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. Biosphere Biosphere
    05 1 hr 30 min

    Biosphere

    The Montreal Biosphere is an environment museum housed in a striking geodesic dome designed by Buckminster Fuller for Expo 67. The structure stands on Saint Helen's Island in the Saint Lawrence River as a landmark of architectural innovation.

    • High
    • Museum
    • Montreal
  2. Massey Hall
    06 1 hour

    Massey Hall

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Toronto
  3. Pointe-a-Calliere Pointe-a-Calliere
    17 1 hr 30 min

    Pointe-a-Calliere

    Pointe-à-Callière is an archaeology and history museum located at the site recognized as Montreal's birthplace. The institution occupies a historically significant location where the city was founded, incorporating actual archaeological excavations into its presentation.

    • High
    • Museum
    • Montreal
  4. Royal Cinema
    25 1 hour

    Royal Cinema

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Toronto
  5. The Carlu
    26 1 hour

    The Carlu

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Toronto
  6. Art Mûr
    35 1 hour

    Art Mûr

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Montreal
  7. La Joute
    43 1 hour

    La Joute

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Montreal
  8. MTELUS
    45 1 hour

    MTELUS

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Montreal
  9. TORONTO sign
    52 1 hour

    TORONTO sign

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Toronto
  10. Club Soda
    63 1 hour

    Club Soda

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Montreal
  11. The Drop
    73 1 hour

    The Drop

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Vancouver
  12. Dreaming
    80 1 hour

    Dreaming

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Toronto
  13. Engagement
    82 1 hour

    Engagement

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Vancouver
  14. La Caserne
    89 1 hour

    La Caserne

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Quebec City
  15. LightShed
    92 1 hour

    LightShed

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Vancouver
  16. Little Glenn
    94 1 hour

    Little Glenn

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Toronto
  17. Malkin Bowl
    95 1 hour

    Malkin Bowl

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Vancouver
  18. Mathieu Bath
    97 1 hour

    Mathieu Bath

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Montreal
  19. Polypède
    100 1 hour

    Polypède

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Montreal

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.