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    Canada

    Travel Guide Canada

    Canada stretches from the Pacific to the Atlantic: Here you'll find the peaks of the Rocky Mountains, vast lake regions, rugged coastlines, and cosmopolitan cities like Vancouver and Montreal.

    by Felix Gillen

    Contents

    • Why go
    • Highlights
    • Explore regions
    • Round trips
    • Local food
    • Good to know
    • Best time to visit
    • Video reports
    • Travel advice

    Why Go To Canada?

    Canada, the second-largest country, boasts landscapes from the Rockies' glaciers and turquoise lakes, vast forests and prairies, to Newfoundland's fjords. En route, you'll encounter bears, moose, and whales, paddle secluded lakes, and drive panoramic roads like the Icefields Parkway. In between lie cosmopolitan cities like Vancouver, Toronto, and Francophone Montréal, where immigrants worldwide shape the cityscape.

    Where in Canada?

    Pick a region. The highlights, road trips and places below follow your choice.

    Vancouver
    Highlight 1 of 8

    Vancouver

    Vancouver is nestled between the Coast Mountains and the Pacific, making it Canada's third-largest metropolitan area.

    Vancouver, a metropolis on Canada's West Coast, captivates with its unique blend of urban flair and pristine nature. The city offers direct access to outdoor activities like hiking in Stanley Park or skiing in the nearby North Shore Mountains.

    Discover
    Vancouver Island
    Highlight 2 of 8

    Vancouver Island

    Vancouver Island, about 460 km long, is the largest island on North America's Pacific coast.

    Vancouver Island in Canada offers unique nature and rich culture. Here you'll discover ancient temperate rainforests, dramatic coastal landscapes, and diverse wildlife; whale watching is a highlight.

    Discover
    Banff National Park
    Highlight 3 of 8

    Banff National Park

    Founded in 1885, Banff National Park is Canada's oldest national park and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Rocky Mountain Parks.

    Discover
    Jasper National Park
    Highlight 4 of 8

    Jasper National Park

    Jasper National Park, covering approximately 11,000 km², is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

    Discover
    Toronto
    Highlight 5 of 8

    Toronto

    Toronto, on the northern shore of Lake Ontario, is Canada's largest city and the capital of Ontario province.

    Discover
    Niagara Falls (city)
    Highlight 6 of 8

    Niagara Falls (city)

    The city of Niagara Falls in Canada is inextricably linked to its world-famous waterfalls, which attract millions of visitors annually.

    Discover
    Montreal
    Highlight 7 of 8

    Montreal

    Montreal lies on an island in the St. Lawrence River and is Canada's second-largest city.

    Montreal, Canada's second-largest city, blends European charm with North American dynamism.

    Discover
    Québec City
    Highlight 8 of 8

    Québec City

    Québec City, founded in 1608 by Samuel de Champlain, is the capital of the province of Québec and one of the oldest cities in North America. Its walled old town above the St. Lawrence River is a UNESCO World Heritage site; French is the everyday language here.

    Discover

    More highlights in Canada

    Unique experiences that make Canada unforgettable.

    Bay of Fundy

    Bay of Fundy

    The Bay of Fundy between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia has the world's highest tides: The water rises and falls by up to 16 meters, twice daily. At the Hopewell Rocks, you can walk across the ocean floor between the rock formations at low tide, and in summer, fin, humpback, and minke whales come to the bay to feed.
    Cape Breton

    Cape Breton

    Cape Breton Island forms the northeastern part of Nova Scotia. Here you'll find the Cabot Trail, one of Canada's most famous coastal roads, the Bras d'Or saltwater lake, and a vibrant Gaelic and Acadian music tradition.
    Newfoundland and Labrador

    Newfoundland and Labrador

    Newfoundland and Labrador is Canada's easternmost province. In early summer, icebergs drift off the coast, Gros Morne National Park features fjords and the barren Tablelands, and L'Anse aux Meadows is home to North America's only confirmed Viking settlement. The capital, St. John's, is known for its colourful wooden houses.

    How to plan your trip to Canada

    From the guide to the road: here is what comes next.

