Banff National Park
Turquoise glacial lakes, glaciers and rugged peaks at the heart of the Canadian Rockies, one of the most spectacular and most visited national parks in North America.
Canada
From the snow-capped peaks of the Rockies to the lively streets of Montreal and Toronto, Canada combines spectacular nature with human-scale cities, across a territory so vast that each province offers a radically different travel experience.
Why visit Canada?
Canada offers a striking contrast between wild nature and cosmopolitan cities, across a territory stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific and into the Arctic. Glacial lakes, boreal forests and national parks sit alongside dynamic metropolises blending English and French-speaking influences.
What to discover in Canada?
The Canadian Rockies, around Banff and Jasper, rank among the most photographed mountain landscapes in the world, with turquoise lakes, glaciers and hiking trails suited to every level. The west coast, around Vancouver and Vancouver Island, adds lush temperate rainforests and a coastline ideal for spotting marine wildlife, from whales to bears, especially during the warmer summer months.
In the east, Montreal and Quebec City offer a distinctly different atmosphere, shaped by a French-speaking heritage visible in the architecture, food and cultural life, while Toronto embodies the multicultural energy of major North American metropolises. Between these urban hubs, the Great Lakes and Niagara Falls round out an itinerary that can follow the scenic routes of the Maritimes or head north to watch the northern lights, making Canada a destination where road trips and city breaks combine naturally, depending on the season, the region chosen and the overall pace of travel preferred.
Cities to visit in Canada
Featured destinations appear first.
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Canada in pictures
Highlights
A few essentials to help plan your discovery of Canada.
Old Quebec
The only fortified historic center in North America north of Mexico, listed as a World Heritage Site, with cobblestone streets and French-inspired architecture.
City of Toronto
A dynamic multicultural metropolis, with trendy neighborhoods, an international food scene and an iconic view from the CN Tower over Lake Ontario.
Niagara Falls
Impressive waterfalls on the American border, easily accessible and offering boat excursions that bring visitors close to the falling water.
Vancouver coastline
Mountains, ocean and temperate rainforests meet around Vancouver, ideal for combining hiking, kayaking and whale watching in a single trip.
Northern lights
In Yukon or the Northwest Territories, clear winter nights offer an impressive natural spectacle, accessible through specifically organized stays for visitors.
Practical information
- Capital
- Ottawa
- Area
- About 9,985,000 km²
- Population
- Over 40 million people
- Languages
- English and French (official)
- Currency
- Canadian Dollar (CAD)
- Time zone
- From UTC-8 to UTC-3:30 depending on the region
- Climate
- Continental, cold winters and mild to warm summers
- Best season
- May to September for most regions
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Canada?
Summer, from June to September, remains the most comfortable period to explore most regions, while fall offers spectacular colors and winter is suited to snow activities and watching the northern lights.
Do you need a visa to travel to Canada?
Many visitors must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before boarding for a short tourist stay, subject to eligibility based on nationality and a valid passport presented at the border.
How do you get between major Canadian cities?
Flying allows you to quickly connect major metropolises separated by long distances, while train or rental car are better suited to exploring a given region at your own pace, particularly in the eastern part of the country.
Is Canada suited to a road trip?
Yes, the scenic routes through the Rockies, the Maritimes or the Saint Lawrence valley are particularly well suited to a road trip, though sometimes significant distances should be expected between stops.
Which national parks are best for a first visit?
Banff and Jasper, in the Rockies, remain the most accessible and most representative of Canada's mountain landscapes, with well-developed tourist infrastructure welcoming visitors year-round in every single season of the year.
Is Canada bilingual everywhere?
French is mostly spoken in Quebec and parts of the east, while English dominates throughout the rest of the country, even though both languages remain official at the federal level.
Plan your trip to Canada
Day-by-day itinerary, budget, bookings and packing in a single app.
