Canada is full of incredible places to visit, but many Canadian locals agree that many tourist attractions are overpriced, overcrowded or totally overrated compared to hidden gems nearby.
Skylon Tower Dining
The revolving restaurant atop Skylon Tower provides some incredible views of Niagara Falls, but some feel that the food isn’t always worth the inflated prices.
Tourists looking to dine here may end up spending double what they would at other restaurants in the Niagara region. If you’re looking to take in the view, locals suggest buying your ticket to the observation decks and then visiting one of the restaurants around town.
Banff Main Street
Banff’s downtown core is charming with plenty of mountain town charm. However, it can get very crowded and expensive during tourist season. Restaurants, gift shops, and hotel rooms all jack up prices because they know people are coming to Banff. Locals will tell you that a huge influx of tourists never leaves Main Street and miss some of the most beautiful hiking trails, lakes, and lookouts that are just beyond downtown.
Peak Season Lake Louise
Arguably one of Canada’s most photographed areas, Lake Louise comes at a price. Visitors often arrive early to stake their spot in the parking lots. Summer crowds pack the shuttle line and lakeshore, trying to snap that perfect photo. Most locals recommend getting there as early as possible. Visit during the off-season or check out some of the smaller lakes within driving distance that offer similar scenery without all of the people.
Old Quebec Carriages
While horse-drawn carriage rides through Old Quebec may look like a romantic and historic way to see the city, many locals will warn you they’re not worth the steep price. Old Quebec is a small district you can easily walk around. It’s filled with quaint streets, gorgeous historic buildings and secret spots you’ll want to discover at your own pace.
Gastown Souvenirs
Gastown’s (Vancouver) cobblestone streets, historic buildings and famous steam clock are definitely worth checking out. However, a lot of the stores along the streets will be tourist trap shops selling over-priced souvenirs that are likely made in China. Try to enjoy the history and architecture of the neighborhood, and support the area’s local independent businesses instead of buying Gastown-themed souvenirs you could find cheaper anywhere else.
Whistler Village Prices
Whistler is one of the best mountain destinations in North America. However, accommodation, dining, parking, and entertainment there can be very expensive, especially when visiting during ski season or summer holidays. Visiting Whistler is worth it, locals agree but recommend staying in nearby villages and booking as far in advance as possible to avoid some of Canada’s worst tourist prices.
Stanley Park Horse Tours
One of Canada’s most beautiful urban parks, Vancouver’s Stanley Park has forests, beaches, gardens and waterfront views you won’t want to miss. Though many tourists choose to take in the views by horse-drawn carriage, locals know the park is easy to navigate. Rent a bike or simply walk Stanley Park’s seawall for more flexibility, better photo ops and at a fraction of the cost.
Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls
Walk a few steps away from the breathtaking Horseshoe Falls and you’ll find yourself on a street littered with overstimulating souvenir shops, over-priced wax museums, mirror mazes and junk food chains. Locals avoid it completely and drive 20 minutes south to Niagara- on-the-Lake to check out quaint historic streets, local wineries, and picturesque biking trails along the Niagara River.
CN Tower Restaurant
Eating at Toronto’s CN Tower Revolving Restaurant 360 has become something of a cliché bucket-list experience, usually accompanied by a prix-fixe menu minimum and disappointing over-priced food. For truly memorable Toronto skyline views, Torontonians recommend visiting an upscale rooftop patio in the downtown core, or taking the inexpensive ferry to Ward’s Island for breathtaking vistas across the water.
Peggy’s Cove Restaurants
Nova Scotia’s Peggy’s Cove is a famous destination among visitors from around the globe. Known for its picturesque lighthouse and breathtaking views along Canada’s Atlantic coastline, the scenery here is well worth the trip. However, some restaurants and gift shops located near the Cove have been known to price-gauge tourists. Instead, local tourists recommend visiting nearby communities outside Peggy’s Cove for cheaper eats and shopping.
Parliament Hill Gift Shops
While touring Parliament Hill is a must for visitors to Ottawa, many of the shops surrounding the city’s major attractions overcharge on maple leaf-themed gifts, T-shirts and novelty items. Ottawa locals know there are plenty of smaller, Canadian-owned stores elsewhere that offer better prices, higher quality goods and more unique gifts.
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