What to do in Canada: wide open spaces, culture and inspiring city breaks 🌏🇨🇦

Canada is the call of the open road on an XXL scale. From the Rockies to the Atlantic, from the wild beaches of Vancouver Island to the streets of Quebec, you move from one world to another in just a few hours of driving... or flying. Whether you're planning your first trip or a romantic return to the land of the maple leaf, here's a clear and up-to-date guide to creating a custom itinerary, choosing the best season and enjoying simple and affordable mobile connectivity with GoMoWorld. For data info and dedicated plans, check out the page dedicated to Canada.

Canada is vast and the question "what to do" depends mainly on the season and how much time you have. But some classics deserve a place in almost every itinerary.

Pacific coast and British Columbia

Vancouver offers a rare blend of city, sea and mountains. You stroll along the Stanley Park seawall, grab a coffee in Gastown and climb Grouse Mountain for a postcard view of the ocean. A few hours away, Whistler is the mecca for mountain biking and skiing, with well-marked trails in summer and iconic slopes in winter. Taking the ferry to Vancouver Island, Victoria charms with its harbour and architecture, while Tofino takes you to beaches pounded by the Pacific, perfect for surfers and nature lovers.

Weather tip: on the Pacific coast, bring a waterproof layer even in summer. The sky can go from blue to drizzle in a flash, but the light after rain is magical for photos.

Rockies, turquoise lakes and glaciers

Between Banff and Jasper, the Icefields Parkway is one of the most beautiful roads in the world. Lakes Louise, Moraine and Peyto display surreal hues that vary with the weather and melting ice. Hikes range from very accessible to technical, and it's easy to alternate morning walks, hot springs in the afternoon and evening barbecues under a starry sky. Jasper, less crowded than Banff, shines with its starry skies and wilder lakes.

Prairies and badlands

Less known, the prairies of Alberta and Saskatchewan hide treasures. Dinosaur Provincial Park reveals badlands landscapes where you discover unique paleontological heritage. It's an opportunity to drive on infinite straight lines, stop in villages with retro charm and experience local hospitality.

Great Lakes and urban Ontario

Toronto vibrates with cosmopolitan energy. Multicultural neighbourhoods, world-class museums, street food and fine dining, the city doesn't sleep much. An hour and a half away, Niagara Falls always impresses, especially if you get up close by boat. Ottawa, a quiet capital, offers immersion in Canadian history between Parliament, the Rideau Canal and remarkable museums.

Quebec, traditions and modernity

Montreal plays the festival card, colourful cuisine and creative neighbourhoods. You go from Mile End to Little Italy, from a morning bagel to a gourmet dinner, and finish on a terrace on the Plateau. Quebec, smaller, concentrates charm and heritage, with its ramparts and cobblestone streets. Heading up the St. Lawrence to Tadoussac, whale watching is a highlight, especially from June to October.

Observation tip: in Tadoussac as on the Pacific coast, whales are visible from shore or on excursions. Dress warmly: on the water, the wind intensifies the cold, even in midsummer.

Atlantic provinces and maritime charm

Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador: singing accents, fishing villages, scenic roads and lobster in butter. The Cabot Trail in Cape Breton and the cliffs of Newfoundland are two highlights. Here, we take time to stop, walk, talk with locals.

Far North, northern lights and wildlife

Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut: adventure takes on another dimension. You come here for the northern lights, wide open spaces as far as the eye can see and a different relationship with time. On Hudson Bay, Churchill (Manitoba) is famous for polar bear watching in autumn.

Wildlife safety: keep your distance from wildlife, carry bear spray on trails frequented by grizzlies and store food hermetically. Parks provide clear guidelines: follow them to the letter.

The outdoors is a national passion. Even near big cities, parks are accessible and well maintained. In summer, hiking is king: hanging lakes, lookouts and dense forests await, with clear signage. Canoeing and kayaking are honoured in Ontario and Quebec, particularly in parks like Algonquin or Mauricie, where you glide on shimmering lakes surrounded by maples.

On the coast, zodiac or sailboat excursions allow you to approach whales, orcas and humpback whales in the west, fin whales and belugas in the east. Autumn is sublime for colours, especially in the east of the country: red maples, golden beeches, silver birches create a flamboyant palette in late September and early October.

