Canada is vast and varied. Lush rainforest covers the rugged West Coast, vibrant blue lakes are found among the Canadian Rockies, and welcoming villages are dotted along the Newfoundland rocks. Whatever you are looking for, you can find it. Whether drawn to the call of the open road or the intrigue of the train through the wilds, open landscapes always call. Welcome to your Canada.
Our experts have spent 25 years exploring Canada coast-to-coast. We have seen everything from grand National Parks to the birthplace of Canada as we know it. So, naturally, we know a trip to Canada can be whatever you want it to be — you just have to know where to find it.
So, according to our travel experts, this is how to plan a trip to Canada.
How to Plan a Trip to Canada
Before you book a trip to Canada, you should consider a few things:
- Where you want to go
- When you want visit
- What kind of trip you are looking for
- Advice from travel experts
- How to get ready to visit Canada
Left: Rocky Mountaineer crossing Stoney Creek Bridge | Credit: Rocky Mountaineer
Right: Lunenburg Old Town, NS | Credit: Tourism NS Lora Pope
Where to Visit in Canada
Canada stretches across lush rainforests, towering mountains, golden prairies, and glacial lakes. It covers 9.9 million square km, or 3.8 million square miles — iconic sites are often far from one another. Learning a little about Canada’s regions is a great first step to planning your trip.
Garibaldi Mountains, British Columbia | Credit: Destination BC / Andrew Strain
Western Canada
Western Canada encompasses rugged coasts, towering mountains, and vibrant cities.
In British Columbia, the Pacific Ocean meets temperate rainforests which, in turn, meet towering mountains. In the center of the three, you will find the vibrant city of Vancouver. And, a short but jaw-dropping ferry ride away is Vancouver Island's rugged coast. There, find the charming city of Victoria, small surf towns, and whale-watching tours introducing visitors to the southern resident Orca population.
Alberta, on the other hand, is best known for the iconic Canadian Rockies. And, among them, the mountain towns of Banff and Jasper and the stunning Lake Louise. It is enough to exist here, and marvel at their grandeur, but the wilderness invites travelers to discover its lands and waters further.
Tours through Western Canada are best done by road or rail. A road trip through the mountains answers the call for adventure with freedom to pass through the peaks at your own pace. But a trip by rail welcomes you softly with the chance to sit back, relax, and truly savor the jaw-dropping views as they pass by.
Polar bears relaxing on the Churchill tundra | Credit: Travel Manitoba
Central Canada
Central Canada varies wildly between its North and South.
In the south, vast golden prairies stretch far beyond the horizon. They are best seen from the window of the trans-Canada train that passes through. It stops briefly in the cities of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; and Winnipeg, Manitoba, as it makes its journey across.
Heading north, vastness remains. But here, sub-Arctic tundra replaces wheat fields and is home to more polar bears than anywhere else on Earth. In the small town of Churchill, beluga whales live in the Hudson Bay, bears wander the surrounding tundra, and the Northern Lights dance across the night sky. Churchill is a remote destination, but its surprising abundance of life is enough to draw you north and is easily accessible by air or rail.
Quebec City's Old City | Credit: Region de Quebec / GouvQc Outpost
Eastern Canada
Eastern Canada is French-Canadian charm in Quebec, metropolitan hubs in Ontario, and colorful fishing villages speckling the Maritimes' shores.
Beyond Ontario's well-known cities and attractions hides spectacular nature. Niagara Falls, of course, provides a cascading border between Canada and the USA. But even beyond, the Great Lakes stretch far enough to look like seas, thick boreal forests cover Algonquin Provincial Park, and calm waterways connect them all, perfect for canoeing.
Quebec is where French-Canadian culture thrives. Its cities offer vibrant arts scenes tucked between cobbled streets and winding alleys. But, for a quieter trip, venture just beyond the cities. The quaint Eastern Townships dotted through Quebec's forests remain hidden gems to most travelers.
And, on the easternmost edge of Canada is Atlantic Canada: New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. Here, quaint and colorful fishing villages scatter the landscape, bright and welcoming. And, of course, the Atlantic Ocean is ever-present on the horizon, beautiful and wild all at once. Scenic drives are a given as you travel the quiet highways and trails.
Winter Activities in the Yukon | Credit: Yukon Government / Cathie Archbould
Northern Canada
This vast region is home to a sense of grandeur reserved for remote places such as these. But, despite being removed from life as you know it, Canada's North is easily accessible through direct flights.
