9 Must-Sees When Visiting From Canada

Known for its close proximity to New York and Philadelphia, New Jersey offers beautiful surroundings – rolling farmlands, captivating beaches, majestic mountainsides, historic towns, tax-free shopping meccas, top-rated golf courses and culture-rich cities. We welcome you to experience all that we have to offer. Here, we collected a sampling of some of our must-see destinations.

 

  1. Liberty State Park – America’s Historic Gateway, Memorials, New York City Skyline
    Delve into the past at the “Historic Gateway to America” boasting a spectacular view of the New York City skyline. Ferry along the Hudson River to the Statue of Liberty, an iconic symbol of freedom, and Ellis Island, where 12 million immigrants to the USA passed through between 1892 and 1954. Also here: “Empty Sky” 9/11 Memorial and Liberty Science Center.
     
  2. Atlantic City – Casinos, Tax-Free Shopping, Nightlife, Dining 
    Stroll the world’s first and longest boardwalk, which opened in 1870. Visit the famous Steel Pier and enjoy the coastal breeze along the shore. Regarded as the USA’s East Coast seaside gaming and entertainment capital, you’ll be dazzled by casinos, live shows, award-winning cuisine by local and celebrity chefs, glamorous nightlife and tax-free designer outlet shopping.
     
  3. The Jersey Shore – Beaches, Boardwalks, Surfing, Fishing, Kayaking
    Be greeted by waves of rolling surf and salty sea breezes on New Jersey’s crown jewel – our captivating coastline dotted with white-sand beaches, iconic boardwalks and majestic lighthouses. Visit trendy Asbury Park, home of The Stone Pony, where Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi got their legendary starts, and Cape May, our most southern shore, ranked one of the Top 10 Best Beach Towns on the East Coast by Condé Nast Traveler. 
     
  4. Appalachian Trail – World-Famous Hiking Trail
    Admire the vibrant fall foliage as you explore the renowned Appalachian National Scenic Trail, the world’s longest hiking-only footpath, spanning 3,524 kilometres from Georgia to Maine in the United States. New Jersey’s portion of the trail delivers 116 kilometres of serene, picturesque mountain and river vistas along the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, High Point State Park (the highest elevation in NJ) and other parks.
     
  5. Historic Cape May District – History, Victorian Architecture, Lighthouses, Holiday Festivities
    Delight in the beauty of Cape May, where the entire coastal resort town is a historic landmark. Take a trolley ride to see 600 colourful postcard-perfect buildings accented by Victorian architecture. Stay in one of the town’s many historic bed and breakfasts and dine on some of the East Coast’s most delicious fresh seafood. Celebrate the true spirit of the season during Christmas in Cape May from November 17, 2023 through January 1, 2024. More to do: climb the 199 steps of the 1859 Cape May Lighthouse, enjoy birdwatching, wine tasting and other distinctive events.
     
  6. Grounds For Sculpture – Contemporary Art, Sculpture Gardens, Arboretum
    Marvel at and interact with 300 contemporary sculptures year-round along the stunningly landscaped grounds at this world-renowned 17-hectare park, museum and arboretum in Hamilton. Step inside to explore six impressive galleries showcasing more intriguing exhibits. Colourful live peacocks wandering the grounds make your visit even more memorable.
     
  7. American Dream – Tax-Free Shopping, Largest Indoor Theme Park in the Western Hemisphere
    Chase an unparalleled mix of thrill rides, world-class entertainment, retail and fabulous dining in East Rutherford, New Jersey, just minutes away from New York City. Home to the largest indoor theme park in the Western Hemisphere, North America’s largest indoor water park, diverse menus and upscale tax-free shopping at Hermès, Tiffany & Co., Saks Fifth Avenue and more.
     
  8. Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area – Battlefields, Historic Sites
    Discover 5,581 square kilometres of New Jersey’s remarkable ties to the American Revolution, featuring battlefields and pivotal historic sites. Stops include noteworthy landmarks in riveting time-honoured New Jersey towns such as Trenton, Princeton, Freehold and Morristown.
     
  9. Exciting Itineraries - Black Heritage, American Revolution, Scenic Byways, Anthony Bourdain Food Trail 
    Honour black history, your love of nature, interest in history or passion for food with inspiring journeys designed to take you beyond the usual tourist attractions. Follow your curiosity and our series of exciting, day-by-day itineraries through some of New Jersey’s most beloved towns and culture-rich cities.
     

Visitors from Canada can reach New Jersey via car, train or flight, landing at either Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) or Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). Public transportation is available at all locations. New Jersey has easy access to both New York City and Philadelphia by car and train and works great as a two-centre holiday or a stand-alone destination. Get to know us more and plan your vacation at visitnj.org. Please contact your travel agent for further information.

Enjoy NJ Now, Then Visit Us Again for FIFA World Cup 2026.