When you want to go beyond the United States without traveling across the pond, consider these 10 locations, selected by SYTA member tour operators as the top North America travel destinations favored by students and teachers.
Montreal
With an easy-to-navigate subway system and walkable attractions, students can do it all in Québec’s largest city—where European charm meets North American attitude—whether holding creepy-crawlers, ice skating year-round, taking part in an immersive planetarium experience, or exploring the archaeology and history of Montréal’s first inhabitants. Don’t miss one of the world’s largest botanic gardens and admiring the first “connected” bridge in the world.
Niagara Falls
Students can have an authentic Niagara Falls experience by taking in the famous falls that share the city’s name on a cruise or by stunning tower views—520 feet in the air! Historic sites along the Niagara Parkway give way to scenes from some of the most famous turning points in Canadian history. Museums brimming with oddities and waterparks filled with splashy fun make Niagara Falls, unsurprisingly, a popular choice for students and teachers.
Quebec City
Situated along the Saint Lawrence River, the mostly French-speaking and truly European-feeling Québec City is a UNESCO World Heritage site, filled with picturesque architecture. Take in North America’s oldest streets while enjoying locally led tours—on foot, bus, bike, boat or horse-drawn carriage—and spending a quiet moment inside the oldest pilgrimage site north of Mexico. An interactive museum sheds new light on diverse societies while Eastern Canada’s largest theme park provides exhilarating thrills.
Ottawa
Canada’s capital city offers ample opportunity to learn about government, amid the Victorian architecture of Parliament Hill and beyond. Museums feature renowned collections of indigenous and Canadian art and more; elsewhere are waterpark adventures, hands-on fun with science and technology, lessons in aviation and space, and experiences with food and agriculture. Take in the beauty of the Ottawa River between education-filled excursions. In the coldest months, skate on the world’s largest naturally frozen ice rink!
Toronto
This diverse and dynamic metropolis situated along Lake Ontario’s northwestern shore is one of Canada’s premier arts and entertainment, business, sports, and innovation destinations—an ideal place for students to get a little taste of everything. Despite being in the big city, students can enjoy their fair share of green spaces. From hundreds of acres of trails, beautiful beaches, and trekking though the treetops, to a short ferry ride offering students a chance to explore nearby islands, Toronto maintains a sense of natural beauty among its iconic skyscrapers.
Vancouver
Nestled between the mountains and inlets of sparkling water, Vancouver is a bustling seaport city with a thriving art, music and theater scene. Students could take in breathtaking views on suspension bridges above the forest; discover science, art, and flora and fauna at museums and galleries; and visit local markets and more. Opportunities to learn about British Columbia’s indigenous First Nations, Inuit and Métis people give students background in rich traditions.
Riviera Maya
This region of the Yucatan peninsula branching off of Mexico covers the Caribbean coastline just south of Cancun, along with the Isla de Cozumel. Students can explore ancient Mayan ruins at Tulum and Cobá, snorkel in crystal-clear cenotes, and discover marine life at the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Eco-parks like Xcaret and Xel-Há provide hands-on experiences with wildlife, underground rivers, and cultural performances. In Playa del Carmen, students can dive into local markets and Yucatán cuisine, while nearby Cozumel offers world-class snorkeling.
Winnipeg
Winnipeg, the capital of Manitoba, offers plenty of performing arts opportunities in a vibrant urban landscape. Explore the Exchange District, known for its art galleries and well-preserved 20th-century architecture, before getting up close with polar bears and rare animals. A museum dedicated to celebrating human rights activists and events offers students a deeper understanding of the world. And you can visit a luscious, 660-acre reclaimed wildlife preserve, recreation area, and environmental education center. Beyond the city limits, Manitoba’s natural beauty unfolds with beluga whales, ancient rock formations and Indigenous cultures.
Banff
Renowned for its awe-inspiring scenery, Banff is a paradise for outdoor adventure. Students can hike, bike, ski, and experience the region’s unique mountain culture. Historical sites share Canada’s rich past, while local art institutions inspire creativity. The Canadian Rockies hold millennia of history, with archaeological excavations uncovering artifacts dating back 10,000 years.
Whistler
A world-class outdoor destination, Whistler is a student-friendly playground set against the dramatic backdrop of British Columbia’s Coast Mountains. Known for its legendary ski slopes, Whistler also offers hiking, mountain biking, and zip-lining adventures. Students can learn about environmental sustainability at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, delve into Olympic history at Whistler Olympic Park, or take in breathtaking views from the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola.
