Top 25 Things to Do in the USA & Canada: 2011 Viator Travel Awards

Yay - it's Viator's Top 25 Things to Do in the USA & Canada!

Editor’s Note: This post is part of the Viator Travel Awards, an annual awards competition where we let our travelers select the top things to do and see in each of the major regions we serve, as well as the top things to do in our most popular tour categories. The awards culminate in the Viator Top Travel Destinations and our annual list of the world’s most travel-inspiring attractions.

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Welcome to the 2011 Viator Travel Awards: USA & Canada Edition! We’ve combined input from traveler reviews and photos, data from the millions of travelers who visit Viator.com each year, plus data on which USA and Canada tours generated the most bookings in 2011, in order to crown the Top 25 Things to Do in the USA and Canada in 2011!

From exploring Manhattan or San Francisco, to flying above the Grand Canyon or Niagara Falls, this year’s most popular things to do in America and Canada cover a whole range of experiences and possibilities. Be one of the first to get a ticket to a sell-out Broadway show, enjoy the best seat in the house at a Las Vegas exclusive Cirque du Soleil show, gaze up at giant redwoods or gaze down at the neon lights of Vegas – it’s all here and it’s all been tried, tested, reviewed and enjoyed by our travelers.

#25. Go Sightseeing around LA

The Los Angeles Sightseeing Grand Tour takes you on a guided discovery of Los Angeles‘ most famous and infamous places. See the Chinese Theatre and its celebrity footprints, Hollywood Boulevard, Sunset Strip and Rodeo Drive, the Farmer’s Market, the La Brea Tar Pits, Olvera Street, Chinatown and all the other sites you’ve seen countless times on TV and in the movies. This tour also has the option to upgrade to include a Movie Stars tour.

#24. Explore the Giant Redwoods at Muir Woods

Over 300 travelers think the Muir Woods, Giant Redwoods and Sausalito Half-Day Trip was good enough to make it into our Top 25. This trip crosses the Golden Gate Bridge en route to the coastal mountains of Muir Woods. Take a walk through virgin forest and gaze up at some of the oldest and tallest Californian redwood trees on earth before exploring Sausalito, a quaint Mediterranean-style artists’ village on the northern shores of San Francisco Bay.

#23. See a Luau in Hawaii

Don’t miss out – get your ticket to one of the largest and most respected luau shows in Hawaii. Tickets to the Paradise Cove Luau regularly sell out so it pays to get yours early. A highlight of any visit to Oahu, the Paradise Cove Luau is a night of Hawaiian culture and traditional Honolulu hospitality.

#22. Raft down the Colorado River

Rafting through the Grand Canyon is a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

The Grand Canyon Rafting Trip from Las Vegas is a helicopter and river rafting tour in one.  After enjoying amazing views of Las Vegas, Boulder City, Lake Mead, Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon from your six-seater helicopter, you’ll go on a relaxing rafting adventure down the Colorado River. Tour upgrades include a landing in the Grand Canyon and a champagne breakfast.

#21. Day Trip from Vancouver to Whistler

Ride the rails from Vancouver to Whistler on the spectacular Vancouver to Whistler by Train Rail Tour.  This scenic train journey takes you through some of the world’s most rugged fjords and mountains. Choose from a classic train carriage experience or panoramic views from the specially designed ‘Glacier Dome’ coach. The trip also includes free time to explore Whistler Village, host resort of the 2010 Winter Olympics.

#20. Go Sightseeing in SF

With the San Francisco Hop-on Hop-off Tour you get to choose your own itinerary over two days, jumping on and off the bus at several key sights around the city. The bus stops at numerous San Francisco attractions including Chinatown, Golden Gate Bridge, Haight and Ashbury, Lombard Street and Fisherman’s Wharf.  Your ferry trips and an audio guide of Alcatraz are included in the ticket price.

#19. Party on the Strip

Party like a rock star with the Las Vegas Power Pass

The Las Vegas Power Pass saves you a small fortune in admission fees. For one low price, you receive free entry to the most exciting Las Vegas tours and attractions – with a combined value of over $500USD in admission fees. At many attractions you’ll also jump to the front of queue, saving your precious vacation time for the real fun.

