Canada Vacations

Canada’s cultural heritage is as dynamic and diverse as its incredible natural landscapes, from the Rockies to the Great Plains, the Northern Territories, and the Maritimes. Canadian culture draws from traditions and influences from around the world, and the country celebrates its multicultural identity in its art, music, architecture, and language.

One of the most defining aspects of Canadian culture is the shared passion and respect for the country’s beautiful natural environment. Canadians love to connect with their natural environment through outdoor sports and activities, including skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing in the winter to hiking, canoeing, and camping in the summer. One of the most iconic outdoor pastimes in Canada is pond hockey or shinny, where people play ice hockey on outdoor rinks or frozen ponds.

The vibrant cultural hubs of arts and entertainment in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Edmonton, and several other cities simultaneously showcase Canadian culture while fostering community and a shared Canadian identity. Canadian actors, musicians, and filmmakers like Ryan Reynolds, Celine Dion, Drake, Denis Villeneuve, and many more have earned global recognition for their talent and creativity while proudly sharing Canadian culture with the world.

Canada was colonized by the French in the 16th century and later by the British in the 18th century before declaring independence on July 1, 1867. As a result, Canada is now a bilingual country with English and French as its official languages, but you’ll also hear over 60 Indigenous languages as well as many international languages spoken throughout the country. 

Canada is a melting pot of cultures and Canadians proudly embrace the contributions from various cultural backgrounds, nationalities, and religions with warmth and inclusivity. Canadians also have a reputation of being overly friendly, so don’t be surprised to hear a wild “sorry!” here and there.

Canada enjoys the best of all four seasons, making it a perfect destination to visit year-round. Here is a breakdown of the four seasons in Canada and the type of experiences you can expect:

Spring – March/April to May 

Spring in Canada is one of the best times of the year. Whatever snow left from winter begins to melt, the weather gets warmer, and all the trees, flowers, and other vegetation begin to blossom and bloom, including beautiful cherry blossoms. Spring is a great time for outdoor activities in moderately warm weather, and the beginning of patio season exudes electric energy across the country.

Summer – June to August/September 

Things heat up quite a bit in Canada during the summer, from the weather to the energy. Temperatures during the summer typically range from 70°F to 80°F (20°C to 27°C) in most regions, with humidity adding an extra layer of heat, perfect for beach days, swimming in the Great Lakes, barhopping until sunrise, or catching an outdoor concert or festival. This is also a great time to explore Canada’s abundance of national parks and camp for a few nights under the stars. This is Canada’s peak travel season, so expect to find a few fellow globetrotters in town.

Fall – September to November

Fall is not only a beautiful time of year in Canada, but as a shoulder season for travel, it’s an excellent time to explore the country with fewer tourists and lower prices. As spring is the revival of nature, fall is the decay, but a beautiful one at that. Marvel at the leaves changing colour from green to an extraordinary palette of red, yellow, and orange, creating a truly cozy autumn atmosphere. The weather will begin to cool, so throw on a sweater and enjoy the laid-back energy of fall as you plan your Halloween costume and Thanksgiving menu.

Winter – December to February/March 

Despite the average temperature typically ranging from 29°F to -8°F (-2°C to -22°C), winter in Canada is a magical and exciting time of year. The holiday festivities in December and January create a jovial spirit that flows through the country, and the sight of the first snowfall is magical. Winter is another peak travel season as ski and snowboard bums come from around the world to race down Canada’s renowned ski resorts, including Whistler, Mont Tremblant, Lake Louise, and Sunshine Village.   

Here are a few things you should know before visiting Canada:

How many provinces & territories are in Canada?

Canada has 10 provinces (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia) and three territories (Nunavut, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories).

How many time zones are in Canada?

Canada has six different time zones, so be prepared for differences in time when travelling between provinces and territories. The time zones are as follows, from west to east: Pacific, Mountain, Central, Eastern, Atlantic and Newfoundland.

What wildlife will you find in Canada?

Canada boasts unique wildlife, from beavers to towering grizzly bears. It’s important to stay informed about local wildlife safety as you’re sure to encounter wildlife in parks throughout the country.

What languages are spoken in Canada?

English and French are Canada's official languages. English and French are formally the official languages of Manitoba, New Brunswick, and the three territories while Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan only formally recognize English as their official language, and Quebec only formally recognizes French as its official language. There are also several indigenous languages in Canada, including the Cree languages, Ojibway, Inuktitut, Oji-Cree, and Mi'kmaq.

What is the tipping culture in Canada?

Tipping is not mandatory but customary. It's appreciated and expected in most cases in restaurants, bars, cabs, and especially for exceptional service.

How do you get around while in Canada?

Canada has a good and vast public transportation system that can connect you from coast to coast, but many of the service providers vary by region, so be sure to arrange your transportation diligently.  

Canadian cuisine celebrates the country’s multiculturalism, showcasing several unique dishes and approaches to international cuisine. Cities like Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, Halifax, and Victoria boast an incredible selection of restaurants and dining experiences, from luxurious Micheline star meals to homestyle diners and cafes.

Unique Canadian Cuisine 

Any trip to Canada should include its national staples. One of the most iconic dishes is poutine, a dish of french fries and cheese curds topped with a brown gravy. Poutine originated in Quebec in the 1950s and is a delicious dish enjoyed across Canada. Canada is also recognized for its beef so be sure to indulge in premium Alberta Angus beef, Ontario is famous for its savoury butter tarts while the Maritimes excel in seafood, including lobster, Atlantic salmon, snow crab, tuna, mussels, and oysters. Canada also produces over 80% of the world’s maple syrup so be sure to sample the delicious extract in your classic Canadian breakfast featuring peameal bacon.

Canadian Beer & Wine 

Canada is also emerging as an excellent wine producer thanks to British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley and Ontario’s Niagara region. Beer lovers will also feel at home with more than 1,200 microbreweries producing award-winning beer. Brewery tours are available in most major cities, and you’ll be able to sample unique offerings from coast to coast, so no two tours will be the same.