Canada is a beautiful country with capital cities that offer a variety of things to do for visitors!

From skiing in Quebec City, to enjoying the nightlife in Victoria, Canada has something for everyone.

Most people don’t know the capital cities of Canada’s provinces and territories. In fact, many people even believe Toronto is the capital of Canada!

I’ve now lived in 4/14 of the Canadian capitals so on top of introducing you to them, I’m going to tell you the best things about each city!

This educational guide will teach you the actual capital cities of Canada and help youplan a trip to visit each of them.

By the end of this post, you’ll know the best things to do in each of Canada’s 13 capital cities.

Even Canadians may be surprised to learn what the actual capitals are!

What is the Capital of Canada?

Ottawa, Ontario

Ottawa is the capital of Canada. Although many people think it’s the more heavily populated Toronto, this underrateddestination is our country’s capital.

In 1857, Queen Victoria chose Ottawa to be the capital of Canada.

Ottawa is a great place tovisit in Canada. I recommend staying somewhere along the Rideau Canal if you can.

Ottawa boasts some great destinations that can help you enjoy your trip to our country’s capital city. I recommend visiting Parliament Hill as well as checking out the Byward Market area for shopping, dining, and nightlife.

You’ll love wandering along the Ottawa River, especially during theTulip Festival, when you can spot gorgeous blooms surrounding the river.

Or stop by in winter to skate on the world’s largest outdoor skating rink: the Rideau Canal.

Parliament Hill is the spotto be for Canada Day celebrations every year. They host a large festival that includes speeches from the Prime Minister,Beaver Tails, concerts, and more!

It’s free to visit, even if you’re not from Ottawa.

Population: 994,800

Best Things to Do:Skate the Rideau Canal, visit the art gallery, hike in nearby Gatineau Park, and eat your way through Byward Market.

Best Time to Visit: In spring for the Tulip Festival or in winter for the snow-y activities.

BestHotel: The Chateau Laurier.Click here for more options on thebest neighbourhoods in Ottawa.

Map of Canada with Capitals

1. Victoria, British Columbia

Victoria is the capital city of B.C. You’ll find Victoria on Vancouver Island.

It began as a trading post for the Hudson Bay Company back in 1843. It became a city in its own right in 1862.

Victoria is a stunning location where you can enjoy warm weather, beautiful beaches, and seafront activities.

Don’t miss out on visiting Inner Harbour to watch seaplanes, ferries, go kayaking and more. You can also enjoy high tea at the Fairmont Empress hotel and feel like royalty.

Don’t forget to visit Royal BC Museum for first nations history including soaring Totem Poles. Or check out Fisherman’s Wharf for fresh seafood alfresco dining with a stunning view.

You’ll want to stop at the oldest Chinatown in Canada to discover hidden gems and some delicious food.

Be sure to stop by a local pub and enjoy some West Coast craft beer.

Population: 92,100

Other Prominent Cities:Vancouver

Best Things to Do:Go whale watching, take a seaplane tour over the city, and visit Butchart Gardens.

Best Time to Visit: Winter is an amazing time to visit for snowboarders. Otherwise, I recommendvisiting in summer so you can take advantage of the surf.

2. Edmonton, Alberta

Edmonton, Alberta is the northernmost capital city in Canada.

Originally known as “Fort Edmonton”, the former fur trading post became a city in 1904.

Now, it is now as the “Gateway to the North.”

You can stop by Edmonton at any time of year. It’s particularly beautiful in winter, when you can visit frozen castles and ice hockey games.

Edmonton has some of the coldest winters in Canada, but don’t let that stop you! You just need to know how to gear up like a Canadian.

If you’re looking for an unforgettable trip, don’t miss out on a stop in Edmonton.

In the summer, the city’s temperatures soar above 30C. Escape the heat at a local festival or event, where you can have a cool bevvie. Or head inside to the biggest mall in Canada.

Population:981,200

Other Prominent Cities: Calgary,Banff, Jasper

Best Things to Do: Visit the Edmonton Mall, visit the nearby cities of Banff and Jasper, go to an Edmonton Oilers hockey game, and tourFort Edmonton Park.

