Canada Introduction

From snow-capped peaks and sparkling glacier lakes in the Rocky Mountains, to postcard-perfect fishing villages in Nova Scotia, Canada is a nation of incredible diversity. Cosmopolitan cities like Vancouver and Toronto keep urbanites entertained, while a deep-rooted love for the great outdoors means you'll have stellar hiking trails, world-famous national parks, and legendary ski resorts at your fingertips. Food is a bona fide highlight, with everything from wild-caught salmon and Okanagan wine in British Columbia, to flaky croissants, squeaky cheese curds, and smoked meat sandwiches in Montreal.

Hotels in Canada

Whether you're backpacking on a shoestring, planning a family vacation, or splurging on an unforgettable honeymoon, you'll find that Canada hotel deals can match every occasion. At the top end of the scale are luxury hotels in Canada, a category that features everything from sleek high-rise suites in downtown Toronto to historic lakeside lodges in the Rocky Mountains. Midrange travelers can bunk down in international chains, as well as family-run inns and cozy B&Bs. A huge selection of cheap Canada hotels and hostels make the country a breeze for budget travelers. Even in cities like Vancouver and Toronto, you can snap up rock-bottom hotel deals.

Where to stay

As the world's 2nd largest country, Canada offers serious options when it comes to accommodation. It's hard to resist the call of Vancouver, a city that's famous for walkable neighborhoods, stunning mountain views, and outdoor-oriented locals. In Quebec, French Canadian flair is well and truly alive. Montreal is awash with historic hotels and sidewalk bistros, while the Laurentian Mountains are dotted with picturesque towns and villages where you'll find romantic inns and B&Bs. In Alberta, Calgary promises trendy cafes, riverside cycling trails, and plenty of cowboy boots. Head to the Rocky Mountains and you can bunk down in buzzing mountain towns like Banff and Jasper, or escape to luxurious lakeside lodges.

Things to see

No doubt about it, Canada is famous for its tooth and claw wildlife. Whether you're hiking in the backcountry or visiting Calgary Zoo or the Vancouver Aquarium, you'll come face-to-face with a cast of iconic animals, including grizzlies, moose, beavers, elk, orca, bald eagles, polar bears, and more. Venture off the beaten track and you'll find yourself in far-flung destinations like Haida Gwaii, where Canada's First Nations culture continues to flourish. For rugged seascapes, head to Nova Scotia, a Maritime province where Celtic fiddling parties and lobster dinners are considered the norm. Snow sports are a big deal in Canada, with iconic resorts like Whistler, Banff, and Lake Louise treating guests to lashings of powder and breathtaking mountain views. Culture buffs shouldn't miss Ottawa, Canada's handsome capital. You could easily spend a week touring the top-tier museums and galleries.

How to get to Canada

Canada is serviced by over a dozen major international airports, including hubs in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, Winnipeg, and Halifax. Stateside travelers can enter Canada via dozens of official border crossings, with wait times rarely topping 30 minutes. Some of the most popular gateways include Surrey in British Columbia, Niagara Falls in Ontario, and St-Bernard-de-Lacolle in Quebec. Greyhound offers connections between major cities in the US and Canada. Ferries also run from coast to coast, with popular routes departing from Washington, Alaska, and Maine.