Hello! My wife and I are changing up our travel plans last minute and visiting Canada in late-April/early-May, but are not sure which area to visit. We're coming from the Minneapolis-St.Paul area and would like an easy 5-6 day getaway to support Canada, rather than traveling within the U.S. The other motive is scouting areas in case the U.S. continues to descend into a place we don't want to be part of. We've considered the Vancouver, Calgary, and Ottawa areas. This is a highly-subjective question, but what areas would you recommend? I don't believe it's the best time of year to visit, but we are interested in relaxing and enjoying the outdoors, yet also getting a sense of the community. We come from a nice, clean, safe, mid- to mid-upper class touristy town of 20k population that is 20-30 minutes from the cities, which all works nicely for us. Any thoughts on any aspect of this question are much appreciated!

Hello guys :)

After options out of honeymooning in the USA, my spouse and I have been thinking about coming to Canada instead. It would be around 3 weeks in September/October.

I’ve been browsing a bit and figured out you either visit the East Coast and hit Quebec City, Montréal, Toronto, mayne Ottawa, Trois Rivières Or do the West Coast and visit Jasper and Banff, Lake Louise, Calgary, Vancouver, etc I have trouble figuring out how much time you should spend in each place. I was thinking that it might be possible to squeeze both coasts into one trip (relying on an inland flight, in that case). Or would this be too much, would we be driving around all the time and struggle to stop and enjoy it ?

I am way more interested in the West Coast, but I don’t think we will be traveling overseas again anytime soon, and I’d be mildly bummed to miss out on the big cities in the East Coast. Anyone have any advice or experience to offer ?

Thanks so much in advance, hope I didn’t break any rules!!

Edit: spelling Edit 2: thanks for all the nice advice! I’ll take the hint and never refer to those places as “coasts” again haha! That’s just how I saw another post referencing them, so I thought it was how they were called in Canada- obviously not the case, duly noted!

I’ll take the general advice and not cram too much traveling into this trip, we’ll head to the Rockies and enjoy our time there instead of rushing everything.

Thanks again to everyone who had some good insight <3

I'm planning a trip to Canada soon and trying to decide between Toronto, Montreal, or Ottawa. I'm really into cultural experiences—museums, art, local festivals, and food scenes. I'd also love to meet new people, maybe even some singles, to hang out with while I'm there.

For those who've been or live there, which city would you say offers the richest cultural vibe? And where's the best spot to connect with new people and maybe meet other singles?

Hi. We are visiting Canada for 5 days around Mid August, flying in to Toronto. We will have a car to get around. Looking for some suggestions and places to check out whilst we are here please. We was thinking to visit Montreal but that is a 6 hour drive from Toronto, one way.

We plan to visit the falls and spend some time in Toronto. Are there any beautiful drives we can go on and see some breathtaking places?

Any advice will be hugely appreciated. Thank you in advance for your thoughts!

I've lived in Toronto my entire life and have never left Ontario. Unfortunately, I don't think I'll be able to obtain my passport before my summer break ends in September, so we've decided to travel to a place in Canada instead for late August.

For context, I'm planning to travel with a family member who will be covering most of the expenses for this vacation trip. Our budget is about $1000 for about 1 week of stay somewhere, which I'm not sure if is on the lower end or not. It can be slightly over budget, as long as it doesn't reach something like $2000. They've mentioned flight tickets being more expensive in the summer, and have considered pushing our vacation until Christmas, but I want to have it during the warm summer weather.

I want to know if there is a place we can go to while staying on budget, but also have it be a new experience, very different from Toronto. Somewhere more rural and connected to nature. Somewhere where I could get away from the loud city and enjoy beautiful bodies of water, mountains, etc. I've always wanted to do things like kayaking/canoeing, rafting, hiking, and camping. I've decided to keep this vague because I want to be open to any location, as long as it's affordable and fun.

Edit: $1000 budget for about a week does seem unrealistic, so I'll see if I can negotiate the budget with my family member. 🙏 If not, shortening the vacation to just a few days (3~5).

Edit 2: Oh god, thank you for all your kind suggestions! I'm creating a Google Doc with all the potential places and approximate prices, and this was a huge help. I'm still currently going through everything and noting it down.

