Canada

Best Holiday Destinations in Canada Travel Guide, Vacation Planning Tips & Travel Information of the Best Places to Visit in Canada

Fascinating landscapes, extensive national parks or multicultural and ultra-modern metropolises – Canada is an extraordinarily beautiful country that has the right travel destination for every taste. The area of Canada is more than 20 times larger than Germany. If a visitor only has a few days of vacation available, it will be difficult to discover the full beauty of the country. In order not to miss anything, it makes sense to concentrate on one of the two parts for your Canada travel. On the other hand, the west and the east offer very different sights. If you are looking for extensive and partly untouched nature, you will definitely find it in western Canada. As a mountaineer or a keen winter sports enthusiast, you can pursue your passion in the Rocky Mountains, for example. The largest cities in the west are Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver. If you would like to do a city tour during your Canada holidays, we recommend a stay in the east of the country. There, the majority of Canadians live in big cities like Toronto, Montreal or the federal capital Ottawa. The visitor can expect lively and modern metropolises in which there is a lot to discover. To help you plan and enjoy the best holiday destinations in Canada vacation, we’ve put together the most important Canada travel guide information here.

Facts and figures of holiday destinations in Canada

• Area: 9,984,670 km²
• Population: around 38.93 million (2022)
• National (official) languages: English, French
• Population density: approx. 3.2 inhabitants / km²
• Capital: Ottawa with 775,000 inhabitants and an area of 2780 km²
• Vehicle registration number: CDN
• International dialing code: 001
• Emergency call: police, fire brigade, ambulance 911
• Form of government: federal constitutional monarchy
• Prime Minister: Justin Trudeau (since November 2015)
• Special Holidays: July 1: Canada Day 1st Monday of September: Labor Day November 11: Remembrance Day
• Local currency: Canadian dollar (100 cents)
• Time zones: a total of 6 different zones Difference to Central European Time varies between 4.5 hours (in the far east) and 9 hours (in the far west)
• Changeover to daylight saving time (April to October) in almost all provinces
• Religions: predominantly Roman Catholic or Protestant (c. 80 %)
• Administration of the country: 10 provinces 3 territories

Three Sisters Islands

History of holiday destinations in Canada

• 1867 British North American Act (birth of Canada as a state)
• 1867 – 1873 Term of office of the first Prime Minister Sir John Alexander Macdonald His merit was the unification of distant colonies into one nation
• 1881 – 1885 Construction of a transcontinental connection between Montreal and Vancouver by the railway company “Canadian Pacific Railway”
• 1931 Sovereign state in the “British Commonwealth”
• 1957 Nobel Prize for then Prime Minister Lester Pearson Awarded for his diplomatic efforts in the Suez Crisis
• 1962 Inauguration of the “Trans-Canada-Highway” around 7500 km in length enables a journey from the Pacific to the Atlantic coast
• 1968 – 1979 tenures of Pierre Elliott Trudeau (1919 – 2000)
• 1980 – 1984 one of Canada’s best-known prime ministers Thanks to him, the country is now multicultural and bilingual
• 1982 “Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms” is passed including, among other things, the rights of indigenous people and the right to freedom of expression
• 1997 Completion of the “Confederation Bridge” 13 km long connection between Prince Edward Island and the mainland
• 2004 In memory of Trudeau, Montreal Airport is renamed “Aéroport international Pierre-Elliott-Trudeau de Montréal” (Montréal-Trudeau for short).

Culture, customs and traditions of holiday destinations in Canada

Canadians love their country and sing about it in “O Canada”. The song was designated as the national anthem in 1980. They are also proud of their relatively young history. Numerous historical memorials throughout the country bear witness to this, such as the “Forteresse de Louisbourg” in north-east Nova Scotia and “Fort Walsh” in south-west Saskatchewan. UNESCO World Heritage Sites include L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Park in northern Newfoundland, the Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump in southern Alberta and the village of SGang Gwaay in western British Columbia. Canada has produced a number of internationally renowned musicians. Bryan Adams is from Kingston, Ontario. Quebec is the home of singer Celine Dion. Nelly Furtado was born in Victoria. But there are also remarkable sounds to be heard within the country’s borders. The Toronto and Montréal symphony orchestras should be mentioned here. Canada hosts a lot of interesting writers. The best-known authors include Michael Ondaatje, Margaret Eleanor Atwood and Jane Urquhart. Lovers of good food will definitely get their money’s worth. Although there is no characteristic national dish – but the “food culture” (which should not be missed during a holiday in Canada) benefits from the ethnic diversity of the population.