#18. See a Broadway Show

Coming in at No.18 is a ticket to see The Lion King On Broadway in New York. A favorite with children and adults alike, The Lion King is a visual and audio feast of colorful costumes and award-winning music by Elton John and Tim Rice. Broadway’s longest running show, the Phantom of the Opera On Broadway, is also a hot ticket item. Everyone should see a Broadway show at least once.

#17. Take a Private Plane around the East or West Coast

You’ll feel like a VIP on the incredible 6-Day Ultimate East Coast Tour by Private Plane: New York City, Washington DC, Niagara Falls, Toronto & Pennsylvania Amish Country. You’ll see the best of the East Coast – including Niagara Falls and Washington DC – in affordable luxury on this six-day, small-group tour from New York City. With transportation on a private charter plane and four-star accommodation, you’ll cut down on travel time and have more time and energy to spend at the attractions. For a similar tour of the West Coast check out our 7-Day Best of the West Tour by Private Plane: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Yosemite, Las Vegas & Grand Canyon.

See Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City

#16. Day Trip to Quebec City from Montreal

Go back in time to the former French colonial city of Quebec on the Quebec City and Montmorency Falls Day Trip from Montreal. Be charmed by the old-world atmosphere of Quebec City with its narrow streets, steep hills and numerous historical treasures on the banks of the St. Lawrence River. Before you return to Montreal, there’s free time to browse Quebec’s Old City.

#15. Day Trip to Victoria from Vancouver

Explore Vancouver to Victoria and Butchart Gardens Tour by Bus on this popular one-day tour. This trip takes you on a leisurely cruise to Vancouver Island where you’ll explore British Columbia and Victoria and spend some time strolling around the beautiful Butchart Gardens. On this tour you can also enjoy free admission to one of BC’s top attractions: the Royal British Columbia Museum, Maritime Museum of BC, Miniature World, Bug Zoo or the IMAX Museum.

#14. Day trip to the Big Island

The Big Island Day Trip: Volcanoes National Park from Oahu tour is a great way to explore and learn about the Big Island‘s volatile geology first-hand. Featuring a hike over the lava flow that completely covered two villages in the 1980s, this trip takes you to the Volcanoes National Park where you’ll explore the Jaggar Museum and Volcano House, Thurston Lava Tube, Kilauea Iki Crater, the Rainbow Falls and more!

#13. Explore Yosemite

Experience raw beauty and incredible vistas in one of America’s most famous National Parks. The Yosemite National Park and Giant Sequoias Trip takes you through San Joaquin Valley and into the Sierra Nevada range where you’ll visit a giant sequoia grove and enjoy magnificent valley views. Spend the afternoon at the awe-inspiring Yosemite National Park with a choice of hiking, bike riding and sightseeing.

#12. Go Wine Tasting in Napa and Sonoma

The Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Tour takes you across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco to the historic wine regions of Napa and Sonoma. Here you’ll experience the finest wine in northern California, visit a mix of boutique and large-scale wineries and stop for a lunch of your choosing in Yountville.

"Look at all this wine...and if you're good, we will let let you try some!"

#11. See a Cirque du Soleil Show

If you are going to see only one show in Vegas, make sure it is “O”. Performed exclusively in Vegas and inspired by the concept of infinity and the elegance of water’s pure form, O by Cirque du Soleil at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino is a spectacular and memorable performance.

Lovers of The Beatles will want to check out another highly rated show – The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil at the Mirage Hotel and Casino – which celebrates their musical legacy through a lively performance matched with original recordings.

Searching on your phone? Bookmark our “O” Cirque du Soleil mobile page for quick and easy access on the go.

#10. Go Sightseeing in Washington DC

Go beyond the Big Apple to the US political heartland on a Washington DC Day Trip from New York.  Have your photo taken with President Barack Obama at Madame Tussauds then sit back as you’re guided through New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland to Capitol Hill. A tour of the war memorials is included.

#9. Take a NYC Dinner Cruise

Find food, amazing views, and romance on the New York Dinner Cruise!

Our romantic New York Dinner Cruise is the perfect way to top off or start a trip to the Big Apple. Float along the Hudson River and see the lights of Manhattan at night. Unlike many dinner cruises, there is the chance to upgrade your seating and meal choices to one of two ‘gold packages’ and to enjoy a bit of dancing on deck at the end of the night. For a more informal buffet option check out or New York Dinner Cruise with Buffet.

