According to Maple News, Canada continues to charm global travellers with its rich cultural experiences, historic landmarks, and distinct regional flavors. In the latest annual World’s Best Awards survey by Travel + Leisure, readers ranked their favourite Canadian cities to visit in 2025. Once again, several East Coast and West Coast gems secured top spots—while Ontario was noticeably absent from the list.
Topping the rankings for the 10th consecutive year is Quebec City, Quebec, celebrated for its European charm, historic architecture, and cobblestone streets. The city’s Old Town—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—stood out for its vibrant culture, French-inspired cuisine, and romantic atmosphere. Some readers even likened it to a more accessible alternative to Paris.
Coming in second is Montreal, Quebec, praised for its dynamic arts scene, bilingual culture, and famous culinary spots. Its blend of historic and modern neighborhoods appears to have resonated with readers once again.
Vancouver, British Columbia landed the third spot. Known for its scenic coastal surroundings framed by mountains and ocean, Vancouver continues to impress visitors with its cosmopolitan lifestyle, natural beauty, and diverse food scene.
Halifax, Nova Scotia took fourth place, reflecting growing recognition for this Atlantic gem. Readers highlighted its friendly locals, maritime charm, and thriving culinary and craft beer scene.
Rounding out the top five is Victoria, British Columbia. Renowned for its mild climate, tidy gardens, and Victorian architecture, British Columbia’s provincial capital earns praise for offering a peaceful yet sophisticated west coast experience.
The full rankings, based on reader scores that evaluated cities on criteria like cultural offerings, hospitality, landmarks, food, shopping, and overall value, show a strong preference for cities rich in history and coastal character. Notably, no cities from Ontario were included on this year’s list.
These top destinations underscore Canada’s enduring appeal to travellers seeking both natural beauty and old-world charm. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning explorer, these cities offer immersive experiences that continue to capture hearts year after year.