Canada Travel Guide

Looking for an in-depth Canada travel guide?

Then you’re in the right place!

As North America’s northernmost country, Canada usually falls behind its neighbors to the south, the United States and Mexico in the rankings of top travel destinations.

There is so much more to this huge and diverse country than snow, maple syrup, and nice residents — although folks are actually very nice!

From glaciers to waterfalls to world-class cities, Canada has something for every kind of traveler. With so many options, you should definitely add some Canadian travel to your bucket list.

Canada’s national parks are some of the most beautiful in the world and preserve Canada’s diverse environment for all to enjoy.

For instance, Gros Morne National Park is the gem of Newfoundland. Located on the island’s west coast, the park features a cliff-lined freshwater fjord, gorgeous wildflower-covered mountains, and colorful fishing villages. With tons of trails open year-round, it’s a paradise for hikers in the summer and cross-country skiers in the winter.

Canada is also home to one of the largest national parks in the world, Wood Buffalo National Park. Stretching from Alberta into the Northwest Territories, the park is the perfect place to peep some of Canada’s most iconic animals like moose, eagles, and bears.

And you can’t miss the Canadian Rockies on display at the famous Banff National Park! Read on to learn more about this top park.

Major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal are considered some of the top places to visit in Canada for their diverse cultures and amazing attractions. But if you’re looking to avoid the crowds and save a little cash, consider visiting some of the country’s smaller cities.

Quebec City on Canada’s east coast was founded in 1604 and offers a beautiful peek into French Canadian culture. From quaint streets lined with gorgeous little shops to historic buildings like Chateau Frontenac to museums celebrating the art and culture of Quebec, there’s something for everyone here.

And for nature lovers, Jacques-Cartier National Park is just a short drive away for your hiking and snowshoeing pleasure. It’s also a great place to start a French Canadian road trip along the St. Lawrence River.

Keep reading to dive into resources that will help you with planning a trip to Canada in North America.

Note: This ultimate Canada guide contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Canada Map

Use this Canada tourism map to begin planning your trip to this incredible country!

Click here for an interactive Google Map version of the above graphic.

Alberta Travel Guide

These Alberta tourism guides can help you plan the Canada travel itinerary!

British Columbia Travel Guide

These British Columbia tourism guides can help you plan the perfect Canada trip!

Ontario Travel Guide

Plan an unforgettable trip to Ontario with the help of the following guides!

Quebec Travel Guide

These Quebec tourism guides can help you plan the perfect trip to Canada!

Best Canada Tours

Explore local culture with a Canada tour guide through these unique excursions:

• North Shore Day Trip from Vancouver: Capilano Suspension Bridge & Grouse Mountain from Vancouver
• Fundy Coast to Fundy Shore Tour from Saint John in New Brunswick
• Northern Lights and Huskies from Whitehorse
• Valley Wine Tour from Halifax, Nova Scotia
• Tundra Buggy Autumn Day Tours with Polar Bear viewing from Churchill
• Niagara Falls in One Day: Deluxe Sightseeing Tour of American and Canadian Sides from Ontario
• Mountain Lakes and Waterfalls Day Trip from Banff
• Victoria Whale Watch Tour with Views of Vancouver Island from Victoria

Renting A Car In Canada

Need a rental car for your Canada trip?

Use Discover Cars to quickly compare your car rental options.

Their comparison tool does the homework for you, so there’s no need to have up 10+ tabs trying to figure out which company is the most affordable. Actually, you can save up to 70% using their tool!

Public Transportation In Canada

Getting around Canada by train, bus, or ferry?

Omio is a must! You can use this tool for all of your public transportation needs when traveling around Canada.

The site is straightforward and user-friendly — and you can pre-book your tickets in advance at a discount.

They even offer flight and car deals!

Canada Hotels

Click here to browse the best Canada travel hotels!

Prefer self-contained stays?

Click here to check out unique local rentals!

You can also use this map to search for local stays:

Canada Travel Insurance

It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling solo or with a group on a Canada tour. When visiting Canada — or any other country in the world — make sure to get travel insurance to protect your health and safety.

In my opinion, the best travel medical insurance for travelers is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country).

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

With coverage, you’ll have peace of mind as you embark on your Canada travel itinerary.

Click my referral link here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks.

Canada Travel Guide FAQ

Below, find answers to frequently asked questions about traveling in Canada.

Q: What is the best month to travel to Canada?

Canada is a huge country with a wide range of climates, so the weather will not necessarily be the same everywhere you go.

