The Best Canada Tips

Tired of typical package tours that are planned from start to finish? Then pack your passport and get ready for a road trip through the wild Canada! We assure you, there are many surprises waiting for you, from the weather to the landscape.

Our Ultimate Canada Tips

Canada at a Glance:

Canada is located in North America and is the second-largest country in the world by area, following Russia. The only land border is to the south and northwest, with the United States of America. Additionally, Canada borders Greenland to the northeast. Canada consists of ten provinces and three territories. The Atlantic provinces Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island are located in the east. The easternmost regions are Newfoundland and Labrador. Moving westward, Ontario and Quebec follow. The so-called Prairie Provinces in Central Canada are Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan, followed by British Columbia in the west. The northern territories, Northwest Territories, Yukon, and Nunavut, are directly subordinate to the federal government and therefore do not form independent provinces. The capital of Canada is Ottawa, located on the river of the same name, right at the border with Quebec. Ottawa has approximately 1.1 million inhabitants and is the fourth largest city in Canada. Canada covers an area of almost 10 million square kilometers. Due to its enormous width, the country is traversed from coast to coast by six different time zones. There are almost as many different climate zones as time zones in the country. Visitors must prepare for polar, maritime, continental, and cool temperate climates. In general, winters in Canada are long, cold, and snowy, while summers are short and only British Columbia, west of the Rocky Mountains, has a significantly milder climate than the rest of Canada. In addition to English, French is also an official language of the country. In Nunavut, the Eskimo language Inuktitut is an equal official language. At least when it comes to currency, the country is united: everywhere, payment is made in Canadian dollars (current rate: 1 CAD = 0.69 EUR). For stays of up to six months, whether for tourism or business, a visa is not required upon entry. However, you must obtain an electronic travel authorization before your arrival. Find all information about this 'eTa' in our travel magazine. Any stay beyond six months requires a visa. For example, if you want to do an internship or work, you must apply for a work permit through the Canadian Embassy in Vienna before departure, as the embassy in Berlin does not have a visa and immigration department. The healthcare system in Canada is government-regulated. Anyone needing medical care during their trip to Canada should ensure that their foreign health insurance covers treatment in Canada. The number one mode of transportation in Canada is undoubtedly the airplane. Due to the extreme size of the country, flying from city to city is both the most time-efficient and cost-effective option. For those wanting to embark on a road trip, we recommend a rental car or long-distance bus. The bus system covers large parts of the country and allows for spontaneous travel through Canada. By the way, the head of state is Queen Elizabeth II. Canada is a constitutional monarchy within the Commonwealth of Nations.

Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island

The Atlantic province of Nova Scotia is all about water. There are about 5,400 lakes in the province that are, as you can imagine, highly sought after by water sports enthusiasts. In addition to shipbuilding and fishing hubs, you will find the renowned Bedford Institute of Oceanography not far from the city of Dartmouth. The largest city in the region is Halifax, one of the most important hubs in the country. Nova Scotia also impresses with Canada's only single malt whiskey distillery and one of the most scenic coastal roads, the Cabot Trail around Cape Breton Island.

New Brunswick is the only part of the country that is officially bilingual. The Acadians, as the French settlers are called, influence the area historically and linguistically. One attraction not to miss during your trip to Canada is found in the estuary of the Saint John River. You will notice that in the rapids called 'Reversing Falls Rapids', the water flows backward. Yes, you read that correctly! The reason for this natural spectacle is the massive influx of seawater during high tide into the Bay of Fundy.

The Prince Edward Islands are a family-friendly destination for those seeking relaxation. Mild air and water temperatures of 23 to 32 degrees make a small excursion to one of the white sandy beaches a delightful change of pace. With an area approximately twice that of Saarland, 'The Island' is the smallest of the Canadian provinces.

In Newfoundland, you will find Canada's oldest city in your search. The capital, St. John's, on the Avalon Peninsula in the eastern region, holds this title. Most residents are of Scottish or Irish descent, which is reflected in the small pubs and music.

Labrador is one of the last wilderness areas on Earth, situated far from the routes of package tourism. Here, moose, wolves, porcupines, polar bears, and arctic hares find an undisturbed habitat. Anglers will also find plenty to enjoy with the many lakes and rivers. Accompanied by an experienced fishing guide, the hunt for trout and Atlantic salmon can begin.

Hard to believe, but a beach vacation is also possible in Canada. On the Georgian Bay Islands, you will find Wasaga Beach, the longest freshwater beach in the world. Furthermore, Ontario is home to the most populous cities in Canada, such as Toronto or the Canadian capital, Ottawa. The second-largest province in Canada is about the size of France and Spain combined. Speaking of superlatives, one cannot forget the world-famous Niagara Falls on the border with the USA. The waterfall, connecting Lakes Erie and Ontario, plunges roughly 58 meters into the abyss. When traveling through North America, these waterfalls rank among the top attractions. It's no wonder we have already provided an in-depth report on the Niagara Falls in our travel magazine.

With a total area of 1.5 million square kilometers, Quebec is Canada's largest province. With just over 7.5 million 'Québécois', it is the only region with a French-speaking majority. In the eastern area, the seasons of spring and fall are especially pronounced. A highlight is the Indian Summer in October. Nowhere else will you find such a variety of colors in the forests' foliage as at this time and place.

Do you like pancakes with maple syrup? Then you might be interested to know that here in Quebec, sweet syrup is produced from the Canadian maple and shipped worldwide. The capital of this region, established in 1867, is Quebec City, whose old town is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. About three hours' drive from the capital, lies the island city of Montreal with 1.7 million inhabitants in the south of the province. It impresses with its nightlife, fashion scene, and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. Residents are well-prepared for the harsh winters, making it possible to shop in Montreal's underground city, the 'Underground City', at pleasant temperatures.