    1. 1
      Sunrise over alpine peaks and a sea of clouds
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      Round trip

      12 days · 4 stops

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      Pick a ready-made one or save places and plan your own.

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    2. 2

      Trip to Canada

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      • 1Vancouver3 days
      • 2Vancouver Island4 days
      • 3Banff National Park5 days
      Budget

      Plan your trip

      The planner sorts stops, days and budget. Plan together in real time.

      Go to My Trips
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      Download the guide to your phone and use it on site, even offline.

    Regions to Discover

    Explore the diverse regions of Canada.

    Cape Breton

    Cape Breton

    Cape Breton Island forms the northeastern part of Nova Scotia. Here you'll find the Cabot Trail, one of Canada's most famous coastal roads, the Bras d'Or saltwater lake, and a vibrant Gaelic and Acadian music tradition.
    Vancouver Island

    Vancouver Island

    Vancouver Island, about 460 km long, is the largest island on North America's Pacific coast. In the south lies the provincial capital Victoria; on the wild west coast are Tofino and the Pacific Rim National Park; in the north, fjords, rainforest, and some of the best areas for whale and bear watching in Canada.
    Bay of Fundy

    Bay of Fundy

    The Bay of Fundy between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia has the world's highest tides: The water rises and falls by up to 16 meters, twice daily. At the Hopewell Rocks, you can walk across the ocean floor between the rock formations at low tide, and in summer, fin, humpback, and minke whales come to the bay to feed.
    Charlevoix

    Charlevoix

    The Charlevoix region in Québec is a breathtaking natural wonder, known for its dramatic landscapes shaped by an ancient meteorite impact, and as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Along the majestic St. Lawrence River, it offers a unique blend of picturesque coastal towns, impressive fjords, and a vibrant arts and culinary scene.
    Gaspésie Peninsula

    Gaspésie Peninsula

    The Gaspésie Peninsula in the province of Québec is an unforgettable travel destination that captivates with its rugged beauty, dramatic coastal landscapes, and rich maritime culture. From majestic mountains to charming fishing villages, this region offers a unique blend of nature experiences and authentic Québec charm.
    The Canadian Rockies

    The Canadian Rockies

    The Canadian Rockies are a majestic mountain range known for their breathtaking alpine scenery, turquoise lakes, and abundant wildlife. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, they offer unforgettable experiences for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, from spectacular hikes to picturesque scenic drives.
    Montreal

    Montreal

    Montreal lies on an island in the St. Lawrence River and is Canada's second-largest city. French is the everyday language; the old town Vieux-Montréal, the local mountain Mont Royal and districts like the Plateau shape the cityscape, plus bagels, smoked meat, and a packed festival calendar.
    Muskoka Region

    Muskoka Region

    Discover the breathtaking Muskoka Region, Canada's legendary Cottage Country, where pristine lakes, dense forests, and charming towns combine to create an unparalleled natural experience. Here you'll find the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and scenic beauty that will immediately captivate you.
    Newfoundland and Labrador

    Newfoundland and Labrador

    Newfoundland and Labrador is Canada's easternmost province. In early summer, icebergs drift off the coast, Gros Morne National Park features fjords and the barren Tablelands, and L'Anse aux Meadows is home to North America's only confirmed Viking settlement. The capital, St. John's, is known for its colourful wooden houses.
    Niagara Region

    Niagara Region

    The Niagara Region in Canada is an iconic travel destination that enchants with its majestic waterfalls, picturesque vineyards, and charming historic towns. Here, breathtaking natural wonders meet first-class indulgence and deeply rooted history, attracting visitors from all over the world.
    Okanagan Valley

    Okanagan Valley

    The Okanagan Valley in British Columbia is Canada's sun-drenched oasis, renowned for its world-class wines, idyllic lakes, and an abundance of outdoor adventures. From lush vineyards to pristine beaches, this region offers a perfect blend of indulgence and natural experience.
    Prince Edward Island

    Prince Edward Island

    Prince Edward Island, in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, is Canada's smallest province, linked to New Brunswick by the 12.9-kilometer Confederation Bridge. Red sandstone cliffs, long beaches, lobsters, and mussels define the island, as does Green Gables in Cavendish, the inspiration for Lucy Maud Montgomery's novel "Anne of Green Gables."
    Vancouver

