Get ready for a fantastic adventure with the Canada Travel Guide.
Canada is a vast country filled with experiences and adventures, and it can be hard to decide where to start and what to see. That’s what we’re here for! This comprehensive Canada Travel Guide will provide you with essential tips and tricks, lists of what to see and do, and a fabulous two-week itinerary. Let’s get this trip started…
Travel Tips for Canada
We’ve collected some tips from avid travelers and locals to ensure your trip will go perfectly.
The Basics
| Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD 1 = USD 0,76) | Official Languages: French & English | Plug: North American Plug (Type B) |
Be prepared for the weather: Canada isn’t always cold; summer can get quite hot with temperatures up to 30°C (86°F), so pack accordingly and check the weather when packing.
Check Visa & Entry requirements: Especially entry requirements can quickly change. Prepare by checking official pages, such as government pages, for your visa and COVID-19 entry requirements.
Check Alcohol Age limits: Even though the restrictions aren’t as strict as in the US, restrictions still vary by province. Usually, it is either 18 (Quebec, Manitoba, and Alberta) or 19 (British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Ontario, the Maritime Provinces, and the Territories).
Tipping: Don’t forget to tip when you’re eating out. The tip ranges from 15-20%, depending on the service.
Sales Tax: Price tags don’t necessarily include a sales tax. Depending on the province, it will be between 10-15%.
Stick to one or two areas: Canada is large, and even though you would like to see it all, that might not be possible. Stick to one or two areas on your road and come back in the future to see more.
Book accommodation in advance: to get a reasonable price, plan your trip all the way through and book hotels (and rental cars) in advance.
What does it cost to travel to Canada?
When planning a trip to Canada, you should plan a daily budget of about $173.
Accommodation: Plan for an average spending of$80 per night. Hotel rooms in bigger cities might set you back $100-200, while staying in smaller towns and booking in advance will be slightly cheaper. You can also camp on designated campsites for about $20 per tent or vehicle.
Transportation: If you’re renting a rental car, plan for about $70 a day. A two-week trip with a rental car will set you back between $900-1000. Also, remember that you need to be at least 25 to rent a car in Canada.
Food: It depends on where you eat and what type of food you prefer. If you like eating out in restaurants or your accommodation does not have a kitchen plan for about $50 for daily sustenance. You can reduce this cost significantly by shopping in supermarkets and cooking whenever possible.
Activities: Many activities in Canada can be enjoyed for free. Some National Parks might require an entry fee, but most outdoor activities will be free. If you’re planning to go whale watching or on a polar bear safari, be aware of the costs and try to book in advance.
To learn more about how to travel to Canada on a budget and for more tips and tricks, check out the blog Canada on a budget by our colleague Hamzah!
10 Must-See Places in Canada
No Canada Travel Guide would be complete without a list of must-see places. We promise there’s something for everyone.
1. Cypress Hills, Saskatchewan
Every outdoor activity you ever dreamed of is possible here. When here, you want to head out on a hike, go riding or spend your time on a boat somewhere in nature. The Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park has it all. Even if you want to go camping, there are several options for you to choose one. When her you like to pitch a tent or sleep in a log hut – every outdoor lover’s dreams will come true here.
2. Wolf Lake, Yukon
Wolf Lake is a beautiful nature reserve in Yukon. Her, you can get in touch with nature. Vis t the Wolf Lake lodge to have a fantastic time at the lake and learn how to fly fish. You can stay here overnight and rent boats.
3. Fernie, British Columbia
This small town South of Calgary and just North of the US Border is a natural paradise all year round. In summer, you can hike several wilderness trails or swim in Fairy Creek Falls. There’s an Alpine resort in winter, or you can head out into nature on a snowmobile. Whenever you choose to come here. You will always find something to do.
4. Fraser River, British Columbia
The Fraser River is the longest in British Columbia, and especially Fraser Valley is popular among locals and Tourists. The e are caves you can explore, such as the Chipmunk Caves, and several beautiful walks and hikes around the area. Head to the Community forest on the Eastern Hillside or the Cheam Wetlands, which are great for bird watching.
5. Old Québec, Québec
This UNESCO world heritage site is part of the original colonial settlements and is over 400 years old. Wh n visiting, you might feel like you’re in European cities such as Edinburgh or Paris’s streets. Highlights when visiting Old Québec:
- Petit-Champlain
The area is known for its European charm, cobblestone streets, and great shopping opportunities. - Parliament Hill & Plains of Abraham
A beautiful and elegant area of the city, dominated by the parliament building. - Inside Québec City’s Walls
Visit Châteu Frontenac and the Citadelle inside the fortified city walls.
6. Niagara Falls, Ontario
Take it from us; the view of the Horseshoe Falls in Niagara Falls, Canada, is just better than from the US side. There are plenty of things to do here; if you’re interested in getting up close to the falls, book a voyage on the Maiden of the Mist. You can hike around the area on the Niagara Falls Recreation Trail or to Niagara Glen.