Discover the holiday destinations in Canada ’s major provinces and territories on your vacation in Canada

Nova Scotia, Canada travel guide for your Canada vacation

Canada’s Nova Scotia peninsula in the Atlantic Ocean is 580 km long and has an area of 55,491 km2. Nova Scotia has a population of around 950,000. The climate is influenced by the location on the Atlantic and the Gulf Stream. The northern part of the province is generally colder than the south. Often there are winters without snow. Around 350,000 people live in the metropolitan area of the capital Halifax. Their well-known landmark is the bizarre-looking “Clock Tower”. A visit to the “Cape Breton Highlands National Park” in the north and the “Kejimkujik National Park” in the center of the province is recommended during a trip to Canada. The “Cabot Trail” – named after explorer John Cabot – is a well-known travel route in the northwest of Cape Breton Island. The picturesque “Lighthouse Route” with around 20 lighthouses runs along the Atlantic coast between Halifax and Yarmouth. Also on this route is the charming fishing village of Peggy’s Cove. The fortress complex with a large museum village “Fortress of Louisbourg” in the northeast offers visitors “living” history with actors. If you are looking for relaxation during your vacation in Canada, you are in the right place in the nature reserve “Victoria Park” in the small town of Truro.

New Brunswick/ Nouveau-Brunswick , Canada travel guide for your Canada vacation

The province is located in eastern Canada on the Atlantic and has an area of 73,500 km2. Three quarters of a million people live here – around 50,000 of them in the capital, Fredericton. A large proportion of the population is French-speaking. The name goes back to the German principality of New Brunswick. Temperatures on the coast are mostly mild. Inland, one finds a more pronounced climate with warm summers and cold winters. The highest point is Mount Carleton at 820 meters. New Brunswick has Fundy National Park to the southeast and Kouchibouguac National Park to the east. All kinds of local produce are available every Saturday at the large Boyce Farmers’ Market in Fredericton. The 13 km long “Confederation Bridge” in the east connects New Brunswick and the province of Prince Edward Island. “Village Historique Acadien” is a historic village near the small town of Caraquet. The “New Brunswick Museum” in Saint John shows interesting facts about the history of the province. The island “Deer Island” off St. Andrews is known for its lobster farming. A visit to the “Magic Mountain Water Park” in Moncton offers fun and variety during a vacation in Canada.

Quebec, Canada travel guide for your Canada vacation

The Canadian province of Quebec has an area of 1,667,926 km2. Most of the approximately 7.6 million people live in the south of the province. The name comes from the language of the Indians and means something like “narrow passage”. The climate is continental with harsh winters and sunny summers. The further north you go, the cooler the temperatures usually get. Around 700,000 people live in the catchment area of the capital, which is also called Quebec. The most populous metropolis is Montréal in the south with over 3.5 million inhabitants. The province offers interesting festivals throughout the year. There is the colorful Tulip Festival in May and the Aborigine Festival in June. A unique experience is driving through the wilderness on a dog sled. A visit to the old prison in the city of Trois Rivières is worthwhile during your vacation in Canada. The former prison now serves as a museum. A special treat is the fast food “Poutine”, which is a must try during a vacation in Canada. This is a mix of french fries, cheese and gravy. A separate chapter can be found under the menu item “Cities” for both Quebec and Montréal.

Ontario, Canada travel guide for your Canada vacation

Canada’s most populous province covers an area of 1,068,580 km2. The climate is continental with sometimes large temperature differences between the north and the south. The name Ontario means “sparkling water” in the Native American language and refers to the numerous lakes and rivers in the province. The majority of the approximately 12 million people live in the south. The capital city of Toronto, with more than four million inhabitants in the catchment area, is also located there. The huge metropolis has a lot to offer. The city’s landmark, the “Canadian National Tower” (CN Tower for short), is considered the tallest free-standing structure in the world. It is worth visiting the country’s largest museum, the “Royal Ontario Museum”. A stay in “Niagara Falls” is recommended for a Canada vacation. The city is located not far from the world-famous Niagara Falls. The “Daredevil Hall of Fame” documents the daring attempts to cross or drive down the falls. Canada’s capital, Ottawa, is in the south-east of the province and is home to around 1.1 million people. Northern Ontario is bordered by Hudson Bay and James Bay. Here large regions are completely uninhabited.

