As much as wandering through the wilderness of the Canadian landscape may be the dream, sometimes us backpackers need a quick break in a real bed. If you’re going to do that, it would make sense to make a memory out of even getting a good night’s sleep, and head to one of the major cities for a spell. You will have hot water, but also a bunch of hotspots to check off your bucket list.
Take a look at our list of the best cities to stop by while you’re on your backpacking journey.
Toronto
Let’s get the obvious out of the way first. Toronto has something for everyone, and you are no hippie walking down the highway. You are a fully rounded main character, who might love wandering through Toronto’s Bata Shoe Museum to see Elton John’s silver platforms, or a casino fan who might like to take a break from sport betting on a phone to see the Casino Woodbine, or stroll through the city to learn its history with drag, or you might be a film buff who would get an extra thrill seeing the castle from Scott Pilgrim vs. The World – and a million other movies to boot.
But the city landscape is just the beginning. Toronto is surrounded by nature that you can escape into if the city lights and the endless bustle become too much.
There is an obvious first answer here too. Our survey says: Niagara Falls. But it’s an obvious answer for a reason. There isn’t much that could beat the feeling of standing ‘within touching distance’ of the rushing water, or behind the falls themselves. There are loads of ways to enjoy it. Take your bike around one of the trails or take a helicopter ride for a bird’s eye view of the largest falls in North America.
Winnipeg
Winnipeg is one of the smaller major cities of Canada, and yet is steeped in history. If you want to indulge in this historical relevance you can head to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights for the A-Z on human rights for all. Featuring digital technology, film and art created to educate and inspire. More people should visit it.
For something a little more lighthearted, you can visit the Assiniboine Park Zoo to visit more than 200 animal species. See polar bears, tigers, toucans, butterflies and more amongst the creatures of the zoo.
But to really indulge your inner nature-lover, try Fort Whyte Alive. It is a year-round edutainment experience that will be perfect for hikers of all ages. Watch the wildlife up close in their natural habitat as you explore the woods. Watch the resident bison herd or see if you can spot a deer in the woods as you trek around the park.
Calgary
Calgary is a gorgeous hub of modern culture. The city streets are decorated with modern art, like the Wonderland Sculpture, which depicts a wire mesh Alice gazing into the city in… wonder. But if music is your artistic vice you can head to Studio Bell and the National Music Centre. Canadian music is depicted through many stunning interactive displays, including the Canadian Halls of Fame.
But if you’re someone who comes alive by just being near water, you will find Calgary is your place. Bike, hike or drive around the various lakes and mountains around the city. There is the Bow River, which is popular for a peaceful walk around its adjacent walkways, where you can get the canoe out or hike over the surrounding hills. Or head to the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary and Nature Centre for a wander through the trails that go along the river, over bridges, through old growth and beautiful meadows.
