Canada
Montréal
Cool
From $106 /day
Canada
Canada is a vast, breathtaking land where cosmopolitan cities meet untamed wilderness. From the rugged peaks of the Rockies to the historic cobblestones of Old Quebec, the scale of beauty here is truly immense. You can spend your morning hiking through ancient temperate rainforests and your evening dining in world-class multicultural restaurants. It is a country defined by its diversity, genuine hospitality, and a deep, enduring connection to the outdoors. Whether you are chasing the dancing Northern Lights or exploring vibrant cultural hubs, Canada offers an adventure as expansive as its borders.
On This Page
We built this guide using official tourism data, local travel insights, and real pricing from our city guides, so you can plan your trip with confidence.
3 cities
9 guides
$106 – $158 Daily Budget
Quick Facts
Capital
Ottawa
Languages
English, French
Currency
Canadian Dollar (CAD)
1 $ ≈ 1.37 C$
Plug Type
Type A/B (120V, 60Hz)
Driving Side
Right
Dial Code
+1
Entry Requirements
Check requirements →
Time Zone
UTC-3:30 to UTC-8 (6 time zones; DST in most areas, with some exceptions)
Emergency
911 (Police/Fire/Ambulance)
Why Visit Canada
Untamed Wilderness
Canada has 37 national parks and 11 national park reserves managed by Parks Canada, protecting landscapes from glacial lakes to coastal rainforests. You can explore the turquoise waters of Lake Louise or witness the powerful spray of Niagara Falls.
Vibrant Urban Hubs
Cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal offer a sophisticated mix of arts, fashion, and culinary excellence. Each city has a distinct personality, from the glass skyscrapers of the West Coast to the European-style charm of the East.
Outdoor Adventure
Whether you enjoy skiing in Whistler, kayaking with orcas off Vancouver Island, or hiking the Cabot Trail, the opportunities for active exploration are endless. The country is a natural playground that changes beautifully with every season.
Multicultural Heritage
Canada is a mosaic of cultures, with a rich Indigenous history and a welcoming spirit toward global influences. This diversity is reflected in the incredible festivals, languages, and neighborhoods you will encounter during your stay.
The Northern Lights
The vast northern territories offer some of the clearest skies on Earth for viewing the Aurora Borealis. Watching the vibrant green and purple ribbons dance across the Arctic sky is a bucket-list experience for many travelers.
Top Experiences
Top-rated tours and activities in Canada
Cities & Destinations
Regions
The Canadian Rockies
Home to Banff and Jasper National Parks, this region offers dramatic mountain scenery, turquoise glacial lakes, and world-class hiking. It is the premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to experience Canada's rugged wilderness and iconic alpine landscapes.
Central Canada
Encompassing the provinces of Ontario and Quebec, this region features the bustling metropolis of Toronto, the national capital of Ottawa, and the spectacular Niagara Falls. It is the country's cultural heart, blending modern skyscrapers with historic sites and massive freshwater lakes.
Quebec
This primarily French-speaking province offers a unique European atmosphere within North America, especially in the historic districts of Montreal and Quebec City. Travelers visit for the incredible food scene, vibrant festivals, and the well-preserved 17th-century architecture.
Atlantic Canada
Comprising Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland, this region is famous for its rugged coastlines and colorful fishing villages. The maritime culture is distinct here, offering a slower pace of life and some of the friendliest hospitality in the country.
British Columbia Coast
Centered around Vancouver and Vancouver Island, this area is known for its temperate rainforests, mild climate, and stunning ocean views. You can explore the urban sophistication of Vancouver or head north to Whistler for world-renowned skiing and mountain biking.
Cities & Destinations:
Best Time to Visit
The summer months offer the warmest weather and the most vibrant festival atmosphere across the country. Shoulder seasons provide a balance of comfortable temperatures and significantly lower accommodation prices.
Peak Season
Jul, Aug
Peak season features warm to hot temperatures, reaching 20–30°C (68–86°F), and the highest concentration of outdoor festivals. National parks and major cities like Toronto and Vancouver are at their busiest, with premium pricing for flights and hotels.
Shoulder Season
May, Jun, Sep, Oct
May and June bring blooming landscapes and urban festivals, while September and October offer spectacular fall foliage. Weather is mild, usually 10–20°C (50–68°F), making it ideal for hiking and city exploration without the summer crowds.
Off-Peak
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Winter is cold and snowy with temperatures often falling to -10–0°C (14–32°F), though it is the prime time for skiing and viewing the Northern Lights. Cities are well-equipped with underground walkways, but some seasonal tourist facilities in remote areas may close.
Getting Around
Canada's vast geography necessitates domestic flights for long distances, while the 'Windsor-Quebec City' corridor is well-served by rail and bus. Public transit in major cities is highly efficient and covers most tourist destinations.
Flight
Domestic carriers like Air Canada and WestJet connect all major hubs; flying is often the only practical way to travel between distant regions like Montreal and Vancouver.
Train
VIA Rail provides comfortable passenger service across the country, with various classes available; scenic routes like 'The Canadian' offer luxury multi-day journeys through the Rockies.
Bus
Intercity bus networks like FlixBus and Megabus offer budget-friendly travel between major cities; most coaches include free Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Metro
Toronto (Subway), Montreal (Metro), and Vancouver (SkyTrain) operate extensive rapid transit systems that are the most efficient way to navigate downtown cores.