#8. Tour Alcatraz

Combine a San Francisco City Tour and guided visit to Alcatraz on the Alcatraz and San Francisco City Tour.  This six-hour tour takes in Chinatown, Fisherman’s Wharf, North Beach, the Golden Gate Bridge and more before you jump on a ferry to Alcatraz Island and enjoy an audio-tour of the world-famous former federal penitentiary.

#7. See NYC by Helicopter

Don’t get lost in the maze of the world’s most famous city. See Manhattan’s skyline and its famous landmarks from the air on a Big Apple Helicopter Tour of New York. Enjoy unsurpassed close-ups of the Statue of Liberty, the iconic Empire State Building, the Art Deco brilliance of the Chrysler Building, and the sprawling green expanse of Central Park. A close second in this category is the Manhattan Sky Tour: New York Helicopter Flight.

#6. Fly over the Strip in Las Vegas

Prepare to be dazzled as you hover over the lights of Sin City on this great value Las Vegas Night Strip Helicopter Tour. Champagne in hand, you’ll fly past New York New York, Bellagio, Paris, the Venetian, Caesars Palace, Treasure Island, the Stratosphere Tower, Fremont Street and downtown. On your return, you’ll be lit up by the Luxor Pyramid’s space beam.

#5. Skip the Lines at Universal Studios

"Say cheeeeese!"

With our Skip the Line: Front of Line Pass at Universal Studios Hollywood offer you’ll avoid the never-ending lines at Universal Studio‘s best attractions. With this pass, you’ll go to the front of the line and get the best seats in the house at all the shows and attractions including Shrek 4-D, Studio tour; Revenge of the Mummy The Ride; and the House of Horrors. Alternatively opt for the ultimate VIP treatment with our VIP Experience at Universal Studios Hollywood.

#4. Niagara Falls

Discover the beauty and awesome power of Niagara Falls on a Niagara Falls Day Trip from New York by Air. This popular tour includes transfers from your Manhattan hotel to the airport. From here you’ll be flown to Niagara Falls in time to board a boat for an up-close Niagara Falls experience. If you’d rather not fly, check out our 2-Day Niagara Falls Tour from New York by Bus, which is a close runner-up.

#3. Day trip to the Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam Day Trip from Las Vegas with Optional Skywalk is our third most popular tour in the US and Canada. On this trip you’ll travel by air-conditioned coach to the Hoover Dam and then on to the Grand Canyon West Rim for four hours of unguided exploration. From here there’s a heap of activities to enjoy (including walking on the Grand Canyon Skywalk) before heading back to Las Vegas.

#2. Go Sightseeing in New York City

See over 20 famous landmarks in NYC on the New York in One Day Sightseeing Tour

This tour is somewhat unique as it includes a boat cruise on the Hudson River AND provides you with a guide who explores each attraction with you in depth when you hop off the bus! The New York in One Day Sightseeing Tour really is just that as you’ll get to see New York City’s most significant sights all in one day including Times Square, the World Trade Center Site, the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building and more.

#1. Take a Helicopter flight from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon

And the winner is… the Grand Canyon All American Helicopter Tour! This tour is a winner in two categories in the 2011 Viator Travel Awards as it is also our most popular helicopter tour. For obvious reasons, helicopter tours offer the best and often the only way to truly appreciate the might and grandeur of the incredible Grand Canyon. This fantastic half-day tour has over 90 minutes of flying time as you take in Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, the Grand Canyon AND Las Vegas from above. You can come back down to earth with a champagne picnic deep in the canyon.

The following Grand Canyon tours are popular runners up. There’s heaps of variation so you can choose a tour that best suits your needs. Choose from:

• Ultimate Grand Canyon 4-in-1 Helicopter Tour
• Grand Canyon West Rim Day Trip by Coach, Helicopter and Boat with Optional Skywalk
• Grand Canyon West Rim Air and Ground Tour with Helicopter and Riverboat and Optional Skywalk
• Skip the Line: Grand Canyon Skywalk Express Helicopter Tour

That’s Viator’s list of the Top 25 Things to Do in the USA and Canada in 2011. Stay tuned for more lists in the coming days, to help you plan your next trip across the globe. Let us know what you think, tell us about your own travel experiences, and most important of all – happy travels in 2012!

- Viator Travel Team