Massive oil, grain deposits, and livestock farming: Alberta has several assets up its sleeve.

Alberta, the breadbasket of Canada

These three components account for Alberta's prosperity. The provincial capital of the breadbasket of Canada is Edmonton. The largest and richest city is Calgary, which, with nearly one million residents, is home to almost a quarter of the province's population. Unique features of Alberta include the world's largest rodeo held annually and the Canada Olympic Park. By the way, did you know that Alberta is the province with the highest percentage of the Rocky Mountains?

With over 100,000 lakes and countless rivers, Manitoba spans an area nearly twice the size of Germany. Here, you can admire the beauty of the subpolar world. Wild moose, bison, black bears, and the rare wapiti deer are all native here. At the mouth of the Churchill Rivers and the coastal area of Hudson Bay in the north, you can safely observe polar foxes, orcas, beluga whales, and even polar bears.

Known for its stunning sunsets, Saskatchewan is a true dream destination for romantics. With its seemingly endless prairies, never-ending skies, and boundless horizon, this region of Canada is also called 'Land of the Living Skies.'

The flagship of the region is Vancouver. Since the Winter Games in 2010, the largest city in British Columbia has been on everyone's lips. Mountain regions like Whistler rank among the dream ski resorts in British Columbia. Furthermore, the westernmost area of Canada, with the Port of Vancouver, has the largest seaport in the country. That the Coast Mountains, also located in British Columbia, happen to form the gateway to the Rocky Mountains is just one more treat that this province has to offer.

When embarking on a road trip through northern Canada's Arctic region, you should pack your long underwear. Here, temperatures can easily drop to minus 33 degrees Celsius! In December, 24-hour darkness is not uncommon, so make sure to plan your travels to the Northwest Territories accordingly. We recommend visiting from late July to early September to experience the rugged northern Canadian expanses. The capital of the land, divided into mainland and islands, is Yellowknife. The region's landmarks include Great Slave Lake and Great Bear Lake.

In December, 24-hour darkness is not uncommon

Yukon is one of Canada's most pristine regions. With a population of only 30,000 in an area not larger than Germany, Yukon seems almost uninhabited. The Canadians living there are spread across the capital, Whitehorse, and Dawson City. An absolute highlight of the district is the Yukon Quest, the world's toughest dog sled race held annually. However, not only this event attracts numerous visitors, also the Yukon International Storytelling Festival, where the stories and legends of the First Nations are presented, is a compelling reason to visit the icy west of Canada.

Nunavut is home to the Inuit. The largest part of the country defines itself through self-governance by the Ice People. You will find no untouched nature like here! The chances of encountering seals or walruses are considerably higher than meeting a human. Therefore, if you want to discover solitude, you couldn't choose a better vacation spot. In this area shaped by extensive glaciers and fjords, Inuktitut, the language of the Eskimos, is recognized alongside English and French as an official language.

Almost as well-known as for its maple syrup, Canada is famous for its countless national parks. An incredible 38 national parks and national reserves exist here. The provincial parks, which are still present in the individual regions, are excluded from this count. About two percent of Canada's total land area is occupied by them. One can say that the national parks are the attractions of Canada; nowhere else can you experience nature in all its facets so closely. Presenting each national park would undoubtedly take too long, so here we show you our favorites!

In the northeastern part of Alberta lies Canada's largest nature reserve. Covering a massive area of 44,807 square kilometers, it primarily consists of lakes and swamps. But that's not all; salt deserts and underground streams can also be explored within the park. During winter nights, the sky of Wood Buffalo National Park shines with the blues, greens, and reds of the Northern Lights. In summer, however, the sun never sets, and it is bright even at midnight. Various ways are available to explore the park's flora and fauna. You are allowed to hike through the park year-round. In winter, you can ski or stomp through the wilderness on snowshoes.

Massive ice chunks thunder into the sea, yet summer temperatures can reach up to 20 degrees. No, we are not kidding; all this really happens in one place. Don't believe it? Simply visit the national park in the southwest of the Yukon Territories, and you can experience it for yourself. Its proximity to Alaska explains the frigid temperatures. Eighty-two percent of the park's area is dominated by mountains and ice. Kluane National Park features a massive non-polar glacier field-arguably, the largest that Canadians can showcase to their visitors. Not only the largest icefield but also the highest mountain in the country, Mount Logan, at 5,959 meters, calls this place home. There's no doubt that hiking enthusiasts and climbers will find everything they desire here.

What comes to mind when you think of Canada? That's right, endless forests, vast lands, and generally weather dominated by snow and cold. However, in the second smallest park Canada has to offer, you can find a landscape that most of you may not immediately associate with this North American country. On Prince Edward Island, you'll encounter red sandstone cliffs, white sandy beaches, gigantic sand dunes, and summer water temperatures exceeding 20 degrees Celsius. It's no wonder this region is a true tourist magnet. For those seeking a quieter experience, the less crowded Brackley Beach is an excellent address to soak up the sun. This eastern park is a must-stop for water sports enthusiasts and sun worshippers on a journey through Canada. Additionally, for hobby ornithologists, Prince Edward National Park, with a total of 300 bird species, offers great conditions for a successful exploration tour.

Regardless of which part of Canada you choose or whether you plan a longer stay in this North American state, Canada offers a wealth of opportunities for every taste. Perhaps you've considered taking a break and going on a single trip or embarking on a work-and-travel adventure? Canada is particularly suited to this, as exploring its vastness requires ample time. If you are now looking for the right accommodation and affordable flights, take a look at our package deals and hotel search. You are sure to find something!