Alberta, Canada travel guide for your Canada vacation

Alberta is one of the three prairie provinces and is located in the west. Around 3.3 million people live here. The province is 661 848 km2 and named after Princess Louise Caroline Alberta. Due to the continental climate, winters are typically long and cold, while summers are mild to muggy. The capital is Edmonton with about 812,201 (2011) inhabitants. However, the largest city is Calgary with around 988,195 (2006) people.
Nature lovers will get their money’s worth in Alberta. The highest mountain is Mount Columbia at 3747 meters. A trip to one of the national parks is recommended. You can choose between Banff National Park and Elk Island National Park in the east, Jasper National Park in the west, Wood Buffalo National Park in the north, and Waterton Lakes National Park. in the south.
You should also bring time to visit the “West Edmonton Mall” during a vacation in Canada. The huge shopping center is in the Guinness Book of Records. The “Rocky Mountaineer” train offers passengers a special experience of nature on its journey through the Rocky Mountains. UNESCO has declared the “Dinosaur Provincial Park” in the south-east as a World Heritage Site. Fort Edmonton Park is Canada’s largest open-air museum.

British Columbia, Canada travel guide for your Canada vacation

This province, with an area of 947 800 km2, is located in the far west on the Pacific coast. The name comes from the approximately 2000 km long river “Columbia River”. More than 3.8 million people live in British Columbia – around 350,000 of them in the capital, Victoria. However, the largest city and Canada’s third largest metropolis is Vancouver.

The weather is diverse. On the coast there are mostly mild temperatures with a lot of precipitation. Further inland there is a partly desert-like climate. The “Fairweather Mountain” is the highest mountain at 4663 meters. A trip to one of the seven national parks as well as to the lakes “Williston Lake”, the “Kootenay Lake” and the “Okanagan Lake” is worthwhile.
There are images of famous people in the wax museum “Royal Canada Wax Museum” in Victoria. “Ninstints” is a village of the Haida Indians and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Fans of the Wild West will get their money’s worth on their Canada vacation at the historical ranch “Hat Creek Ranch” – near the town of Cache Creek. Grouse Mountain is a well-known recreational area near Vancouver. The approximately 440 meter high waterfall “Delta Falls” in “Strathcona Park” on Vancouver Island is impressive.

The Northwest, Canada travel guide for your Canada vacation

The vast territory is located in the north and has an area of 1,171,918 km2. Compared to eastern Canada, only a few people live here. The Northwest Territories used to include the present-day provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, the Yukon Territory, and large areas of Ontario, Manitoba, and Quebec. The last major change came with the creation of the Nunavut Territory on April 1, 1999. At that time, the area was reduced from almost 3.5 million km2 to its current size. The climate varies from harsh to subarctic. 20,000 of the approximately 45,000 inhabitants live in the capital, Yellowknife. Diamonds were found here in the early 1990s. The city has been known as the “Diamond Capital of North America” since 1999. The “Great Bear Lake” (Great Bear Lake) and the “Great Slave Lake” (Great Slave Lake) are ideal for those seeking relaxation who want to vacation in Canada. History buffs should visit the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre. Hikers are spoiled for choice between 27 Territorial Parks. In the “Aurora Village” you can sleep in a heated tipi and experience the fascinating northern lights – also known as “aurora borealis”.

The Yukon, Canada travel guide for your Canada vacation

If you are looking for untouched nature during your Canada vacation, you should travel to the Yukon Territory. The name comes from the Yukon Current. There is a subarctic climate. The territory of northwestern Canada covers an area of 483,450 km2. Around 30,000 people live here. The capital is Whitehorse with over 20,000 inhabitants. Mount Logan in the southwest is Canada’s highest mountain at 6,050 meters. The second largest city is Dawson City with around 2,000 residents. A visit to the “Klondike Museum” and the “Dawson City Museum” brings you interesting facts about gold prospecting. For the particularly tough vacationers in Canada: In a bar there there is a “Sourtoe Cocktail” for hard-boiled people. A pickled human toe is floating in this dubious drink. There are three national parks worth visiting: Ivvavik National Park, Vuntut National Park and Kluane National Park and Reserve. The latter has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. Canoeing enthusiasts can take an approximately two-week trip from Whitehorse to Dawson City. Follow in the footsteps of gold diggers of yesteryear on the Chilcoot Trail, which is not easy to master.