Three territories span Northern Canada: The Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. The most visited of these is the Yukon, which draws travelers looking for an experience off the beaten track, or views of the illustrious Northern Lights. Here, wood cabins offer cozy nights, and glass-fronted chalets bring the lights in to you.
Canada Coast-to-Coast
If you want to see everything, a trans-Canada train trip is rich with possibilities. It gives you the opportunity to spend time in the Rockies, time in major cities across the country, and the rare chance to see Canada coast-to-coast. While you travel through the backcountry, enjoy domed glass views, delicious meals, and a soft bed onboard to retire to each night.
But, if you're simply drawn to the mountains' allure, a road trip through the Rockies will give you more time in the areas that matter to you.
Best Time to Visit Canada
Canada is a wonderful year-round destination. But across its shifting seasons, you will find vastly different draws.
Summer months bring long, warm days, perfect for exploring the outdoors. Hiking and canoeing are perfect for active travelers, while guided tours and lake-top cruises welcome visitors to relax among astounding natural wonders.
In winter, the mountains are covered with snow, and the country transforms into a winter wonderland. Train tours across the country let you stay warm as scenic landscapes pass by. And winter activities in the Rockies offer a different way to see the mountains.
Cherry blossoms in Vancouver | Credit: Destination Vancouver / Vision Event Photography Inc
If you want a quiet trip to Canada, shoulder season travel — in spring and fall — sees fewer visitors and the same stunning scenery. Spring on the West Coast welcomes cherry blossoms to Vancouver's streets. And as fall begins in the Rockies, golden larch trees emerge from hiding among the pine.
Canadian Vacations by Experience
Once you know where you want to visit and when you want to be there, it is time to start planning the details. This is what you want to see or do most while in Canada.
Our Canada vacation itineraries vary greatly depending on what calls you. If you are struggling to put something together or would like to book a custom trip, reach out to our Travel Designers. They will offer personal recommendations directly from a travel expert and craft the trip that's right for you.
Canoeing in the Rockies | Credit: Parks Canada / Ryan Bray
Adventure
Canada is known for its great outdoors, and the great adventures it holds.
To us, this means road trips through the mountains, kayaking across lakes, and venturing off the beaten path on expert-guided hikes. The open roads and endless wilderness are for experiencing Canada at its boldest. And with the freedom of time and the call of the wilds, immerse yourself in natural wonders at a scale you've never seen before.
Luxury wilderness spa at Nimmo Bay | Credit: Nimmo Bay Resort
Relaxation
For a slower pace of travel, Canadian train trips welcome you into the golden age of luxury rail travel. Relax into onboard service and simply enjoy the views. Let the rails be your gateway to the expansive backcountry hiding beyond the tree line, and pass by valleys and waterfalls seen only by you.
Or, to go beyond where even the most remote tracks lie, Canada's forests hide numerous luxury wilderness lodges. Many are only accessible by air or boat, surrounded by calm ocean and serene forest on all sides. They welcome visitors to Canada in its truest form — its quiet places. Here, set your intentions, slow down, and recharge.
First Nations dancers at the Museum of Anthropology, Vancouver | Credit: Destination BC / Kevin Arnold
Culture
There is no singular Canadian culture. Indigenous peoples — First Nations, Inuit, and Métis — have occupied these lands since time immemorial. But, since settlers arrived, Canadian culture has expanded exponentially. Now, Canada lives as a multicultural hub, home to vibrant shifting cultures coast-to-coast.
Canadian food has expanded, too. Cultures mingle deliciously as you try Jewish-Canadian bagels in Montreal, exceptional Asian restaurants in Vancouver, and French-Canadian poutine — the obscenely indulgent combination of fries, cheese curds, and gravy now indicative of Canadian cuisine.
For a genuine cultural experience, Indigenous peoples offer hands-on teachings. The Museum of Anthropology in Vancouver, the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre in Whistler, and Métis Crossing in Alberta all invite visitors to explore Indigenous life in Canada. But at sites across the country, visitors can learn about Canada's Indigenous roots through immersive activities and exhibits.
