Canada Travel Guide

Canada is the second largest country in the whole world. As such, it offers a variety of attractions and environments for visitors to explore, ranging from natural to man-made and from ancient to modern.

The immense diversity of Canada makes it an appealing destination for different kinds of travellers, whether you want to get lost in an ancient settlement, enjoy cosmopolitan city vibes or relax in a scenic location. It’s a great spot for backpacking and camping in forests, beside lakes and amongst mountains, but also has plenty of urban destinations with their own cultural attractions.

Canada is undoubtedly a destination that has it all, but it tends to be overlooked as a backpacking destination because of its proximity to America, and also because there isn’t a huge range of options for travelling across the country by public transport. In this up-to-date travel guide, we’re here to show you why Canada needs to be added to your backpacking bucket list and share some inspiration for what you should see and do when you’re exploring the Great White North.

In a country as huge and diverse as Canada, it can take time to choose where to visit. You’ve got vibrant cities, natural parks, beaches and rich cultural hotspots to choose from.

Here are our top recommendations for where to go in Canada on a backpacking trip.

Vancouver

One of the most popular travel destinations in Canada is Vancouver, a beautiful city perched on a coastal peninsula in the southwest of the country. The city itself is a bustling urban hub of food and culture, but the surrounding scenery features mountains, forests and the ocean which provides a stunning contrast to the modern buildings and developed neighbourhoods.

Vancouver is often referenced as one of the best places to live in the world, with a laid-back atmosphere, friendly local community and a brilliant range of attractions. It’s a great place to visit as a backpacker as the city is very easy to navigate without a car and is generally very safe, which is ideal for solo travellers.

All of Canada is a fantastic place to travel if you enjoy spending time outdoors, but Vancouver is a particularly great location for activities like hiking, boat trips, cycling and even snorkelling and scuba diving. Places like Stanley Park, various beaches, Grouse Mountain, the Vancouver Seawall walkway and even nearby Whistler are all popular places for getting out and about.

Niagra Falls

One of the most impressive attractions in Canada is Niagara Falls, which you’ll find in a city of the same name close to Toronto. The Falls are viewable all year round and are an unforgettable sightseeing experience whether you admire them from a viewing platform or try something more exciting like a boat trip, a ride in the SkyWheel, or even a helicopter tour.

Niagra Falls the city is a fun place to visit, but the falls themselves are the undoubtable main attraction. Year after year, visitors crowd here to witness this marvellous natural wonder, consisting of three huge waterfalls on the border between Canada and the USA.

Visiting Niagara Falls during the day offers the best views, but during the summer and the city’s Winter Light Festival, you can catch an impressive fireworks display over the water which offers another stunning perspective. The area around the Falls can sometimes feel a bit touristy and will be very busy in the summer months, but the impressive scale and splendour of the waterfalls themselves are still just as impressive.

The Maritimes

The Maritimes is a region of Canada on the east coast consisting of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. If you’re looking for a destination that takes you off the beaten path and reveals a more rugged side of the country, the villages and landscapes in this area will do the trick.

New Brunswick is the gateway to the Maritimes and is dominated by thick forests along with sheltered beaches. Many travellers choose to travel straight through to get to the other provinces, but New Brunswick was once an incredibly popular tourist destination and still holds plenty of charm. A highlight is the Bay of Fundy, which sees the highest tides in the world every day.

Nova Scotia is perhaps the best-known location in this Canadian region, attached to mainland Canada by only a small bit of land that gives it the feeling of an island. It’s got a long history of fishing and the port in the capital, Halifax, is still a very busy hub, as well as being home to five universities. Visit Nova Scotia for sweeping views and excellent seafood.

Prince Edward Island is a 139-mile-long island that was historically the home of many farming communities, and has since become a bit of a hotspot for fantastic culinary experiences. The windswept scenery is beautiful and stark, the beaches are very popular in the summer, and opportunities to experience local culture are plentiful.

