Holiday Guide to Canada

Canada is the world’s second-largest country by total area and its ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and northward into the Arctic Ocean. As result, the country has a variety of tourist attractions and attracts visitors from all across the world including the Middle East.

Main places to visit during your visit to Canada could be the Rocky Mountains in Western Canada; the Okanagan Valley; and the cities of Vancouver, Victoria, and Calgary. In Central Canada, Niagara Falls, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City are some of the most popular tourist destinations.

However, Canada is a relatively expensive travel destination mostly due to its size (huge distances to travel between places) and its high taxes – therefore, we suggest to carefully plan your trip and budget.

What To See, Where To Go

If you’re interested places to visit during your Canadian vacation, here are some suggestions:

Best Places to Visit in Canada

Banff
Jasper National Park
Vancouver
Montreal
Quebec City
Niagara Falls
Victoria & Vancouver Island
Prince Edward Island

How many days do you need in Canada?

Canadian Rockies and Vancouver/west coast are good for nature. Ideally, you should allot two weeks for each.

Central Canada cities like Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa and Quebec are good for urban escapes. Our suggestion is the following minimums for these cities: Montreal & Toronto – 4 days; Ottawa & Quebec City – 3 days.

East Coast Atlantic provinces also good for nature and quaint. Allot two weeks to explore the area. It all depends on what time of the year you plan your visit – some destinations are better in summer and fall. Others are good for a winter vacation.

Best Time To Visit Canada

The best time to visit Canada is from September through November. The weather has cooled down but is still comfortable and changing fall foliage provides a beautiful backdrop for a vacation. Pleasant fall celebrations such as pumpkin, apple, and wine festivals are in full swing.

Where to Stay in Canada

Several hotels are at your disposal once you arrive at your Canadian destination. Canadian hotels, like eleswhere in the world, offer private rooms, buffet meals and daily cleaning services. It’s recommended that you make a reservation prior to your departure, especially during the busy seasons August-May when most of the hotels are booked and definitely more expensive.

Here are some popular hotels for those looking a hassle-free, convenient place to stay while on holiday in Canada:

The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto
The St. Regis Toronto
Four Seasons Resort Whistler
Four Seasons Resort Whistler
Four Seasons Hotel Toronto at Yorkville
Fairmont Pacific Rim
Fairmont Royal York Gold Experience
Four Seasons Hotel Montreal
Shangri-La Toronto
Fairmont Banff Springs
Hotel X Toronto by Library Hotel Collection
Fairmont Vancouver Airport In-Terminal Hotel
Fairmont Tremblant
Sofitel Montreal Golden Mile

How To Get There

Most visitors arrive into Canada through one of West Canada’s 3 major airports.

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is located about 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) from Downtown Vancouver and the most important getaway to British Columbia.

Calgary International Airport (YYC) is located approximately 9 kilometres (5.6 miles) northeast of downtown Calgary and serves as a getaway to the southern part of the Rockies (Banff town is located a 90 minutes drive from the airport).

Edmonton International Airport (YEG) is located 26 kilometers (16 miles) southwest of downtown Edmonton and serves as an entry point to the northern part of the Rockies (Jasper town is located a 4-hour drive from the airport).

If you want to cover all of West Canada during your vacation, it’s best to either arrive in Calgary and depart from Vancouver, or the other way around, to avoid backtracking on the last day(s) of your holiday. When you limit your holiday to the Rockies only, you’re best off flying in via Calgary and moving north for a departure via Edmonton, or the other way around, since that will save you at least one day of travelling back by road.

Visa Requirements

Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, need a valid Canadian passport. American-Canadians can travel with a valid Canadian or U.S. passport. Check online if you need a visa to enter Canada.

Most visitors can stay for up to 6 months in Canada. If you’re allowed to enter Canada, the border services officer may allow you to stay for less or more than 6 months. If so, they’ll put the date you need to leave by in your passport. They might also give you a document.

Getting Around

The public transport system in most cities is quite good. However, getting from one area to another by public transport can be a hectic affair when on holiday. Most visitors prefer to rent cars and self drive. Others prefer flying – an excellent but expensive option in case you are short on time.

You can also travel hassle-free around western Canada by signing up for a tour (which can be arranged via most hotels in the Rockies, Vancouver, and Vancouver Island).

Or try taking the famous Rocky Mountaineer, a world-renowned luxurious train that travels through the enchanting landscapes of Canada’s West, connecting Vancouver with the Rockies.