Top places to visit of best holiday destinations in Canada

Listing all the highlights of this enchanting country would go beyond the scope of this article. Therefore, here is a selection of places and events that are particularly worth seeing and that you should not miss during your vacation in Canada. The gigantic “West Edmonton Mall” in the provincial capital of Alberta is in the Guinness Book of Records. A train ride on the “Rocky Mountaineer” through the Rocky Mountains offers a unique experience. The Calgary Stampede, held annually in July, captivates cowboy and rodeo enthusiasts. Wascana Center is a very attractive park in Saskatchewan’s capital, Regina. The “Canadian National Tower” (CN Tower), which at 553 meters is the tallest building in the world, offers a spectacular view of Toronto. The “Canadian Museum of Civilization” in Canada’s capital Ottawa provides comprehensive information about the history of the country. There’s no need to worry about bad weather in Montréal’s huge underground “La Ville Souterraine”. A real magnet for those vacationing in Canada are the gigantic Niagara Falls in southern Ontario on the US-Canada border. The picturesque “Lighthouse Route” with around 20 lighthouses is located on the Atlantic coast of the province of Nova Scotia. On this route between Halifax and Yarmouth is the romantic fishing village “Peggy’s Cove”.

Niagara Falls

Best national parks of holiday destinations in Canada

Are you a nature lover? Then a Canada vacation is just right for you! Numerous national parks invite you to linger in picturesque surroundings. The extensive nature reserves are primarily there to preserve the diverse native flora and fauna. Work is in progress to open up other areas. Almost every park has a “Visitor Center” whose employees can help with information. In many places, only a limited number of visitors are allowed. In order not to experience disappointment, one should arrange longer stays in advance with the competent authority. It is also advisable to inquire about the prohibitions beforehand. Sports that do not endanger nature are usually permitted. It is generally recommended to purify the water before drinking it. The province with the most national parks is British Columbia. The smallest park is south of Ottawa, St. Lawrence Islands National Park, which includes over 20 islands. Many of the current 42 parks have gained notoriety beyond Canada’s borders. UNESCO World Heritage Sites include Banff National Park in Alberta, Wood Buffalo National Park in the Northwest Territories and Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland.

Lake Louise – Banff National Park

Discover the best holiday destinations in Canada ’s major cities on your vacation in Canada

Calgary – one of the best holiday destinations in Canada

The city has around 988,195 (2006) inhabitants and is located in the south of the province of Alberta. The city was the venue for the 1998 Winter Olympics. For sports enthusiasts, a visit to the “Canada Olympic Park” and the “Olympic Hall of Fame” is recommended. Learn about the city’s history at Fort Calgary Historic Park.

A visit to the Devonian Gardens is highly recommended for nature lovers traveling through Canada. The approximately 190 meter high “Calgary Tower” offers a wonderful view. There is a restaurant and bar up there. Nearby is the Glenbow Museum, which deals with the history of the region. The “Aerospace Museum” on the subject of aviation is also interesting. The Calgary Science Center is exciting and informative. This science center also includes a planetarium.

A relaxing atmosphere can be found in Prince’s Island Park. The city has one of the most attractive zoos in the country. There is also a botanical garden and the “Prehistoric Dinosaur Park”, where everything revolves around dinosaurs. The Calgary Stampede takes place annually in July. It is a huge rodeo and cowboy spectacle.

Edmonton – one of the best holiday destinations in Canada

The capital of the province of Alberta has around 840,000 inhabitants. A visit to the “West Edmonton Mall” promises a unique shopping experience. The gigantic shopping center with cinemas, hundreds of shops and the huge indoor pool “World Water Park” is in the Guinness Book of Records.

The “Edmonton Art Gallery” lures with modern Canadian art. The city was also named a “Cultural Capital 2007”. Visiting Edmonton on a Canada vacation is well worth it; Festivals are usually held throughout the year. The Provincial Museum of Alberta provides historical information about the entire province. Plants from different climate zones grow in the buildings of the “Muttart Conservatory”. In the summer months, visitors to Fort Edmonton Park can experience history at their fingertips. A steam train and a tram drive across the site with the lovingly built houses from the pioneer days. The charming district of Old Strathcona is full of cafes and small shops. The Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral and the Ukrainian Canadian Archives & Museum provide an insight into the lives of the Ukrainian settlers who came to Alberta at the time. West of Edmonton is Jasper National Park, which is easily accessible via the Yellowhead Highway.

