Edmonton and Victoria among the world’s top travel destinations of 2023: Forbes

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Two western Canadian capital cities are among this year’s top travel destinations in the world, according to Forbes.

Edmonton, Alta., and Victoria, B.C., were both saluted as the top must-visit places in Canada, according to the Forbes list, which saluted destinations around the globe, including Europe, Asia, South America and beyond.

Edmonton earned the nod from Kelsey Marie, content creator and writer at Travel Noire.

Described as “a vibrant urban centre in the heart of the wilderness,” the Alberta capital earned accolades for its 18 hours of summer daylight, eclectic culinary offerings and exploding craft beer scene, and festive winter celebrations.

“I had one of the most amazing meals at RGE RD. From the decor to the plating, this place is phenomenal,” Marie writes. “Another must-try at RGE RD: the Road Trip. Your tastebuds will embark on a journey, and you won’t know what’s coming next on this blind-tasting multi-course adventure.”

Recommended activities included Indigenous experiences such as the Whiskeyjack Art House, Bearclaw Gallery and the Indigenous Peoples Experience at Fort Edmonton Park, and the not-to-miss Elk Island National Park. “On a snowshoe adventure with Talking Rock Tours, you’ll learn about indigenous culture and surrounding wildlife and have a chance to become one with nature,” Marie says.

Victoria, B.C.’s capital, was recognized for its compact, walkable nature and numerous treasures to discover – by foot, bike or boat.

Recommended by Seattle-based writer Corinne Whiting, Victoria, British Columbia’s capital, was recognized for its compact, walkable nature and numerous treasures to discover – by foot, bike or boat.

Highlighting Victoria’s focus on sustainability, Whiting pointed to Destination Greater Victoria’s recent Biosphere certification, in addition to the city’s ocean-friendly wildlife-watching tours, carbon-neutral hotels and Canada’s first carbon-neutral fast-food restaurant. Visitors can can take in the local sights by kayak, enjoy a bike adventure “peppered with delicious snacks and pints along the way,” and explore the region’s Indigenous culture through First Nations-led canoe and walking tours from the Inner Harbour.

“And of course it doesn’t hurt that Canadians are some of the nicest folks around, too,” Whiting says.

The Forbes nod is among several recent accolades for Victoria, which regularly appears on some of the top “best of” lists. This past fall, visitors rated Victoria the second-best small city in the world to visit in Conde Nast Traveler’s latest readers’ choice awards.

Find the full list at forbes.com.

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