Canada holidays
Canada makes a huge impression, and not just because it’s the world’s second-largest country. You could take a lifetime’s worth of holidays to Canada and still feel like you hadn’t scratched the surface of its national parks, sprawling cities and endless outdoor activities. With rich Indigenous cultures alongside picturesque scenery and historic landmarks, Canada’s wild beauty and fascinating history will keep you coming back for more.
Top destinations in Canada
Banff
Flanked by snow-capped mountains, Banff is a charming resort-town base for hiking, biking and some of the continent’s best skiing adventures in Canada’s Rocky Mountains.
Montreal
From cool neighbourhoods and luxury shopping to some of Canada’s most amazing attractions, Montreal strikes the perfect blend of North American and European cultures.
Toronto
In this big city on an even bigger lake, holidays are all about fusion food, original boutiques and an unforgettable waterfront. Open-minded, classy and cool, Toronto will welcome you warmly.
Vancouver
Vancouver has it all, from stunning coastal vistas and rugged wilderness to a dynamic inner city with the best food and drink scenes in British Columbia.
Calgary
A gateway to the Rockies that wears its cowboy culture with pride, Alberta’s largest city invites you to take a walk on the wild side.
Quebec City
From fresh-baked croissants and crumbling ramparts to thundering waterfalls and Christmas done right, this Canadian capital might just be the perfect North American getaway.
Niagara Falls
People come here to witness one of the most awesome natural wonders on the planet. But this Canadian city keeps you hanging around with pretty parks, family attractions and a buzzing wine scene.
Nova Scotia
With scenery shaped by crashing waves and winds, Nova Scotia is a gloriously untamed stretch of Canada’s Atlantic coastline. Get ready for endless outdoor adventures.
Quebec
Known for its proud French-Canadian spirit, Quebec packs in nature and culture in equal measure. Admire pretty palaces and historic squares, then explore tranquil forests and lakes.
Canada holiday highlights
Winter sports
Between December and March, one of the best things to do in Canada is hit the slopes. Whistler and Banff Sunshine Village are two of western Canada’s most famous ski resorts, with thrilling terrains and apres-ski scenes to match. If you prefer a quieter ski break, try Charlevoix or Mont-Tremblant in Quebec.
Indigenous culture
You can learn about the country’s Indigenous communities at historical sites and national parks. Experience Inuit culture at the Torngat Mountains National Park in Newfoundland and Labrador, and delve into Nuu-chah-nulth history at the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve in British Columbia. For an in-depth look at First Nations, Métis and Inuit culture, visit the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Quebec.
Jurassic history
The Canadian Badlands are home to one of the world’s richest sources of dinosaur fossils. Learn about palaeontology at the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller, the ‘Dinosaur Capital of the World’, and explore the bonebed around Pipestone Creek. Craving an interactive experience? Hunt for fossils on a guided tour of the UNESCO-listed Dinosaur Provincial Park.
Canada: Know before you go
Beaches
With more lakes and shoreline than any other country, Canada has no shortage of coastal getaways. Surfers flock to Long Beach in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Vancouver Island. And sandy Grand Beach Provincial Park on Lake Winnipeg is popular with families for its calm waters. For wildlife like elk, deer and occasional bears, hit up Annette Lake’s beach in Jasper National Park.
Nature
Canada’s natural beauty and raw wilderness draw visitors from around the world. And with everything from deserts to rainforests, prairies, mountains and beaches, it’s easy to see why. Listen to the roar of Niagara Falls and find the elusive kermode bear in the Great Bear Rainforest. For more wild encounters, spot moose in Algonquin Provincial Park and bison in Elk Island National Park.
Cuisine
Restaurants in Canada offer more than just ‘poutine’ (chips, cheese curds and gravy). The country’s impressive coastline brings with it some of the world’s best seafood, including dishes like the Nova Scotia lobster roll and smoked Atlantic salmon. Have a sweet tooth? Try maple taffy from a traditional Quebecois sugar shack, or follow Ontario’s Wellington County Butter Tart Trail.
Culture and museums
The Royal Ontario Museum isn’t just the country’s largest museum — it’s also one of the best museums in Canada for art, world culture and natural history. L'Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland and Labrador is North America’s only site to have been established by the Vikings. Jazz lovers shouldn’t miss the annual Montreal International Jazz Festival.
When to go
Stretching across six time zones and eight distinct climate regions, Canada defies generalisations. That said, April to June and September to November tend to have pleasant weather for outdoor activities and are more affordable times to visit. Planning a winter break? December to March is the best time to visit Canada to ski and see the Northern Lights.
Budget
Though larger cities like Toronto, Vancouver and Ottawa can be expensive, a cheap holiday to Canada is very possible. The average short taxi ride is 11 Canadian dollars ($). Save on costs by walking or cycling in major cities. Food isn’t always the cheapest, but you can find a coffee or a local beer for under $8.