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The landscapes of Canada range from arctic tundras and snow-capped mountains, to beautifully desolate prairies and rugged coastlines. Combine these dramatic settings with interesting architecture and the result is towns of real beauty. We list 10 of the best that should be on your must-visit list.

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

The center of the province’s Niagara wine region, Niagara-on-the-Lake is surrounded by superb wineries, many of which welcome visitors. Niagara-on-the-Lake is one of the most well-preserved 19th-century towns in the country. The town’s Victorian main street is lined with lush vegetation, old-fashioned houses, and boutique shops. Niagara-on-the-Lake is also known for its excellent hotels, sophisticated restaurants, and lovely ornamental gardens. The town is the home of the Shaw Festival, an outstanding Canadian theater event which highlights the works of George Bernard Shaw.

Quebec City, Quebec

The oldest walled city in North America, Quebec City sits dramatically atop Cape Diamond (Cap Diamant). The city’s Old Town (Vieux-Québec) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reminiscent of a traditional European town with its cobblestone streets, grand cathedrals, and sidewalk cafés. Overlooking the scene is the iconic Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, one of the most photographed buildings on the continent. Although Old Town is the focus for most tourists, the city’s other neighborhoods offer their own charms, with areas like St-Roch, St-Jean-Baptiste, and Montcalm home to fantastic restaurants, shops, and nightlife.

Churchill, Manitoba

Churchill’s raw, subarctic terrain makes it feel completely removed from the rest of the world. This compelling town is best known as one of the top places in the world to see polar bears in the wild. From October to mid-November, the bears gather along the shore of Hudson Bay as they prepare to head out and hunt seals for the winter. In the evening, visitors can see the iconic aurora borealis (Northern Lights). In the summer, thousands of beluga whales can be spotted around the Churchill River; while the tundra and boreal forests surrounding the town are home to more than 200 species of birds.