Discover Tailor-Made Canada Vacations

“A common misconception about Canada is that it’s always cold,” says Destination Specialist Aylin Esin. “While winters can be harsh in many areas, summers are often warm and sunny in most areas.” 

June to August is Canada’s peak tourism season, with long, sun-drenched days perfect for exploring both cities and national parks. Hike alpine trails in Whistler, gather around a campfire under the Midnight Sun in the Yukon, or join the celebrations at iconic festivals like the Calgary Stampede and the Montreal Jazz Festival.

In September and October, autumn sweeps the country in gold, orange, and crimson. Ontario and Quebec boast some of the world’s most dazzling foliage, drawing both photographers and casual leaf-peepers. Crisp air and clear skies make it ideal for scenic drives, cycling, and harvest-season tastings at vineyards and farms.

From November to March, Canada transforms into a snowy wonderland. Carve through fresh Rockies powder, skate across frozen lakes, marvel at the Northern Lights, and snowshoe through hushed forests. Christmas markets and winter festivals bring a festive warmth to frosty days.

Spring, brief but spectacular, arrives in April and May. Wildflowers carpet Alberta’s valleys, bears emerge with their cubs, and whales return to coastal waters, making it a prime season for wildlife viewing.

With so much to experience year-round, each month offers its own unforgettable reasons to visit. Read our full guide to the best time to visit Canada, and let us help you choose the perfect season for your Canadian adventure.

Festivals and celebrations mark each season, from Ottawa’s Winterlude festivities in February to the Toronto International Film Festival in September to the Jasper Dark Sky Festival in October. Sporting events—hockey, football, lacrosse, basketball, rodeo, and more—are also a major part of Canadian culture and add another layer of excitement to any visit. 

Our full guide to Canada’s culture and traditions details the country’s identity in depth. Whether attending a hockey game, or learning about the country’s First Nations traditions, you’ll find endless ways to experience Canada’s vibrant culture.

Think lobster rolls from Nova Scotia, poutine (French fries, cheese curds, and gravy) and maple syrup from Quebec, and bannock (Indigenous fry-bread) from the Northwest Territories. 

A journey through Canadian food begins with its best-loved icons. Poutine, born in 1950s Québec, is a glorious plate of golden fries, cheese curds and rich brown gravy, a true symbol of culinary indulgence. The province also lays claim to tourtière, a spiced meat pie as warming as a Québecois winter. In Alberta, steak is the star, while bison, elk and venison bring a taste of Canada’s wilderness to the table. By the sea, lobster, snow crab, and oysters showcase Atlantic waters, while maple syrup—produced in abundance—sweetens everything from breakfasts to desserts. Traditional treats such as butter tarts and layered nanaimo bars are perfect ways to end a meal.

Dining etiquette follows familiar Western customs: meals are often shared, bills commonly split, and tipping averages 15–20 percent. Canadians are relaxed but polite at the table, and mealtimes span from early evening until late night in larger cities. Dietary needs are generally well accommodated, particularly in urban centres where vegan, halal, and gluten-free options are widely available.

Drinks are equally diverse, from crisp wines of the Okanagan and Niagara to craft beers from over a thousand microbreweries. A classic Canadian cocktail, the Caesar—spiced, savoury, and vodka-based—is a must-try. Eating out can be more costly than in other destinations, with mid-range dinners averaging $30–40 per person, but street food, food trucks and international eateries offer plenty of affordable flavour.

The first step on any Canadian adventure: pack smart. Destination Specialist Tom Murray suggests bringing layers, as the weather can change quickly and temperatures vary dramatically between regions, even if you’re visiting in the summer. Comfortable walking shoes with good traction are also key for navigating both city streets and wilderness trails.

While English is spoken coast to coast, French is predominant in Québec and parts of Eastern Canada. Most visitors need only a valid passport to enter, though some nationalities also require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). The Canadian dollar (CAD) is the official currency, but cards are accepted almost everywhere. 

Canadians are famously polite and welcoming to visitors—especially when you meet them with the same courtesy. It’s standard to tip servers, drivers, and guides 15 to 20 percent. 

Nature is one of the country’s biggest draws, so don’t be surprised if your travels include a wildlife sighting or two. To keep experiences safe, never feed wild animals and always maintain proper distance (100 meters for predators like bears and wolves; 30 meters for other large animals such as elk or moose; and 200 to 400 meters for marine wildlife like orcas).

Because Canada is so large, distances between destinations can be vast. A tailor-made itinerary ensures you make the most of your time, whether you’re flying between provinces or exploring one region in depth. Read more about Things to Know about Canada for practical tips and advice ahead of your trip.