Canada
The Muslim Travel Guide to the Great North
Canada, the beautiful country I am proud to call home. I don’t have the words to describe how grateful I am to be blessed to live in this beautiful land. The extremely polite people, the multicultural diversity and natural beauty of this large country make it a favorable place Muslims should visit. A country where Muslims should feel safe, welcomed and accepted for who they are.
Canada is the 2nd largest country in the world which means there is lots to see, lots to do and lots to eat. The Muslims population, although a minority, has congregated in clusters around major cities which makes halal food easily accessible. Since Canada is so large, it is always feasible to see the entire country in a few days and that’s why we’ve broken up the guide by provinces.
Quick Links
- Ontario (Toronto, Niagara Falls, Ottawa)
- British Columbia (Vancouver, Whistler)
- Alberta (Rocky Mountains)
- Quebec (Montreal and Quebec City)
Ontario
Greater Toronto Area
The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is comprised of a combination of many cities including the capital of Ontario and the heart of Canada, Toronto. It’s an exuberant city, with many attractions. If you are interested in Touristy attractions, then Toronto is where you want to be. If you want to explore halal food options then you want to head towards the west-end to Mississauga and Brampton.
Things to do and see
- CN Tower
- Check out the 360 restaurant that revolves as you eat. They will even serve Halal meat if you let them know early enough.
- Ripleys Aquarium
- Canada’s Wonderland
- If you’re into thrilling roller coasters then you’ll love Wonderland. They have a multi-faith room in the park as well.
- Badlands
- One of the secret place not many talks about. It’s not too far from Toronto and worth the drive.
- Casa Loma
- Centreville Island
Where to Pray
There is no shortage of Masjids and Musallahs in the GTA Allhumdulilah. You can easily find a place to pray by doing a quick Google search around the area you are in. Here are a few great Masjids and community centers in the area that are worth visiting.
- Sayeda Khadija Centre
- The Islamic Society of North America
- Muslim Association of Toronto – Masjid Toronto
- Masjid Al-Farooq
- Islamic Foundation of Toronto
Where to Eat
The one thing you will not have trouble finding in the Greater Toronto Area is halal restaurants. The options are literally endless. Here are our top picks in no particular order.
- Masrawy
- Top Gun Burgers
- Watan Kabob (Try: Mantu)
- DSpot (Try: Poutine and Sausages)
- Blackstone Steakhouse and Grill
- Karahi Point
- Lazeez (Try: Lazeez on the Rocks)
- Asian Wok ‘n’ Roll
- Mushkaki
Niagara Falls
One of the natural wonders of the world, Niagara Falls is truly a magnificent sight to see. You will hear from every Canadian that it is the first place everyone goes to visit. The sheer magnitude of the flowing water is a phenomenon to marvel upon Allah’s creation.
Things to do and see
Niagara Falls has lots to offer. One of the main attractions is the Maid of the Mist ferry ride which takes you up close the falls. Although not the cheapest attraction, I would HIGHLY recommend the ferry even if it’s the only thing you do. It is worth every single penny.
Walking distance from the Falls is Clifton Hill. It’s a fun little street with all sorts of fun, wacky and crazy attractions like mirror mazes, haunted houses, arcades and wax museums. It really depends on the type of things you like to do so have a stroll through the street and see what interests you. My personal recommendation is the ferris wheel, mirror maze and if you’re up for it, the haunted house.
If you are traveling to Canada in the summer months then make sure to stay till 10 pm so you can enjoy a spectacular fireworks show.
Where to eat
Check out: Top 5 Halal Restaurants in Niagara Fall
Where to pray
Masjid Aisha is the closest Masjid to the Falls. It’s a cozy little place that is worth the short walk.
Ottawa
Ottawa is the Capital of Canada and is located only a 4-hour drive from Toronto. If you plan on visiting Canada Toronto then make sure to drop by and see Ottawa. It’s a calmer and quiet city but that doesn’t there isn’t lots to do.
Things to do and see
- Canadian Parliament
- Rideau Canal
- Byward Market
Where to pray
Masjid Ar-Rahmah, I was so impressed when I entered this Masjid. It is absolutely massive. The design and layout of the Mosque remind you as if you have entered Masjid Al Haram with its high ceilings and spacious prayer area. Make sure to check it out.
- Ottawa Muslim Association
- Jami Omar Mosque
Where to eat
- SuzyQ Doughnuts
- Aladdin Bakery – Meat pie’s are amazing and super cheap
- Yaseen Halal Pizza & Bakery – The best pizza and wings in town
British Columbia
Vancouver
After Toronto, Vancouver is the most populous city. Unlike Easter Canada, Vancouver is known for milder winters and beautiful natural scenery.
