CANADA’S TOP TEN ATTRACTIONS LISTED: I HAVE MY DOUBTS
A new study carried out by QR Code Generator examined 96 of Canada’s well-known tourist attractions and created an index based on weighting three different factors to determine which tourist attractions and their provinces are most popular based on Tripadvisor reviews. The rating, the number of reviews and the percentage of five-star reviews for each were used to calculate an overall index score out of 100 and then create a ranking to determine the top ten.
The most popular tourist attraction in Canada is Stanley Park, located in British Columbia, with an index score of 92.5. Stanley Park is one of Canada’’s most beloved parks. The attraction has received 29,250 reviews on TripAdvisor, of which 76.74% were five-star reviews.
I can’t argue with Stanley Park, which is one of the finest urban parks in the world and offers spectacular mountain, ocean and city views.
Stanley Park might be the world’s best urban park. PHOTO COURTESY DESTINATION BC AND ALBERT NORMANDIN
But I’m not sure about their top 10, which is as follows:
- Stanley Park
- CN Tower
- Old Quebec City
- Butchart Gardens (Vancouver Island)
- Old Montreal
- Peyto Lake, Alberta
- Parliament Hill
- Royal Tyrrell Museum (Drumheller, Alberta – fine dinosaur exhibits)
- Great White Bear Tours, British Columbia
- Royal BC Museum, Victoria
What, no Niagara Falls? It’s undoubtedly the most famous attraction in Canada, and one of the best-known places in the world. If one takes into consideration the Trip Advisor reviews, and that perhaps people don’t like some of the tacky rides and attractions on Clifton Hill, I can maybe see it. But it still seems odd to me that the falls aren’t listed here. I also wonder how the CN Tower can be number two and Niagara Falls misses the top 1o entirely. No offence to the tower, but it’s not awe-inspiring like the falls.
Quebec City in winter. Jim Byers Photo
I’m somewhat surprised that Peggy’s Cove in Nova Scotia isn’t listed, but it might be a matter of traffic. There are far. more visitors to B.C., including cruise ship passengers, than there are to any of Canada’s Atlantic provinces. That could help explain that four of the top 10 on this list are in B.C., which is, of course, a fabulous part of the country.
You certainly can’t argue with Butchart Gardens, or with the old parts of both Quebec City and Montreal.
As for Alberta, I don’t think nearly as many people visit Peyto Lake as they do Lake Louise, but they likely find it just as pretty and much less crowded, so that could explain its number six spot. I haven’t been to either of the museums, and I’ve never had a great white bear tour. But it sounds marvellous.
A NEW AIRPORT EXPERIENCE FOR MONTREAL
The new Air Canada lounge at YQB airport in Quebec City.
Porter Airlines employees at the new YHU/MET airport terminal in Montreal. Jim Byers Photo
NEW AIR CANADA LOUNGE AT QUEBEC CITY AIRPORT
Air Canada has opened its newest Air Canada Café at Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB), introducing the first dedicated premium lounge experience to the airport’s terminal.
The new 97-seat Air Canada Café, operated in partnership with Plaza Premium, offers eligible customers a modern, locally inspired space to relax, work or recharge before their flight, featuring menus that celebrate Québec City’s heritage, culture, and renowned art de vivre.
The new Air Canada lounge at YQB airport in Quebec City.
The YQB location marks the seventh Air Canada Café, deepening the airline’s investment in the premium customer experience in Québec, and expanding the successful café concept as part of its multi-year global lounge modernization program.
“Travellers love Québec City for its food, charm and character,” said Jacqueline Harkness, Managing Director, Product & Services at Air Canada. “With this new Air Canada Café, we’ve created a space that feels like a love letter to the city – warm, calm, and inspired by its rich and unique character. Québec City is one of Canada’s great treasures, and we’re proud to bring a little taste of its magic into the travel experience.”
SAINT LUCIA PARTNERS WITH ARSENAL FOOTBALL CLUB
The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) has announced a new multi-year global partnership with Arsenal Football Club, naming Saint Lucia as its Official Destination Partner beginning with the 2026/27 season.
As one of the world’s most recognized football clubs and the reigning Premier League and UEFA Champions League champions, Arsenal provides Saint Lucia with access to millions of supporters across key tourism markets, including Canada and the United Kingdom.
Canada remains one of Saint Lucia’s key source markets, with visitor arrivals continuing to grow year over year. Through Arsenal’s global reach and loyal fan base, the partnership provides a powerful platform to inspire travel to Saint Lucia through a range of integrated marketing initiatives and support long-term economic growth through tourism.
Jade Mountain Resort, Saint Lucia. Jim Byers Photo
As Official Destination Partner, Saint Lucia will receive extensive brand exposure at Emirates Stadium during Premier League, Women’s Super League and domestic cup matches, as well as across Arsenal’s digital and social media platforms, reaching audiences around the world.
Beyond tourism, the agreement will also support the development of an Academy Hub in Saint Lucia, the initiative will provide youth with access to coaching, mentorship and player development opportunities, helping nurture local talent while creating lasting community benefits.
The partnership features co-branded marketing campaigns, supporter engagement initiatives and international promotional activities, further amplifying Saint Lucia’s award-winning “Let Her Inspire You” destination campaign through both Arsenal’s men’s and women’s teams.
