Mountains, lakes and big-hearted cities on a vast scale.
Canada is enormous, and the scenery matches. The Rockies around Banff and Jasper, linked by the Icefields Parkway, are all turquoise lakes and glaciers, while the east has Niagara Falls, the walled old town of Quebec City and the coastal drives of Nova Scotia's Cabot Trail. Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal are relaxed, multicultural cities with excellent food.
Distances are huge, so most trips focus on one region, travelled by car, train or domestic flight. Eat poutine and smoked meat in Montreal, fresh seafood on either coast and anything with maple syrup. June to September is prime time for hiking and road trips, autumn colour peaks in late September and early October, and winter brings world-class skiing.
Best time to visit Canada
June, July, August, September.
Places to visit in Canada
Vancouver: A green, outdoorsy city between the Pacific and the Coast Mountains, with Stanley Park, sushi and ski slopes nearby.
Banff: Canada's first national park, with glacier-fed lakes, jagged peaks, hot springs and the mountain town of Banff.
Toronto: A diverse, ambitious city of distinct neighbourhoods, big museums and the CN Tower, and the gateway to Niagara Falls.
Montréal: A French-speaking island city of cobbled old streets, lively neighbourhoods, famous festivals and a serious food scene.
Québec City: A fortified old town above the St Lawrence, with the Château Frontenac, cobbled lanes and a real European feel.
Niagara Falls: The mighty waterfalls on the Canada–US border, best seen from the Canadian side and by boat into the spray.
Jasper: The largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, with glaciers, canyons, dark skies and abundant wildlife.
Victoria: British Columbia's capital, with a handsome Inner Harbour, Butchart Gardens and whale-watching trips from the waterfront.
Ottawa: A compact, green capital with Gothic Revival Parliament buildings, national museums and a canal that becomes a skating rink.
Whistler: A car-free alpine village in the Coast Mountains, home of one of North America's biggest ski resorts and a summer bike park.
Halifax: Nova Scotia's harbour capital, with a waterfront boardwalk, a star-shaped citadel and fresh lobster, and a base for the Maritimes.
Tofino: A small town on the wild west coast of Vancouver Island, with surf beaches, old-growth forest and winter storm-watching.
Churchill: A remote Manitoba town on Hudson Bay, reached by plane or train, where polar bears gather each autumn and belugas visit in summer.
Essentials
Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Language: English and French; French dominates in Quebec
Plugs: Type A / B, 120 V
Driving: Right side
Time zone: UTC−7 to −3:30
Tipping: 15–20% in restaurants and bars
Getting around: Fly or take the train between regions; a car is best for parks and road trips
Entry: Check the official rules for your passport before booking