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Canada Travel Guide
By Nicole Symon MONEY RESEARCH COLLECTIVE
Are you considering a visit to Canada? Canada offers a variety of beautiful sights and exciting activities for travelers, from national parks to excellent museums and exhibits.
Many people in the U.S. live close to the 3,000-mile Canada border, so a trip may be more manageable than you think. Just be aware that many of the top Canadian sights are spread out, so you’ll need to focus on one area or have a strong plan for getting from one place to the next. Start planning your trip now with this comprehensive Canada travel guide.
Table of contents
- An overview of Canada
- Canada entry requirements and travel restrictions
- What is Canada best known for?
- The best time of year to visit Canada
- The best places to visit in Canada
- Top attractions in Canada
- Activities to do during your trip to Canada
- Must-try Canadian foods
- Tips to help you explore Canada better
- How much should you budget for a trip to Canada?
- Is it safe to travel to Canada?
Get a Free QuoteAn overview of Canada
The varied local cuisine and striking national parks are enough to convince anyone that Canada’s worth a visit. Read on for some key facts about Canada, such as the weather and public transportation in the country.
Canadian culture
Canada is known for its diverse culture, blending French, American and British influences. The Canadian people are generally considered friendly and respectful, though there may be some disagreements about local hockey teams.
Weather
Though people often think of Canada as extremely cold, the country has a broad range of climates. The coast of western Canada generally experiences mild weather year-round, while central Canada experiences more extreme weather. The average yearly precipitation in Toronto is 30 inches, and in Montreal, it’s 40 inches. The Rocky Mountains and the shores of the Gulf of St. Lawrence experience the most snowfall in the country.
Local cuisine
The Canadian diet emphasizes wild game, fish and local produce. Foods like peameal bacon, otherwise known as Canadian bacon, and fish and brewis are uniquely Canadian. English, Indigenous, French and Scottish influences impact Canadian local cuisine. Favorites like poutine and tourtière (meat pie), for example, have French influences, while pemmican (a dried meat dish) and barley stew have Indigenous influences.
Public transportation
All major cities and most large towns in Canada have public transportation systems. Trains, subways and buses are all common means of public transportation in Canada, but you can find streetcars and light-rail trains in several metropolitan areas. Rural residents in Canada are often limited to just trains and buses. Purchase a ticket (single use) or transit pass (unlimited use for a fixed period) to use public transportation in Canada. Traveling on high-speed trains or renting a car are your best options for crossing long distances between locations in Canada.
Natural landscapes and national parks
The vast Canadian landscape is one of the great highlights of the country. Between the east and west coasts, you’ll find many natural wonders and nearly 50 national park sites between the east and west coasts.
Here are a few examples of the top national parks in Canada:
- Banff National Park in Alberta: This is Canada’s most famous national park, located in the heart of the Rockies. Banff National Park has lakes with crystal-blue waters and renowned hiking trails to keep you active and amazed.
- Pacific Rim National Park Reserve in British Columbia: This reserve on Vancouver Island’s west coast has beautiful beaches and impressive forests to hike through.
- Prince Edward Island National Park: Unlike some other national parks, Prince Edward Island National Park is ideal for families. It has accessible trails and a lot of kid-friendly activities like campfire storytelling and floating marshland boardwalks.
Canada’s national parks offer a diversity of landscapes, from snow-covered mountains to lush green valleys, often in the same park. It’s no surprise so many tourists in Canada stop by a national park or two.
Canada entry requirements and travel restrictions
You no longer need to test for COVID-19 or quarantine before entering Canada.
Depending on where you’re traveling from, you may need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada. American citizens can travel to Canada from the U.S. with a U.S. passport or another equivalent acceptable travel document.
Canada does not require citizens from some countries — such as Australia, the United Kingdom, France and Germany — to obtain a visa before entering. However, these travelers must have an Electronic Travel Authorization if arriving in Canada by plane. Visit the Government of Canada website to see the Canada travel requirements that apply to you.