Halifax – one of the best holiday destinations in Canada

Around 350,000 people live in the capital, located in the east of the province of Nova Scotia. The Clock Tower is a Halifax landmark. A museum worth seeing is the “Maritime Museum of the Atlantic”. There are thousands of seafaring exhibits here. In summer you can also explore the steamship “CSS Acadia” and the convoy ship “HMCS Sackville”. The idyllic “Point Pleasant Park” is located in the very south of the urban peninsula. From there, Canada vacationers have a beautiful view of the harbor. In this park is also the “Prince of Wales Martello Tower”, which was built at the end of the 18th century. One of the best-known historical sites is the 18th-century hilltop citadel, which can be visited from May to October. From the hill on which the facility stands, you have a great view of the city. The Little Dutch Church, founded in 1756, was the first Lutheran church in Canada. Guided tours are only possible by prior arrangement. Places to visit near Halifax include the city of Dartmouth and the picturesque fishing village of Peggy’s Cove.

Montréal – one of the best holiday destinations in Canada

The city of Montreal with over 3.5 million inhabitants is located in the south of the province of Québec. It is the second largest metropolis in Canada after Toronto and the second largest French-speaking city after Paris.

The name comes from the mountain “Mont Royal.” Montreal was the venue of the 1976 Summer Olympics.

The impressive environmental museum “Biodôme” is located near the Olympic Stadium. In any case, a trip to the picturesque botanical gardens is worthwhile during a holiday in Canada. The “Quartier Latin” is a lively student district with many cafes and shops to browse. The “Université McGill” is the oldest university in Canada. “La Ville Souterraine” offers everything your heart desires. In the gigantic underground city, there is no need to worry about bad weather. The neo-Gothic “Basilique Notre-Dame” is worth seeing.

Art-interested vacationers in Canada should buy a “Carte Musées Montréal”. With this ticket you can explore the thirty or so museums. A visit to the “Museum Pointe-à-Callìere” and the “Museum Marguerite-Bourgeoys” brings you interesting facts about the interesting history of the city. There are usually many tourists around the “Place Jacques Cartier” in the old town. On the “Place d’Armes” there is a monument in honor of the city’s founder Paul de Maisonneuve.

Ottawa – one of the best holiday destinations in Canada

The capital of Canada is located in the south-east of the province of Ontario. About 1.1 million people live in the metropolitan area. Anyone vacationing in Canada and interested in photography should pay a visit to the Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography. The “Rideau Center” and the “Sparks Street Mall” are ideal for a shopping spree. The “National Gallery of Canada” is worth seeing. Nepean Point offers a great view of the city. You can get to know the Indian culture better on “Turtle Island”. However, the site is only open during the summer months. The Canadian Museum of Civilization offers interesting facts about the history of Canada. The parliament buildings with the “Peace Tower” leave an imposing impression, which is located in the middle of well-kept green areas. You can only get inside the “Parliament Buildings” with a guided tour. A detour to the “National Museum of Science & Technology” is also worthwhile. If you are interested in aviation, you should stop by the “National Aviation Museum”. All kinds of culinary delicacies are sold in the hall of the “Byward Market”. Well-known music festivals are the “International Jazz Festival” in June and the “International Chamber Music Festival”, which takes place at the end of July.

Quebec City – one of the best holiday destinations in Canada

Around 700,000 people live in the catchment area of the capital of the province of Québec. The charming cosmopolitan city inspires its visitors and vacationers in Canada with many highlights. Picturesque districts such as “Petit Champlain” or “Vieux Port” invite you to take a leisurely stroll. Parts of the city with its idyllic streets have been part of the UNESCO World Heritage since 1985. Québécois know how to enjoy life. The excellent cuisine, the exuberant festival in summer and the popular winter carnival bear witness to this. The remarkable luxury hotel “Château Frontenac” is considered a landmark. A little further south is the magnificent star-shaped citadel with the nearby “Parc Bastion de la Reine”. You should bring time for a stay in the “Galeries de la Capitale”. In addition to numerous shops and restaurants, there is a recommendable IMAX cinema here. Those with a sweet tooth are in the right place at the “Choco-musée Erico”. There they learn about the history of chocolate and the manufacturing process. Art-interested vacationers in Canada should definitely make a detour to the “Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec”. Works of art from the province as well as from abroad are on display. A visit to the “Musée de la Civilization” is also worth seeing.

