Things to do in Canada

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All about Canada

When to visit

Canada shines in all seasons, so you can time your visit to your interests. The country wakes in spring as bears emerge from hibernation and cherry blossom festivals begin. Summer offers days of hiking and camping, while lobster festivals bring visitors to the eastern provinces. In fall, the forests of Banff glow golden as the larch leaves change, and it’s the perfect time to sip wine and cider in the Okanagan. The winter is the time for skiing, skating, and visiting Quebec’s famous winter carnival.

Getting around

Canada is a large country, and it’s difficult to see everything without much time. While it’s easy to drive or take a bus between major cities, consider flying if traveling from coast to coast, as it takes several weeks to drive across the country. If you plan on exploring several different regions, renting a car allows you to travel at your own pace.

Traveler tips

Canada is the territory of more than 50 distinct Indigenous nations, and learning about their ways of life and culture is vital to gaining a deeper understanding of the country. Places such as the Klahoose Wilderness Resort in the remote Desolation Sound offer wildlife tours accompanied by a cultural interpreter, while Quebec is home to spots including La Traite Restaurant and Restaurant Sagamité, where the menu is full of local ingredients and dishes informed by regional Indigenous cuisine.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Canada known for?

Canada is known for its welcoming culture and natural landscapes. With environments that range from rainforests to prairies, there’s something new down every road. The one consistency is the Canadian warmth you’ll experience everywhere you go.

What is the number 1 tourist attraction in Canada?

Niagara Falls is Canada’s most popular tourist stop. It attracts millions of visitors yearly and can be reached in an hour from Toronto. To get the best views, zipline by the falls, take a cruise on the river, or walk behind the falls (something only doable on the Canadian side).

What should you not miss in Canada?

No matter where you go in Canada, pause to learn about the land you’re visiting. Places such as Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler and Huron Traditional Site in Wendake, Quebec, teach about the culture of the Indigenous people who call the land home and make for a deeper experience.

What activities are popular in Canada?

Canada is nearly synonymous with hockey, so whether you make it to a pick-up game on an outdoor rink or the Stanley Cup playoffs, you’ll be taking part in one of Canada’s favorite pastimes. If a fight breaks out on the ice—don’t worry! That’s part of the fun.

What places should you visit in Canada?

Visit Toronto and Vancouver for multicultural urbanity, Whistler for winter sports and mountain scenery, and St. John’s for a warm welcome to eastern Canada. Make time for the great outdoors at Banff National Park or Prince Edward Island National Park.

What are things you can only do in Canada?

Whether you drink a Sour Toe cocktail in Dawson, Yukon, or opt for bagged milk in Ontario—Canada offers plenty of unique experiences. Snorkel with salmon in Campbell River, watch the skies dance with aurora borealis, and see a hockey game on an outdoor rink to get the full Canadian experience.

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