    Vancouver

    Vancouver is nestled between the Coast Mountains and the Pacific, making it Canada's third-largest metropolitan area. Stanley Park, city beaches, and the North Shore mountains are just a few kilometers from downtown, making hiking, kayaking, and winter skiing part of everyday life. The city's cuisine is strongly influenced by its Asian immigrant population.
    Yukon Territory

    Yukon Territory

    Welcome to the Yukon Territory, a fascinating land where Canada's untouched wilderness meets a rich Gold Rush history, and the spectacular Northern Lights paint the sky in magical colours. Here you can immerse yourself in a world full of adventure, from majestic mountain landscapes and icy glaciers to vibrant rivers and a unique Indigenous culture that will immediately captivate you.

    Recommended Itineraries

    Discover the best routes through Canada.

    Western Canada Classic Road Trip

    Western Canada Classic Road Trip

    From Vancouver, the ferry transports you to Vancouver Island, allowing six nights for its rainforests and Pacific coast. Back on the mainland, the Sea-to-Sky Highway takes you from Horseshoe Bay to Whistler. Afterwards, the journey continues via Kamloops inland to Jasper – around eight and a half hours, which you might want to split with an overnight stop. Via the Icefields Parkway, you'll reach Banff, and from there it's about an hour and a half to Calgary Airport.

    19 Days
    Stops at a glance
    1. 1.Vancouver
    2. 2.Vancouver Island
    3. 3.Whistler
    4. 4.Jasper
    5. 5.Banff
    View Route Details →
    Rocky Mountains Intensive

    Rocky Mountains Intensive

    From Calgary, it's ~90 minutes to Banff, with four nights for hiking Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Then the Icefields Parkway passes the Columbia Icefield to Jasper. On the 230+ km Parkway, only Saskatchewan River Crossing has a gas station.

    12 Days
    4 stops
    Vancouver Island & Coast

    Vancouver Island & Coast

    From Vancouver, take the Tsawwassen ferry to Swartz Bay near Victoria. Next, cross the island to the west coast for Ucluelet and Tofino; the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, featuring Long Beach and the Rainforest Trail, is between both towns, about 20 minutes away. Finally, drive to the east coast to Campbell River. The Victoria to Ucluelet drive takes four to five hours.

    20 Days
    5 stops
    Canada East Coast Roadtrip

    Canada East Coast Roadtrip

    The route begins in Halifax and leads to Peggy's Cove lighthouse, then to New Brunswick into Fundy National Park, featuring tidal ranges of over ten meters. Via the Confederation Bridge, it continues to Prince Edward Island, and by ferry from Wood Islands, returns to Nova Scotia, culminating in the Cabot Trail on Cape Breton. The longest leg, from Peggy's Cove to Fundy National Park, takes approximately four hours.

    16 Days
    5 stops
    Québec & Nature Park Route

    Québec & Nature Park Route

    From Montréal, we head to La Mauricie National Park, with lakes and canoe routes, then to Québec City, with its walled old town. Further northeast, you'll find the hills and villages of Charlevoix along the St. Lawrence River and the Saguenay Fjord near Tadoussac, where whales can be seen from June to October. No leg of the trip lasts longer than three hours.

    18 Days
    5 stops
    Yukon & Alaska Highway

    Yukon & Alaska Highway

    From Whitehorse, you drive for just under two hours on the Alaska Highway to Haines Junction, on the edge of Kluane National Park. After that, the route takes you via Whitehorse and the Klondike Highway for about eight hours to Dawson City, the gold rush town on the Yukon. Gas stations are rare, so refuel at every opportunity.