That said, fall is considered one of the best times to visit Canada. While temperatures are cooler than they are in the summer, it’s still quite comfortable across the board. The fall foliage also makes for some incredible views.

Summer is considered Canada’s peak season as the weather is much warmer; temperatures range between 77 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit.

Canada’s winters make it a top destination for winter sports but they are not for the faint of heart. Temperatures can drop to 0 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter months.

Q: What is the cheapest way to travel across Canada?

The cheapest way to travel across Canada is probably by car. Car rentals are fairly affordable and having your own set of wheels will give you the flexibility to travel wherever you want. Plus, you can use DiscoverCars to easily compare rental prices and save up to 70%.

Buses are an easy and inexpensive way to get around Eastern Canada but sadly there is no one nationwide bus system.

VIA Rail, Canada’s train system, offers scenic coast-to-coast service but fares can get pricey. However, if you plan to travel, head to Omio to find and book tickets to destinations all across Canada.

Q: Is Canada expensive to travel?

How much does a Canada trip cost? That depends on your destination.

You’ll generally spend more on food, accommodations, transportation, and other travel expenses in big cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal.

Smaller cities like Quebec City and more rural destinations are usually a bit more budget-friendly.

The average traveler spends about $145 USD per day in Canada.

Q: What are the best things to do in Canada?

Canada’s most popular attractions are definitely its natural wonders.

Niagara Falls, which sits on the border of New York and Ontario, brings in millions of visitors every year who come to marvel at one of the largest waterfalls in the world. You can take a ferry and get drenched by the mist coming off the falls or climb down to explore the caves behind the water.

There are also plenty of attractions to experience on the Canadian side of the falls, like butterfly conservatories, the 235 meter-tall Skylon Tower, and the gorgeous 1800s-style village of Niagra-on-the-Lake in Niagara County.

On the western side of the country, the Canadian Rockies draw in tons of hikers and climbers.

The breathtaking snow-capped mountains and gorgeous turquoise lakes of the Rockies are on display at Banff National Park in Alberta. The 2,564 square mile park has so much to explore at any time of year. It’s also a top destination for winter sports and is home to some of the country’s top ski resorts. Plus, there are a number of epic hotels in Banff with private hot tubs.

If you’re looking for a city getaway, Toronto has plenty to explore. Check out views that extend into New York state (on clear days, of course) at the CN Tower, a 553-meter 360 degree observation tower in the city center. You can also find some amazing hiking trails near Toronto.

Browse the collection at the Art Gallery of Ontario, one of the largest art museums in North America.

And you can’t leave without seeing a show in the Entertainment District, home to theatrical productions that rival those on Broadway and London’s West End! It’s truly a top North America tourism experience!

Q: How many days do you need for Canada?

Since Canada is such a huge country, you’ll need a bit more time to get the full Canadian experience.

You can do a decent cross-country road trip with stops in cities like Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver in two weeks. If you want a shorter, more in-depth tour, stick to one area of the country, like Quebec and Ontario in the east or Alberta and British Columbia in the west.

Either way, you’ll want to factor travel times into your itinerary, especially if you’re driving between destinations.

Q: Is Canada safe to travel?

In general, Canada is very safe to visit and crime rates are low — though, of course, it is always smart to pack travel safety gear and to understand how to avoid pickpockets, especially in touristy areas.

If you’re exploring the outdoors, make sure to research local wildlife and how to stay safe in the wilderness. Canada is home to a number of animals — like the Grizzly Bear and Prairie Rattlesnake — that are amazing creatures but that are not friendly to humans.

Q: How long can a tourist stay in Canada?

Most visitors from abroad can stay in Canada for up to six months.

Q: Do I need a Canada travel visa?

While it varies by country, travelers from the United States, the EU, Australia, and several other countries do not need a visa to visit Canada for a period of fewer than 180 days.

It’s recommended to view your country’s Canada International Travel Information page for the most up-to-date information on entry and exit requirements. You can also contact the Embassy of Canada.

Q: Where is Canada?

Canada is the northernmost country in North America.

It is bordered by the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic Oceans, as well as the United States in the south.

It is the second-largest country in the world by total area.

Q: Are credit cards accepted in Canada?

Credit cards — particularly Visa and Mastercard — are widely accepted around Canada, though it is always wise to carry some cash for smaller establishments and in case of emergency.

Q: Can you drink the tap water in Canada?

While tap water is safe to drink in most places in Canada, it’s smart to check with the hotel in your specific destination to be safe.

Q: What is the local currency in Canada?

The local currency in Canada is the Canadian dollar (CAD).

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