Banff National Park

Canada is home to plenty of national parks, but Banff stands out because it was the first to be established in the country. This area is ripe for adventures such as hiking, skiing and walking and is a great location for backpackers who want to give camping in the wilderness a try.

Banff National Park is a breathtaking part of the country that is truly not to miss. It lies in the province of Alberta and boasts some of Canada’s most beautiful scenery, so whether you’re visiting in the height of summer, when the leaves are turning in autumn, or in the snowy depths of winter, you’ll be met with incredible views.

The trails and scenery in Banff are enough to keep you busy for several days when you visit, but another highlight is the park’s natural hot springs. The Banff Upper Hot Springs are the highest hot springs in the country and provide views of Cascade Mountain and Mount Rundle as you sit and soak in the water, which is a great way to finish a long hike.

To get to Banff National Park, the cheapest option is to take the On-It Transit bus service from Calgary, which is the closest city. There are also shuttle buses around the park, helping you explore the whole area without having to hire a car or walk for miles every day.

Toronto

If you’re looking for a travel destination in Canada that has a metropolitan atmosphere, then Toronto is the ideal city. As one of the most multicultural places in the country, it’s a great spot for backpackers to experience the diversity of people who live and visit Canada.

Toronto is a city that you should endeavour to include on your itinerary no matter your interests, as there’s a lot to see and do around the city. It sprouts majestically along the banks of Lake Ontario with its most recognisable feature the CN Tower, offering stunning 360 views of the city from the top.

If you’re visiting Canada in the summer, Toronto is home to ten lovely beaches around Lake Ontario. With options ranging from beaches perfect for watersports to Lake Ontario’s nude beach, there’s lots of space to relax by the water, stroll along the boardwalk or have lunch at a beachfront restaurant.

Toronto is also known as a bit of a foodie hotspot in Canada, with a fantastically varied selection of restaurants. The city is best explored on foot, so plan an itinerary or join a walking tour and then refuel along the way to sample the culinary offering from local establishments.

Montreal

Montreal is yet another of Canada’s unmissable destinations, famous for its impeccable colonial buildings, fine shopping and excellent dining, as well as being the French-speaking capital. If you’re looking for somewhere to slow down, eat well and discover more about Canada’s varied culture, this is the place to do just that.

There’s a wealth of history and culture to be discovered in Montreal, as the city itself is actually older than the country of Canada. This is evident in many of the neighbourhoods where you’ll find a wide range of historic architecture, but there’s also the city’s jazz scene to be enjoyed and the famous blend of Canadian and French cuisine.

Other places of interest to visit in Montreal include Ottawa Parliament Hill, the St John Signal historic site and Old Quebec. In the summer, Parc Jean-Drapeau is a great place to explore, whilst the Montreal Biodome offers a similar experience of wildlife but is perfect all year round thanks to its enclosed nature.

Canada is the second largest country in the world, so if you want to explore multiple destinations then you need to be prepared to dedicate time to travelling. Whilst there aren’t extensive cross-country options for exploring the country, it’s by no means impossible if you’re willing to spend a day or two sitting on a train or bus.

One of the best and most flexible ways to travel around Canada is by car, especially as the country is so well-connected with highways and routes that are perfect for a road trip. However, if you’re backpacking in Canada then hiring a car might not be the most budget-friendly option and you’ll need to utilise public transport systems instead.

Within the larger cities and between towns there are usually very good systems of public transport using buses, trains and trams to get people around. These aren’t hugely expensive to use, especially if you buy a day or week-long pass.

It’s travelling between cities and across the country which can be difficult, especially if you’ve got limited funds. Flying between cities is the fastest option and is great if you’re trying to see a lot of Canada in a short time, but definitely isn’t the most cost-effective approach.

Train travel in Canada is famous for providing some of the most scenic railway routes in the world and can be an unforgettable way to see as much of the country as possible as you travel through it. This is another costly mode of transportation however, with ticket prices comparable to flights, but does offer incredible views of the passing landscape en route.

