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The Discoveries Of
Home » Travel » North America » Canada Travel Guide
Hiking in Banff

Canada Travel Guide

Welcome to Canada, a land where vast wilderness meets world-class cities – a country that’s as diverse as it’s vast. Pack your bags, we’re setting off on a journey with this Canada travel guide.

Destinations

  • Canadian Rockies

Towering snow-capped mountains, crystal blue glacial lakes, and wildlife photography rivalling National Geographic are what many people dream up when planning a trip to Canada. 

They’re not wrong either.

Jasper National Park, Banff and Canmore all offer stunning landscapes that’s ideal for anything from a short scenic hike to longer backpacking adventures. At night, treat yourself to epic views of the Northern Lights and stargazing. 

But honestly, there’s a lot more to see, even if those are some of the most compelling locations in the country. There’s also a vast coastline (the largest in the world) with incredible whale watching, fishing, and fossil hunting (more on that later). 

And then there are cities like Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal, which have nightlife and cuisine that rank up there with the best.

Ready to delve into my Canada travel tips? Buckle up. This will be an adventure of a lifetime.

canada-jasper-cc-5.jpg

The Best Things to do in Canada: 27 Unique Adventures Up North

Planning things to do in Canada? Whether you’re heading out to explore the Canadian Rockies or want to walk the cobbled streets of Montreal, these...
Read Article

Top Picks For Canada

Canadian Rockies - Icefield Parkway

10 Days in the Canadian Rockies: The Ultimate Road Trip Itinerary

Glacial Lake Banff

23 Incredible Things to do in Banff – Discover the Jewel of the Canadian Rockies

Jasper National Park

17 Incredible Things to Do in Jasper National Park

How to Plan a Trip

Jasper National Park

Best time to visit

Wondering when to travel to Canada? Summer is the perfect time of year for outdoor adventure and beautiful weather throughout most of the locations in this Canada guide. 

But here are some shoulder season suggestions:

  • Banff –  June to August (December to March for skiing)
  • Toronto – September and October
  • Montreal – April to June

Handy Resources

  • Skyscanner for Flights to Canada
  • Compare Rental Car Prices in Canada with Holiday Autos 
  • Omio for Trains, Buses, and Flights in Canada
  • Airport Transfers and accommodation throughout Canada via Booking.com 
  • Vacation Rentals in Canada on Plum Guide
  • GetYourGuide for Tours and Skip-the-Line Tickets to Museums and Attractions
  • Via Rail is the best resource for planning train travel in Canada
  • Passport Parking Canada for quick payments at metres

Where to Stay

Montreal

The open spaces, cafes, and laid-back demeanour, combined with similarities to Paris, make Montreal a perfect place to spend a weekend. Stay at Le Mount Stephen for luxury accommodation steps from Bell Centre and the Museum of Fine Arts. 

Banff Town

Banff manages to strike the perfect balance between adventure and luxury. On the same day, you can hike, ski, shop, and have a high-end dinner (try Saltlik). Banff Springs Hotel is a legendary resort towering above the valley, mirroring Sulphur Mountain behind it.

Calgary

Many visitors fly into Calgary when planning a trip to the Canadian Rockies for convenience. But stay awhile for exciting landmarks like Peace Bridge and the Calgary Tower and luxury accommodation like the Hotel Le Germain.

Toronto

World-class attractions like the Royal Ontario Museum, a vibrant international dining scene, and beautiful green spaces make Toronto the perfect location when you travel Canada. The boutique 5-star gem, The Hazelton Hotel, offers opulent accommodations in a central location.

Recommended Hotels

Queen Ann Inn Annapolis
Queen Anne Inn
Annapolis
Stoneridge Mountain Resort
Stoneridge Mountain Resort
Canmore
Hilton Niagara Falls
Hilton Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls
Check Available Hotels

Packing For Your Trip

Packing for your Canada trip? Don’t forget… 

  • Tropicfeel Geysers – Waterproof hiking trainers that are perfect for Canada hikes.
  • Warm Clothes – Sure, summertime is beautiful, but even then, you may want to layer up with a fleece
  • Hydro Flask – Bring water, especially on long hikes and treks.
  • Passport – Carry your passport when travelling or going to bars.
  • Thermal Leggings – Excellent outdoor leggings for cooler hikes in Canada.

Travel Insurance

Canada travel often involves setting out for an afternoon of enjoying the great outdoors. Adding activities like hiking, whitewater rafting, or cycling to your holiday isn’t without risk.

Add medical coverage and trip cancellation protection with a plan like AXA Travel Insurance to offset financial risk on your Canada trips.

Suggested Guidebooks

  • Moon Travel Guides: Canada
  • Lonely Planet Guidebooks: Canada
  • Canada Travel Guide 2023: A Guide to the Ultimate Urban Adventure In 2023

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Canada Visitor Guide: What to Do During Your Canada Trip

Stanley Park Seawall in Vancouver, Canada

Top Things to Do

Take in the Views at Banff

It’s no secret that Banff and Lake Louise offer the most stunning views you’ll experience on any Canada trip. 

Hike up and see waterfalls at Bow Falls and Johnston Canyon, photograph Lake Louise from the famous Fairview Lookout, or take the Banff Gondola at Sulphur Mountain for some epic vistas.

Driving the Icefields Parkway

Another unique experience when you travel to Canada that starts in Banff is driving the Icefields Parkway.

