UK best places to visit

Straddling the US-Canadian border, Niagara Falls is within reach of Toronto - and well worth it. The three falls combined, the Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls, form the highest flow rate of any waterfall in the world (around 2, 400 m3 per second). Once you've seen the Falls (take a Maid of the Mist tour), explore the theme park-esque town that lives off the natural wonder's tourist appeal.

• Things to do in Toronto, including Niagara Falls
• The world's 10 best waterfalls - and how to see them

Take the Maid of the Mist tour of the Niagara Falls Photo: Getty

3. Montreal

The second largest city in Canada, Montreal is France's home away from home. The city's official language is French and spoken by more than half of the population. The French also lend the city its sense of cool, laid-back chic. It is a cultural hub with more than a few international flavours and boasts more than 100 festivals a year.

• 36 Hours in... Montreal
• A girl's guide to the best shops, hotels and restaurants in Montreal

Le Fleuve Saint-Laurent, Montreal Photo: Fotolia/AP

4. Vancouver

Vancouver has been named the "best place to live in the world" more than a few times. The west coast city in British Columbia boasts a buzzy cultural life, a rich platter of ethnically diverse restaurants and a cosmopolitan population.

• Is Vancouver the world's best city?
• Where to eat, sleep and shop in Vancouver

The west end of Vancouver Photo: Fotolia/AP

5. The Canadian Rockies

The Canadian Rockies span British Columbia and Alberta and is one of the world's most impressive mountain ranges. Boasting mind-boggling scenery and a number of Canada's highest peaks, the region is ideal for explorers. There are also a number of ski resorts in the mountain range, including Banff.

• Canadian Rockies road trip
• The Rocky Mountaineer train, and its budget alternative

Moraine Lake in the Canadian Rockies Photo: Fotolia/AP

6. Whistler

One of North America's largest and most popular ski resorts hosted the Winter Olympics in 2010 and boasts some 8, 000 acres of pistes and 1, 610m of vertical. Its ski area across two mountains - Whistler and Blackcomb - enjoys a long season from November to May and an impressive and reliable average snowfall.