A Grizzly bear sighting at Nimmo Bay | Credit: Nimmo Bay Resort
Wildlife
Canada's wildlife is world-famous, and rightfully so. Iconic animals wander the Canadian forests, swim its seas, and soar its skies. Whether searching for a rare white Spirit Bear in the only place they exist on Earth or spotting humpbacks breaching from the Atlantic ocean, here is where to find your ideal animal encounter:
- Bears live all across Canada. Black, Grizzly, and Spirit bears wander Western Canada, with the slight majority of Canada's found in British Columbia. Polar bears, on the other hand, are found in masses in Churchill, Manitoba.
- Whale watching is centered around the West and East coasts, unsurprisingly. Find Killer whales — Orca — and porpoise along the West Coast, and Humpbacks and Sperm Whales on the East. Beluga whales live in the Arctic waters of Hudson Bay and can be seen from Churchill, Manitoba.
- Moose can be spotted across Canada, but are relatively shy. They are most commonly seen at dawn or dusk, when the day is at its quietest, along less-driven roads.
- Bird watching ranges across Canada. Despite being a symbol of the USA, Bald Eagles are common across British Columbia. Puffins are plentiful along the Maritimes' cliffs. And Ptarmigan are found wandering the tundra in Arctic and subarctic regions.
Five Canada Trip Ideas from Travel Experts
Reaching out to a tour operator is the best way to ensure your trip goes smoothly. Our Travel Experts know Canada better than anyone, having ventured across it frequently. They create unique trips for travelers backed by expert insight and personal recommendations.
At Canada by Design, your personal Travel Designer will consider everything from how busy you want to be each day to transfers between stops. When planning your vacation, they will work with you to refine your itinerary until you have the perfect Canada tour for you. Then, you can just sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey.
To get you started for inspiration, here are five Canada vacations designed by our travel experts, and curated just for you:
Rocky Mountaineer in the Canadian backcountry | Credit: Rocky Mountaineer
A Train Trip in the Rockies
On this tour of the Rockies, see iconic landscapes by luxury train.
Train trips are our favorite way to see Canada's mountains, and we offer many Canadian train trips through the Canadian Rockies as a result. But this might be our favorite way to maximize onboard time and experience.
Starting and ending in Vancouver, board the ever-iconic Rocky Mountaineer train. This is two days of the ultimate luxury on tracks. As you are waited on hand and foot by attentive onboard hosts who invite you in with tales of the majestic scenery you cruise by, welcome that comfort. Here, you will not miss a sight.
After you travel from Banff to Jasper — exploring the National Parks and Lake Louise on the way — take a different route back aboard Rocky Mountaineer's Journey through the Clouds route. End your trip with these same luxuries it began with.
Driving the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia | Credit: Tourism Nova Scotia / Adam Hill
A Road Trip in Atlantic Canada
Explore Atlantic Canada's fishing villages, charming cities, and miles upon miles of stunning coast as you venture into the birthplace of Canada as we know it today.
Start in Halifax, the largest city in Atlantic Canada. Then, depart from the urban bustle on a road trip. Visit the small towns and villages dotted along the Canadian East Coast as you go. Each stop brings colorful houses and welcoming people — you should expect no less from the Maritime provinces.
There, discover the shifting Gaelic and French Acadian cultures along the shore, drive along cliffs on Nova Scotia's Cabot Trail, and explore the fact and fiction living on Prince Edward Island.
Left: Whale watching in Nimmo Bay | Credit: Nimmo Bay Resort
Right: Relaxing among nature in the on-site hot tub | Credit: Nimmo Bay Resort
A Wilderness Retreat in the Rainforest
Among unending coastal rainforests is the perfect place to disconnect from the world and redefine luxury as time to engage.
At Nimmo Bay, that simple luxury of time is combined with an elegant stay among the wilds.
As you slow down among uninterrupted wilderness in an upscale cabin on the water's edge, reach out to nature. A hot tub below a forest waterfall or a spa suspended among trees lulls you to its calm. Choose to dabble in little adventures as you please. Dedicated experts lead guided coastal safaris, hikes through the rainforest, or voyages onto the water by boat between moments of rest. Here, welcome the luxury of choice, and the time and freedom to do so.
Spotting bears up-close in Churchill | Credit: Travel Manitoba
A Polar Bear Safari in the North
Venture north in search of polar bears on a safari across the tundra. You arrive in Churchill, a subarctic port town and the 'Polar Bear Capital of the World.' As you tour the skies by helicopter, the lands by tundra buggy, and the Hudson Bay by boat, spot some of the 900 that flock to the town each year.
