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Canada is a wild and beautiful country. Whether you are into nature, adrenaline-filled activities, or nightlife, it offers unforgettable experiences. The appeal of Canada tourism is built around many factors, such as unique natural phenomena like the Northern Lights in the Northern Territories and the Niagara Falls in Ontario.
There are plenty of destinations to explore, like historic sites, national parks, and shopping centers. In this guide, we’ll give you real-time insight based on the current weather patterns, tips, and tricks to plan your trip to Canada.
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Canada Tourism: A Step-by-Step Guide
The best time to visit Canada is in fall, from September to mid-October, when the weather is neither hot nor cold. You can enjoy the colors of the autumn foliage with a comfortable breeze and some rain, especially for trips to British Columbia or Alberta.
That said, if you prefer forests, national parks, or a trip to the Rocky Mountains, then early May to mid-September offers milder weather and great views at higher elevations. If you are adamant about avoiding the rain, the inland areas of British Columbia, especially the Okanagan Valley and some parts of the Prairies, can be excellent destinations.
Summer in Canada, from June to September, is the warmest season, with July being the hottest month. Winter activities are best done from December to March, although temperatures and snowfall vary between provinces.
The Canada tourism guide below takes a closer look at each option so you can plan your trip.
Best time to visit Canada
Canada is massive, with different weather patterns in each province and territory. The destination you choose depends on the type of vacation you want. Most tourists visit the country for adventure travel, summer vacation, and winter sports.
Weather
The best time to visit Canada for adventure travel is in mid-May to mid-September. This mild weather works well if you want to see some wildlife, explore national parks, see natural wonders like Niagara Falls, or go hiking across the Rocky Mountains.
For those who prefer to swim, snorkel, or dive, late June to late August would be the ideal time. The weather is very warm with plenty of sunshine, which is perfect for boating and summer sports. July is the hottest month and often humid, with average temperatures reaching well over 20 °C (68 °F) in cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa.
Winter is pretty festive in Canada, with January and February being the best months for skiing and exploring. But the weather can be very cold with heavy snowfall, especially for trips to the west side of the Rocky Mountains.
Peak season and events
Summer from July to August is the peak season for tourism in Canada. There are plenty of events around the country during this time, most happening in popular tourist destinations and major Canadian cities. Discover Canada’s top seasonal attractions below.
Calgary Stampede: This ten-day western-style event is held every July in Calgary, Alberta. It features one of the world’s biggest rodeos, concerts, marching bands, and parades.
Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival: This event offers live music, street performances, beer gardens, and excellent food. It is one of the longest-running theatre festivals in the region.
Ottawa Bluesfest: This outdoor music festival takes place every July in downtown Ottawa, Ontario. As one of the world’s most significant international music events, it gathers huge crowds across multiple stages with wide range of on-site activities and vendors.
Toronto Fringe Festival: This charitable organization plans dozens of theatre festivals across downtown Toronto. There are days of dramas, comedy, musicals, and improv, attracting travelers worldwide.
Vancouver Folk Music Festival: Every July, many visitors head down to Jericho Beach for traditional folk and roots music. This event attracts generations of community members, friends, and families, including artists from the USA, Korea, India, and Mexico.
Read our Canada Immigration Guide
Best Canada Tourism Places
Natural wonders, historic sites, coastal regions, and major cities like Toronto or Vancouver are the most sought-after attractions and destinations in Canada.
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is North America’s largest waterfall by volume, famous for its natural beauty and hydroelectric power. They are the most popular attractions offering unforgettable experiences with plenty of things to do for tourists and residents.
The Canadian Rockies
The Canadian Rockies are an iconic mountain range spanning across Alberta and British Columbia. The different colored lakes, like Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Peyto Lake, and Emerald Lake, make the mountains one of the most sought-after tourist destinations.
In winter, the mountains, the valleys, and deep canyons are covered in snow, while in spring and summer, you can enjoy a trip canoeing, kayaking, mountaineering, and rock climbing.
Old Quebec
Old Quebec has a rich history, many historic sites, and popular tourist destinations in the province of Quebec. This district is famous for its cobblestone streets and old buildings. Outside Quebec City, there is stunning nature and popular attractions such as Forillon National Park.
Vancouver
Vancouver is an excellent opportunity for those seeking to experience British Columbia tourism right along the coast. This city remains in the spotlight as one of the most well-known destinations for its rich nightlife, restaurants, arts, and film scene. Vancouver has plenty of things to do, plus stunning nature, and it is a major business destination for those interested in Canadian immigration.
