Smart Self-Managed Tours

Country guide

Canada

A photograph of Canada
Photograph · Chensiyuan · CC BY-SA 4.0

Canada is the second-largest country in the world by area and has the longest coastline of any, running from the Atlantic to the Pacific and north into the Arctic across ten provinces and three territories. Just over 41 million people live in it, and not evenly: the great majority are in urban areas while very large stretches hold almost nobody. Ottawa is the capital, and Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver are the three largest metropolitan areas and the three realistic starting points. The federal government is officially bilingual in English and French, and which of the two a street is lived in changes as you cross the country.

Cities

Every city catalogued in this country so far, ranked by how much there is to see.

Practical information

Language spoken
English and French
National practical orientation; regional and minority languages may also be used
Dialling code
+1
International calling code; local area and mobile prefixes still apply
Currency
Canadian dollar (CAD)
Use the official local currency; card acceptance varies by place
Emergency number
911
Use only for an emergency; tourist assistance may use a separate number
Plug type
Type A and B · 120 V
Check that chargers support the recorded voltage before using an adapter
Tap water
Not recorded
Water systems and advisories are managed by multiple jurisdictions

Planning a visit

  1. January: seasonal closure recorded
  2. February: seasonal closure recorded
  3. March: seasonal closure recorded
  4. April: seasonal closure recorded
  5. May: seasonal closure recorded
  6. June: seasonal closure recorded
  7. July: seasonal closure recorded
  8. August: seasonal closure recorded — this month
  9. September: seasonal closure recorded
  10. October: seasonal closure recorded
  11. November: seasonal closure recorded
  12. December: seasonal closure recorded

Top things to see

Ranked by importance — sitelinks, pageviews and heritage status, not editor preference.

  1. Kensington Market Kensington Market
    02 1 hr 30 min

    Kensington Market

    Kensington Market is a dense heritage market neighbourhood in downtown Toronto. It occupies several city blocks northwest of the central business district, centered around Augusta Avenue and Kensington Avenue.

    • Must see
    • Market
    • Toronto
  2. Robson Street Robson Street
    03 1 hour

    Robson Street

    Robson Street is Vancouver's principal central shopping and visitor thoroughfare, stretching through the downtown core.

    • Must see
    • Market
    • Vancouver
  3. Toronto Eaton Centre Toronto Eaton Centre
    04 45 min

    Toronto Eaton Centre

    The Toronto Eaton Centre is a major shopping mall and office complex in downtown Toronto. It serves as a central retail hub and a landmark within the city's PATH underground pedestrian network.

    • High
    • Market
    • Toronto
  4. Underground City Underground City
    06 45 min

    Underground City

    RESO, commonly called Montreal's Underground City, is an extensive network of interconnected indoor pedestrian passages beneath downtown Montreal. It links shopping centres, metro stations, office buildings, hotels, and other facilities across multiple levels.

    • High
    • Market
    • Montreal
  5. Atwater Market Atwater Market
    12 45 min

    Atwater Market

    Atwater Market is an Art Deco public market located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Situated along the Lachine Canal, it serves as a significant commercial and cultural destination within the city.

    • Notable
    • Market
    • Montreal
  6. Lonsdale Quay Market Lonsdale Quay Market
    15 45 min

    Lonsdale Quay Market

    Lonsdale Quay Market is a public market located at the Lonsdale Quay SeaBus terminal in North Vancouver, British Columbia. It occupies a waterfront position with views of Burrard Inlet and the Vancouver skyline across the water.

    • Notable
    • Market
    • Vancouver
  7. Ogilvy
    17 45 min

    Ogilvy

    • Notable
    • Market
    • Montreal
  8. St-Viateur Bagel St-Viateur Bagel
    25 45 min

    St-Viateur Bagel

    St-Viateur Bagel is a celebrated bakery in Montreal's Mile End neighbourhood, renowned for perpetuating the city's distinctive wood-fired Montreal-style bagel tradition. The establishment operates as both a production bakery and retail outlet, serving customers who seek authentic handmade bagels.

    • Notable
    • Market
    • Montreal
  9. Super C
    36 45 min

    Super C

    • Notable
    • Market
    • Montreal
  10. Steam Whistle Brewing Steam Whistle Brewing
    49 45 min

    Steam Whistle Brewing

    Steam Whistle Brewing is a visitor brewery located in Toronto, Ontario. It occupies the historic John Street Roundhouse, a former Canadian Pacific Railway locomotive repair facility.

    • Notable
    • Market
    • Toronto
  11. Au 2e
    82 45 min

    Au 2e

    • Notable
    • Market
    • Montreal
  12. Bonny
    96 45 min

    Bonny

    • Notable
    • Market
    • Toronto

Source: OpenStreetMap contributors, Wikidata ·

Common questions

How long should a first trip to Canada be?

Ten to sixteen days is realistic for one Canadian region, not for crossing the country. An eastern cities route, a Rockies journey and a Pacific itinerary each work better as their own trip.

What entry documents are needed for Canada?

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada lists visitor visa and electronic travel authorisation rules. The required document depends on passport, travel method and status, so complete the official eligibility check for the actual journey.

What is the best way to travel around Canada?

Toronto, Vancouver and Montréal are the principal air gateways. VIA Rail is most useful in the Québec City–Windsor corridor and on selected long-distance services; outside major centres, a car or domestic flight may be necessary.

When is a practical time to visit Canada?

May to September suits many city and national-park itineraries, but northern access and mountain conditions have shorter operating seasons. Winter is a separate travel plan with different road, daylight and activity constraints.

What money and payment basics apply in Canada?

Prices are in Canadian dollars (CAD). Payment fees and acceptance are Not recorded at national level here, so verify rental deposits, remote-area fuel payment and card conversion terms directly with each provider.

What practical safety details should I save for Canada?

Call 911 for an emergency in Canada. Electrical supply is 120 V through Type A and B sockets; the source set does not record one nationwide tap-water statement, so local guidance applies.