    10 Days
    3 stops

    What you eat in Canada

    Poutine

    Poutine

    Fries with cheese curds and gravy

    French fries, fresh cheese curds that squeak slightly when chewed, and hot brown gravy: This dish originated in rural Québec in the 1950s and is now widespread throughout the country. You can get it at snack bars as well as in variations with Pulled Pork, Foie gras, or lobster.
    Butter Tart

    Butter Tart

    Pastries with butter-sugar filling

    A small shortcrust tartlet with a filling of butter, sugar, syrup, and egg that bakes up semi-solid. The inclusion of raisins or pecans is debated. Butter Tarts are widespread in Ontario, where bakeries form entire "Butter Tart Trails".
    Tire on the Snow

    Tire on the Snow

    Maple Taffy on Snow

    Hot, boiled-down maple syrup is poured onto snow, where it hardens into a chewy mass and is rolled up with a wooden stick. This is a tradition in Québec’s sugar shacks (Cabanes à sucre), which invite guests to hearty meals during the syrup harvest in March and April.
    Nanaimo Bar

    Nanaimo Bar

    Layered bar without baking

    Named after Nanaimo on Vancouver Island: a cookie crumb, coconut, and cocoa base, then a vanilla-pudding buttercream layer, topped with chocolate. These very sweet bars are found in cafés and bakeries nationwide.
    Montreal Smoked Meat Sandwich

    Montreal Smoked Meat Sandwich

    Smoked Beef, Served on Rye Bread

    Cured, seasoned, and smoked beef brisket, thinly sliced and piled high on rye bread with mustard. This sandwich traces its origins to Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe and is as integral to Montreal as the bagel; it's classically served with fries, a pickle, and a cherry soda.
    Bannock

    Bannock

    Flatbread

    A simple bread made from flour, baking powder, fat, and water, baked, pan-fried, or cooked on a stick over a fire. Scottish fur traders brought the recipe, and it became a staple food in many First Nations and Métis communities. Today you can find it in Indigenous restaurants and at Powwows, often with jam or as an "Indian Taco".

    Good to Know

    Essential info for your trip planning.

    Land & People

    A Country of Continental ProportionsCanada stretches approximately 5,500 kilometers from the Atlantic to the Pacific…

    History & Society

    Indigenous RootsLong before the arrival of Europeans, numerous Indigenous peoples with their own languages, trade…

    Food & Drink

    Canada's cuisine is as regional as the country itself: seafood on the coasts, French-influenced dishes in Québec, beef…

    Practical Info

    Entry RequirementsWith a German, Austrian, or Swiss passport, you do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to six…

    Getting Around

    The biggest challenge when planning is the distances: From Vancouver to Toronto it's around 4,400 kilometers by road,…

    RV Travel

    Canada by RVCanada is one of the quintessential RV destinations: wide roads, numerous well-equipped campgrounds, and…

    Traveling with Kids

    Canada as a Family Travel DestinationCanada is well-suited for family travel: The infrastructure is geared towards…

    Best Time to Visit

    When is the best time for your trip?

    June
    July
    August
    September
    15–22°C·75–90 mm(moderate rain)
    Die Monate Juni bis September bieten das wärmste Wetter und die längsten Tage, ideal für Outdoor-Aktivitäten, Städtetrips und die Erkundung der Nationalparks. Insbesondere September ist oft noch angenehm mild mit wunderschönem Herbstlaub und tendenziell weniger Touristen.
    Kanada ist das zweitgrößte Land der Welt und weist entsprechend vielfältige Klimazonen auf. Die hier angegebenen Durchschnittswerte sind eine starke Verallgemeinerung und beziehen sich primär auf die südlicheren, stärker besiedelten Regionen. Regionale Unterschiede sind immens und sollten bei der Reiseplanung unbedingt berücksichtigt werden:Westküste (British Columbia): Hier herrscht ein maritimes Klima mit milden, feuchten Wintern und trockeneren, kühleren Sommern, besonders in Küstennähe (z.B. Vancouver). Regen ist hier häufiger als Schnee.Prärieregionen (Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba): Charakteristisch ist ein extremes Kontinentalklima mit sehr kalten, trockenen Wintern und warmen bis heißen, oft gewittrigen Sommern. Temperaturschwankungen können hier extrem sein.Zentral- und Ostkanada (Ontario, Quebec): Diese Regionen erleben ein feuchtes Kontinentalklima mit kalten, schneereichen Wintern und warmen, oft schwülen Sommern. Die Herbstmonate sind bekannt für ihr spektakuläres Laubfärben.Atlantikprovinzen (Maritimes): Das Klima ist stark vom Atlantik beeinflusst, was zu milderen, aber schneereichen Wintern und kühleren Sommern führt. Nebel ist hier, besonders an der Küste, häufig.Nordkanada (Territorien): Diese subarktischen und arktischen Zonen sind von extrem langen, bitterkalten Wintern und sehr kurzen, kühlen Sommern geprägt. Permafrost ist weit verbreitet und die Anzahl der Sonnenstunden variiert dramatisch zwischen Sommer und Winter.Reisende sollten sich immer auf die spezifischen Wetterbedingungen ihrer Zielregion vorbereiten. Im Winter sind robuste Winterkleidung und das Wissen um Schneeverhältnisse unerlässlich, während im Sommer in vielen Outdoor-Gebieten Mücken eine Rolle spielen können.