Where to pray
There are many Masjids in Vancouver. It is best to Google which is the closest one to you when you need to pray.
Masjid Al-Salaam
Where to eat
Whistler
The City of Whistler is location about 1.5-hour drive from Vancouver. The drive up to the Whistler is extremely scenic as you are literally surrounded by mountains. You are likely to see bears, deers, and moose on the side of the roads as you make your journey. Make sure to stop at viewpoints and take a few pictures!
Things to do and see
The main attraction in Whistler is the Whistler Blackcomb Ski resort. There are many activities you can do in the summer and winter months. Skiing is very popular even in the summer months since there is usually still snow at the peak of the mountains. I highly recommend taking the gondola and ski lift up Whistler mountain and then take the Peak 2 Peak Gondola across the two mountains. The views are spectacular and well worth the money.
Where to pray
Where to eat
There are no Halal restaurants at Whistler however there are many vegetarian options.
- Tandoori Grill Indian Cuisine
- Peaked Pies
- Avalanche Pizza
Alberta
Banff National Park
If you want to experience the Canadian Rockies than Banff National Park is the best place to experience it. The park has some of the most picturesque scenery and massive mountains that leave you in awe. If you want to humble yourself and witness that grandness of Allah’s creation then Banff is where you do it. It will leave you saying SubhanAllah over and over again.
Things to do and see
- Lake Louise
- Moraine Lake
- Camping
Where to pray
There is no designated Masjid or prayer space in the area. There is, however, Jummah Prayer held at Fenlands Recreational Centre. Check out the following facebook page for more information. You can also send them a message for more details.
What to eat
There is only one known Halal restaurant at Banff by the name of Banff Shawarma located in Cascade Mall in the basement.
Jasper National Park
Jasper is a lot less crowded than Banff and is worth the drive. The 232km drive from Banff on The Icefields Parkway is rated as one of the most scenic drives in the world.
Quebec
Quebec is the biggest province in Canada. It is about a 5-hour drive from Toronto and only minutes away from Ottawa. Quebec is unique to Canada because French is the primary language spoken It is a beautiful place that is home to two major cities – Montreal and Quebec City.
Montreal
Montreal is only about 2 hours away from Ottawa. Montreal is a fairly old city and is a name you have probably heard.
Things to do and see
- Botanical garden
- Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal
- Old Montreal
Where to pray
No shortage of Masjids in Montreal, Allhumdulilah. Google your way to the closest one.
- Islamic Center of Quebec
- Al-Rawdah Masjid
Where to eat
- Grillado’s Poulet Grillé Peri Peri
- 786 Restaurant Halal
Old Quebec (Quebec City)
Old Quebec is a magical city. It’s an enchanting little place and for a moment you forget you are still in Canada. The streets are narrow and it almost feels as if you are in an old European city. Old Quebec is hands down one of my most favorite places in Canada. It’s about a 10-hour drive from Toronto or a short plane ride in Quebec City. Old Quebec is a UNESCO world heritage site and should definitely be a place you visit if you are in Canada for a longer trip. It’s a touristy area so expect lots of people but also anticipate lots of fun things to do.
Things to do and see
- Take a walk on Trésor Street
- Go on a horse carriage ride
- St Lawrence River
Where to pray
- Mosquée de la Capitale
- Islamic Cultural Centre of Quebec City
Where to eat
- Restaurant Bachir
- La Galette Libanaise
Safety
Canadians are very kind, polite and welcoming people. One thing you will notice when you come here is that Canada is very multicultural, especially the major cities. Everyone is here because they want to live a peaceful and happy life. You should feel safe and don’t need to take any extra precautions. Criminal activity is low and generally speaking petty crimes are not very common. Take normal precautions as you would anywhere.
Tips
- Winters are harsh in Canada. Visit in the summer months if possible. Unless you enjoy winter sports
- Always keep a light jacket or sweater. Even in the summer months.
- Taxi’s are expensive, use public transit when possible.
- Use the GO Transit to travel between cities and local transits (TTC, MiWay, Brampton Transit, ViVa, etc) for travel within the city.
Fun Facts
- Muslims first arrived in Canada in 1871
- The first Masjid in Canada was built in 1938
- Peanut butter, insulin, and basketball were invented in Canada
- Canada has more freshwater lakes than the entire world combined
- Yonge Street is the longest street in the world. It is 1896KM long.