Canada Travel Guide

About Canada

Canada is a country in North America (and my home country–woo!). It is the second largest country in the world and touches three oceans: Pacific, Arctic, and Atlantic.

Canada is broken into ten provinces and three territories spanning over 9,000 KMs. It is home to a wide diversity of scenery, wildlife, and even its peoples (it’s one of the most multicultural countries in the world!).

Canada At A Glance

• Official Name: Canada
• Capital: Ottawa
• Largest City: Toronto
• Official Languages: English and French
• Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD)
• Population: 38.93 million
• Visa-Free Entry: Many nationalities can visit for up to 6 months. Check requirements.
• Getting There: Canada is served by numerous major airports with international connections.
• Getting Around: Canada has a well-developed transportation network, including bus routes that span the entire country, extensive railways, public transport in most cities (buses, subways, metros, light rapid transit (varies by city)), taxis, and car rentals.
• Best Time to Visit: This depends on your interests, as Canada experiences significant temperature variations between seasons and regions. Spring and autumn offer milder temperatures in many areas. Summers can be warm, and winters can be very cold with snow in many parts of the country. Be aware of potential wildfires during certain times of the year, and consult provincial and territorial resources for current conditions.

Must See & Do

Canada is a huge country, so it’s best to pick a province you want to visit, and plan from there. It takes days to cross the entire country by land (and that’s driving straight). I’ve listed each province/territory below, with what they offer at a high level, and links to more in-depth provincial guides (as applicable), informed by my own travels to them.

• Alberta: Famous for the spectacular Rocky Mountains, glacial blue lakes, and world-class national parks like Banff and Jasper, Alberta is a paradise for outdoor adventure and wildlife viewing.
• British Columbia: Known for its majestic coastal rainforests, the dramatic peaks of the Rockies, vibrant multicultural cities like Vancouver, Vancouver Island, and access to Pacific Ocean adventures.
• Manitoba: Home to the “Polar Bear Capital of the World” in Churchill, Manitoba offers incredible wildlife experiences, northern lights viewing, and vast prairie landscapes.
• New Brunswick: Boasting the world’s highest tides at the Bay of Fundy, scenic coastlines, whale watching, and charming historic towns, New Brunswick is perfect for nature lovers and seafood enthusiasts.
• Newfoundland and Labrador: Renowned for its rugged Atlantic coastline, iceberg and whale watching, colourful fishing villages, and Viking history at L’Anse aux Meadows.
• Northwest Territories: A land of pristine wilderness, the Northwest Territories are famed for the aurora borealis, dramatic waterfalls like Virginia Falls, Indigenous culture, and remote adventures in Nahanni National Park.
• Nova Scotia: Celebrated for its picturesque lighthouses, dramatic coastal drives like the Cabot Trail, rich maritime history, and some of Canada’s best seafood.
• Nunavut: Canada’s newest and most remote territory, Nunavut offers unparalleled Arctic landscapes, Inuit culture, polar bears, and opportunities to experience the midnight sun and northern lights.
• Ontario: Home to vibrant cities like Toronto and Ottawa, iconic Niagara Falls, and vast wilderness parks, Ontario is a blend of urban excitement and natural wonder.
• Prince Edward Island: Famed for its literary heritage (Anne of Green Gables), red sand beaches, rolling farmland, and fresh seafood, PEI is Canada’s storybook island.
• Quebec: Rich in French-Canadian culture, Quebec features historic cities like Montreal and Quebec City, stunning Laurentian mountains, and world-class culinary experiences.
• Saskatchewan: Known for its endless prairies, unique Athabasca Sand Dunes, and big-sky sunsets, Saskatchewan is a haven for stargazing and outdoor adventure.
• Yukon: Steeped in Gold Rush history, the Yukon is a gateway to wild northern landscapes, dog sledding, and some of the best northern lights viewing on earth.