Alberta which lets guests drink in the expanse of Sunwapta Valley. The construction of the Skywalk was controversial as it was opposed by some for environmental concerns. The project pushed through, however, and the area is now a popular Jasper attraction. The question is if it’s worth it if anyone can just view the stunning panorama of the valley even without walking on the attraction.