Canada promises its tourists an unforgettable experience. It boasts breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and friendly people. So, if you are currently planning a trip to Canada, youβre in for a treat. The country promises its tourists a very rewarding experience.
But before you pack your bags and head out to Canada, you must do some research first. That involves knowing the best time to visit, must-see destinations, budget-friendly travel hacks, and more. Keep reading to find some of the best tips for exploring Canada.
Best time to visit: seasons & festivals to plan around
Canada is a magical place to tour. But you might ask yourself when is the best time to visit? Well, it all depends on what kind of travel experience you desire in Canada. Below is a breakdown of the seasons and festivals you can plan around:
Spring
Spring in Canada occurs between March and May. It is the season when snow melts, and Canada comes to life with blooming flowers and milder temperatures. If you are looking to vacation on a budget, spring is the best time for you.
It has fewer crowds and less travel costs. Whatβs more, in May, there is the Ottawa Tulip Festival that showcases beautiful floral displays.
Summer
Canadian summer starts in June and ends in August. It’s the most popular time of the year for travelers wanting to visit Canada. It also hosts one of the largest festivals in the world – that is the Montreal Jazz Festival. There is also the Calgary Stampede in July.
Summer in Canada is a busy travel season, and many travelers choose to use an eSIM to book tickets and stay connected more easily. You can find more info about how it works and where to get one.
Autumn
Autumn in Canada takes place between September and November. It comes with colorful foliage that covers the Canadian landscapes. The best part? Autumn is a harvest season. So, youβll get to enjoy food festivals across the country.
Winter
If you love snow sports, then winter is the best time for you to visit Canada. It takes place between December and February. And the season is the best time for skiing in places like Whistler. At the same time, there is the Winterlude and Quebec Winter Carnival in February.
Must-see destinations: from Banff to Torontoβs skyline
Canada is a treasure trove and it boasts many stunning destinations. Some of them include:
Banff National Park
If you are an outdoor lover, Banff National Park is the place to be. This destination has beautiful attractions, such as Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and Banff Gondola. They are a paradise for any photographer, social media enthusiast, or outdoor enthusiast.
Niagara Falls
A trip to Canada cannot be complete without visiting these falls. They are the worldβs most popular waterfalls. To fully enjoy Niagara Falls, take a boat tour for an up-close experience.
Toronto
Toronto is a must-visit destination in Canada. It is the countryβs largest city. At the same time, itβs a good place to enjoy a mixture of culture, entertainment, and food. Best of all? There is the CN Tower that will give you panoramic skyline views of the city and Lake Ontario.
Budget-friendly travel hacks: how to save on transport & food
As you explore Canada, you donβt need to break the bank. As long as you make smart choices, you can enjoy what the country has to offer while saving on costs. Below is how:
- Cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal have a great public transport systems. So, use public transit as they are much cheaper than taxis or renting cars. Also, consider buying a weekly pass instead of individual tickets for public transport.
- Use services, such as BlaBlaCar or Poparide, to carpool or rideshare with other travelers during your road trips in Canada. These services allow you to split costs with other travelers. So, youβll get to save money, especially when it comes to long-distance road trips.
- Book your flights smartly by using budget airlines, such as Swoop or Flair. You can also consider booking in advance, which is cheaper.
- For food, eat like a local. Donβt go to touristy restaurants. Instead, try food trucks, farmersβ markets, or casual eateries for delicious and affordable meals.
- You can also consider accommodations such as Airbnbs that come with a kitchen. Then, cook your own food instead of dining outside. That can save you some money.
Navigating public transport: getting around in major cities
As stated above, the major cities in Canada have great transport systems. They are affordable and will make it easy for you to explore Canada. For instance, there is the TTC. It has an extensive network of subways, buses, and streetcars.
To use TTC, you’ll need a Presto card. On the other hand, in Vancouver, there is the Translink. This Translink comprises buses, SkyTrain, and SeaBus. And for affordable transport, have the Compass Card with you. It offers discounted fares.
In Montreal, there is the STM. It comprises the metro and buses. For efficient travel in Montreal youβll need an Opus Card.
All in all, each major city in Canada has its own public transport system and unique travel card.
How to stay connected: internet options for seamless travel
From the above travel tips, one can conclude that internet connection is a must have. It will help you book festival tickets, get directions to the must-visit destinations, and access information about cheap places to get food or groceries.
At the same time, internet connection will help you navigate the public transport system efficiently in Canada. So, how can you stay connected and what are the internet options for you? Well, one option is free public wi-fi.
Youβll find it at cafes, hotels, airports, and other public places. However, this option is not so great as it can be slow and unreliable. At the same time, its security risks are higher. So what is the best option for you?
Well, that’s an eSIM. An eSIM from providers like Holafly promises a stable and reliable network connection. As long as you use it, you can be sure of reliability with no security risks.
Also, the eSIM is hassle-free, cost-effective, and works with modern smartphones.