Toronto – one of the best holiday destinations in Canada

Toronto, Canada’s largest metropolis, is located in the south of the province of Ontario. More than four million people live in the Toronto metropolitan area. There is a wealth of sights to discover in this big city. The city’s landmark, the “Canadian National Tower” (CN Tower for short), is considered the tallest free-standing structure in the world.

A shopping spree in the huge “Eaton Centre” is guaranteed not to be boring. Those interested in culture on vacation in Canada should pay a visit to Canada’s largest museum, the “Royal Ontario Museum”.

The “Art Gallery of Toronto” is also worth seeing. The city zoo is home to more than 5,000 animals. The “Toronto Islands” are accessible by ferry and promise a relaxing stay with their beaches and walking routes. A wide variety of culinary delicacies are served on the “St. Lawrence Market” sold. You should plan enough time for a trip to the “Ontario Place”.

Children in particular will be enthusiastic about the adventure park and its attractions. The city has some picturesque parks to offer, such as the “Toronto Music Garden”, whose structure was influenced by a suite by Johann Sebastian Bach. A visit to the enchanting Todmorden Mills Heritage Museum & Arts Center is well worth a visit.

Vancouver – one of the best holiday destinations in Canada

More than two million people live in the metropolitan area in southwest British Columbia. Vancouver is the third largest city in Canada after Toronto and Montreal.

A visit to one of the three large municipal theaters is definitely worthwhile. The Queen Elizabeth Theater is home to the Opera and the British Columbia Ballet. The city’s symphony orchestra plays in the Orpheum Theatre, which was renovated in the 1970s. Theatrical performances and chamber music evenings await visitors in the “Vancouver Playhouse”. Anyone who likes to go on extensive shopping tours during their vacation in Canada will definitely find what they are looking for on “Robson Street”. There are also great shopping opportunities at the Granville Island Market. Art lovers should visit the “Vancouver Art Gallery”, which is said to be the largest art gallery in Western Canada. When you’ve had enough of the hustle and bustle of the big city, you’re guaranteed to find relaxation in “Stanley Park”. There the beautiful “Seawall Walk” leads along the water for several kilometers. In addition, the huge area is home to many attractions such as the picturesque lake “Lost Lagoon”, a zoo and an aquarium. The other parks are also worth seeing, such as the “Queen Elizabeth Park” with the “Bloedel Floral Conservatory”.

Victoria

The capital of British Columbia is located in the southwest of the province and has around 350,000 inhabitants. Victoria is the birthplace of the well-known singer Nelly Furtado. The distance to the metropolis of Vancouver is about 90 km. You should stop by the “Miniature World”, which inspires with its attention to detail. In any case, a visit to the “Royal British Columbia Museum” is worthwhile. The National Geographic IMAX Theater is also located there. Images of famous people can be admired in the “Royal Canada Wax Museum”. The fascinating “Pacific Undersea Gardens” are also nearby. A stay at the “Children’s Farm” with a petting zoo in “Beacon Hill Park” is particularly suitable for children. The city has a number of churches worth seeing, such as the “Church of Saint John The Divine” and the “Christ Church Cathedral”. The parliament building, which can be visited as part of a guided tour, is impressive. At “Tony’s Old Time Portraits” you can have your picture taken in costumes from a bygone era. About 20 kilometers from Victoria there are the enchanting “Butchart Gardens”, which should not be missed under any circumstances when vacationing in Canada.

Winnipeg

The capital of Manitoba is located in the south of the Prairie Province. About 700,000 people live here. The multicultural city has the right sight for every taste and is therefore a popular destination for many Canadian vacationers. In any case, a visit to the “Manitoba Centennial Center” with its many highlights is worthwhile. Among other things, it is the seat of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. Visitors can also expect a planetarium, the “Manitoba Museum” and the well-known “Theatre Centre”. For those interested in art, a detour to the “Winnipeg Art Gallery” with its exhibits of Inuit art is recommended. If you want to go on a shopping tour, you will definitely find what you are looking for on “Portage Avenue”. The lively center “Portage Place” is also located on this street, which, in addition to a number of shops, also has an IMAX cinema to offer. After a day of shopping you can relax in one of the enchanting parks. The “Assiniboine Park”, which also houses a zoo, is particularly beautiful. You can find out interesting facts about Ukrainian culture in the “Ukrainian Cultural & Educational Centre”. There are a number of interesting museums such as the “Police Museum”, the “Fire Service Museum” or the “Railway Museum”. Children should definitely enjoy a trip to the “Children’s Museum”.