7. Toronto, Ontario
Toronto isn’t far from Niagara Falls and couldn’t be more different. High towering skyscrapers and modern architecture await visitors eagerly.
The best things to do in Toronto:
- Royal Ontario Museum
- Art Gallery of Toronto
- Casa Loma
- St. Lawrence Market
- High Park
- The Hockey Hall of Fame
- Queen Street West
- Yonge-Dundas Square
8. Sable Island, Nova Scotia
How about a trip to an island in the middle of the ocean? Sable Island is a nature reserve that is only accessible by air or sea. You can travel here only with the weather in perfect condition and from June to October. Keep in mi d that there might be delays and cancellations going to the island or on your return trip. Once you h ve arrived here, you’ll find amazing wildlife, such as horses, walruses, and grey seals, as well as stunning landscapes and vistas. This is an absolutely unique adventure.
9. Churchill, Manitoba
The North awaits you with a town that cannot be missed in any Canada Travel Guide. The area is known for polar bears in the fall and other amazing wildlife, such as Beluga Whales. One of the main reasons why people travel here is the Polar Bear safaris.
10. Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario
As you might’ve seen by now, Canada is all about nature, and Canadians love spending time out in the wilderness of their beautiful country. Algonquin Provincial Park combines everything a nature lover needs. You can g camping, moose watching, fishing, hiking, and spend some cozy time at a lodge or in a log cabin. You’ll definitely find something to do here.
Top 5 Activities in Canada
Next to all the beautiful places you can see, there are also quite some things you can only do in Canada or that perfectly fit into your adventure. This Cana a Travel Guide will hit you up with the coolest things to do in Canada!
1. Polar Bear Safari in Churchill
Heading to Churchill. there are several tour operators and options to choose from. You can decide to go on day trips or stay for up to two weeks exploring the wildlife close to the North Pole.
Best Time to visit: September to October
Where to start: Some tour operators offer transportation from Winnipeg, while others expect you to come to Churchill before your trip. Check with the tour guide before booking anything.
Prices:
- Day Trip: $2,000. This includes the tour in a Tundra buggy, three meals, and a round trip airfare from Calgary or Edmonton. These tours sell out fast, so make sure to book ahead and find out more here!
- 8-Days-Trip: The prices vary depending on what kind of tour you’re booking, starting at $10,000. All of the tours include transportation, accommodations, meals, and excursion gear (rain gear, wellies, marine gear). Click here to find out more about the Birds, Bears & Belugas tour or other available tours.
2. Canadian canoeing in Nahanni Canyon
Canoeing means fully immersing yourself in nature and becoming one with the water. We recommend going on a guided tour when canoeing Nahanni Canyon; however, this is a commitment. You will end up to 14 days in nature, camping and paddling through remote wilderness.
Best Time to visit: June to September
Where to start: Many expeditions start at Fort Simpson, Northwest Territories. You can fly there from Yellowknife or drive up from Edmonton, which will take you approximately 18 hours.
Prices:
8-Day Flatwater Canoeing: This tour is perfect for beginners and takes you along stunning landscapes to Virginia Falls. You will start and end the tour with a stunning flight over the mountains and canyons of the area. The price of about $7000 includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as the canoe equipment and the flights to and from the river. Find out more here.
Two-Week Whitewater Adventure: This adventure is perfect for intermediary paddlers and people who are comfortable around whitewater. This 350k trip along the river will take you 13 days and costs about $8500, which again includes three meals a day and transport from and to Fort Simpson. Find out more here.
3. Bungee Jumping in Ottawa
Are you fancying an adrenalin-filled adventure? Head to the small town of Chelsea, just outside of Ottawa, and jump from the highest platform in Canada. Great Canadian Bungee has been in operation for 31 years now and are pros at what they do.
Prices:
Bungee Jumping: The first jump of the day will set you back around $150; additional jumps on the same day are around $75.
Packages: You can also book combo deals, including a bungee jump, rafting, and/or a stay at B&B close by. Prices here start at around $300.
4. Whale Watching in Vancouver
Western Canada’s coastlines, especially Vancouver Isla, are perfect for Whale Watching. Several companies offer tours ranging from 1 hour to 5 hours.
Prices
You can always choose whether you want to head out to sea on a regular boat or on a more adventurous zodiac-style boat. The latter is a little more expensive, and you might get wet, but you’ll definitely have an up-close experience with the whales.
Vancouver Whale Watch: This company offers a tour on a more sheltered zodiac and an open-sea experience on a small zodiac with a small intimate group. Tours run from April to September and start from $155. Tours usually take 3-5 hours, depending on where the whales are.
Prince of Whales: A tour on the sheltered catamaran starts at $149 (per person) and will take around 3 or more hours. If you want to ride on the zodiac, it will take 3-3.5 hours and cost you around $139. Tours usually run from April to September/October. You can find more info here.
