A little more
Canada.
A lot less roaming.

Travelling to Canada: what to know before you go

Canada is the second-largest country in the world, stretching from the Pacific to the Atlantic and north into the Arctic. It combines the Rocky Mountains, endless lakes and forests, and cosmopolitan cities such as Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal. It suits road-trippers, hikers, wildlife watchers, skiers and city travellers alike.

Where to go

• Banff and Jasper. Two national parks in the Canadian Rockies, linked by the Icefields Parkway, one of the world's great mountain drives.
• Vancouver. A city between mountains and the Pacific, with the seawall around Stanley Park, Granville Island's market and ski slopes within easy reach.
• Toronto and Niagara Falls. Canada's largest city has the CN Tower, diverse neighbourhoods and a waterfront on Lake Ontario.
• Montreal. A French-speaking city with cobbled Old Montreal, Mount Royal park, a large underground city and a strong food culture, from bagels to smoked meat.

Best time to visit

Summer (June to September) is best for hiking, road trips and national parks, though it is the busiest season. Autumn brings spectacular colours in Quebec, Ontario and the Maritimes, especially in late September and early October.

Staying online in Canada

Mobile coverage is excellent in cities and towns and along most major highways, but much of the country is wilderness. Expect long gaps in coverage in national parks, mountain passes, northern regions and on remote highways, including stretches of the Icefields Parkway. Free Wi-Fi is common in cafés, hotels, libraries and many public spaces. Download offline maps before road trips, install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land.