Canada Destination Guide
Canada, the world's second-largest country, offers many destinations to explore. Bordered by the Pacific, Atlantic, and Arctic oceans, Canada boasts the longest coastline globally and an extensive number of lakes. The country is sparsely populated, spread across ten provinces and three territories, featuring cosmopolitan cities, welcoming towns, national parks, and pristine wilderness.
WESTERN CANADA
Home to five national parks, charming resort towns and the incredible scenery of the Canadian Rockies.
Alberta|Banff|British Columbia|Calgary|Canada West Coast|Canadian Rockies|Edmonton, Drumheller, Waterton Lakes|Jasper|Lake Louise|Okanagan Region|Vancouver|Victoria|Whistler
CENTRAL CANADA
Made up of Saskatchewan and Manitoba, Central Canada vacations take you through prairie grasslands, lakes, forests, and the sub-Arctic tundra.
Churchill is located on the shores of Hudson Bay, best known for its Polar bear and Beluga whale viewing. Winnipeg, located at the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers, has made it an important trading post for Indigenous people in the past, and its rich and varied history can be investigated at the Museum of Man and Nature.
EASTERN CANADA
The gateway to Canada, Ontario is a place where you can appreciate the country’s capital city, Ottawa, its foremost city, Toronto, and the powerful Niagara Falls. Away from these obvious highlights, you can also hike in Algonquin Provincial Park, see Indigenous heritage on Manitoulin Island and appreciate colorful foliage in the Muskoka Lakes region come fall.
Algonquin Muskoka Region|Eastern Townships, Charlevoix, Gaspe|Montreal|Niagara Falls Region|Ontario|Ottawa|Quebec|Quebec City|Toronto
ATLANTIC CANADA
Newfoundland and Labrador make up Canada’s most easterly province, best known for its rugged landscapes, icebergs and abundant marine wildlife.
Coastal charm exudes from the Maritime provinces of Canada, made up of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.
Cabot Trail & Cape Breton|Halifax|New Brunswick|Newfoundland and Labrador|Nova Scotia|Prince Edward Island
YUKON & NORTHWEST TERRITORIES
The Yukon and Northwest Territories form Canada’s wild frontier, where unique wildlife and history come together.
Inuvik|Whitehorse
Canada Train Trips
Canadian train tours offer a unique combination of two exceptional trains: the renowned Rocky Mountaineer in the west and VIA Rail Canada, which covers routes across the country. These tours cater to various budgets and interests.
VIA Rail
Routes and Service
The Canadian - Starting in Toronto, through the lake country of Ontario, across the Prairies, into the Rockies, and ending in Vancouver.
4-day journey, with the option for an extended stop in Jasper.
The Winnipeg to Churchill - 2-day journey from Winnipeg to Churchill.
The Ocean - Canada’s Maritime Coast, overnight train from Montreal in Quebec to Halifax.
The Jasper to Prince Rupert - connecting British Columbia's north coast with the Canadian Rockies.
The Corridor - Toronto and Quebec City.
Overnight and day train service also available year-round.
Economy - window view, meals and snacks available for purchase.
Business - meals and drinks included, priority boarding, lounge access.
Sleeper Plus and Prestige - 1-2 person private cabin with convertible bed, meals and drinks included.
Rocky Mountaineer
Luxury Train Service from mid-April to mid-October
2-Day Routes - between Vancouver and Kamloops.
2-5 Day Routes - overnight stops in Whistler and Quesnel.
First Passage to the West - Vancouver to Lake Louise or Banff.
Journey through the Clouds - Vancouver to Jasper.
Rainforest to Gold Rush - Vancouver through Whistler and onto Jasper.
Silverleaf - single-level glass-domed coach, breakfast and lunch served at your seat.
Goldleaf - Double level, your seat will be on the top floor with dome window 360-degree views; downstairs is the dining room with à la carte meals. There is also an outdoor viewing platform.
You might be on the train during daylight hours only, spending your nights in stopover destinations, or you may spend 1-3 days on overnight or sleeper trains. All trips include stops to get off the train to explore locations, national parks, and cities.
Canadian road trips, or self-drive tours, can differ in their emphasis and length, and can be customized to match your specific tastes. The optimal period for driving is from May to October, as the extended daylight hours and pleasant weather enable you to enjoy breathtaking scenery, explore local history, discover hidden treasures, and observe wildlife.
Culinary
Poutine: National dish, and is a comforting and hearty combination of French fries topped with cheddar cheese curds and smothered in thick brown gravy. Pair it with a Bloody Caesar cocktail, the country’s cocktail.
Bison: Alberta’s indigenous food, can contain half the fat and twice the iron of beef. Look for prime cuts of tenderloin, short ribs, and burgers on many menus.
Saskatoon berries: favorite choice for jams, jellies, pies, and butter tarts and are mixed with bison meat to make pemmican (a calorie-rich patty often eaten as a snack.)
Le Sortilège: an enchanting blend of Canadian whisky and pure Quebec maple syrup (30% alcohol).
FAQ
The official languages spoken are English and French. French is spoken mainly in Quebec (where it is the official language) and New Brunswick. In the rest of Canada, the majority language is English, but small French-speaking communities can be found across the country.
The standard voltage is 110 volts, as in the rest of North America.
Country Code: +1
Canada’s national currency is the Canadian Dollar, but U.S. dollars are accepted. Change is generally given in Canadian currency. Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted as well.
To get from one place to another along Canada’s West Coast, it is sometimes necessary to take a ferry. In British Columbia, ferries serve more than 43 ports of call and all belong to the same company, BC Ferries.
Weather
Canada is a vast country, and the weather can be quite different in the East and in the West.
The Canadian winter lasts from mid-December to mid-March. It is a great time to enjoy exciting winter activities like snowmobiling and dog sledding.
November - not the best time for travel, can be cold and rainy.
January - coldest month of the year, fewer tourists, least expensive month.
February - The temperature starts to rise, schools generally have their spring break in February so there are a lot of tourists and many families on vacation; prices are therefore higher.
March - The weather is almost spring-like with a lot more sunshine.
April - not the best time for travel, too warm for winter sports (no more snow) and too early in the season for summer activities, as many tourist attractions do not open until later in the year.
Mid-May to late June - great time to visit, there are not a lot of tourists so prices are reasonable. The first two weeks of May are generally quiet.
July-August - peak tourist season, and naturally, prices are at their highest.
September - The weather is still very pleasant, although evenings can be quite chilly. There are fewer tourists and prices are generally lower.
The northern lights, a breathtaking experience sought after by many, typically is best observed from December to March due to longer dark hours and clear night skies.
