Canada Tourism

Why Visit Canada? 

There are over 2 million lakes in Canada, from turquoise lakes to crystal clear waters. This is a paradise.

If you're someone who wants to experience all 4 seasons, this is the place - Maple leaves in fall, frozen lakes in winter and vibrant wildflower hikes in summer.

Get to sleep on ice in magical Quebec, then sip red wine in the breathtaking views of the Okanagan Valley.

There are 6 time zones in Canada, which offer different experiences across Canadian provinces. 

Places to Visit

Banff National Park, Alberta - 

Located in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta, Banff National Park has jaw-dropping mountain views, glacial lakes, accessible hiking trails and stunning drives. 

Tofino, British Columbia- 

An island in Vancouver, it offers coastal sights perfect for beach walks, whale spotting, storm watching, and surfing. If you’re seeking adventure and a connection with nature, try this place. 

Quebec City, Quebec- 

A French-speaking city with four-hundred-year-old cobbled streets, it feels like a mini Europe in Canada. Filled with local bakeries and has a unique vintage charm. 

Niagara on the Lake, Ontario- 

Capital of vibrant Upper Canada, known for its incredible wineries, rich historic buildings and city festivals. Hop on a bike and pave through picturesque nature reserves.  

Churchill, Manitoba - 

You can see Polar bears in the wild wandering the tundra here, see the northern lights above frozen landscapes during winters and kayak with Beluga whales in Summers. 

How to reach Canada from India?

If you’re travelling from India to Canada, you can fly from major Indian cities like Mumbai, New Delhi and Bangalore. Regular flights operate directly to Canadian hubs; you’ll land straight to Toronto Pearson International Airport, Vancouver International Airport or Montréal–Trudeau International Airport, which are major city hubs. 

Getting Around: 

Local buses, subways and cars are the easiest ways to travel within Canada. Big cities have robust transportation facilities, while small towns are often explored on foot or by vehicle. 

Budget and Accommodation

Flights from India to Canada usually cost around ?80,000 to ?1.2 lakh for a round trip, only if you do bookings in advance; otherwise, it can get expensive. For daily expenses, a budget of ?6,000 to ?10,000 is recommended. Hostels start at ?3,000 per night, and Airbnb’s or hotels that are mid-range can start from ?5,000 - ?6,000. For luxury travellers, expect ?15,000 to ? 17,000 per night to enjoy a variety of amenities like fine dining, private tours in top Canadian hotels.

Local transportation in Canada is affordable, and touring monuments and other attractions will not burn a hole in your pocket. 

Visa and Immigration

To explore tourism in Canada, Indians need to apply for a Canada Visitor Visa. Apply online through the IRCC portal ( Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) or submit your documents via VFS Global. Ensure you apply for the Canadian visa 3-4 weeks prior. 

Best Time to Visit Canada- 

The best months to travel in Canada are May to September, when the weather is warmer and pleasant. This vibrant season is marked by festivals and events that showcase the true essence of Canadian tourism. 

June to August are summer months-  ideal for exciting outdoor activities, lively festivals and breathtaking city explorations. 

September and October, the months when leaves change colour, fewer crowds and are ideal for road trips around the country. 

December to February are the winter months, when you can experience frozen lakes in Banff, ski in Churchill, and sit around bonfires. 

March to May are quiet months, there are blooming flowers in Vancouver and turquoise lakes in Ontario. 

Things to do in Canada - 

Ice Skate on Ottawa’s Rideau Canal - 

It turns into the largest skating rink in the country, and you can also sip on hot chocolate while you glide. 

Northern Lights in Yukon-

Skip the touristy spots that are overcrowded, and plan your travel accordingly so that you can head to the north and tick off a lifetime experience. 

Go to Ice Castles - 

Home to Canada’s largest ice sculptures and castles, ice skate, walk or cycle inside and embrace Canada’s winter wonderland. 

Winter Wildlife Tours- 

Manitoba, Banff and Jasper are such places where you can spot Polar bears, snowy owls and arctic foxes. 

Culture and Lifestyle

Language

There are two official languages in Canada - English and French. Mostly you’ll hear English, but especially in Montreal, French is widely spoken. But most places are bilingual and tourist-friendly.

Attire 

Canadians dress for the weather - in a casual, layered, and realistic style. In winters, it's all about thermal wear and snow boots, and in summers, people wear linen or silk. Attires are mostly laid-back and chic. 

Cuisine 

Canada’s got a range of global flavours. Some of the must-try dishes include poutine at La Banquise, Lobster rolls in Nova Scotia, Bagels from Montreal, and the authentic Acadian dish called Rappie Pie. Also, don’t miss out on maple everything - cookies, syrups, drinks and even bacon. 

What to Pack? 

Pack warm clothes, they’re lifesavers in Canadian winters.

Canada uses American-style plugs, carry a Universal travel adapter - Type A/B.

If you’ll be doing outdoor activities, portable hand warmers come in handy. 

Ensure to carry your travel insurance and offline documents with you. 

Try to carry a mini humidifier because hotel rooms are dry, and it’s suitable for protecting your skin. 

Shopping 

What to Shop

Canada offers a diverse range of shopping opportunities, from iconic souvenirs to local goods. Look for maple syrup, ice wine, and some classic Canadian snacks to take back home, such as ketchup chips or a coffee crisp bar. The country is known for its rich handicrafts, so make sure to get some indigenous crafts. 

Where to Shop

Big cities like Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto have city malls everywhere like CF Toronto, Eaton Centre and Yorkdale. But for tourists, it's best to find something local, head to the historic Byward Market in Ottawa or Toronto’s distillery, known for artisan shops and cute boutiques. 

Short Itinerary- 

Day 1: Arrive in Vancouver, explore Stanley Park and Chinatown    

Day 2: Drive to Banff National Park, see Lake Louise and go for scenic hikes 

Day 3: Take a flight to Eastern Canada to go to Niagara Falls 

Day 4: Explore Quebec City and go to beaches, stroll around historic streets and see Montmorency Falls

Day 7: Depart

Tips 

Make sure to secure your visa early, since the Canadian visa takes time to process

Always carry Canadian dollars and your forex cards. 

Download offline maps, especially if you’re going on hikes and trails, since Wi-fi is not always available. 

To explore Canadian cities like a local, sign up for bike tours and go for self-guided tours.

Many cities are walkable, so make sure to carry a sturdy pair of shoes.