BestTime to Visit:Visit in winter for the best things to do.

3. Regina, Saskatchewan

Regina is the capital city of Saskatchewan. The name was changed from the cree name meaning “Pile o’ Bones” to honour Queen Victoria in 1882, and it can be found about 2.5 hours by car from Saskatoon.

There are many things for people to do while visiting Regina which includes: watching cadets train at RCMP Training Academy; relaxing at the beautiful beach on Last Mountain Lake; smelling roses at the Regina Floral Conservatory; and visiting the Royal Saskatchewan Museum.

This city is also known as a hub for culture, education, tourism, and entertainment in Canada.

The people can visit many different festivals all year round including Carifest which is an annual festival that highlights Caribbean culture and heritage through music, dance, and food.

Population: 228,900

Other Prominent Cities:Saskatoon

Best Things to Do: Visit the Regina Floral Conservatory and hike near Last Mountain Lake.

Best Time to Visit: Visit in the summer to make the most of the warm weather and beaches.

4. Winnipeg, Manitoba

Winnipeg is the capital city of Manitoba. The population of Winnipeg has a diverse population, but it is probably best known for its Ukrainian community.

Winnipeg is a great place for an urban getaway, with plenty of things to do and see.

Quamajuq has the largest collection of Inuit art in Canada. The Canadian Museum for Human Rights exhibits human rights issues from around the world as well as a Holocaust exhibit. For a lighter activity, visit the Assiniboine Zoo to see polar bears swim or visit its new Tundra Trek.

While it can get cold, there are plenty of indoor activities in Winnipeg year-round. Relax at a spa during the cool winters and check out one of the 20 breweries in town for some good food and beer.

Population: 749,500

Best Things to Do: Visit Assiniboine Zoo.

Best Time to Visit: Visit in the summer when the weather is warmest.

5. Toronto, Ontario

Toronto, Canada’s largest city, can be found on Lake Ontario. The best things to do are walking along the boardwalk, visiting the Distillery District for a beautiful Christmas Market in winter, and climbingToronto’s own CN Tower.

Some of thebest food can be found in Toronto as well with its multicultural population!

If you visit during summer head down to the lake with a canoe or paddle board to cool down.

Temperatures can reach 40 degrees Celsius in the summer, but they can get as low as -30 degrees Celsius during wintertime. Be sure to bundle up or hide in the world’s largest underground shopping mall downtown.

Toronto is a fantastic place to visit and you’ll never want to leave!

Population: 2.93 million

Best Things to Do: Take a sunset canoe tour,visit the ROM,tour the Distillery District, hike theScarborough Bluffs, andclimb the CN Tower.

Best Time to Visit:Toronto is best in Fall. Read more about thebest time to visit Toronto.

6. Quebec City, Quebec

If you can only visit one Canadian capital city during your lifetime, I recommend visiting beautiful Quebec City!

This historic destination is full of charm and French culture. The cobblestone streets are always bustling with activity as people wander through shops.

This charming town feels like Europe without leavingCanada.

You can experience the true charm by staying at theChâteau Frontenacoverlooking the city. Be sure to take the funicular to explore the old town streets.

Dating back to the 1600s, Québec City sits on the Saint Lawrence River. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for the walls around the famous city.

It’s a perfect stop on aQuebec road trip or on a tour of the capital cities of Canada.

Be sure to try a maple sugar tart while you’re there!

Population:542,200

Other Prominent Cities: Montreal

Best Things to Do:Take a cable car ride,Old Quebec City walking tour, and watch a Cirque du Soleil show.

Best Time to Visit: Autumn and winter are the best times to visit this capital city of Canada.

7. St John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador

St. John’s is the capital city of Canada’s most easterly province, Newfoundland and Labrador. St. John’s began as a commercial trading outpost due to its harbor and proximity to fishing grounds.

Today about one-third of the population lives in St. John’s or surrounding communities.