Shuttle buses between Canadian cities are the most budget-friendly option for backpacking in Canada, with a handful of different providers connecting almost all of the country’s most popular destinations. It’s not fast, but if you book your tickets in advance it’s a great way to see more of the country without making too much of a dent in your holiday fund!

If you’re keen on seeing Canada’s island provinces then there are ferry services around the coast that will get you to offshore locations and offer wonderful views whilst you do it. If you’re keen on travelling as sustainably as possible, cycling around areas of Canada is a wonderful way to properly admire the country’s scenery  

Canada is definitely an outdoors destination, whether you want to enjoy the country’s sightseeing opportunities in the towns and cities or venture further into the national parks. Whatever is on your itinerary, knowing the best time to visit Canada is essential for planning your trip.

The Best Time to Visit Canada for Good Weather

Summer is undoubtedly the best time to visit Canada for good weather. The months between June and September see plenty of sunshine and dry conditions, which is ideal if you’re hiking, spending time on the beach or just exploring the country’s most popular attractions on foot.

The most popular time to visit Canada is also in the summer, so July and August tend to be particularly busy. If you’re looking for good weather but want to avoid the peak season prices and crowds, consider visiting in late May or early June. 

However, if you want to visit Canada for a skiing holiday then the winter months are the best time of year to enjoy the snow in places like Whistler. December and January are very popular times of year because of the Christmas holidays, but March is often recommended as one of the best times to visit Canada for the best skiing conditions.

The Cheapest Time to Visit Canada

The off-season for tourism in Canada is the cheapest time to visit, when the weather conditions aren’t as suited for spending lots of time outdoors. If you want to enjoy better deals on things like flights and accommodation but would still like to experience some of Canada’s best weather, a trip in the shoulder season during May, September or October is a great idea.

Festivals and Events in Canada

There’s plenty to do in Canada all year round, with a fantastic calendar of cultural events taking place across the provinces. Below are some of the highlights that you should consider attending when you’re visiting the country.

Pacific Rim Whale Festival

The Pacific Rim Whale Festival is held to celebrate the arrival of the Pacific Great Whale species back to Vancouver Island after they have migrated. Usually held in March, it’s a week-long event where whale-watching is obviously the main attraction, but other activities such as a parade, live music, markets, food stalls and educational opportunities to learn more about the species and how they are protected.

The Canadian National Exhibition

One of the most famous annual events that takes place in Canada is The Canadian National Exhibition, which is also referred to as ‘The Ex’. It began its life as an agricultural fair known as ​​the Toronto Industrial Exhibition in the late 1800s and is one of the country’s oldest and largest events.

The Ex is held over the 18 days leading up to Labour Day in Toronto and features a huge range of different attractions and things to do. Expect parades, live music, dance, sports and theatre performances, cultural craft displays and markets, an amusement park, an air show and agricultural exhibits.

Montreal Jazz Festival

The Festival International de Jazz de Montréal is a celebration of jazz music that has been recognised as the largest jazz festival in the world. Held in downtown Montreal in June or July, over the last 40 years it has been attracting some of the biggest names in jazz music and is an unmissable event for music lovers visiting this part of Canada. There are over 100 indoor concerts and even more outdoor music performances, many of which are free, offering everyone the chance to experience an incredible range of music.

Calgary Stampede

The Calgary Stampede is an annual 10-day Western-style event held in July in Calgary, Alberta which features one of the world’s largest rodeos. It’s a very popular outdoor event which also includes agricultural exhibitions, live performances, lots of food stalls and displays of art. It began its life as the city of Calgary’s agricultural fair and is now one of the biggest cultural events of the year that attracts professional cowboys and cowgirls to compete in rodeo events.

Canada Day

Canada Day is celebrated on the 1st of July every year and has been since 1868. It commemorates the day that the British North America Act united the territories of Canada, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick into a single country and was first named ‘Dominion Day’ before being officially changed to ‘Canada Day’ in 1982.

Today, Canada Day is a national holiday in the middle of summer that is celebrated with activities all over the country. Some of the biggest events are held in the capital Ottawa, but there will be celebrations of Canadian culture in cities and towns all over, making this a great day to experience what makes the country unique and special.

