Planning your trip to Canada
The plethora of options that Canada offers to travellers can make planning a trip overwhelming, especially for those of us who cross the pond for that trip of a lifetime. Here’s my advice for you.
Canada is simply too big to see in one trip. After all, this is the second largest country (in area) in the world! Also, the country offers completely different experiences throughout the year. Hiking jaw-dropping national parks in the summer, visiting one of its vibrant cities in autumn and spring or skiing its world class resorts in winter are only a few of the different types of trips that one can have.
When planning a trip to Canada, focus on the kind of experiences you wish to have and pick the season that enables them. Furthermore, even if you do not consider yourself ‘outdoorsy’ and no matter the season, I would strongly recommend that your trip includes a visit or two to those larger than life natural landscapes that exist all over the country and make it a truly unique destination.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: CANADA
LANGUAGE: Canada has two official languages, English & French. However, depending on the region, people might speak only one of the two languages fluently.
CURRENCY: Canadian Dollar ($ / Can$ / CAD)
PLUGS: Types A and B (120V supply voltage & 60Hz frequency)
VISA REQUIREMENTS: Most people need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter the country. Some people may only need their valid passport. Check the Government of Canada website before travelling.
CANADA BUCKET LIST: WHERE TO GO
This is more of a personal top five (or six) rather than a full list of all of Canada’s best places to visit, simply because… there’s too many! Do note that I am not affiliated with any of the businesses or organisations mentioned.
Canada’s top attraction is considered by most to be the jaw-dropping Niagara Falls (year-round). Apart from witnessing the natural wonder, Niagara Falls make for a truly diverse trip as it can be combined with city exploration (Toronto or the nearby US cities) or nature immersion on the wider area on the Niagara Glen hiking trail.
Best for nature lovers:
- Banff National Park and Jasper National Park, AB for the majestic landscapes of the Rocky mountains (year-round), skiing & ice skating (winter, spring), hiking (summer) and experiencing Jasper’s Dark Sky Reserve (best: autumn).
More on our trip to Banff National Park below! - Vancouver, BC for its unique setting (year-round), Whistler, BC for skiing (winter, spring) and Vancouver island, BC for whale and bear watching and maybe a luxurious stay at the stunning Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge (best: summer).
For that once in a lifetime trip:
- The iconic Rocky Mountaineer train journey connecting Vancouver, BC to Banff / Jasper, AB (year-round). A truly bucket list experience, especially if you are not a hiker / skier and wish to experience the mountains in ample comfort!
- A cruise through the Northwest Passage (summer) which ofter incorporates Greenland and Alaska. I have been inspired by the mega-splurge Seabourn Northwest Passage Cruises and wish to explore the options for a more affordable alternative. Nevertheless, if you can splurge on the original, oh la la what a luxurious experience it will be… In any case, any type of Arctic travel, is truly one of the most memorable experiences of one’s lifetime.
For those who love niche destinations:
- The island of Newfoundland is probably not known to many non-Canadians even though it is surprisingly accessible. A 3h flight from New York and a 6h flight from London gets you to the capital, St John’s, the easternmost city in North America (excluding Greenland) right on the Atlantic coast. From there, the rugged coastline, dramatic mountains and lush forests offer superb opportunities for hiking, whale watching, and iceberg viewing (summer). On the mainland of Labrador, Fogo Island Inn will undoubtedly offer a very special stay (year-round).
CANADA CLIMATE & BEST TIME TO VISIT
Canada, the second-largest country in the world, spans a vast range of latitudes and landscapes, resulting in a diverse climate. Generally, the country experiences cold winters and mild to warm summers but conditions vary widely from coast to coast. The north has an Arctic climate with long, harsh winters, while southern regions enjoy more temperate weather. Precipitation patterns also vary -western coastal areas receive significant rainfall, while the interior tends to be drier.
The best time to visit depends on the type of activities you wish to enjoy.
Canada’s larger than life landscapes remain breathtaking year-round but for hiking and wildlife viewing, the summer months (June – September) are best.
Skiing and winter activities start in early winter and can be enjoyed well into spring (December – April).
Canada’s major cities can be explored year-round though January & February may prove to be too cold for many visitors!
Banff National Park & Jasper National Park, AB
Located in the Canadian Rockies of Alberta, Banff and Jasper national parks have a subarctic climate. Winters are long, cold and snowy, with temperatures often dipping below -15°C (5°F). Summers are short and mild, with daytime highs around 20°C (68°F).
Vancouver, BC
On the west coast in British Columbia, Vancouver has a temperate oceanic climate. Winters are mild with average highs around 6°C (43°F). Snow is rare at sea level but common in nearby mountains. Summers are warm and relatively dry, with average highs around 22°C (72°F). The area’s lush greenery reflects the high annual rainfall, especially from October to March.
Toronto & Niagara Falls, ON
Toronto, Canada’s largest city, located in the south by Lake Ontario, has a humid continental climate. Winters are cold and snowy with temperatures often below freezing. Summers are warm and humid, with daytime highs close to 25°C (77°F). Spring and fall are pleasant with moderate temperatures and changing foliage.
Newfoundland, NL
On the eastern edge of Canada, Newfoundland has a maritime climate with cool, wet conditions. Winters are cold, snowy and often windy, with temperatures typically ranging from -5°C to -15°C (23°F to 5°F), though wind chill can make it feel significantly colder. Summers are short and mild, typically between 15°C and 20°C (59°F to 68°F). Fog is common, especially along the coast, due to the collision of the cold Labrador Current and the warm Gulf Stream.
BANFF NATIONAL PARK, AB TRAVEL GUIDES
Banff National Park
Canada’s first national park and the world’s third, Banff National Park occupies 6641 square km (2564 square miles), all within the province of Alberta. Part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is one of the world’s most awe-inspiring mountain destinations.
Apart from its jaw-dropping landscapes, Banff National Park is also world famous as the home to several mammal species, amongst them grizzly and black bears, elk, moose, wolves, coyotes and pumas. Needless to say, you will be surrounded by nature in all its glory!
Banff National Parks’ majestic peaks, valleys and glacial lakes make it an iconic year-round destination where you can ski, bike, hike and so much more. Once you have had enough of adventuring, cosy up in stunning Banff town and the village of Lake Louise, both within the boundaries of the National Park.
If you are not a skier, you can definitely adjust this itinerary to relax and indulge in some cosy pampering. Or you can be active and engage in other incredible winter activities. There’s really something for everyone to do.
12-Day Itinerary:
Banff | Lake Louise | Sunshine Village & Lake Louise Ski Resorts
My intention for our trip to Banff in late March was to experience the Canadian wilderness and have fun on the slopes, all while ensuring that we have enough time to relax and take it all in. The mission was indeed accomplished!
BANFF:
Banff town | Sulphur Mountain | Banff Upper Hot Springs | Johnston Canyon Hike
LAKE LOUISE:
Lake Louise ice skating | Tea at the Fairmont Hotel | Dog sledding excursion
SUNSHINE VILLAGE & LAKE LOUISE SKI RESORTS:
Skiing in some of the best powder in the world
Best time of the year for this itinerary: February, March, April
READ THE BLOG POST:
Explore Banff National Park in winter / spring…
Ski the Canadian Rockies…
Explore the blog for more skiing:
