Canada has countless “tourist traps”, and while many Canadians will be too kind to admit it, many of them simply aren’t worth the time or money. Now I have to admit, many writers, including myself, have promoted them. Yes, they do all have their time and place, but in the busy tourist season (July-Aug), these tourist traps can be expensive, time consuming, and in my opinion places you might want to avoid.
CN Tower / Big City Towers
Most big cities have that one big tower they brag about. In Toronto it’s the CN tower, in Calgary it’s the Calgary Tower. These types of big city towers tend to have rotating restaurants, and viewing platforms near the top. Line ups during the peak tourism season can stretch from 45 minutes to an hour, and cost from $40 to $80. The way I see it is if you’ve been to the top of one of these big city towers, that should be enough for a decade or so. This is one of those tourist traps which I’d recommend avoiding, especially during the peak season.
Zoos (sometimes)
I have a love/hate relationship with zoos. I love the fact that I can see some amazing wildlife I’d likely never get a chance to see out in the great outdoors. I love that many of them are animal sanctuaries and provide animals with a second chance. But I can’t help but admit that they can often times be a tourist trap. Ticket’s can vary in price from “ah that’s not-not bad” to “jesus-joseph-and-mary!”, and once you add in the food, the chaos of screaming children and the obnoxious parents counting down the years when their kids are old enough to send them to summer camp, you’ll realize the Zoo isn’t exactly the best place to spend a day. Especially if you’re on a shorter visit.
Lighthouses
Now I love me some lighthouses. Don’t get me wrong. They’re usually free, if not very cheap. But during peak season, lighthouses become one of those places I’d sooner eat sand before visiting. You have to be a next-level masochist to put up with some of the crowds, which include maniacal children, parent’s with fanny-packs, and geriatrics dead-set on proving snails can in fact move faster than humans. The main culprit lighthouses are typically the more popular ones.
Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia for instance is high on my list of places to avoid during peak seasons. If you must get the Peggy’s Cove lighthouse photo for your #instajourney, try get there at the crack of dawn and you might be able to enjoy it to yourself. Alternatively consider visiting lesser known lighthouses, or any that require a bit of a hike to get to. Any lighthouse with a parking lot within a stones throw distance is sure to bring the same types crowds.
Waterfalls
I remember the first time I realized I didn’t care about waterfalls. I hated myself, I felt I had become broken. Jaded by seeing too many variations and realizing that gravity works the same way no matter what part of the globe you visit. Yes they can be scenic, and sometimes even unique. But one thing for sure is that during the peak tourism season in Canada, waterfalls often become another tourist trap. Just like lighthouses though, if you can beat the afternoon rush and show up early, you’re going to have a much better time. Of course you can always go chasing waterfalls that are harder to reach, as you’re bound to have them to yourself and may feel like you’ve been rewarded for all your hard work. Or you may just say “Hm. Yup. There’s some water falling.”, like I often catching myself doing.
Parades
I don’t care whether you’re celebrating all things Gay, Christmas & Consumerism, Chinese New Years, or some other cause or festival. Parades aren’t something I typically like going to. It might be the large crowds, the mess they often leave behind, or simply the sympathy I have for drivers who get stuck behind them for dozens of blocks. Parades are one of those silly tourist traps that I’d recommend avoiding. Sure, go check out the festivities of the event that they’re promoting by selfishly protesting functional roadways. I’m sure you’ll have some fun,. But the parade is worth skipping. Every. Single. Time.
Banff
I have a hard time putting this one on here because truthfully I like this little mountain town. But if you’ve ever visited Banff in the peak tourism season you’ll understand why it has to be included. Banff becomes ground zero for hoards of tourists of every age and demographic.
This little town nested in the mountains is nearly split at the seams as bus loads of Asian tourists spill onto the streets. German, British, and Australian backpackers fill the pubs and restaurants, making an honest and respectful attempt at drinking Banff dry. Families from across North America recreate the Griswold’s family vacation and watch as their father tries to feed himself to bears while snapping photos from outside of his car. Simply put, Banff becomes a shit-show in the summer season. If you’re going to visit in the summer months, aim to get onto the trails as soon as possible. If your’e able to embrace the chaos and can take it for what it is though, it’s still a fun time. This is one of those tourist traps that I feel you’re either going to love and wish to stay longer, or leave early and wonder how this place could have gone so wrong.
If big crowds aren’t your thing, consider visiting Jasper or Canmore, or any of the other small mountain towns peppered throughout the Rockies.
Gift Shops
Many gift shops across Canada are selling the same cheap junk. You’ll often turn some of their items over to find Made in China or Made in Taiwan. While it’s nice to find souvenirs to bring home, I recommend always asking to find out more about the product you’re purchasing. Aim to find things that are locally made, such as local arts and crafts. You won’t typically find the best products in gift shops. For instance I’ve seen countless gift shops selling Canadian Maple Syrup. Often times the stuff you’re buying isn’t the highest quality, and wouldn’t be the stuff local Canadians are covering their pancakes in. I always recommend checking out farmers markets instead of the airport gift shop.