Canada Travel Requirements
To enter Canada for tourism purposes, most visitors need a visa, a valid passport, or a travel document. Depending on your nationality, you might need a Visitor Visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if you arrive by air. United States citizens are exempt from this rule and only need a valid passport to enter Canada.
Visa requirements
The government of Canada often requires a Visitor Visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Visa-exempt travelers from countries like Denmark, Greece, the United Kingdom, and Germany don’t need a visa, but must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if they enter the country by land or sea for a holiday. There are different programs for Canadian visas; however, US citizens don’t need an eTA or a visa for Canada tourism for short-term stays.
Don't know how to get a visa? Check out our Canada Visas Ultimate Guide
Where to stay in Canada?
In Canada, there are different accommodations for tourists and visitors to choose from. In major cities like Toronto or Vancouver, you can find hotels on a budget, including luxury settings, hostels, and apartments offering unforgettable experiences.
Areas around the coast, like Nova Scotia and Vancouver Island, have unique coastal lodges and “ready-to-camp” options, like cabins for rent, tipis, and yurts. Many foreigners also choose to live in Canada for its natural attractions, business opportunities, investment potential, and start-up ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions About Canada Tourism
What is the #1 tourist attraction in Canada?
Niagara Falls is the number one destination for both domestic and foreign travelers. Data shows the region has around 14 million visitors every year, with the busiest seasons in June, July, and August.
Is Canada worth visiting for tourists?
Yes, Canada is the perfect country to visit, especially if you want to enjoy the beautiful nature, try different tourist programs, and explore the coast. There are many places to discover, like Cape Breton, Vancouver Island, Jasper National Park, etc.
Is it okay to travel to Canada right now?
Yes, Canada is extremely safe for visitors of all nationalities. You can visit with family, friends, or to do business and still enjoy your stay. The government of Canada has set strict gun control policies to ensure the safety of its citizens and tourists.
Where do tourists generally go in Canada?
There are plenty of places to visit in Canada, but British Columbia is usually the most packed province due to the Pacific Coast, mountain ranges, and nature areas like Glacier National Park. This province has a rich history, which makes it a great destination for Canada travel.
What is the nicest part of Canada to visit?
New Brunswick is a beautiful province with large, unspoiled nature, beautiful forests, and sandy beaches. It is the biggest of Canada’s three maritime provinces and has plenty of options for accommodations.
What are the visa requirements for tourists visiting Canada?
Tourists often need a visitor visa or a valid travel document, depending on where they come from. For example, if you come from a visa-exempt country, like the United Kingdom, Belgium, or Germany, you need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Travelers from visa-required countries must apply for a visitor visa. But if you are a US citizen, you don’t need a visa or an eTA to visit Canada.
How many tourists visit Canada each year?
About 25,200,000 visitors from other countries entered Canada in 2023 from January to November, recent data shows. That’s 83.4 percent of the total visitors from the same period in 2019 before the pandemic. According to the government of Canada, Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, and Alberta were the most popular provinces.
What historic sites to visit in Canada?
Canada has 1,004 historic sites, some of which include the Halifax Citadel in Nova Scotia, the Forks in Manitoba, and Ehdaa National Historic Site in the Northwest Territories. These destinations offer a unique experience with a beautiful landscape.
What national parks in Canada are best for tourists?
There are plenty to choose from, but the most popular include Banff National Park, Cape Breton Highlands, and Jasper National Park. They are equipped with outdoor activities, like skiing, camping, and hiking.
What are natural wonders to visit in Canada?
Besides the Niagara Falls, other iconic things to see are the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) in the northern regions, like the Yukon (Whitehorse) or the Northwest Territories (Yellowknife). The Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick offers the highest tides and unique rock formations.
What travel documents do I need to go to Canada?
In most cases, you will need a valid passport to plan your trip to Canada. But, depending on your nationality, the government of Canada may request an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a visitor visa if you come from a visa-required country. US citizens are exempt from this rule and only need a passport to cross the border and discover Canada’s top destinations.
What is a destination Canada you must visit on a budget?
Camping near Moraine Lake in Banff National Park can be an affordable destination Canada. Staying at a campground can keep the costs down, especially when travelling across western Canada. You can look into bus tours or take local train routes to plan your trip.
How does the government of Canada improve tourism?
The government of Canada significantly invests in tourism assets, recreation, and the great outdoors. The country hosts local events across provinces, creating a perfect avenue for boosting tourist rates. In many cities, towns, and villages, the maple leaf is on the national flag as a symbol of the government of Canada.
