The call of the Far North
Lake Louise in Banff National Park.
- © Yunsun_Kim / Shutterstock
Canada
Canada in short
Canada and its winter sports... but what else?
Canada's temperate continental and polar climates make it a winter sports lover's paradise. Whether you're sliding, rolling or paddling, as long as the snow is there, everything's fine.
Kayaking in the Great Lakes region
The Great Lakes region, located between Canada and the United States, offers incredible opportunities for kayaking.
From the surface of the icy turquoise water, you can see the cliffs of the incredible Pukaskwa National Park, on the shores of Lake Superior, or the immense boreal forests of Ontario. Canada has more lakes than any other country in the world, 563 in all. Do you prefer paddling or scuba diving? In summer, you can even swim in Canada's southernmost lakes.
Moraine Lake, Banff National Park.
- © Cavan-Images / ShutterstockA paradise for hiking and cross-country skiing
Canada has always known how to protect its territory and its natural heritage. The country abounds in protected nature parks, managed by the federal government, the provinces, municipalities and private organisations. In 2009, around 10% of Canadian territory was classified and protected. In fact, the walks are magnificent and varied.
From west to east, Canada is home to landscapes that are unique in the world. The maple groves of the west coast offer breathtaking autumns of orange and purplish colours. The mountains and parks of the east coast are populated by conifers, offering hikers lush landscapes all year round. During your walks in Canada, you may be lucky enough to come across deer or caribou, for example. Some endangered species are seeing their habitats slowly repopulated thanks to strict and respected protection.
Cycling enthusiasts will also love Canada's trails. A number of websites, including Great Lakes Circle Tours, offer mountain biking routes all over the country. In winter, the trails are transformed into cross-country ski trails. They are just as enjoyable in the snowy landscapes of the Far North.
Le lac d'Emeraude (Emerald Lake), dans le parc national de Yoho.
- © i viewfinder / Shutterstock"The place to be for skiers
How can you not talk about skiing when you talk about Canada? With its majestic mountains, modern resorts, thick, dense powder and easy access to the slopes, Canada is a skier's paradise. Every major city in Canada has a resort nearby. So much so that some of them have "After work" passes for Canadians, from 4 p.m. until closing time.
Check out Whistler Blackcomb, less than 2 hours from Vancouver, Mont-Blanc Québec, an hour from Montreal, or Stoneham, just outside Quebec City.
Skiing in the high alpine of the Sun Peaks, Shuswap, British Columbia.
- © Harry Beugelink / ShutterstockA multicultural destination
Canada is made up of 10 states. From west to east, some of them have nothing to do with each other. Quebec, for example, is a state where most people are bilingual in French and English. This cultural mix and diversity makes Canada an interesting, surprising and sometimes even unusual destination!
So join us in discovering the cuisine, history, art and culture of one of the world's youngest countries.
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The must-sees
All the must-sees
How to get there?
Canada has several major airports. If you want to visit the West Coast, we recommend landing at Vancouver International Airport, the country's second busiest, after Toronto.
On the other hand, the airports of Quebec, Montreal and Toronto welcome you from all over the world.
Where to stay?
Canada's states are very different. Depending on where you are, you can sleep in typical old motels, cosy cottages under the snow, panoramic lofts or even small, unpretentious hotels.
For travellers who need more comfort and want to make the most of their holiday in Canada, we've compiled a top 9 list of the best hotels in Canada's major cities. All the establishments are ideally located to make your visit easy and enjoyable.
Practical information
🌦️ Weather in Canada
British Columbia
The state of British Columbia enjoys a microclimate thanks to its proximity to the sea and the barrier of mountain ranges to the east. As a well-protected territory, temperatures are rarely negative in Vancouver in winter, and pleasant and mild in summer. In the northern part of the territory, the winters are very, very... cold.
Alberta
The rocky mountains to the west and the plains of eastern Canada make the state of Alberta an area where temperatures vary enormously. Winter is very harsh, with temperatures often below zero, while in summer, scorching temperatures cannot be ruled out.
Ontario
Another of Canada's tourist states, Ontario enjoys a fairly temperate climate. In winter, Toronto's buildings may be covered in snow, but temperatures rarely fall below -5°C. In summer, the Great Lakes and the mild climate make Ontario a pleasant tourist destination.
Quebec
In the very east of Canada, the state of Quebec is not spared from sub-zero temperatures. Although Quebecers have already experienced -30°C, it's not commonplace... fortunately! On the contrary, Quebec winters tend to be between -12 and 5°C, while summers flirt with 18°C.
When should you travel to Canada?
We strongly recommend that you travel to Canada between May and October, when, with a bit of luck, the summer temperatures can last through an Indian summer that lasts until October. This is the best time to enjoy the scenery and outdoor activities that Canada has to offer.
If you love winter, the magic of Christmas or snow sports, you absolutely must see Canada in winter. It's a unique experience that few Europeans get to experience.
Administrative procedures for travelling to Canada
Visas
If you have a valid European passport and your stay does not exceed 6 months, you can simply apply for an electronic travel authorisation to enter Canada. The cost of this procedure is 7 Canadian dollars. You apply online via the Canadian government website. You will need your passport and your online payment method.
Vaccinations
There are no compulsory vaccinations for entering Canada.
⚕️ Covid 19
Information up to date as of 11 January 2023 no longer recommends any specific measures regarding COVID 19 in Canada. Wearing a mask on planes, trains and public transport is no longer required.
🚘 Driving in Canada
To drive in Canada, you absolutely must have an international driving licence, which you can apply for from your government. For the French, the formalities are now done online, on the government website of theAgence Nationale des Titres Sécurisés, (ANTS).
Once there, you can hire a car directly on arrival at one of the international airports or book in advance online directly from the car hire website. Canadians drive on the right, as in Europe. However, the signs are different. Take the time to read and understand them before you get behind the wheel!
lightbulb_outline Editor's tip
We recommend that you get REALLY well equipped for the cold. 🌡️ Europeans are often not used to having to brave the -15°C temperatures of the Far North.
The train is very economical but particularly slow. A good solution is still the bus. 🚌 There are numerous connections between the major cities, making it easy to get around without breaking the bank. The main bus companies are Greyhound and Orléans Express in Quebec.
Travel and tourism page of the Canadian government site
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