Planning a Canada Tour

The Best Way to Visit Canada

Canada offers some of the most dramatic landscapes, vibrant cities, and unique wildlife encounters you’ll find anywhere in the world. From the snow-capped Rockies to the buzz of Vancouver, the charm of Québec to the rugged coastlines of the Atlantic provinces, the options are endless. This can make deciding where to begin both exciting and a little overwhelming! I've been putting together in depth trips to Canada for some time, and along the way, I’ve picked up plenty of tips for creating the perfect trip. Read more below to see how to get started on your Canadian adventure!

When to Go

Seasonality in Canada varies widely—from coastal rainforests to Arctic tundra—so timing can shape your entire trip. Here’s a rough guide:

• Spring: An ideal time to visit cities like Vancouver, Toronto, and Montréal, with warming temperatures and fewer crowds. Mountain regions may still retain snow at higher elevations, and early spring can feel wintry in areas such as the Rockies and Newfoundland. This is also a fantastic season for wildlife, with baby animals emerging, migratory birds returning, and bears coming out of hibernation. April marks the start of the Rocky Mountaineer train season, making it a brilliant time to enjoy shoulder-season prices while witnessing the transition from winter to spring. Many lower-elevation lakes will have thawed, while higher-altitude landscapes may still feature snow-capped peaks—perfect for picturesque scenery.

• Summer: Canada truly comes alive in summer. Warm temperatures, long daylight hours—especially in northern regions—and accessible hiking trails make this the peak season for outdoor adventures. It’s an ideal time for hiking, kayaking, whale watching, and exploring national parks such as Banff, Jasper, and Cape Breton Highlands. Salmon runs in British Columbia and the Yukon from July to September are spectacular for bear viewing, adding another unforgettable wildlife experience. Keep in mind that this is also the busiest season, with higher prices and popular parks seeing larger crowds.

• Autumn: This time of year in Canada is simply magical. Fall colours blaze across Québec, Ontario, and Atlantic Canada, painting landscapes in vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold. Wildlife is active, and September and October are prime months to see grizzly bears fishing on salmon runs in British Columbia and Alberta—an incredible opportunity at a bear lodge. Autumn is also perfect for spotting moose and other wildlife, while the northern skies begin to light up with the Northern Lights in Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut (visible from September through April).

• Winter: Canada transforms into a snowy wonderland, perfect for skiing and other snow-based activities. World-class ski resorts such as Whistler, Banff, Lake Louise, and Mont-Tremblant draw winter sports enthusiasts, while cities like Québec City take on a charming, storybook quality under a blanket of snow. Winter is also an excellent time to spot wolves, lynx, and polar bears, and to enjoy unique experiences such as dog sledding, snowmobiling, and northern lights tours in the country’s northern regions. Whale migrations can still be observed in certain areas, such as Newfoundland and Labrador, where humpback, minke, and other whales are present from June through September.

How to get around

Travelling by Car

Canada is built for road trips—big landscapes, quiet highways, and endless viewpoints. Whether you're winding along the Sea-to-Sky Highway in British Columbia, exploring Nova Scotia’s Cabot Trail, or driving between mountain lakes in Alberta, a car gives you freedom and scenery at every turn.

Travelling by Train

Canada’s rail network isn’t as extensive as Europe’s, but it offers some of the most scenic journeys in the world.

• The Rocky Mountaineer: The Rocky Mountaineer connects Vancouver to Jasper, Lake Louise, and Banff via an overnight in Kamloops. The luxury, daylight-only rail journeys through Alberta and BC at a slow pace. It is ideal for travellers wanting comfort, views, and gourmet food. A truly once in a lifetime journey.
• Via Rail:Canada’s public rail connects the rest of Canada. There are options for a classic cross-country route through forests, prairies, and the Rockies. Note that these longer journeys can often be overnight so I would recommend a private cabin onboard. The Québec to Windsor Corridor is the most connected region, linking Québec City, Montréal, Ottawa, Toronto and beyond—fast, easy city-to-city travel.

Travelling by Plane

Domestic flights help with Canada’s size. Many trips combine cities with remote wilderness or coastal destinations. You can easily pair places like Vancouver + the Rockies, Toronto + Niagara, Montréal + Québec City, or fly up to the Yukon for northern lights.