5. Skiing in Whistler
Every Canada Travel Guide will include a trip to Whistler, and going here is worth it. Even if you hate skiing. You can hike the area in summer and enjoy stunning vistas and beautiful landscapes. In Winter, the small town is almost overrun with ski tourists. Day Passes for Ski Resorts will cost around $360 for adults and $180 for kids.
Are you ready for your next adventure?
Travel to Canada and North America with JoinMyTrip and discover the great outdoors on this beautiful continent.
The best 2-Week Itinerary for Canada
If you don’t know how to start planning your Canada Adventure, look no further! In your ultimate Canada Travel Guide, we have gathered the best itinerary for your next trip here!
Day 1-2: Calgary
Start your journey in Calgary; it is just north of the US-American border and the largest metropolitan area in Alberta. Pick up your rental car on the second day when leaving the city.
What to do in Calgary
- Calgary Zoo
Calgary Zoo can easily be reached by train and has a wonderful selection of animals, such as pandas and meerkats. - Heritage Park
This historical park will give a better understanding of the life of people in Colonial times. Actors will act out small bits of local history. The park includes a small museum, a historic village, and a lot of beautiful nature. - Calgary Tower
This almost 200m tall observation tower offers beautiful and unique city views. It also features a revolving restaurant. - Glenbow Museum
The Glenbow museum offers a selection of West Canadian historical artifacts as well as national artists.
Day 2-4: Banff Nationalpark
Pick up your rental car on the second day and head west to Banff Nationalpark. The drive will take you about 1,5 hours and features beautiful views along the way. You will have to pay an admission fee to enter the park. Adults cost about $11, and camping has to be paid separately. Here’s a more detailed price overview.
What to do in Banff Nationalpark
- Hike more than 1.600 km of beautiful trails
Here’s a more detailed view of all those beautiful trails and what to remember when hiking the park. - Ditch the car
Park your car at the visitor center and take one of the shuttles taking you to locations and on tours around the national park. Find more info here. - Do what makes you happy.
There’s something to do for everyone at Banff Nationalpark. Whether you like spending time at a lodge enjoying some quiet time or would like to go hiking, horseback riding, or kayaking – Banff has something for you! You can find an overview here.
Day 4-6: Jasper Nationalpark
Jasper Nationalpark is the second-largest Dark Sky Reserve in the world! This is the place if you’ve ever wanted to go star gazing. You should definitely take the car here to get around and discover nature. The same fees apply to Jasper Nationalpark as to Banff Nationalpark. You can find a detailed overview here.
What to do in Jasper Nationalpark
- Star Gazing
The Dark Sky Reserve is definitely worth enjoying. Grab your camping gear and head to a campground to enjoy a fantastic view of the stars and our universe. - Wildlife Watching
Depending on which season you’ll be traveling here, there are different animals just roaming around the park, such as deer, bears, and mountain lions. If you see animals, do not feed them human food and stay in your car. For more information, please consult the national park service website. - Hiking & Exploring
This is a given for every national park anywhere in the world. Pick one of the many trails according to what you’re comfortable with, and head out to see some vistas.
Day 6-7: Sun Peaks
After spending so much time in nature, you’re slowly heading back to civilization. From Jasper, you’re going to drive for 450km (roughly 4-5h) to Sun Peaks in British Colombia. This small mountain town is famous for skiing and its resorts. Outside of winter, you can hike and explore the area, golf, or take mountain bikes through the woods.
Day 7-11: Vancouver
We just can’t write a Canada Travel Guide without mentioning the beautiful city of Vancouver. From Sun Peaks, it will take you about 5 hours to reach the city center of Vancouver. The city has something to offer for everyone so you can spend your days here without worrying about what to do.
What to do in Vancouver
- Stanley Park
A beautiful park right on the water with beautiful views to enjoy while walking. - Whale Watching
This is a must-do in Canada. Scroll up a little, and you’ll find our tips and tricks for the perfect Whale Watching tour. - Museums, Museums, Museums
You will find plenty of museums in Vancouver- Vancouver Art Gallery
- Museum of Anthropology
- Science World
- Museum of Vancouver
- Van Dusen Botanical Garden
This beautiful garden features some extraordinary plants and a beautiful lake. - Richmond Night Market
This market runs on weekends during the summer months and is a collection of street food and local vendors.
Day 11-14: Victoria
Victoria is the capital of British Columbia and can be found in the south of Vancouver Island. Heading here means heading into nature and getting close up with the great outdoors yet again. If you want to explore British Colombia a little more, check out the Must Visit Spots in British Columbia.
What to do in Victoria
- Museums (again)
You can visit several informative and interesting museums when heading out to Victoria. Here’s a selection- Royal BC Museum
- Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
- Miniature World
- Maritime Museum of British Colombia
- National Toy Museum of Canada
- Fishermen’s Wharf Park
- Discover Nature on Vancouver Island
You can discover the whole island just by hiking or from the water with a boat. We recommend heading out to Tofino for some eerie moods and maybe some surfing.
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