Discover seasonal activities, major festivals, outdoor adventures, and essential practical information for traveling in Canada.
Skiing & Snowboarding:
Other Winter Activities:
Nationwide Celebrations
Canada's national holiday celebrates Confederation (1867). Major celebrations on Parliament Hill (Ottawa), but festivities occur nationwide with fireworks, concerts, parades, and free museum admission in many cities.
Calgary, AB - Early July (10 days)
"The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth" - World's largest rodeo. Features rodeo competitions, chuckwagon races, midway, concerts. Attendance exceeds 1 million. Book accommodation 6-12 months ahead.
Montreal, QC - Late June/Early July
World's largest jazz festival (Guinness World Records). 500+ concerts over 10 days, many free outdoor performances. 2+ million attendees. Downtown streets close for festival activities.
Toronto, ON - September
One of world's most prestigious film festivals. 300+ films from 80+ countries. Celebrity sightings common. Public screenings available (tickets required).
Edmonton, AB - August
Four-day outdoor festival featuring folk, roots, and world music. Picturesque Gallagher Park setting. Bring blankets for hillside seating.
Various Cities - June-August
Major celebrations in Toronto (June - one of world's largest), Montreal (August), Vancouver (August). Week-long events with parades, parties, and cultural programs.
Quebec City, QC - Late January/February (17 days)
World's largest winter carnival. Features ice palace, snow sculptures, ice canoe race, night parades, outdoor activities. Mascot: Bonhomme snowman. Attendance 300,000+.
Ottawa-Gatineau - February (3 weekends)
Skating on Rideau Canal (7.8km), international ice sculpture competition in Confederation Park, snow playgrounds. Free admission to most activities.
Montreal, QC - January/February
Outdoor electronic music festival in Old Port. Dancing in -20°C temperatures. Ugliest sweater contest. Unique winter party experience.
West Coast Trail: 75km, Vancouver Island, 6-8 days, permit required ($128), challenging terrain
Skyline Trail: 45km loop, Jasper NP, 2-3 days, stunning alpine meadows
Chilkoot Trail: 53km, Yukon/Alaska border, historic gold rush route, 3-5 days
Squamish, BC: "Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada" - world-class granite climbing
Canmore, AB: Limestone crags near Banff
Niagara Escarpment, ON: Accessible climbing near Toronto
Kicking Horse River, BC: Class IV rapids, stunning scenery
Ottawa River, ON/QC: Various difficulty levels
Tatshenshini River, YK: Multi-day wilderness expeditions
Distances: Canada is the world's second-largest country. Vancouver to Toronto is 4,400km (5-hour flight or 4-day drive). Plan travel time accordingly.
Major Airports:
Domestic Airlines: Air Canada, WestJet, Porter Airlines, Flair Airlines (budget). Book 2-3 months ahead for best prices.
Hotels: International chains and local brands. Prices vary dramatically by season. Downtown Toronto/Vancouver: $150-400+ nightly.
Hostels: HI Hostels offer quality budget option. Dorm beds $30-60, private rooms $80-150.
Airbnb/VRBO: Widely available in cities and tourist areas. Often best value for groups/families needing kitchen facilities.
Camping: Parks Canada campgrounds ($16-39/night), provincial parks ($20-50), private campgrounds ($30-70 with more amenities).
Booking Tips: Reserve 3-6 months ahead for summer peak season and popular locations. Last-minute deals possible in shoulder seasons.
Meal Costs:
Grocery Shopping: Supermarkets (Loblaws, Sobeys, Metro) for self-catering. Farmers markets for local produce.
Tipping: 15-20% at restaurants (mandatory in most provinces). Some restaurants include gratuity for groups 6+.
Tourist SIM Options:
WiFi: Free in most hotels, cafes, libraries. Tim Hortons and Starbucks offer reliable free WiFi.
Coverage: Excellent in cities and along major highways. Limited/no service in remote wilderness areas and northern territories.
Sales Tax Varies by Province:
Tax Not Included: Prices displayed exclude tax (added at checkout). Factor extra 5-15% on purchases.
Duty-Free: Available at border crossings and international airports. Alcohol, tobacco, and luxury goods common purchases.
Emergency Number: 911 (police, fire, ambulance) - works anywhere, even without cell service
Crime: Canada is very safe. Standard precautions apply in urban areas. Violent crime is rare.
Wildlife Safety:
Weather: Check forecasts before outdoor activities. Hypothermia risk exists year-round in mountains. Lightning storms common in summer.
Days 1-2: Vancouver (Stanley Park, Granville Island, Capilano Bridge)
Days 3-4: Whistler (Sea-to-Sky Highway, outdoor activities)
Days 5-7: Banff & Jasper (Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Icefields Parkway)
Days 1-3: Toronto (CN Tower, ROM, Niagara Falls day trip)
Days 4-5: Ottawa (Parliament, museums, Gatineau Park)
Days 6-8: Montreal (Old Montreal, Mount Royal, food scene)
Days 9-10: Quebec City (Old Quebec, Montmorency Falls)
Days 1-3: Vancouver & Victoria
Days 4-6: Calgary & Rocky Mountains
Days 7-9: Toronto & Niagara Falls
Days 10-12: Montreal & Quebec City
Days 13-14: Halifax & Peggy's Cove (if time allows)