Begin the long drive through frozen tundra at Lake Louise where you’ll need to stop to see the blue-green Peyto Lake and to see the Athabasca Glacier from the Toe of the Glacier Trail.

Spend a Long Weekend in Vancouver

Deciding how to plan a trip to Canada? Vancouver is a popular starting point for adventure trips to Whistler and Victoria. But there is so much to do in the city, too.

Hang out at Kits Beach, stroll through Stanley Park, and check out the hedge maze at VanDusen Botanical Garden before indulging in some excellent food and drink.

Eating Your Way Through Montreal

Exploring the cobbled streets of Montreal over an afternoon is one of my favourite ideas when travelling to Canada. When you start getting hungry, you’re in for a treat. 

Choose from Portuguese chicken at Restaurant Jano, the best bagels this side of the border at St-Viateur (or Fairmount), or dinner at the laid-back neighbourhood joint Le Pégase. I’m already getting hungry.

Tap Into Outdoor Adventure in Jasper

The Canadian Rockies are so spectacular they earned a spot as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Jasper National Park is among the most famous, and when you take a guided tour to see Maligne Lake and Canyon and wildlife like bears and moose, it’s no surprise. 

Visit Niagara Falls

If you’re travelling to Canada from the East Coast USA, Niagara Falls is a wonderful introduction to the incredible nature this country offers. 

See the towering Horseshoe Falls, walk behind Bridal Veil Falls in the Cave of the Winds, or take a guided tour on the Maid of the Mist.

Experience the Culture and Cuisine of Toronto

Looking for the best museums, restaurants, and architecture in your travel guide Canada? Toronto is the place to be.

Stop by Brookfield Place for shopping, dining, and the Hockey Hall of Fame, take a river cruise for epic views of the CN Tower, and tour the Gothic Revival masterpiece, Casa Loma. 

Take a Stroll on the Capilano Suspension Bridge 

What’s a travel guide to Canada without a bit of adrenaline-inducing fun in the great outdoors? 

No longer a well-kept secret, this very photo-friendly landmark near Vancouver is perfect for testing your fear of heights. Trek the long and towering bridge over the Capilano River for a memorable time.

Suggested Canada Itineraries

Calgary to Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks

2 Weeks

Calgary – Canmore – Banff Town – Banff National Park – Lake Louise – Jasper – Yoho

Read about this 10-day Canadian Rockies road trip here.

Niagara Falls to Algonquin Provincial Park

10 days

Niagara Falls – Toronto – Ottawa – Algonquin Provincial Park

Start in Niagara falls before visiting Toronto and Ottawa. Then make your way to the underrated Algonquin Provincial Park for incredible wildlife viewing and hiking.

Montreal to New Brunswick

1 Week

Montreal – Quebec City – Saguenay-St-Lawrence Marine Park

Go on a whale watching adventure tour in Saguenay-St-Lawrence Marine Park via Montreal and Quebec City. 

Prince Edward Island to the Bay of Fundy

5 – 7 Days

Prince Edward Island – Joggins Fossil Cliffs – Annapolis Valley

Have a culinary and historical road trip where you can eat mussels from PEI, go fossil hunting near the Bay of Fundy, and sample wines at Domaine de Grand Pré.

Recommended Tours

Rockies in Winter
Canadian Rockies 2-Week Tour With G Adventures
Zipline Over Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls: Zipline to Niagara Falls
Columbia Icefield Skywalk
Columbia Icefield Skywalk and Ice Explorer Ticket from Jasper
More Tours

Hidden Canada: Off the Beaten Path

Explore the Shores at the Bay of Fundy

If you find yourself near the dramatic coastal landscape and lighthouses in New Brunswick, head to the Bay of Fundy.

Head to Joggins Fossil Cliffs at low tide, where you can explore the fabled shores for evidence of dinosaurs. Book a guided tour here.

Take the Columbia Icefield Skywalk

Driving along the Icefields Parkway, make a stop at Columbia Icefield Skywalk in Jasper to walk across the glass-bottomed glacial lookout towering almost 300 metres off the frozen floor.

Hiking in Canmore

Many Canada travel guides overlook Canmore when mentioning where to go in the Canadian Rockies. Don’t make that mistake.

Hiking near Grassi Lakes, Ha Ling Peak, and Heart Mountain Horseshoe are some of my favourite places to experience the Rockies. Read more about the best hikes in Canmore here.

Annapolis Valley

Head to Nova Scotia, Canada, where you can sample wines from the historic Domaine de Grand Pré, check out Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens, and head to the Bay of Fundy to see the famous high tides.

How to See the Best of Canada for Free

Taking a walk or bike ride at Stanley Park in Vancouver, exploring Indigenous art at the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa, and walking the aisles of the bustling St. Lawrence Market in Toronto are all great things to do for free. 

Self-guided ghost tours through Free Tours by Foot are a really fun idea when visiting Toronto. 

Dishes to Try in Canada

Beaver Tails – Think fried dough with fruit, Nutella, cinnamon sugar, and anything sweet.

Poutine – French fries smothered in cheese curds and beef gravy.

Montreal Smoked Meat – Beef brisket seasoned and smoked for deli-style sandwiches.

Ketchup Chips  – Popular junk food snack of ketchup-flavoured potato chips.

Top Drinks in Canada

Caesar – Popular brunch cocktail with vodka, clam broth, tomato juice, and spices.

Map of Canada

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