This Historic City Existed Long Before America Was Born

While many people assume the oldest colonial cities in North America are in the United States, the full story is more complicated. Long before the American colonies became a nation, European powers were already building permanent settlements across the continent, from Spanish Florida to French Canada.

One of the most historic examples is Quebec City, founded by Samuel de Champlain in 1608. It became the first permanent French settlement in Canada and remains one of North America’s most important surviving colonial cities, with roots that stretch back centuries before the United States existed.

The city of York was founded in 1793. Located in the province of Ontario, it is now called Toronto. Originally, it was a British-Irish community, but now it is in the Weston and Lambton Mills neighborhoods. Toronto is the biggest city in Canada, with a population of almost 3 million.

Toronto is a bustling city with a vibrant nightlife. You can go anytime, but the ideal time is spring or autumn. Explore Niagara Falls on the border between Canada and the US, or go to the top of CN Tower for a fantastic view of the entire city and Lake Ontario.

Windsor, located in the province of Ontario, has a population of over 300,000. It was founded in 1749, the same year Halifax was founded. Windsor is on the Detroit River, across from Detroit, Michigan.

The best time to visit Windsor is in the fall, as it has warm autumns. There are many things to do in Windsor, from heading to Jackson Park for a pleasant urban nature walk to visiting the Canadian Aviation Museum.

Founded in 1749, Halifax is located in Nova Scotia and has a population of 348,000. This quaint city is picturesque, with colorful houses lined up along the sea. Halifax has served as an essential commercial port in Canada.

The spring through autumn months are the best time to visit Halifax. During your stay, you can learn about its fascinating history at the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site or visit the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.

Winnipeg, founded in 1733 in the province of Manitoba, is one of the most populated cities in Canada. With a population of more than 750,000, it is the third-largest city in Canada.

Winnipeg is such a sunny city that you can visit any time of the year, but ideally, the autumn months are best. It has an excellent arts and culture scene, so check out art museums, music festivals, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, or the Winnipeg Philharmonic Choir.

Kingston, located in the province of Ontario, was founded in 1673. With a population of just over 120,000, Kingston provided the British with a commercial and political outpost to the rest of the world.

The best time to visit depends on what you want, for colder weather, visit in the winter, and for warmer weather, visit in the summer. You can visit the Fort Henry Historic Site or walk along Lake Ontario.

Founded in 1657, this French-Canadian city in the province of Quebec has a population of just over 240,000. Once a cozy French village, it now serves as a suburb of Montreal, with an expressway that leads directly to the metropolis from Longueuil.

The best time to visit is the spring and summer months. Located on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River, the city provides great views of Montreal on the other side of the river.

Founded in 1642, Montreal is the second-largest city in Canada. It is located in the province of Quebec and boasts an impressive 4 million people. Montreal is a major economic hub for Quebec and Canada as a whole.

Montreal is best visited in the spring and autumn months. The city has many things to do, including visiting Notre-Dame Basilica and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.

Trois-Rivieres, founded in 1634, has a population of 128,000. It is located on the St. Lawrence River in the province of Quebec. The city's picturesque streets and buildings attract tourists of all ages. Summertime is the best time to visit Trois-Rivieres for the best weather. Make sure you walk on Rue des Ursulines, the oldest street in one of the oldest cities in Canada.

Quebec City, located in the province of Quebec, was founded in 1608. It has a population of about 730,000. French explorer Samuel de Champlain founded the city, and the French established fur trading and other commercial businesses there.

The spring and winter months are the best times to visit Quebec City. You can visit several historical sights like the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac Hotel or La Citadelle de Québec.

Founded in 1497, St. John's has a population of just under 200,000 and is located in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The city is known for its colorful houses lined up and down the sea. The best time to visit St. John's is spring or fall. It's a popular destination for tourists worldwide, so if you visit, you can do some fun activities, such as whale watching or an iceberg tour.