While in St. John’s, visit the oldest city hall in North America and see how it has evolved over time with its own local legends of ghost sightings!

Explore the city’s deep history by visiting historic sites, including a WWII submarine base.

Take a boat ride out into Iceberg Alley where you can spot massive icebergs floating past the harbour. You can even touch them!

The wildlife outside of St. John’s is incredible. Search for moose in the woods while you can hear others around you going on a screech-in ceremony.

Visit St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador for a capital city with deep history and spectacular wildlife!

Population: 113,900

Best Things to Do: Kayak through Iceberg Alley.

Best Time toVisit: Visit in spring to see the best icebergs!

8. Fredericton, New Brunswick

Fredericton is a great destination for any traveler. Fredericton is the capital of New Brunswick and can be visited year-round, but can also can get very cold in winter months.

The city was originally called Ste. Anne’s Point, but in 1785, the name was changed to Fredericktown after Prince Frederick, the Duke of York.

Today the city is home to amazing craft beer brewing, a changing of the guard ceremony, and amazing hiking/cycling trails. You can even go back in time to King’s Landing – no, not the one fromGame of Thrones.

Population: 58,200

Other Prominent Cities:Moncton

Best Things to Do: VisitHopewell Rocks, taste the local beers, and go hiking.

Best Time to Visit: Visit in summer for the best weather.

Are you a Canuck or a Hoser? Test your Canadian knowledge now!

9. Halifax, Nova Scotia

This coastal city has a deep history for visitors, including museums and monuments that are well worth checking out while visitingHalifax.

The capital can be found in Nova Scotia’s north end on the harbour front at Point Pleasant Park. The park itself was once used as an artillery training base during World War Two.

Nearby, you can stop in at Pier 21, an immigration center that was a point of entry for more than one million people from 1924-1971.

Today, Pier 21 is home to the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 and has been restored as an interpretation centre telling the story of Canada’s immigrants.

Notably, the city was home to a huge explosion that wiped out most of the downtown core. After the rebuild, ghosts are said to haunt the area. It’s fitting, since the largest Titanic gravesite can also be found in Halifax.

As one of the biggest university cities in Canada, Halifax has more bars per capita than anywhere else in the country. You’ll have a lot of fun drinking your way through local wine, craft beer, and sobering up over delicious donair.

Be sure to visit the Seaport Market for fresh lobster rolls!

Population: 414,700

Best Things to Do: Walk around Point Pleasant Park,tour Pier 21, and eat at the Seaport Market.

Best Time to Visit: Halifax is best enjoyed in summer.

10. Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

Charlottetown is the capital of Prince Edward Island, Canada’s smallest province. The city is known as the “Birthplace of Confederation,” as it was the place in which the conference that led to Canada’s formation took place.

In addition to being the place where Canada was born, it has also been designated by the Ministry of Canadian Heritage as the cultural capital of Canada.

Today, Charlottetown is a popular destination for Anne of Green Gable’s tourism.

You’ll find many amazing festivals each year, including a lobster festival, a bluegrass festival, and the city’s cultural festival.

The small island is stunning for bike rides, many of which pass through Charlottetown. Be sure to grab a cone from COWS Creamery when you do!

Population: 80,300

Best Things to Do: Walking tour of the city.

Best Time to Visit: Visit in summer for the best weather.

11. Whitehorse, Yukon

Whitehorse is the capital of the Yukon Territory.

The city got its name from the rapids of the nearby Yukon River, which are said to resemble the manes of white horses.

The city was incorporated in 1950, and was made the capital of the territory in 1953, replacing Dawson City.

Visit today to explore the vast parks.You can go horse riding at Fish Lake, hike at Miles Canyon, and canoe along the Yukon River.

In summer, be sure to check out the Midnight Sun. In winter, stare in awe at theNorthern Lights.

Population: 30,700

Best Things to Do:See the Northern Lights,go snowshoeing, and hike along Miles Canyon.

Best Time to Visit: Summer is the best time to visit the Yukon.

12. Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

Yellowknife, which is situated on the northern shores of the Great Slave Lake, is the capital of Canada’s Northwest Territories.

The city got its name from the indigenous T’atsaot’ine tribe, whose name translates in English as “yellow knives”

Visit today to explore the amazing wildlife that can be found there.

In summer you can hunt for muskoxen at Great Slave Lake or hike along the Ingraham Trail. In winter, go aurora chasing as Yellowknife is one of the best places to view it in Canada.

Population: 19,500

Best Things to Do: Search for the aurora borealis orgo on a kayak tour.

Best Time to Visit: Summer is the best time to visit Yellowknife.

13. Iqaluit, Nunavut

Iqaluit is the capital of Nunavut, Canada’s newest territory, created in 1999.

The city got its name from the Inuktitut language, where the word means “many fish”. Aptly, it’s a prime fishing destination.

With only 7,700 people living in the city, Iqaluit is the smallest capital city inCanada (population-wise). It is also unique in that its dual signage is in English and Inuktitut.

You can visit today to see the unique artwork around town. There are also many museums, galleries, and art studios showcasing Inuit culture.

It’s also aprime place to go dog sledding and snowmobiling.

Population: 7,700

Best Things to Do: Visit the Inuit culture galleries.

Best Time to Visit: Summer.

Canadian Capital Cities

Provinces vs. Territories

Canada is made up of 10 provinces and 3 territories. But many people don’t know the difference between them.

The provincial government is the main governing body of a province, while the territory falls under federal authority.

Provinces are allowed to make their own laws in certain areas, but they still must abide by Canadian law and the constitution. However, territories fall directly under federal jurisdiction meaning that they can’t pass any legislation without approval from Parliament.

Interestingly, Canada’s territories make up 40% of the country’s landmass, but only 3% of the population.

Regions of Canada

Canada can be divided into many different regions, each with a unique look and feel.

The easiest way to divide Canada up is geographically by landmass, but this does not account for the cultural differences between these regions.

Many people use provinces as geographical markers when describing Canada’s vast geography, although there are also important historical divisions that can help further break them down.

Atlantic Canada

Atlantic Canada can be broken down into the four Maritime provinces (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island), and Newfoundland and Labrador.

This region is known for its strong connections to Europe through fishing and farming as well as having a lot of Viking settlements in place before European explorers arrived on the scene.

The first part of Canada that was settled by Europeans is in Atlantic Canada. In fact, you can still visit the UNESCO Viking settlement when you visit!

Central Canada

Central Canada can be divided into two parts:Ontario and Quebec.

Geographically, they are not at the centre of the country but rather overlap with Atlantic provinces in the east.

However, these regions have large populations so can often seem like a cultural “centre” for Canadians because that is where most people live.

The Prairies

The Canadian Prairies can be divided into three provinces: Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta.

This region is known for its vast farmlands as well as being home to the oil industry in Canada.

In fact, this area has so much natural gas that it can supply most of North America’s energy needs!

The incredibly rich soil also allows for a lot of agriculture in this region, known for its canola and wheat production.

West Coast

Pacific Canada, also called the West Coast, is a region composed of only one province: British Columbia.

The Port of Vancouver, Canada’s largest and busiest, handles billions of dollars in goods traded around the world.

Warm weather lovers will enjoy the west coast vibe that can often be described as super chill, multicultural, lover of nature and adventure.

The Pacific Ocean gives this coastal province a temperate climate.

Just over five million people reside in this region known for its large outdoor activities, lush rainforest areas and great skiing during winter.

Northern Territories

The Northern Territories can be broken down into three regions: Yukon,Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

Yukon is the westernmost of the territories while Nunavut & NWT are on Canada’s mainland, just to the east.

These northern areas have vast tundra landscapes as well as some polar areas.

They are home to mining, oil and gas industries.

There are also large populations of animals that can be found in the north, such as caribou herds which can number up to 250,000!

This region is home to many First Nations peoples who have preserved their culture through generations.

FAQs About Canadian Capital Cities

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