Introduction: Maple-Leaf Magic—Canada’s Beloved Urban Escapes
As summer travel plans take shape and international wanderlust returns, Canada remains a standout destination.
In the recent Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards, hundreds of thousands of readers shared their favorites—and these five Canadian cities rose above the rest for 2025.
The selections span from historic Québec to vibrant Vancouver, covering art, culture, food, and stunning natural landscapes.
Whether you’re craving cobblestone charm, West Coast energy, or the Atlantic’s coastal calm, these top cities have earned enduring appeal thanks to reader votes on atmosphere, cuisine, friendliness, attractions, and value.
Let’s dive into why Québec City, Victoria, Montréal, Vancouver, and Halifax top the list—and how to enjoy them to the fullest.
1. Québec City, Québec — The Timeless European Legacy
Readers’ No. 1 city in Canada with a score of 86
🏰 Why It Captivates:
- A UNESCO-listed Old Town that feels lifted from Europe, with cobbled streets, fortified walls, and the iconic Château Frontenac.
- Rich history: museums, centuries-old churches, and First Nations outreach at Wendake.
- Walkable scale, photogenic vistas, and cozy heritage inns.
🍽️ Culinary Highlights:
- Savory Québecois classics—poutine, tourtière—in bistros near the Château.
- Rooftop terraces during summer, offering maple-tinged cocktails and river views.
✅ Travel Tips:
- Summer festivals like Festival d’été de Québec bring music, light shows, and lively energy.
- Winter magic: the Carnival and historic tram into Old Québec feel like a snow globe come to life.
- Stays close to Vieux-Québec for easy exploring.
2. Victoria, British Columbia — Coastal Serenity Meets Eco-Chic
Readers’ No. 2 city in Canada with a score of 83.31
🌿 Why It Shines:
- West Coast charm with scenic Inner Harbour, heritage architecture, and vibrant gardens.
- Pioneering sustainable tourism efforts, earning UNESCO biosphere and carbon-neutral certifications.
🌸 Experiences & Attractions:
- Butchart Gardens, world-famous and breathtaking in every season.
- Whale-watching trips with eco-conscious operators.
- Indigenous-led canoe tours and cultural storytelling experiences
- Museums and galleries in heritage buildings by the water.
✅ Travel Tips:
- Perfect for multi-day stays—explore by bike, kayak, or on foot.
- Tofino and Pacific Rim are close for surfing, storm watching, and wilderness hikes.
3. Montréal, Québec — Canada’s Cultural Capital
Readers’ No. 3 city in Canada with a score of 83.01
🎭 What Makes It Magnetic:
- A multicultural arts hub with over 100 annual festivals, world-class jazz, comedy, film, and Fête nationale .
- Blend of French elegance and North American creativity, with vibrant nightlife and culinary scenes.
🍴 Culinary Scene:
- Classic smoked-meat, bagel rivalries, and innovative farm-to-table dining.
- A diverse global palate—African, Middle Eastern, Asian—thanks to cultural richness.
✅ Travel Tips:
- September’s Jazz Festival draws music lovers globally.
- Explore cobblestone Old Montréal with its 17th-century cathedral and cobbled streets.
- Combine city stay with day-trip to Mont Tremblant or the Laurentians.
4. Vancouver, British Columbia — Nature Meets Urban Cool
Readers’ No. 4 city in Canada with a score of 81.87
🌲 Why You’ll Love It:
- Spectacular setting—mountains, ocean, lush parks, and biking infrastructure .
- A hub for film and technology, with iconic neighborhoods like Gastown and ethnic communities including one of North America’s largest Chinatowns .
🏞 Must-Do Activities:
- Cycle or stroll Stanley Park Seawall, stopping by beaches and the aquarium.
- Visit Granville Island Market, artisan studios, and waterside eateries.
- Drive across the Capilano Suspension Bridge and bike the North Shore trails.
- Taste Asian fusion in Richmond or food trucks downtown.
✅ Travel Tips:
- Choose hotels near downtown and bike effortlessly.
- For scenic escapes, ferry to Bowen or Salt Spring Islands.
5. Halifax, Nova Scotia — East Coast Hospitality on the Atlantic Shore
Readers’ No. 5 city in Canada with a score of 80.21
🌊 Why It Charms:
- A warm and walkable harbor city rooted in maritime heritage.
- Launch pad to the Bay of Fundy, known for high tides; and Cape Breton Highlands scenic drives .
🍤 Culinary Scene:
- Seafood-centric with fish and chips, lobster rolls, and local craft beer.
- Casual waterfront patios and harborside markets.
✅ Travel Tips:
- Explore Peggy’s Cove lighthouse and artisan coastal villages.
- Drive the Cabot Trail—especially scenic in autumn .
🛠️ How These Cities Were Selected
Travel + Leisure readers ranked cities in the World’s Best Awards on:
Québec City secured top honors by excelling across the board, while British Columbia’s Victoria and Vancouver earned praise for their scenic beauty and sustainability.
🌟 Practical Tips for Visiting Canada in 2025
- Best times to travel:
- Québec & Montréal: May–June, Sept–Oct for festivals and calm streets.
- Victoria & Vancouver: Summer (June–August) for outdoor adventure.
- Halifax: Late spring and early fall to dodge cruise crowds.
- Getting around:
- Driveable distances? Québec City–Montréal is ~3 hours by highway and train.
- BC cities are best accessed by plane or ferry due to mountains.
- Nova Scotia is scenic by car; Halifax is a travel base.
- Budget & value:
- Quebec offers mid-range prices; Vancouver and Victoria cost more.
- Halifax brings value with affordable dining and lodging.
- Festival season often means higher rates—book in advance.
✅ Final Verdict: Where Should You Go?
| City | Best For |
|---|---|
| Québec City | History, charm & French flair |
| Victoria | Coastal gardens & eco-travel |
| Montréal | Festivals, cuisine, multicultural buzz |
| Vancouver | Nature, urban living & Pacific vibes |
| Halifax | Maritime culture & Atlantic scenic drives |
Each destination delivers its own brand of Canadian wonder—for architecture lovers, adventurers, foodies, or culture seekers.
Conclusion: Canada’s Urban Five for 2025
Whether you’re drawn by historic lanes, oceanfront vistas, global festivals, or scenic drives, Canada’s top five cities have something unforgettable for every traveler. These reader-voted gems promise fresh discoveries and reliable appeal.
Plan smart, layer in local experiences, and prepare to explore destinations where diversity, hospitality, and beauty combine effortlessly.
Canada awaits—with roads to wander, plates to indulge in, and memories to create.
