Holidays to Canada
Top destinations in Canada
Banff
Flanked by snow-capped mountains, Banff is a charming resort-town base for hiking, biking and some of the continent’s best skiing adventures in Canada’s Rocky Mountains.
Montreal
From cool neighborhoods and luxury shopping to some of Canada’s most amazing attractions, Montreal strikes the perfect blend of North American and European cultures.
Toronto
In this big city on an even bigger lake, vacations are all about good food, stylish boutiques and an unforgettable waterfront. Open-minded, classy and cool, Toronto welcomes you warmly.
Vancouver
Vancouver has it all, from stunning coastal vistas and rugged wilderness to a dynamic inner city with the best food and drink scenes in British Columbia.
Calgary
A gateway to the Rockies that wears its cowboy culture with pride, Alberta’s largest city invites you to take a walk on the wild side.
Quebec City
From fresh-baked croissants and crumbling ramparts to thundering waterfalls and Christmas done right, this Canadian capital might just be the perfect North American getaway.
Niagara Falls
People come here to witness one of the most awesome natural wonders on the planet. But this Canadian city keeps you hanging around with pretty parks, family attractions and a buzzing wine scene.
Nova Scotia
With scenery shaped by crashing waves and winds, Nova Scotia is a gloriously untamed stretch of Canada’s Atlantic coastline. Get ready for endless outdoor adventures.
Quebec
Known for its proud French-Canadian spirit, Quebec packs in nature and culture in equal measure. Admire pretty palaces and historic squares, then explore tranquil forests and lakes.
Canada: fast facts
| Language | English, French |
|---|---|
| Currency | Canadian dollar ($) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (CST) and UTC-5 (CDT) |
Canada vacation highlights
Winter sports
Between December and March, one of the best things to do in Canada is hit the slopes. Whistler and Banff Sunshine Village are two of western Canada’s most famous ski resorts, with thrilling terrains and apres-ski scenes to match. If you prefer a quieter ski break, try Charlevoix or Mont-Tremblant in Quebec.
Indigenous culture
You can learn about the country’s Indigenous communities at historical sites and national parks. Experience Inuit culture at the Torngat Mountains National Park in Newfoundland and Labrador, and delve into Nuu-chah-nulth history at the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve in British Columbia. For an in-depth look at First Nations, Métis and Inuit culture, visit the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Quebec.
Jurassic history
The Canadian Badlands are home to one of the world’s richest sources of dinosaur fossils. Learn about paleontology at the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller, the ‘Dinosaur Capital of the World,’ and explore the bonebed around Pipestone Creek. Craving an interactive experience? Hunt for fossils on a guided tour of the UNESCO-listed Dinosaur Provincial Park.
Things to do in Canada
Top attractions
Named one of the world’s most scenic drives, the Icefields Parkway links emerald-green Lake Louise with the laid-back mountain town of Jasper. In Niagara Falls, experience North America’s most powerful waterfalls through panoramic views and up-close tours. The historic Notre-Dame Basilica is a testament to Montreal’s Catholic heritage. Multimedia installations transform its Gothic Revival architecture into a can’t-miss experience.
Beaches
With more lakes and shoreline than any other country, Canada has no shortage of coastal getaways. Surfers flock to Long Beach in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Vancouver Island. And sandy Grand Beach Provincial Park on Lake Winnipeg is popular with families for its calm waters. For wildlife like elk, deer and occasional bears, hit up Annette Lake’s beach in Jasper National Park.
Nature
Canada’s natural beauty and raw wilderness draw visitors from around the world. And with everything from deserts to rainforests, prairies, mountains and beaches, it’s easy to see why. Listen to the roar of Niagara Falls and find the elusive kermode bear in the Great Bear Rainforest. For more wild encounters, spot moose in Algonquin Provincial Park and bison in Elk Island National Park.
Culture and museums
The Royal Ontario Museum isn’t just the country’s largest museum — it’s also one of the best museums in Canada for art, world culture and natural history. L'Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland and Labrador is North America’s only site to have been established by the Vikings. Jazz lovers shouldn’t miss the annual Montreal International Jazz Festival.