Celebration Of Light

The Celebration Of Light is a summer festival held in Vancouver at the end of July that centres around an offshore fireworks competition where three competitors from different countries put on dazzling displays of fireworks. The displays themselves are set off on a barge near English Bay Beach, but the fireworks can be seen from all around the city and offer an incredible show that attracts plenty of visitors.

While you can buy tickets to view the fireworks from specific venues, it’s free to watch them from elsewhere. Although the displays don’t take place until late in the evening when it’s dark, you’ll want to arrive early to get a good spot on one of the beaches and can pass the time enjoying the live music that takes place in the lead-up to the show. 

Winterlude

Winterlude is an annual winter festival held in the Ottawa region over the first three weekends of February. The event was first held in 1979 and organised by the National Capital Commission as a way of celebrating the country’s northern culture, and now is one of the biggest events in the first half of the year that attracts tourists and locals from all over.

Cold weather and the activities that these conditions offer are the focus of the Winterlude festival, with key attractions including ice sculpture displays, ice skating competitions and open rinks, and snow sports. There are also live music performances, food stalls and family-friendly activities organised across Ottawa and in the nearby city of Gatineau as well.

Québec Winter Carnival

Another very popular winter event in Canada is the Québec Winter Carnival, which is usually held towards the end of January or the start of February. The first event in the city was held all the way back in 1894, and whilst it has changed a lot over the years, the Winter Carnival remains a key part of tourism for the city and an exiting moment at the start of the year.

The mascot of the Québec Winter Carnival is a snowman figure known as Bonhomme, who appears at various events throughout the festival. Expect a wide range of activities and attractions around the city, including nighttime parades, a huge ice palace, snow sports, ice sculpture displays and live performances.

Whilst the value of the Canadian dollar is less than the USD, Canada can actually be quite an expensive place to travel around. It’s certainly not a budget destination, but if you’re careful with your spending and make the most of money-saving tips, you can have a holiday without blowing the budget.

If you’re on a backpacking budget, you should expect to spend between $40-70 a day. Travellers who are staying in more high-end accommodations and eating out at restaurants are more likely to spend over $100 each day.

Typical costs when you’re travelling in Canada are:

Type	Accommodation	Food	Transport	Activities	Average Daily Spend
Backpacker	$30	$10	$25	$5	$40 – 70
Mid Range	$90	$27	$32	$16	$100 – $120
Luxury Traveller	$150	$60	$40	$40	$200

Canada is not the most budget-friendly of backpacking destinations, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be smart with your money when you’re visiting the country.

First of all, consider visiting in the off-season or the shoulder season for tourism. You won’t get the hottest and driest weather of the year, but if you time your trip right you can still enjoy great conditions for spending time outdoors and will dodge the crowds that tend to descend on popular national parks and hiking trails in the summer.

Second, make sure that you book your trip, your transport, your accommodation and any activities in advance. This way you should be able to find the best deals and early bird discounts, which makes a big difference when all of your trip costs add up.

Eating out in Canada can be quite expensive, so whilst we recommend trying local food, plan to cook for yourself whilst you’re travelling if you’re trying to save money. Travelling in a group can help to split the cost of food, and booking accommodation with kitchen facilities makes it easy to make your own breakfast, lunch and dinner.

If you’re staying in a city, research whether they have tourist passes available that offer discounts on attractions and inter-city transport. The Toronto CityPASS is a great option, or the Pursuit Pass lets you see the Canadian Rockies for a discounted price.

When exploring a city, you’ll save a lot of money if you travel on foot as much as possible. This is also true if you’re planning a hiking holiday in Canada, as exploring regions via their hiking trails and camping in the wilderness is a great way to save money whilst still seeing a lot, if you’re the outdoorsy type!

When it comes to packing for your holiday to Canada, you’ll want to make sure that you have everything you need for what you’ve got planned. This is especially important if you’re only travelling with a rucksack and/or you’re going to be in the country for a while, as you’ll need to be smart with what you bring and what you can manage without.