    Seasons

    Jan
    Feb
    Mar
    Apr
    May
    Jun
    Jul
    Aug
    Sep
    Oct
    Nov
    Dec
    Hauptsaison (Sommer)
    Übergangszeit (Frühling & Herbst)
    Nebensaison (Winter)
    Best Time to Visit
    ▶Show detailed monthly data
    MonthTemp (°C)Rain (mm)Sun (h)
    January-14.0702.5
    February-12.0603.5
    March-4.0654.5
    April6.0756.5
    May13.0807.5
    June19.0858.5
    July22.0759.5
    August20.0858.5
    September15.0906.5
    October7.0854.5
    November0.0803.0
    December-9.0752.0

    Video reports from Canada

    Get inspired by authentic travel tales.

    Canada - The return of the Blackfoot

    This video highlights the return of bison to the traditional lands of the Blackfoot Confederacy in Alberta, Canada.

    Travel advice

    Safety, entry requirements and health: the official, up-to-date advice for Canada is published by the UK government on GOV.UK.

    Go to GOV.UK

    Sources & method

    • Photos: Wikimedia Commons, Unsplash, Pexels. Each photo carries its credit.
    • Video reportages: Canada - The return of the Blackfoot
    • The content is based on web research from public, traceable sources. How the content is made · The role of AI
    Felix at Kuirau Park in Rotorua, New Zealand

    Who's behind Fernweh?

    Hi, I'm Felix.

    I love to travel, and I love planning even more. Fernweh.guide is my attempt at building a really good online travel guide.

    About Fernweh

    All places in Canada

    • Baie-Saint-Paul
    • Banff
    • Banff National Park
    • Bay of Fundy
    • Bracebridge
    • Calgary
    • Campbell River
    • Cape Breton
    • Charlevoix
    • Charlottetown
    • Dawson City
    • Fundy NP
    • Gaspésie Peninsula
    • Gastown
    • Granville Island
    • Gravenhurst
    • Haines Junction
    • Halifax
    • Hopewell Rocks, New Brunswick
    • Huntsville
    • Icefields Parkway
    • Jasper
    • Jasper National Park
    • Kelowna
    • Kitsilano Beach
    • Kluane National Park and Reserve
    • Kootenay National Park
    • La Malbaie
    • Mauricie NP
    • Montreal
    • Muskoka Region
    • Naramata
    • Newfoundland and Labrador
    • Niagara Falls (city)
    • Niagara Region
    • Niagara Wine Route
    • Niagara-on-the-Lake
    • Nordküste (Green Gables Shore)
    • Okanagan Valley
    • Osoyoos
    • Ostküste (Points East Coastal Drive)
    • Ottawa
    • Pacific Rim
    • Peggy’s Cove
    • Penticton
    • Percé
    • Port Carling
    • Prince Edward Island
    • Québec City
    • Revelstoke
    • Saguenay Fjord
    • St. Catharines
    • St. John's
    • The Canadian Rockies
    • Tofino
    • Toronto
    • Ucluelet
    • Vancouver
    • Vancouver Island
    • Vernon
    • Victoria
    • Vieux-Montréal (Old Montreal)
    • Welland Canal
    • Whistler
    • Whitehorse
    • Yaletown
    • Yoho National Park
    • Yukon Territory

    More about Canada

    • Best Time to Visit Canada
    • Canada with Kids
    • Canada by RV