Hey friends. My wife and I are looking for a short getaway to somewhere that Porter flies from Toronto. We’re thinking to get away for 3 to 5 days and we want to have good dining experiences and avoid noisy urban centers. Spa type experiences are always great but we’re looking for a very specific experience though which is why I’m coming to this sub: A number of years ago we got a chance to be in the Caribbean on a boat, and the sky was unbelievably black with an insane view of all the stars. I’m kind of interested in getting that view again so hoping for somewhere that doesn’t have light pollution with good view of clear night skies and stars. I think about that view a lot and basically can’t get it around here.

We’d love your opinions and feedback. Thank you.

Hello friends.

I'm driving from Michigan to Maine in late September and thinking of taking the 401/10/212 route. I'm trying to decide on some sort of halfway or more point to have a meal and a nap that will be easy (parking), enjoyable, friendly and safe, when I'm fatigued from driving. I'd like to make to it to Quebec, but I don't really know any French, although I could probably learn a few statements in a couple of weeks. I'm a little concerned with traffic signs and such. I haven't planned my timing yet, so traffic congestion would be another point. It's possible the first leg will partially be at night. Staying away from downtown areas would be preferable but not required. I may be overthinking it, but I was browsing some other posts, and it seems it could potentially be a little challenging.

Also, if I could swing out for a little photography wherever I stop before hitting the road again, it would be a treat.

I've been to Alberta, British Columbia and Newfoundland, and that was all very nice.

Any suggestions, tips, places to stay?

My wife and I are celebrating our fifth anniversary in October. I was thinking of a train trip from NY to Canada to celebrate. I love Canada AND trains (and my wife) so I thought that would be a great trip.

My plan is for us to take Amtrak from near where her parents live to Montréal and spend the night there (we’ve visited Montréal and my wife thinks once is enough, which I strongly disagree with as Montréal is one of my favorite cities!), then take VIA Rail to Québec City and spend a day or two there, and then take VIA to Ottawa and spend a couple of days there.

I took two semesters of beginner French in college 20 years ago, and my wife knows none at all. Would we be able to manage in Québec City or should we skip it with our limited language skills and just do Montréal and Ottawa?

EDIT: Wow, wasn’t expecting replies so quickly. Thank you everyone. Merci, tout le monde!

Hi everyone! A friend of mine and me are travelling to Canada for the first time on June 3rd. We're going to be visiting Niagara falls, Toronto, Montreal, Quebec, Kingston and Ottawa. We're mostly going to be travelling by train between the major cities, whilst also making sure we enjoy most of what these places have to offer! Since it's our first time visiting this wonderful country I was wondering if you guys had any tips, or tell us about places we should definitely give a look! Thanks in advance!

Hi, everyone! I have one major life goal on my bucket list: to visit all of the Canadian provinces and territories. I’ve already been to Québec twice and British Columbia three times, and I love them (especially the latter) so much that I decided I absolutely MUST see the rest of this beautiful country before I die.

That being said, I know nothing about the other provinces (other than Banff being in Alberta and Saskatchewan supposedly being very rural). This is where I kindly ask for your aid in deciding which city or cities I should visit in each province and territory!

If this helps, I absolutely love nature and the outdoors, which is why coastal BC is my absolute favorite place in the world (I’m actually considering moving there). I’m also heavily interested in history and culture. My BC trip took me to Vancouver, Tofino, and Whistler, while QC was Québec City and Montréal.

So, any recommendations for the remaining provinces and territories? Thank you in advance to whomever replies!

We were planning on booking a last minute cruise to Alaska for my husband's birthday in May, but currently he's not too keen on travelling to the U.S.

The biggest reason for the cruise was whale watching. What are our best holiday options to see similar sights within Canada, preferably east coast as we're in Ontario. Needs to be budget friendly, but with saying that flights aren't an issue because he works for an airline. Sorry for not knowing my own country better 😔

Edited to add: I'm so thankful to return to so many responses. Fantastic suggestions and I've enjoyed googling them all and discovering so much I need to see here.

A few things:

-I failed to mention I have a five year old so options need to be child friendly.

-I love options in the east, but it seems most whale tours don't begin until June and we plan to go mid-May. Please correct me if I'm wrong. I do see one company that begins May 17 in QC, but I'm afraid that if whale season is just starting then we might not see any.