Whitehorse

Whitehorse is the capital of the Yukon Territory. Around 20,000 people live here. The charming small town is located on the banks of the Yukon River and has its own airport. There are a handful of nice museums. Learn about transportation at the Yukon Transportation Museum, which is only open during the summer months. The “Old Log Church Museum” is actually an Anglican church from the year 1900. If you want to know more about the time of the gold rush at the end of the 19th century, you should make a detour to the “McBride Museum”. There you can see tools from that time, among other things. The Yukon Arts Center hosts theatrical performances and concerts from time to time. In the center there is also the “Public Art Gallery” where interesting exhibitions can be seen. About 10 kilometers from the city are the thermal springs “Takhini Hot Springs”. West of Whitehorse is the well-known “Kluane National Park and Reserve”, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is accessible via the Alaska Highway. If you want to go mountaineering during your vacation in Canada: there is also “Mountain Logan” – Canada’s highest mountain at 5959 meters.

Charlottetown

Charlottetown is the capital of the smallest province of Prince Edward Island in eastern Canada. Around 40,000 people live here. A visit to the “Confederation Center of Arts” is worthwhile. It is a center with a museum, memorial and theater. In the lovingly restored villa “Beaconsfield Historic House” from 1877, Canada vacationers can wander through times gone by. Charlottetown is home to Prince Edward Island’s oldest Protestant church, St. Paul’s Anglican Church”. The remarkable “St. Dunstan’s Basilica” dates from the 19th century. The city has several parks to offer, such as “Victoria Park”, “Queen Elizabeth Park” or “Centennial Park”. The “Province House” is often referred to as the “birthplace” of Canada. The place was the scene of the 1864 deliberations on the Confederacy. The old town “Old Charlottetown” and the harbor district invite you to take a walk. For a shopping spree, it is worth making a detour to the shopping centers “Confederation Court Mall”, the “Charlottetown Mall” and the “Farmer’s Market”, which takes place weekly on Saturdays. In any case, we recommend a trip to the nearby “Prince Edward Island National Park”.

Top places to visit for nature and wildlife of best holiday destinations in Canada

Those who vacation in Canada often do so especially for its scenic landscapes, for which it is famous and a popular tourist destination. The country also has a fascinating flora and fauna to offer. Well-known animal representatives are bears, caribou and porcupines.

A special experience is the ride on the “Icefields Parkway”. It leads through the “Banff National Park” and the “Jasper National Park”, both located in the province of Alberta. The Rocky Mountains tower in the west of the country. Here is a true paradise for skiers and hikers. The “Cabot Trail” – named after the explorer John Cabot – leads largely through the “Cape Breton Highlands National Park” in Nova Scotia and is highly recommended. In any case, the picturesque “Lighthouse Route”, also located in the province, is worthwhile with its around 20 lighthouses. From the city of “Niagara Falls” in southern Ontario it is not far to the gigantic waterfalls of the same name. To protect nature, the government started creating a network of national parks in the 1980s. In addition to the mostly well-known national parks, each province usually has its own “Provincial Parks”.

Activities of the best holiday destinations in Canada

Of course, the question of leisure opportunities depends on the interests and preferences of the individual. Depending on this, the very individual Canada vacation is designed: If you are looking for a metropolitan atmosphere, a stay in the east of the country is recommended. Around two thirds of the total population live there. In metropolises such as Montréal and Toronto, visitors can expect a wealth of sights, restaurants, nightclubs, shops and much more. Would you rather spend your vacation in nature? spend, northern and western Canada tempts with activities such as wildlife watching, hiking or canoeing. Sport is generally very popular. Many Canadians do a lot of sport in their free time, or at least enjoy watching it. Ice hockey and lacrosse are particularly popular. Those interested in art and culture will get their money’s worth. On www.virtualmuseum.ca you can get a good overview of the wide range of museums. People’s zest for life is contagious. In many places, festivals on a wide variety of topics take place throughout the year, where people celebrate exuberantly. These include the Québec City Winter Carnival, the massive Calgary Stampede in July, and the Winnipeg International Children’s Festival.

