Travel guide: Canada 🇨🇦

Canada is the world's second-largest country. Whether you're after the Rocky Mountains, the whale-watching coasts of British Columbia, the cultural mix of Quebec, or the polar bears and northern lights of the subarctic, Canada rewards those who resist the urge to cover too much ground in one trip. This guide covers what you need to know before you go. A Lonely Planet guide also comes in handy to provide an overview of each region.

🗓️ Best time to visit

• Spring (March to May) is a transitional season — snow melts, wildflowers appear, and destinations like Vancouver Island and the Niagara region come to life. Good for whale watching, hiking, and wine-tasting with smaller crowds.
• Summer (June to August) is peak season, especially in the Rockies (Banff, Jasper) and the cities. The weather is warm, festivals are plentiful, and April to October is prime whale-watching season along both coasts. Book accommodation in popular national parks well in advance.
• Autumn (September to November) is one of the best times to visit — foliage in Quebec and the Rockies is spectacular, crowds thin out, and the hiking is excellent.
• Winter (December to February) is for skiing in the Rockies, ice skating in Ottawa, winter festivals in Quebec City, and chasing the northern lights in Yellowknife and Churchill. Pack accordingly: parts of Canada get very cold.

📍 Notable places to go

Canada's ten provinces and three territories cover an enormous range of landscapes and cultures:

• British Columbia: Vancouver is a cosmopolitan city and an excellent base. Vancouver Island is a separate destination connected by ferries. The island's west coast, particularly around Tofino, is wild and dramatic. Both places are excellent for Whale Watching.
• The Canadian Rockies: Banff and Jasper national parks are among the most scenically dramatic places on the continent. Lake Louise, the Icefields Parkway, and Athabasca Glacier are all within reach.
• Quebec: Bilingual in law, French in spirit. Montreal is one of North America's most culturally interesting cities; Quebec City is one of its most historically distinctive.
• Ontario: Toronto is Canada's largest and most diverse city. Niagara Falls is best seen from the Canadian side.
• The Maritimes: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island are quieter, slower, and often overlooked — and are excellent for coastal scenery, seafood, and wildlife.
• The North: Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut are a category apart. Churchill, Manitoba, is one of the world's best places to see polar bears and beluga whales.
• Canada's national parks are vast and wild — very different from the managed countryside of the UK or European national parks.

😎 Good things to know

🐻 Wildlife and the outdoors

• Canada has abundant wildlife — black bears, grizzly bears, moose, wolves, orcas, humpback whales, and more. This is one of its greatest assets as a destination and requires visitors to exercise a degree of responsibility.
• When hiking in bear country, make noise (talk, sing, or attach a bell to your pack). Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Startling a bear is the most common cause of conflict.
• Canada has experienced devastating wildfires in recent years, driven by climate change. Pay close attention to Restricted Fire Zones and fire bans — these exist for serious reasons.
• Be mindful of time zone changes across the country. Canada spans six time zones.

🍁 Food and drink

• Canadian food varies significantly by region. Quebec has a distinct culinary tradition (poutine, tourtière, maple everything). The Maritime provinces are exceptional for fresh seafood — lobster, scallops, and clams. The Pacific Coast is outstanding for salmon.
• Prices displayed in shops do not usually include tax, and tipping is widely expected — typically 15–20% in restaurants, taxis, and hotels.
• Tap water is safe to drink across Canada.

🚗 Getting around

• Canada is a driving country outside its major cities. Public transport links between regions are limited, and many of the most rewarding destinations require a car or a tour.
• Train travel exists but is slow and expensive relative to flying — the exception is within city regions. Via Rail's cross-country route is more of a scenic experience than a practical one.
• Domestic flights are the most practical way to cover long distances. Book early for better fares.
• In cities, apps like Transit and Google Maps work well. Toronto and Montreal both have good metro systems.

Ready to hit the road? Check out Kodama Travel's Canada Tours