Canada is the world's second-largest country by area and one of its most geographically spectacular. Vast wilderness, the world's most dramatic mountain scenery, world-class cities, polar bears, the Northern Lights and some genuinely excellent food and wine — Canada is a destination that consistently outperforms expectations.
When to visit
Canada's size means the answer varies dramatically by region.
- Summer (June–August): The best time for most of Canada — national parks, the Rockies, the Maritimes and city exploration.
- Winter (December–March): Essential for skiing in Whistler and Banff, and for seeing the Northern Lights in Yukon and the Northwest Territories. Quebec City's Winter Carnival is world-class.
- Autumn (September–October): Spectacular foliage across Ontario and Quebec. Crowds drop and prices fall.
- Spring (April–May): The Rockies are still snowy — better for the rest of Canada.
Top destinations
Vancouver — One of the world's most liveable cities, set against the Coast Mountains with the Pacific at its feet. Stanley Park, Granville Island Market, the Gastown neighbourhood and a day trip to Whistler are essential. Vancouver's food scene — particularly its Asian cuisine — is extraordinary.
Banff and the Canadian Rockies — Some of the most spectacular mountain scenery on earth. Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are impossibly blue. The Icefields Parkway between Banff and Jasper is one of the world's great drives. Book accommodation months in advance in summer.
Toronto — Canada's largest city is diverse, dynamic and underrated. The CN Tower, Kensington Market, the Distillery District, the Art Gallery of Ontario and the extraordinary restaurant scene are highlights. Day trips to Niagara Falls are obligatory but go at night for the most dramatic view.
Montreal — The most European city in North America. French is the first language, the food is outstanding (smoked meat sandwiches, poutine, bagels and a restaurant scene that rivals Paris), and the arts and music culture is vibrant. The old city (Vieux-Montréal) is beautiful.
Quebec City — The only walled city in North America, with a remarkably preserved old town that genuinely feels like France. The Château Frontenac is the most photographed hotel in the world. Best visited in winter for the carnival or summer for the warm cobblestoned evenings.
The Yukon — For serious adventurers. The Northern Lights, grizzly bears, the Klondike Gold Rush history and some of the world's most pristine wilderness. September to March offers the best Northern Lights viewing.
Prince Edward Island — Gentle, green and deeply charming. Red sand beaches, lobster suppers, cycling the Confederation Trail and the birthplace of Anne of Green Gables.
Getting around
Domestic flights with Air Canada or WestJet are necessary for covering large distances. VIA Rail offers a transcontinental train journey (The Canadian, from Toronto to Vancouver) that is one of the world's great rail experiences — three days across the prairies and Rockies. Driving is excellent throughout — roads are well-maintained and traffic is light outside major cities.
Food you must try
- Poutine — French fries, cheese curds and brown gravy. Quebec's great gift to junk food.
- Montreal smoked meat — Thin-sliced, heavily spiced beef brisket on rye bread with yellow mustard. Schwartz's Deli has been serving it since 1928.
- Lobster — In the Maritimes, eaten as fresh as possible.
- Butter tarts — A uniquely Canadian pastry filled with a rich butter, sugar and egg mixture.
- Nanaimo bars — A no-bake dessert bar from British Columbia, with a chocolate-coconut base, custard icing and chocolate topping.
- Bannock — Traditional Indigenous flatbread, increasingly celebrated in contemporary Canadian cuisine.
Practical tips
- eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) required for most nationalities flying into Canada — apply at canada.ca/eta.
- Tipping: 15–20% in restaurants is standard.
- Wildlife: Bear awareness is essential in the national parks. Carry bear spray in the Rockies.
- Weather: Pack for all conditions regardless of season — Canada's weather is famously unpredictable.
Staying connected in Canada
4G coverage is excellent in cities and along major routes. Remote wilderness areas have very limited or no coverage. Get an InstantESIMs Canada eSIM before you fly — plans start from $2.