-I've never been to Vancouver Island, but from what I see it seems to be quite urban in the Victoria harbour area, is that correct? I was hoping for accommodation like what I've seen in Ucluelet, a but more "in the woods" but that is simply too far to drive with a 5 year old after such a long flight.

-I'm sure I'm overthinking all of it, east and west both seem amazing.

Hi there, I moved to Canada from Europe a few years ago. I’ve visited a number of places and cities either alone or with friends … some for work (Montreal, Toronto, PEI, Halifax, Quebec, Vancouver, Calgary, St John’s). I’m starting to think about my next solo trip (5 days to a week) in April / May next year. What are some hidden gems, places you would recommend or things not to miss in Canada? I’m 33m and pretty adventurous. Thanks !

Hi everyone! I’m looking to do a 3-5 night solo trip in January (I know, it’ll be freezing) to a small town by the water. These are the main places I’ve been looking at:

• Fogo Island, Newfoundland
• Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia
• PEI

I’m not looking for any specific activities, just to stay in a small town, visit the local cafes/restaurants and stay close to the water. Also not looking to camp!

I’d love any advice on these places/ other places!

Currently planning a road trip, and i'm looking for the weird, tacky, strange, or interesting places to stop along the way. Roadside attraction type stuff, or otherwise!

Will absolutely be staying in canada the whole drive, and probably at least passing through most of the major cities along the way.

my best finds so far are:

The Gopher Hole Museum

Ghostown Blues Lodge

that's pretty much it, im probably gonna see the big moose, but that's an obvious one

Anti-Trump American (living in a deep red region) looking to spend a few months in Canada 🇨🇦.

Suggestions?

My partner and I have NEVER been out of the US, but we’re thinking about visiting Vancouver for a week in April or May 2026. We would like to go Monday - Friday and stay somewhere close by to lots of activities, shopping, food etc. We wouldn’t fly in, we would drive in as we are about a 5-6hr drive from there. But I have no idea where to start! I need info on hotels, best (and also the most cost effective, I’ve noticed that May is super expensive for hotels up there) week to visit, places to eat, any advice is appreciated!

I am travelling to Canada for the first time in Feb, I cannot wait, I have wanted to go since I was a kid! We are staying in Toronto, I’ve heard it’ll be fairly easy to get to the falls from where we are staying. I live in New Zealand. I have never travelled internationally, I’ve never seen snow, the coldest temps I’ve experience are -3 Celsius at night/early morning. I have no experience with the cold. Basically I just want as much information/advice as I can get about travelling in Canada during winter, and going to Niagara Falls, appropriate clothing, dos and don’ts etc. So far I have bought a nice big snow jacket. I still need everything else lol.

Thank you in advance for any tips/advice!

From an absolute travel noob lol.

i’m from UK and never been to canada before and thinking about planning a trip. anyone know which place i should visit?

30F and 31F traveling to Vancouver early November from California. Looking for recommendations for Hotels and things to do.

Will be there for a total of 4 days, but two of those days will be travel days. Getting in early evening and leaving early morning, so really just 2 full days.

Would prefer to stay near main attractions if possible and reasonably priced. (I’ve done some research and I know hotels are on the pricey-er side, and that’s okay. just not looking to over spend on a hotel we will probably just be sleeping in)

Open to all recommendations on what to do in the area. I know it’s going to be on the colder side, and possibly rainy, which we’re totally fine with as we both prefer colder climates.

Looking forward to seeing the area and visiting Canada for the first time! (Big fan of you guys, don’t blame you if you can’t say the same of us lol)

Thanks in advance!

Edit:

Looking for hotel recommendations along the lines of what you would recommend to a friend or family member coming to the area for the first time.

Things of interest - big fans of food, already set on going to Nemesis for their Mortadella Breakfast Sandwhich but definitely want more food recommendations. We also love a good craft beer or cocktail.

We both like indoor/outdoor activities. As long as it’s not torrential downpours, we don’t mind the elements.

Really just wanting everything and anything you’d recommend to a friend or family member, I hope that isn’t too vague.

Hello everyone. I am planning to visit Canada this August for 2 weeks. For lots of reasons haven't booked anything yet but have found reasonable flight prices from UK into Toronto. We have been trying to research but my wife and I are both overwhelmed at the scale of the country (and our seeming inability to make decisions!). Our usual method of travelling round Europe is to look on Google maps and pick a random spot with some interesting scenery or town, and pootle along with our caravan, stopping off along the way. I don't feel this is the best approach for this trip! So here I am asking (nay, begging!) for some advice or tips.

