11 cultural destinations across Canada

Canada has many diverse and unique cultural attractions that showcase our national identity. From fascinating museums and galleries to a Gold Rush cabin and whale watching festivals, here are some must-visit cultural highlights across the country.

Calgary's Glenbow Museum is western Canada's largest museum. From art to history to pop culture, the Glenbow has a little something for everyone, making it one of the top attractions in the province.

For a different take on culture, try the Pacific Rim Whale Festival. The festival coincides with the annual pilgrimage of whales from Baja, Mexico to the Arctic. Upwards of 22,000 whales pass by viewing points at Amphitrite Point Lighthouse and Wickaninnish Centre.

Fredericton, New Brunswick, is home to the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, a museum which holds a collection of British and Canadian works including tapestries and furniture. Don't miss Salvador Dalí's Santiago el Grande.

The oldest surviving lighthouse in this province is the Cape Spear Lighthouse. Built in 1836, visitors can climb it and enjoy a great view.

The Northwest Territories have garnered the title of "The Aurora Capital of the World". Visitors can indeed enjoy the Aurora Borealis at the Nahanni National Park, as well as breathtaking landscapes, waterfalls and hiking trails.

Halifax commemorates the 1.5 million immigrants who came through Pier 21 from 1928 through 1971 with Canada's Immigration Museum. Oral histories, archives and data on all things immigration-related make for a fascinating glimpse of those early immigrants to Canada.

Ottawa's National Gallery of Canada has an extensive collection of art, prints, drawings and photos from around the world. It's easy to spend a cold Ottawa winter day wandering its galleries.

Canada's smallest province has its own claim to fame as the home of popular fictional character, Anne of Green Gables. Fans of the author and the novel can visit the Anne of Green Gables Museum and Avonlea Village, and even attend the annual Lucy Maud Montgomery Festival.

Quebec boasts more than 400 museums. Take your pick and don't forget the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts, which houses more than 30,000 works of art. Winter fanatics shouldn't miss Quebec's annual kite festival on ice. The Festi-Vent sur Glace takes place in February and fills the sky with thousands of colourful kites.

Learn about the people of the Northern Plains First Nations at Saskatoon's Wanuskewin Heritage Park. The park has 19 sites including a bison hunting area, tipi rings and sites where the uses are still unknown to anthropologists.

The Klondike Gold Rush brought author Jack London to Dawson City, and he's still honoured in this beautiful province. The Jack London Cabin and Interpretive Centre is now a museum.

From urban areas to remote spots, Canadians and tourists alike have tons of choice when it comes to finding a place to appreciate Canadian culture!