Food & drink in the best holiday destinations in Canada

Canada does not have a distinctive national dish. Instead, gastronomy is enlivened and enriched by a multitude of international influences. That’s why you should try the entire range of dishes on a Canada vacation. In the coastal regions you get excellent sea specialties such as lobster or salmon. A lobster supper is not to be missed on the Atlantic coast. The huge lobster buffets in the summer months make your mouth water just by looking at them. In Québec you will find numerous restaurants with French cuisine. The prairie provinces lure with delicious meat dishes. However, if you want to go on vacation in Canada, there are also a few things to consider: Alcohol may only be sold in certain shops that have the appropriate license. Some non-licensed restaurants allow guests to bring their own alcoholic beverages. This is marked with the notice “Bring Your Own Bottle”. The leftovers of a meal can be packed in a so-called “Doggie Bag”. Sweets lovers will be delighted with a blueberry pie and maple syrup pancakes. For the die-hard, the Sourtoe Cocktail is in Dawson City in the Yukon Territory. An inlaid human toe floats in the glass, which has to be touched with the lips while drinking. After the enjoyment, admission to the “Sourtoe Cocktail Club” beckons.

Best time for visiting the best holiday destinations in Canada

It doesn’t matter whether you like your Canada vacation to be warmer or whether you can get used to frosty temperatures – Canada has noticeably different climate zones. The most popular travel months are June to August, which is also the main time for tourism. Within a province, there can be large temperature differences between the north and the south. On the west coast, visitors can expect mostly mild temperatures with lots of rain. Further inland in British Columbia you will find desert-like conditions. Winters in Alberta are relatively cold due to the continental climate, while summers are mild to muggy. Similar weather can be observed in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario and Québec. The climate in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador is influenced by its location on the Atlantic and the St. Lawrence River. There is generally a mild and temperate maritime climate. Fog often occurs on the east coast during the summer months. Conditions are harsher in the Yukon Territory, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. This usually brings with it extremely cold winters, in which the thermometer often falls below minus 20 degrees. As you can see, there are many different ways to spend your Canada vacation!

How to get to your holiday destinations in Canada

The flight connections from USA and Europe to Canada are outstanding. The journey time varies considerably depending on the departure airport or whether you have to change planes en route. A direct flight from Frankfurt to Toronto, for example, takes just under 9 hours. The route network that you use to travel through Canada is also well developed. For flights within the country, there is usually a reduced fare with a so-called “transatlantic flight ticket”. However, this must already be booked before departure. Travel agencies offer competent advice here. For those who decide on the spur of the moment, we recommend booking with a “Last Minute Provider“. You can often find real bargains there. A comparison of different offers is worthwhile in any case. In some cases, the individual airlines have price differences of several hundred euros for the same route. If you have time in your luggage, you can also arrive by ship. It is advisable to consider the time difference when planning a trip to Canada. There are six different time zones in Canada, viewed from West to East: Pacific Standard Time (-9 hours); the “Mountain Standard Time” (-8 hours); Central Standard Time (-7 hours); Eastern Standard Time (-6 hours); the “Atlantic Standard Time” (-5 hours) and the “Newfoundland Standard Time” (-4.5 hours).

Toronto

Entry requirements of holiday destinations in Canada

You need a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after leaving Canada. For a stay of up to six months, the passport is sufficient for entry. A visa must be applied for if you intend to stay longer than 6 months. In some cases, tourists are asked to show their return flight ticket and to prove that they have sufficient financial means for their stay. As regulations are subject to change, it is strongly advised that you check with the Canadian Consulate or Embassy for current regulations prior to travel. To be on the safe side, you should also have an international driver’s license issued, as this is often required when renting a car. A maximum of 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars may be imported duty-free. The website of the Federal Foreign Office provides detailed information on topics such as customs regulations and security. No special vaccinations are required for a Canada vacation. However, depending on your destination within Canada and your state of health, it is advisable to check with your family doctor before you travel. In the event of an emergency, you should definitely secure yourself in advance with adequate international health insurance.

Moraine Lake, Canada

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