Cuisine
Restaurants in Canada offer more than just ‘poutine’ (french fries, cheese curds and gravy). The country’s impressive coastline brings with it some of the world’s best seafood, including dishes like the Nova Scotia lobster roll and smoked Atlantic salmon. Have a sweet tooth? Try maple taffy from a traditional Quebecois sugar shack, or follow Ontario’s Wellington County Butter Tart Trail.
Family friendly
Explore the country from coast to coast at Toronto’s Little Canada, where miniature versions of national landmarks and cityscapes are filled with cute surprises. For thrills, visit amusement parks Playland in Vancouver and La Ronde in Montreal, both just a short distance from the city centers. Whale-watching tours in the Bay of Fundy or off Vancouver Island are perfect for animal lovers.
Find the best time to visit Canada
Weather in Canada
March – May: Spring weather varies across the country. Vast temperature swings and rainstorms are common pretty much everywhere. And in some provinces, it can snow through April.
June – August: Along the coasts, expect summer highs in the mid-70s°F. Montreal and Toronto are hotter and sometimes humid. This is peak wildfire season, so be alert if you’re planning outdoor adventures.
September – November: Early fall is one of the best times to visit Canada. Expect clear skies, low humidity and gorgeous foliage. Some areas see snow as early as October.
December – February: Though Vancouver usually stays above freezing, the rest of Canada is cold and snowy. Winnipeg is one of the coldest major cities in North America, with low temperatures around –5°F.
Events in Canada
Quebec Winter Carnival (January or February): Chase off the winter blues at Quebec City’s outdoor festival. Bundle up and revel in the cold with ice sculptures, snow baths and canoe races across the frozen St. Lawrence River.
Honda Celebration of Light (July): Fireworks displays set to music light up the Vancouver waterfront as teams compete to dazzle the crowd.
Edmonton Fringe Festival (August): The longest-running fringe event in Canada, this performing arts festival brings music and magic to the streets of Edmonton.
Celtic Colours International Festival (October): Celebrate Cape Breton’s Celtic heritage with live music, dancing and storytelling. World-famous acts share the stage with local talent at performance venues all over the island.
Know before you go
Local etiquette
Canada is known for its politeness and friendliness, though Canadians tend to be more reserved in public. It’s important to respect people’s time and personal space. At restaurants, tipping 15% (or more for exceptional service) is expected. In French-speaking areas, such as Quebec, making an effort to communicate in French is appreciated.
Health and safety
When visiting national parks and wilderness areas, be sure to respect local wildlife. During the breeding season, animals like elk can become territorial and charge humans. Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses are on the rise in Canada. So protect yourself from insect bites, especially in eastern Canada.
LGBTQ+ travel
Canada is one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries in the world. Neighborhoods like the Village in Montreal, Church-Wellesley Village in Toronto and Davie Village in Vancouver are lively hubs of LGBTQ+ culture. You’ll find everything from karaoke bars and dance clubs to drag performances. And don’t miss some of the best Pride festivals in North America, from Pride Toronto in June to Banff Pride in October.
Budget
Though larger cities like Toronto, Vancouver and Ottawa can be expensive, a cheap trip to Canada is very possible. The average short taxi ride is 11 Canadian dollars ($). Save on costs by walking or cycling in major cities. Food isn’t always the cheapest, but you can find a coffee or a local beer for under $8.
Getting around Canada
Public transportation
Buses: Most metro areas have regional bus networks. Long-distance bus companies like Rider Express are a good way to travel within provinces. Going cross-country? Flying is usually more affordable.
Trains: Via Rail operates intercity trains, plus scenic routes through the Rockies and north to Hudson Bay. Train tickets can be as expensive as domestic flights, so look for deals well in advance.
Boats: Ferries connect Nova Scotia with Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island. On the British Columbia coast, ferries link Vancouver Island and the Haida Gwaii archipelago to the mainland. Some routes operate year-round, while others run from May to September.
Domestic flights
Flying domestically is the quickest way to travel across Canada’s vast expanse. Every province has at least one airport. And if you’re heading to see the Northern Lights or visit the Arctic Circle, some northern territories can only be reached by air.
Driving
The Trans-Canada Highway stretches across all 10 provinces. Scenic routes like the Icefields Parkway and the Cabot Trail offer incredible views of Canada’s landscapes. If you’re road-tripping in winter, be prepared for ice and snow. And remember that snow tires are required in Quebec and British Columbia during certain months.