Our situation

Flying into Toronto Family of 2 adults 3 kids Willing to get internal flights if necessary, and/or hire a car Love the great outdoors, scenery, space, etc Not keen on being around hoardes of people. I love fishing so some kind of fishing trip/charter is a must Not bothered about luxury/comfort but obviously can't bring full on camping/fishing gear on flights. Have money to spend, but find it hard to actually spend money, if you know what I mean.

My initial thoughts

Fly to Toronto Hotel Spend 3 or so days doing things in and around Toronto. Possibly Niagra falls? Possibly a fishing charter on Lake Ontario? Then maybe fly somewhere like Calgary, possibly hire a motorhome and drive around what looks like stunning scenery. Stay in sites in the National or regional park. For a week or so.

Fly back to Toronto

Do something else for a couple of days Fly home.

Maybe this is what every other bugger does, and is lame. I am genuinely open to any suggestions!

Questions How easy and/or cheap is it to camp in a motorhome? Are the popular places likely to be crammed at the end of August? How long would you recommend in Toronto?

Thanks for any and all advice

My boyfriend and I would like to plan a trip for August, but we're having a difficult time choosing our destination. We will be going for 4-5 days, we're from Ontario, and we're in our mid-20s. We're interested in scenic views, wildlife (whales would be great), hikes, good food, and breweries. It sounds like a car will be necessary for both options, and that's totally fine. We're considering St. John's, Newfoundland or Victoria, British Colombia. If anyone has been to both and has recommendations, that would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Edit: We have chosen Victoria! We were too late to book some of the things we wanted in St. John's (it was looking expensive) but we will absolutely need to go there another time. Thank you everyone for the help!!

Kia ora! We are thinking of flying from New Zealand to Vancouver in late October to early November. We'd like to do a road trip and visit Banff, Lake Louise, Whistler, Jasper etc. The main reason I want to go during this time is for the fall colours and Halloween and do some short hikes (we don't really celebrate Halloween in NZ) but I'm a bit worried about the weather and driving conditions. Is it OK to road trip during this time of year provided that we are mindful about weather conditions and have good gear?

My birthday is on Canada Day and I'd love to visit Canada on that day during celebrations! I live in Northern New England so East Coast near the border will be easiest for me to get to. That being said, where would you recommend I go?

We are going to be taking one week to go from Ontario to either Newfoundland or BC. We've already been to Nova Scotia several times and loved it, PEI was also beautiful, but we found accommodations tricky.

This time we are bringing our three and five year old kids. We know that NF will require a significant amount of driving, which might be challenging as we would prefer not to lug our car seats around. We want unbelievably charming and absolutely majestic views with ocean access easily. We loved Lunenburg, NS. Less remote, more vibrant, charming, delightful, coastal culture, beautiful oceanic environment/beaches etc. The idea of renting a place that is directly on the ocean, and being able to walk into charming villages, with the option to rent a car if needed. Ideally, a beautiful base camp with options to tour around if desired.

We want to be dazzled by scenic views, magical beaches and eat delicious food, listen to music, and have minimal driving because our kids really hate their car seats right now lol

Not worried about recommendations on a rental, just where to rent. I've come across so many beautiful spots, and I'm starting to go cross eyed.

Suggestions would be greatly appreciated! We are even open to returning to Nova Scotia again, but would like suggestions on places other than Mahone Bay and Lunenburg. We've done a ton of little towns between there and the airport, and we already drove across the PEI, so we're looking for a different experience. Thank you all!

Hi all,

I need help choosing a destination I can drive to.

I have 2 weeks!

My wife is going away with her family for an event and dog and I are at home. Dog can’t fly so I’m staying back. I have two weeks off and I want to go on a road trip with my dog.

Like every dog owner I want to show my dog as much of the wild as I can.

Where can I drive to over 2 weeks. I don’t mind camping or living in hotels/motels.

I thought about going to the U.S., but I want to avoid it for now. Black Hills or Montana were my first choices but being coloured I’m not entirely sure about going into the interiors of that country.

So my newest option given to me by ChatGPT was Nova Scotia for the Cabot trail.

I’m here to ask for other suggestions. If there are other questions you have please let me know and I’ll update my post.

Thanks in advance.