Canada travel guide
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.
Places worth the trip
Banff and Jasper
Two national parks in the Canadian Rockies, linked by the Icefields Parkway, one of the world's great mountain drives. See the turquoise waters of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, and walk on the Athabasca Glacier.
Vancouver
A city between mountains and the Pacific, with the seawall around Stanley Park, Granville Island's market and ski slopes within easy reach. Whistler is a scenic drive up the Sea-to-Sky Highway.
Toronto and Niagara Falls
Canada's largest city has the CN Tower, diverse neighbourhoods and a waterfront on Lake Ontario. Niagara Falls is around ninety minutes away, where boats sail into the spray of the Horseshoe Falls.
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.
Quebec City
The fortified old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, sits above the St Lawrence River, with stone houses, narrow streets and the Château Frontenac towering over them.
Vancouver Island
Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, has a harbour and gardens, while Tofino and Pacific Rim National Park offer surf beaches, rainforest and whale watching.
Nova Scotia and the Cabot Trail
A coastal route around Cape Breton Island through the highlands, with fishing villages, whale-watching and Celtic and Acadian culture. Nearby, the Bay of Fundy has extreme tides.
Churchill and the North
On Hudson Bay, Churchill is known for polar bears in autumn and beluga whales in summer. Further north and west, the Yukon and Northwest Territories offer northern lights viewing.
Interesting facts about Canada
- Canada has the longest coastline of any country in the world.
- Canada has more lakes than any other country.
- The Bay of Fundy, between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, has some of the highest tides in the world.
- Quebec City is the only fortified city north of Mexico whose walls still largely survive.
- English and French are both official languages at the federal level, and Nunavut also recognises Inuktut languages.
Best time to visit Canada
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. Winter (December to March) is very cold in most of the country but ideal for skiing, winter festivals and northern lights. Spring can be wet and muddy, and some mountain roads and trails stay closed until June.
Getting around
Distances are huge, so domestic flights are the practical way to cross the country. VIA Rail runs trains in the Quebec City–Windsor corridor and scenic long-distance routes such as Toronto to Vancouver. Cities have good public transport, and car hire is the best way to explore national parks and rural areas. In winter, check road conditions and use winter tyres where required.
Practical details
- Capital
- Ottawa
- Currency
- Canadian dollar (CAD)
- Languages
- English, French
- Plug types
- A, B
- Voltage
- 120 V, 60 Hz
- Emergency
- 911
- Driving side
- right
- Tipping
- Around 15 to 20 per cent in restaurants and bars is customary, and taxi drivers and hairdressers usually receive similar tips. Prices are usually shown before tax.
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.
Canada eSIM plans
1 GB
1GB eSIM Data for 3 Days for Canada, V2
无限流量
Unlimited eSIM Data for 1 Day for Canada, V2
无限流量
Unlimited Plus eSIM Data for 1 Day for Canada, V2
3 GB
3GB eSIM Data for 3 Days for Canada, V2
Useful apps
- Google Maps: Directions and offline maps for road trips through areas with no signal.
- Transit: Real-time public transport routes and departures in Canadian cities.
- Uber: Ride-hailing in most large Canadian cities.
- WeatherCAN: The official Environment and Climate Change Canada weather app, with forecasts and alerts.
Canada travel FAQs
Canada is huge, so focus on one or two regions. A week or ten days covers the Rockies and Vancouver, or Toronto, Montreal and Quebec City. Seeing both coasts needs several weeks and domestic flights.
Yes. Modern phones work on Canadian networks, and coverage is excellent in populated areas. A travel eSIM gives you local data from arrival, as roaming on a home plan can be expensive.
Not necessarily. French is the main language in Quebec, but many people in Montreal and tourist areas speak English. A few words of French are appreciated.
The best chances are on clear, dark nights from about late August to April in the Yukon, Northwest Territories and northern provinces, away from city lights.