Looking for your next getaway? You might want to keep it super local.
In addition to being the home of one of the most beautiful villages in the world, and two of the world’s coolest neighbourhoods, the top destinations to visit in 2026 have been revealed by National Geographic—and three Canadian destinations made the list.
The must-see spots of the year selected by National Geographic’s editors, photographers, and adventurers range from iconic Alpine peaks to a lesser-known yet equally breathtaking Mediterranean alternative.
What is the world's top place to visit in 2026?
1. Dolomites, Milan, Italy
All eyes will be on the Dolomites, Milan, Italy—the number one place to visit in 2026—thanks to the 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in February and March.
2. Quebec
Ranked number two on the list is Quebec, highlighting a new wilderness park that offers immersive Indigenous-led experiences.
The coveted list shines the spotlight on one of Québec’s most recently established and stunning national parks—also the first to be managed by a First Nation.
With the creation of Nibiischii Park, the Cree Nation of Mistissini has protected over 4,000 square miles of serene lake country in the Eeyou Istchee-James Bay region of northern Québec. The expansive area includes the province’s largest wildlife reserve, Albanel-Mistassini-and-Waconichi Lakes, accessible via Chibougamau, a 90-minute flight from Montréal on the Cree-owned airline Air Creebec.
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Within the reserve, Waconichi Lake offers waterfront cabins, floating chalets, and a sauna, creating a summer retreat for anglers, paddlers, and wildlife enthusiasts. Visitors can take in sweeping views of the lake and surrounding boreal forest from a new cliffside walkway and suspension bridge. Last winter, the Cree Nation opened its lodge year-round for the first time, introducing winter activities led by Cree guides, including fireside storytelling, crafting workshops, and wilderness survival classes.
On the way north, several new First Nations cultural initiatives provide additional reasons to explore Montréal, including an outdoor sculpture trail along Peel Street, created in collaboration between an Indigenous and a non-Indigenous artist; a new Inuit art gallery at the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts; and, 20 minutes south, the upcoming Kahnawà:ke Cultural Arts Center, set to open in 2026 within the Kanien’kehá:ka (Mohawk) community.
Check out the best weekend getaways from Montreal worth the escape.
12. Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver, British Columbia, takes 12th place, in part for being the top destination to catch the FIFA World Cup in June and July 2026.
Vancouver is hosting 7 FIFA World Cup matches next summer, and with potentially favourable currency conversions, new direct flights from Europe, and easy entry requirements (U.S. citizens only need a valid passport), Vancouver stands out as one of North America’s host cities.
Beyond the World Cup, there’s also Vancouver’s wild side to explore: a tenth of the city is parkland, and the harbour is home to orcas, humpback whales, and more. Not to mention the local next-level food and drink scene.
Grouse Mountain (5 minutes from downtown) offers mountain-biking trails, the Grouse Gravity Coaster, and a 1.6-mile summit hike with killer views.
First Nations–led tours offer an Indigenous perspective on the city’s history and culture, like Takaya Tours on Burrard Inlet or Talaysay Tours through Stanley Park, a historic site larger than NYC’s Central Park.
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Readers' Choice: Banff, Alberta
Last but not least, Banff, Alberta, was named the Readers’ Choice Winner in 2026.
The breathtaking alpine destination strikes a balance between cosmopolitan charm and untamed wilderness. Situated in Canada’s first national park, the town transforms into a snowy wonderland each winter as skiers flock to Mount Norquay, Lake Louise, and Banff Sunshine Village.
Snow enthusiasts can enjoy one of North America’s longest ski seasons, running from early November through late May. Beyond the slopes, turquoise glacial lakes like Louise and Moraine, the mineral-rich Cave and Basin hot springs that inspired the park’s creation in 1885, and countless hiking trails through elk-filled valleys and gleaming peaks await.
Despite welcoming over four million visitors annually, Banff manages to retain its intimate mountain-town feel.
For the complete National Geographic 2026 list, click here.
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