What is Canada best known for?
Around the world, Canada is known for its natural landscapes, including Niagara Falls, the Great Lakes and the Rocky Mountains. Tourists visit Canada to experience the great outdoors and even see famous Canadian wildlife like moose and bears.
In terms of activities, Canada is famous for ice hockey, its national winter sport. Canada is home to some of the best hockey players in the world, many of whom play in the NHL and Western Hockey League. Visitors to Canada may want to stop by a hockey game (or a sports bar) to watch some of the top Canadian hockey teams, such as the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Montreal Canadiens.
The best time of year to visit Canada
The best time of year for visiting Canada depends on what you’re planning to do there. If you’re interested in cold weather activities like ice skating, snowmobiling, skiing or ice fishing, it’s best to visit in the winter months — December to February. Just be sure to pack a lot of warm clothing if you’re going to Canada in this period since temperatures are often below freezing.
If you’re not interested in winter activities, the best time to visit Canada is the summer and fall — June to October — when the weather is milder. The summer months are when tourism in Canada peaks, so you may face more crowds and higher prices. Consider visiting the Calgary Stampede, an event in July during which the city streets are transformed to celebrate Western heritage, or camping out in the Rockies.
The best places to visit in Canada
Many of the major metropolitan areas are in eastern Canada. The country’s largest city, Toronto, is in the Ontario province, as is the country’s capital, Ottawa. Famous for its cultural and ethnic diversity, Toronto has the only castle in North America — Casa Loma. Ottawa boasts striking architecture and a variety of unique art galleries. Montreal, on the eastern side, is popular for its architecture, cobblestone streets and nightlife. On the west coast, just over the Washington border, is Vancouver, with stunning mountain views and many outdoor sporting opportunities.
Other exciting places to visit in Canada include:
- Old Quebec: Old Quebec is an area in Canada full of impressive historic buildings and unique stores. You can also visit museums in Old Quebec, such as the Musée de la Civilisation — a museum featuring art and artifact exhibits on the history of human civilization.
- Whistler: Whistler is a famous winter sports area featured in the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. Enjoy skiing, snowboarding and mountain views there in the winter, or go in the summer for activities like mountain biking and golf.
- The Canadian Museum for Human Rights: This museum in Winnipeg has a stunning architectural design. You’ll find interactive digital exhibits and art exploring the fight for human rights throughout history.
Top attractions in Canada
Canada has plenty of attractions. From historic buildings to stunning nature preserves, you will surely find sights in Canada that pique your interest.
Niagara Falls
Though you can see Niagara Falls without leaving the U.S., the view of this natural wonder is much better from the Canadian side. Hop on a cruise around the base of the falls or go up Skylon Tower to see the falls from above.
Parliament Hill in Ottawa
If you’re interested in Canadian history, another attraction to consider visiting is Parliament Hill in Ottawa. You can tour the parliament buildings, built in the 1800s in the neo-Gothic style, and view the Centennial Flame and sculpture garden on the hill.
CN Tower in Toronto
The CN Tower in Toronto is one of the most famous landmarks in Canada. At 553 meters tall, the tower is the third-largest in the world. It includes a revolving fine-dining restaurant and unbeatable views of Lake Ontario.
Activities to do during your trip to Canada
Canada’s wide range of activities means there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Some activities to consider during your trip to Canada include:
- Watching the northern lights if they’re active during your visit
- Mountain climbing in the Canadian Rockies
- Visiting Niagara Falls and other parks and sites
- Skiing
- Whale watching
- Canoeing Canada’s lakes and rivers
If you’re interested in thrills, try the EdgeWalk at the CN Tower in Toronto. The EdgeWalk is a 30-minute, full-circle walk around the CN Tower 116 stories up. It’s not for the faint of heart. You can also try a thermal spa in Winnipeg or a wine tour in Okanagan Valley in British Columbia.