Travelling by Boat

Much of Canada’s west coast is dotted with small islands, making ferries the most convenient and scenic way to explore the region. Both the east and west coasts offer fantastic boat trips, with excellent opportunities for whale and wildlife watching. If you’re planning a longer journey, you could consider a scenic Great Lakes cruise—or, for something truly adventurous, an expedition-style voyage through the legendary Northwest Passage.

Where to Stay

Canada has a wide mix of accommodation options, and including variety can really enhance the experience.

• Boutique city hotels: Great in Montréal, Vancouver, Toronto, and Halifax—central, stylish, and walkable.
• Charming B&Bs: Perfect in Québec, the Maritimes, and rural Ontario for warm hospitality and homemade breakfasts.
• National & Provincial Park Lodges: Often simple but located inside Canada’s most spectacular landscapes—wake up by lakes, mountains, and forests.
• Bear Lodges: From floating lodges to cosy cabins in the woods, Canada’s wilderness retreats offer some of the country’s best opportunities for unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Must-Do Things in Canada

• Visit at least one National Park—Canada has many, and a lot are very accessible. 
• Take a scenic drive to make the journey itself part of your experience! Icefields Parkway, Sea-to-Sky Highway and Cabot Trail are some of the iconic drives you should consider.
• Eat local specialties—poutine, Nova Scotia seafood, maple treats, prairie beef, smoked Montréal meat. Food gives a real insight into the local culture. 
• Experience a signature wildlife moment. Canada is home to some amazing wildlife including whales, bears (brown, black and polar!) and moose. 
• Visit an iconic city sight - feel the spray from Niagara Falls, drink a coffee in Old Québec, or cycle Stanley Park. 
• See a live event such as ice hockey or live music, or time your trip to fit in with the popular Calgary Stampede for a taste of the rodeo. 
• Make sure to add a few unique experiences along the way. Ice walks, Indigenous cultural tours, canoeing, glacier walks, remote wilderness lodges to name a few!

The Great Outdoors

Canada is a paradise for nature lovers, offering incredible wildlife and some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world. Here are some tips to make sure you see the best of the natural environment whilst on your trip:

• Pick the best time of year to travel based on what you would like to see. Different seasons bring with it different wildlife, scenery, weather and activity opportunities. For example, Salmon runs in BC and Yukon (July–September) are spectacular for bear viewing, while whale migrations can be observed on the west coast (May–October) and in Newfoundland and Labrador (June–September). Fall foliage in Quebec, Ontario, and Atlantic Canada (September–October) paints the landscapes in vibrant colours, and the Northern Lights illuminate the skies of Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut from September to April. Read more about this on our ‘when to go’ guide.

• Experience the wilderness first hand. There are countless ways to explore Canada, depending on ability, length of stay and interests. Immersing yourself with the natural environment is the best way to truly appreciate how magnificent Canada is. From guided wildlife tours, boat trips, kayaking, helicopter tours, and even stepping foot onto a glacier, there are many ways to experience the outdoors.

• Don’t miss out on a chance to visit a bear lodge! Viewing platforms, guided hikes and small boat tours with local experts create a safe way to observe these beautiful animals in their natural environment.

•  Always check for access restrictions in advance. For the protection of both visitors and the environment, some of Canada’s most scenic destinations—like Moraine Lake—restrict car access. In these cases, pre-booking a shuttle or guided tour is essential to ensure you can visit.

• When planning a trip, it’s essential to keep safety in mind. Always maintain a safe distance from wildlife, follow park guidelines for encounters with bears or moose. Guided tours are recommended if you’re unfamiliar with the terrain or animal behaviour. Stick to designated paths to protect both yourself and the environment, carry plenty of water, wear sturdy footwear, and bring layers for changing weather.

Top Tips whilst you are in Canada

• Distances are large—don’t try to see everything in one trip!

• Book early for summer, especially for the Rockies, Rocky Mountaineer and bear lodges.

• Pack for changing weather, even in summer.

• Wildlife viewing is best in early morning or evening.

• Embrace the outdoors—Canada’s beauty is the experience!

With the right planning and a spirit of adventure, your trip to Canada will be nothing short of extraordinary. Make sure to embrace the landscape, local people, the wildlife, and the wide-open spaces to fully experience Canada's beauty.