Here are our recommendations for what to remember to pack when you’re visiting Canada.

Essentials

• Passport
• A valid form of ID
• Digital or physical copies of booking information
• Digital or physical copies of insurance documents
• Money
• Phone
• Charging equipment
• Reusable water bottle
• Medication
• Basic first aid supplies
• Toiletries
• Towel
• Comfortable shoes
• Waterproof jacket
• Warm jumper or fleece

Summer

• Sunglasses
• Sunhat
• Sun cream
• Swimming costume
• Light, layer-able clothing

Winter 

• Waterproof shoes
• Shell jacket
• Thermal clothing
• Winter hat
• Gloves
• Scarf

Hiking Trip

• Waterproof backpack
• Hiking shoes
• Sleeping bag
• Roll-up mattress
• Hiking poles
• Eating utensils
• Compass
• Torch or headlamp

City Break

• Comfortable trainers
• Daypack
• A small bag for valuables
• Camera

Canada’s culinary offering is pretty multicultural thanks to the wide range of inhabitants that have settled in the country over the decades and contributed to its unique gastronomy. Alongside a collection of American food chains, you’ll find family-run restaurants, authentic eateries and street food stands offering specialities from around the world, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to sample all kinds of dishes during your trip.

Poutine is perhaps the most famous Canadian food, originating in Québec and a classic example of French-Canadian culture. Consisting of fries, gravy and melted cheese curds, it’s a delicious and indulgent hot snack that can be enjoyed in its traditional form or with various other toppings offered by a range of vendors. It’s a great option if you’re looking for street food.

Maple syrup is synonymous with Canada, and should definitely be enjoyed at least once when you visit. Sugar shacks and maple syrup farms are the best places to sample this sweet treat at the source, especially in places like Ontario and Québec. Try it drizzled over pancakes, coating bacon or frozen with fresh snow on a stick.

When you’re on the coast in Canada you’ll see plenty of seafood on the menu, and fish is a staple when you’re visiting towns and cities close to the country’s largest lakes. The Nova Scotia Lobster Trail offers the popular crustacean served in all kinds of ways throughout the year, whilst salmon is a staple ingredient in Canadian food from many different cultures.

When it comes to drinking, a Canadian speciality is ice wine which is made with grapes that are frozen whilst still on the vine. A lot of ice wine is made in Ontario, but it’s served all around the country and is incredibly refreshing on a hot day.

The majority of visitors to Canada require a Visa, depending on your nationality, travel documentation and plans for your trip. Alternatively, you might be required to travel with an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) instead.

You can find out whether you need a Visa or eTA to visit Canada on the Government of Canada’s website.

If you’re travelling on a ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK you won’t need a Visa unless you’re visiting for over 6 months. You’ll need an eTA if you’re arriving in Canada on a plane, but this document is not required if you’re arriving in the country by land or sea. The same is required if you’re travelling to Canada from Australia. 

If you’re a US citizen then you won’t need a Visa to visit Canada unless you’re staying for over 6 months, in which case you’ll need a tourist Visa. All you will need is a valid passport.

If you’re planning a solo backpacking trip to Canada, you’ll be pleased to hear that the country is regularly voted as one of the safest countries in the world. This is based on a number of different factors, taking into consideration things like crime rates, health factors, women’s safety and basic freedoms for all individuals.

Of course, a country being generally safe doesn’t mean that you are completely free from risk whilst you’re travelling. You should be sensible, cautious and trust your instincts wherever you are, especially if you’re travelling on your own. Things like theft or tourist scams can still impact travellers in Canada, especially in the larger cities, even if they’re not as likely as in other parts of the world.

You should also take particular care if you’re hiking, cycling or camping in Canada, as the country’s national parks and protected areas are very large. If you get into trouble when you’re out in the wild it could take a long time for help to reach you, so make sure that you’re sharing your planned locations with other people, keep your phone charged, and carry a first aid kit.