Must-try Canadian foods
Canada has a variety of signature foods that every tourist should try for the authentic Canadian culinary experience. Keep an eye out for these foods on your trip:
- Canadian bacon: Though it doesn’t resemble American bacon, Canadian bacon is a must-try food made of brined lean pork loin.
- Poutine: Arguably the most iconic Canadian food, poutine is french fries covered in cheese curds and brown gravy.
- BeaverTails: BeaverTails are flat fried dough shaped like a beaver tail. Find one at BeaverTails outlets in major cities across Canada and choose your favorite toppings such as sugar or Nutella.
- Ketchup chips: Ketchup chips are a staple in Canada that every tourist should try at least once.
- Tourtière: Tourtière is a meat pie filled with minced meats and potatoes. It’s the perfect dinner for a cold winter night.
- Nanaimo bars: These no-bake layered dessert bars have a coconut crumb crust on the bottom, custard icing middle and chocolate ganache on top.
- Butter tarts: Another sweet treat, butter tarts are mini tarts made of crumbly crust and butter, egg and sugar filling.
Tips to help you explore Canada better
When you’re exploring Canada, there are a few tips you should keep in mind to make your trip as enjoyable as possible. Apply these tips:
- Prepare for the weather: Canada’s weather can be frigid in the winter but also quite warm in the summer, depending on where you are. Research the weather ahead of time and pack the appropriate clothing for those temperatures.
- Consider buying travel insurance: Many tourists travel without travel insurance and may not know what travel insurance is. Consider if buying travel insurance would be worth it for you.
- Be mindful of the wildlife: For your safety and the safety of the animals, be cognizant of the wildlife whenever you’re out in nature in Canada. Animals such as bears, moose and mountain lions are rare sights but can be incredibly dangerous. It’s even possible to encounter them within populated areas, so pay attention to your surroundings. Should you see a wild animal, give it space and consider contacting local animal control if necessary.
- Stick to a few main areas: Canada is a large country with many different places to visit. Unless you’re planning an extensive trip, stick primarily to one province. Staying in one area will help you see all it has to offer and avoid lengthy travel times during your trip.
- Understand airline refunds: If your flight to or from Canada is delayed or canceled, it’s vital to know if you can get a flight refund and how.
How much should you budget for a trip to Canada?
Your budget for a trip to Canada will vary greatly depending on factors such as:
- Where you’re traveling from
- Where you travel to in Canada
- Your accommodations
- Your mode of transportation
- Your activities
- Your dining
The cost of air travel to Canada (if you choose to fly) mainly depends on where you’re flying from. For example, flights from New York to Toronto will be hundreds of dollars cheaper than flights from Barcelona to Toronto because of the distance.
If you choose to stay in hostels and eat mostly street food or fast food in Canada, expect your trip costs to be much lower than if you stay in premium hotels and choose fine dining. Dorm beds in Canadian hostels range from $25 to $50 per night, while hotel rooms start at around $60 per night. Renting properties through Airbnb or Vrbo are also an option.
One Canadian traveler estimates that her average daily cost in Canada was $173. For a seven-day trip in Canada, that would equal a total budget of just over $1,200. You can also shop around on different travel booking sites to find the best deals. If you want to travel on a minimal budget, utilize travel hacking by using credit card and hotel rewards points to pay for your flight and hotel.
Is it safe to travel to Canada?
Canada is generally considered a safe country for travel. For example, the U.S. Department of State notes that the crime rate in Canada is usually lower than in the U.S. Currently, the travel advisory from the State Department is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions. Travelers should be aware of the threat of pickpockets, especially in heavy tourist areas, and maintain situational awareness to stay safe.
Experience the best of Canada
Canada is a large, diverse country with something to offer every traveler. Before you book your trip, familiarize yourself with crucial details like the weather and transportation options.
Whether you love spending time in nature or exploring urban areas, Canada is an excellent choice for your next trip. Plan ahead to find the best deals and make your trip as affordable as possible. Don’t overlook cheaper options like hostels.