By night, rest in an authentic log cabin, surrounded by warm wood and a cozy stone fire. The Lazy Bear Lodge is endlessly welcoming as small-town-stays often are. You will find yourself warming up with hearty meals and hot drinks by the fireside, and being gently woken if the Northern Lights chance a visit to the dark Churchill skies.
The Northern Lights dancing across the Yukon sky | Credit: Northern Lights Resort and Spa
A Northern Lights Trip in the Yukon
The Northern Lights draw visitors from across the world, and Canada's vast open North makes the perfect place to see them. Life up here is different to the South, and your days are spent experiencing it. Winter is at its best exploring the northern city Whitehorse, snowmobiling over the ice, and snowshoeing through the wilderness.
And, as the Arctic sky darkens and then erupts in a dance of greens and blues, you will gaze up from guided viewings around warming bonfires. Or, retreat to glass-fronted chalets. Relax into blankets and pillows, and watch the magic of the night sky from your embracing bed. This, in the North, is magic.
Plan Your Trip with Experts
At Canada by Design, this is what we love most. Reach out to a Travel Designer to start planning your trip. They will pair you with your ideal itinerary or create something entirely custom just for you. From there, you will have access to their on-the-ground support while you visit. You can enjoy what matters most and forget about everything else.
If you're not ready yet, subscribe to our newsletter to receive inspiration, tips and tricks, and deals right to your inbox. We look forward to welcoming you to Canada.
Our Travel Designers experiencing your journey first-hand
Prepare for your time in Canada
Now, with an itinerary in hand, you can start planning for your arrival in Canada. You can ask your Travel Designer if there are any must-knows for your individual trip, but these are a few things most visitors should consider:
Logistics
Before entering Canada, be sure to check the entry requirements for your respective country. USA citizens need a valid passport or an equivalent acceptable travel document to enter Canada. More information for travelers can be found on the Government of Canada's website.
Biking Vancouver's seawall | Credit: Destination Vancouver / Nelson Mouellic
Things to do
Once you have arrived, you will have days at leisure. The best travel memories are often made in the between-moments, when you have the freedom to discover at your own pace. If this calls to you, we will build these moments into your itinerary, but it's down to you to choose how you spend them.
We have guides for many of Canada's top destinations, direct from our in-house travel experts. So, if you're looking for things to do in Vancouver, a guide to Banff and Lake Louise, or must-do experiences in Atlantic Canada — beyond, of course, trying endless delectable seafood — take a look at our previous blogs.
FAQ
How much does a trip to Canada cost?
Depending on when, where, and for how long, a trip to Canada can cost anywhere from $950 USD to upwards of $10,000 USD. The range of options available in Canada allows visitors to craft their perfect trip on many budgets.
If you're looking to visit Canada on a budget, we recommend trips to the Maritime provinces. Accommodations are cheaper, and a week-long road trip can make for an affordable vacation.
If you have a larger budget, Canada is home to luxury retreats, lodges, and resorts hidden throughout the wilderness. These are unmatched experiences, and the chance to stay among some of the planet's most outstanding nature.
What is the best month to go to Canada?
There is something to do in Canada every month — it just depends on what you are looking for.
June is our favorite time to travel to Canada for summer activities. The weather is sunny, the days are long, bears are out and about, and you will be here just before the busiest season.
For winter, December is the best month to visit. Snow has often settled on peaks, lakes have frozen into wild skating rinks, and Christmas activities have lit up the mountain towns. Long winter nights give travelers the chance to spot the Northern Lights
The quietest time to visit Canada are the shoulder seasons in spring and fall. They can reward travelers with a more private trip without sacrificing stunning scenery.
How do you travel to Canada for the first time?
The Rockies are our favorite way to introduce guests to Canada. A tour through the Rockies means iconic sites at every stop, spending time among nature's finest, and visiting famous mountain towns while you're there. This is where people most frequently like to start. But a trip to Canada is highly personal, and your Travel Designer will work with you to find where your intrigue lies.
Where to visit on a second trip to Canada?
If you're returning to Canada, we recommend heading to the Maritimes in Eastern Canada to see a different side of the country. You will trade towering mountains and log cabins for colorful towns and cliff-top ocean views.