Canada

Things to Do in Canada

Embrace the wilderness of the Rocky Mountains, the charm of historic maritime provinces, and the energy of diverse metropolitan hubs.

  • CapitalOttawa
  • CurrencyCanadian Dollar (CAD)
  • LanguageEnglish, French
  • Time zoneUTC-3.5 to UTC-8
  • Emergency911

Why visit Canada?

Canada is a country of staggering scale and geographic variety. Spanning six time zones, it transitions from the rugged, storm-swept coastlines of the Pacific Northwest to the towering, glacier-carved peaks of the Rocky Mountains, before flattening into vast prairies and giving way to the historic, Francophone cities of the east. For travelers, this immense size means choosing a focused itinerary is essential. Rather than trying to see the entire nation in one trip, successful journeys focus on regional routes like the mountain corridors of the west or the historic cultural trails of Ontario and Quebec.

The country's distinct seasons dramatically reshape the travel experience. Summer brings long, warm days perfect for hiking alpine trails, kayaking coastal waters, and attending major outdoor festivals. Conversely, winter transforms Canada into a premier destination for snow sports, cozy cabin retreats, and viewing the Northern Lights in the northern territories. Travel infrastructure is highly developed, but distances are vast, meaning transit times must be carefully factored into any itinerary.

Whether you are looking to road trip through dramatic mountain passes, sample fresh Atlantic lobster in a quiet fishing village, or immerse yourself in the multicultural culinary scenes of Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal, Canada offers safe, accessible, and deep connections to both nature and culture.

Banff & Jasper National Parks

Old Quebec and French Heritage

Vancouver and the Pacific Rim

The Cabot Trail

The Okanagan Valley

Viewing the Aurora Borealis

Popular regions

Western Canada

Western Canada

Central Canada

Central Canada

Atlantic Canada

Atlantic Canada

The Canadian North

The Canadian North

When to visit Canada

Based on average conditions in Canada.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Temperature-1°-1°11°18°24°27°26°21°14°
Rain11d9d10d11d11d11d10d10d11d11d12d11d
CrowdsLowLowLowMedMedHighHighHighMedMedLowLow
  • Cold
  • Comfortable / dry / low crowds
  • Cool–hot / typical / moderate
  • Very hot / wetter / high crowds

Plan your trip to Canada

Ideal Trip Duration

10 - 14 Days

Best Time to Visit

June to September

Essential Packing Item

Versatile Layered Clothing

Key Booking Window

6 - 9 Months in Advance

Getting around Canada

Car Rental & Road Trips

Domestic Flights

Train Travel (VIA Rail)

Costs, food & practical info

Costs

  • Budget

    70 - 120 CAD per day

  • Mid-range

    180 - 350 CAD per day

  • Luxury

    450+ CAD per day

Food & drinks

  • Poutine (French fries, fresh cheese curds, and hot brown gravy)8 - 14 CAD
  • Montreal-style wood-fired bagels (dozen)10 - 15 CAD
  • Peameal bacon sandwich on a soft roll8 - 12 CAD
  • Fresh Atlantic lobster roll (coastal regions)22 - 32 CAD
  • Local craft beer pint (microbrewery)7 - 10 CAD

Practical

  • Electronic Travel Authorization

  • Distances and Travel Times

  • Tipping Customs

  • National Park Passes

Insight in one click

Frequently asked questions about visiting Canada

How many days are recommended for a trip to Canada? +

A minimum of 10 to 14 days is recommended. Because Canada is incredibly vast, this duration allows you to explore one specific region, such as British Columbia and Alberta or Ontario and Quebec, at a reasonable pace.

When is the best time to visit Canada? +

The peak travel period is June through September for warm weather, hiking, and festivals. For skiing and winter sports, January through March offers optimal snow conditions across the country's major mountain resorts.

Do I need a visa or an eTA to visit Canada? +

Most international visitors from visa-exempt countries arriving by air need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) online before departure. It costs 7 CAD and is electronically linked to your passport.

Is public transport efficient for traveling across Canada? +

Public transit is highly efficient within major metropolitan areas. However, to travel between distant cities, flights are necessary. To explore national parks and rural areas, renting a car is highly recommended.

How expensive is a trip to Canada? +

Canada is a mid-to-high cost destination. Prices for accommodation, fuel, and dining out in major cities or tourist hotspots are comparable to those in Western Europe or the United States.

Are taxes and tips included in listed prices in Canada? +

No. Sales taxes (ranging from 5% to 15% depending on the province) are added to purchases at the register. Tipping of 15% to 20% is customary and expected in restaurants, bars, and taxis.