Car
Car rentals are essential for visiting national parks and rural areas; roads are generally excellent, but proof of insurance is mandatory and distances are measured in km.
Food & Drink
Canadian cuisine is a reflection of its diverse heritage and vast landscape, focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients from the sea and soil. You will find everything from hearty comfort foods that combat cold winters to sophisticated fusion dishes in the urban centers.
Must Try
Poutine
A classic Quebecois comfort food consisting of crispy french fries topped with fresh cheese curds and a rich, hot brown gravy.
Tourtière
A savory meat pie from Quebec, traditionally made with minced pork, beef, and warm spices like cinnamon and cloves.
Nanaimo Bars
A decadent no-bake dessert square from British Columbia featuring a wafer crumb base, custard-flavored butter icing, and melted chocolate.
BeaverTails
Hand-stretched fried dough pastries shaped like a beaver's tail, usually served hot with toppings like cinnamon sugar, chocolate, or fruit.
Butter Tarts
Small pastry shells filled with a gooey mixture of butter, sugar, syrup, and egg, often containing raisins or walnuts.
Montreal-style Bagels
Distinctly different from New York bagels, these are boiled in honey-infused water and baked in wood-fired ovens for a sweeter, denser texture.
Icewine
A sweet dessert wine produced from grapes that have been naturally frozen while still on the vine, resulting in a highly concentrated flavor.
Money & Costs
Canada is generally more expensive than the US for dining and retail due to sales taxes, but offers high quality in services and safety. A typical mid-range budget is ~$134 / C$184 per day.
Tipping
Tipping is a standard social norm with 15–20% expected in restaurants and bars, and 10–15% for taxi drivers.
Cards
Card acceptance is near-universal; credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, and Interac) are used for everything from street food to luxury shopping.
ATMs
ABMs (ATMs) are ubiquitous; it is best to use machines inside major banks to avoid convenience fees that typically range from $2.36–$5.89 / C$3.23–C$8.07.
Culture & Etiquette
Canadians are widely known for their politeness and respect for personal space. The culture is a mosaic where people are encouraged to maintain their diverse backgrounds while sharing a collective national identity rooted in kindness and inclusivity.
✓
Tip 15–20% in restaurants and bars, as service staff rely on these gratuities for their income.
✓
Say 'sorry' or 'excuse me' frequently, as politeness and apologizing for minor inconveniences are social norms.
✓
Respect First Nations and Indigenous lands, cultural sites, and traditions by following all local guidance.
✕
Don't compare Canada too closely to the United States in conversation, as Canadians value their distinct national identity.
✕
Don't smoke in public indoor spaces, on public transit, or within several meters of building entrances.
✓
Dress in layers to prepare for rapidly changing weather conditions, even during the summer months.
✓
Remove your shoes immediately when entering someone's private home unless the host specifically tells you otherwise.
✕
Don't jump the queue; Canadians value waiting your turn in line for transit, coffee, or tickets.
Safety & Health
Canada is extremely safe and classified as Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions. While violent crime is rare, petty theft and vehicle break-ins are the most common concerns in urban tourist areas.
Tap Water
Safe to drink
Vaccinations
No special vaccinations are required, but travelers should be up to date on routine immunizations like measles and flu.
Common Scams
- ⚠ Vehicle 'smash and grab' theft in city parking lots
- ⚠ Communications/phone scams posing as government officials (CRA/Immigration)
- ⚠ Credit card skimming devices on remote or unattended ATMs
- ⚠ Fake taxi drivers or unlicensed rideshare imposters at major airports
- ⚠ Fraudulent vacation rental listings on unofficial websites
Medical care is of high quality but expensive for non-residents; comprehensive travel insurance is essential as the public system does not provide free treatment to tourists.
Language
English is spoken everywhere except in parts of Quebec where French is the primary language. Most staff in Montreal's tourist sectors are bilingual, but learning basic French phrases is highly appreciated.
English Spoken: Widely spoken
Key Phrases
| Meaning | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello / Good day | Bonjour | bon-zhoor |
| Thank you | Merci | mair-see |
| Please | S'il vous plaît | seel voo pleh |
| Do you speak English? | Parlez-vous anglais ? | par-lay voo ong-glay |
| Where is the restroom? | Où sont les toilettes ? | oo son lay twa-let |
| The bill, please | L'addition, s'il vous plaît | la-dee-syon seel voo pleh |
| Excuse me / Sorry | Excusez-moi | ex-kyoo-zay mwa |
Visa & Entry
Most visa-exempt travellers flying to, or transiting through, a Canadian airport need an eTA (CAN$7 / C$9.59). U.S. citizens are exempt. Arriving by land/sea does not require an eTA.
Max Stay
Up to 6 months (normally; border officer may limit/extend)
Passport Validity
Passport must be valid for your stay (Canada won't issue a visitor record past your passport expiry date)
Visa-free for
Check IRCC's official list (changes periodically; e.g., Qatar visa requirement lifted Nov 2025). Many countries eligible for eTA include: UK, EU countries, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Singapore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Canada safe for travelers?
How expensive is a trip to Canada?
When is the best time to visit Canada?
Do I need a visa for Canada?
Is English spoken throughout Canada?
What food should I try in Canada?
How do I get around Canada?
Where are the best places to see the Northern Lights?
What should I know about tipping in Canada?
Why you can trust this guide
Jan Křenek
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
Ready to explore Canada?
Browse our 3 city guides with budget tips, itineraries, and seasonal recommendations.