In winter, make way for western ski resorts (Whistler, Big White, Revelstoke) and the Rockies (Banff, Lake Louise, Sunshine, Jasper), not to mention eastern resorts for a friendly atmosphere. Snowshoeing, skating on frozen lakes and Nordic spas are part of daily life. And for the northern lights, the clear skies of Yukon and the Northwest Territories are a photographer's dream between November and March.

Pro photo: a tripod, a camera capable of high ISO and a fast lens make the difference for auroras. Don't forget spare batteries: the cold drains them quickly.

Canada shines through its cultural diversity. Indigenous cultures are present through interpretation centres, pow-wows and contemporary artists, from the Pacific to the North. Don't miss the major museums: Art Gallery of Ontario (Toronto), Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, Canadian Museum of History (Gatineau), Royal BC Museum (Victoria) or Museum of Anthropology (Vancouver) for its exceptional First Nations art collections.

On the events side, summer is a celebration. Montreal Jazz Festival, Francos, Just for Laughs, TIFF (Toronto Film Festival), Calgary Stampede, but also a myriad of local festivals enliven the summer season. In winter, carnivals, Christmas markets and light festivals warm the atmosphere.

At the table, cuisine is rooted in seasons and regions: comforting poutine in Quebec, maple syrup in spring, fish and seafood from the Atlantic, salmon and spot prawns on the west coast, game meat and farm products everywhere. The Toronto and Vancouver food scene is ultra creative, with a strong Asian and Middle Eastern influence, while Montreal makes the product and boldness triumph.

Reservations: during summer and major festivals, book popular restaurants and activities in advance. Same for ferry transfers to Vancouver Island in high season.

Canada can be visited year-round, but the experience changes dramatically.

• Summer, from June to September, is ideal for hiking, lakes, terraces and scenic roads. July-August are the hottest and most crowded.
• Autumn, from mid-September to mid-October, is perfect for colours in the east, with mild temperatures and more reasonable crowds.
• Winter, from December to March, offers skiing, Nordic spas and auroras in the north. The Rockies and British Columbia are best for quality and quantity of snow.
• Spring, from April to May, is the season of renewal, maples and waterfalls swollen by snowmelt. Temperatures remain cool depending on regions.

If you have 10 days, focus on one region: the west (Vancouver and Vancouver Island), the Rockies (Banff-Jasper) or the east (Toronto–Montreal–Quebec). In 2 to 3 weeks, you can combine two regions with a domestic flight. Crossing the country in one trip takes time; better to savour it in several chapters.

10 days on the Pacific coast

Arrival in Vancouver, two or three days to soak up the city, cycle around Stanley Park, visit Granville Island and test the culinary scene. Head to Whistler for the mountains, then ferry to Victoria, its gardens, pubs and historic quarter. End in Tofino to hike in the rainforest, surf or watch Pacific storms from the beach. Return via Nanaimo and ferry to the mainland.

12 days in the Rockies

Landing in Calgary, drive to Banff and Lake Louise for two or three days of lakes and hikes. Go up the Icefields Parkway with multiple stops, then base yourself in Jasper for starry skies and wilder trails. Return via Edmonton or Calgary depending on your flight. In winter, alternate skiing, hot springs and snowshoe exploration.

10 to 14 days in urban and nature east

Start with Toronto: art, markets and 360° view from the heights. Make an excursion to Niagara Falls, then head to Ottawa for architecture and museums. Continue to Montreal for creative neighbourhoods and dining, then finish in Quebec, where history is read on every street corner. If time allows, extend to Tadoussac for whales or Gaspésie for the dramatic coast.

Distances: on the map, everything seems close, but Canada is vast. Plan reasonable stages and "light" days to absorb the unexpected and enjoy places without rushing.

Extensions to other destinations

Canada integrates perfectly into a multi-country grand trip. From Vancouver, transpacific flights open the door to a "culture and contrast" stop in Japan. From the east, combine an urban and beach road trip in Mexico, or an exotic detour to Morocco. For a tropical break in Southeast Asia, head to Thailand, between street food and islands, with a stopover in Thailand at the end of the journey.

Distances are great and the rail network, although picturesque, doesn't cover everything. To explore national parks and rural areas, car rental is often the best option. Driving is on the right, limits are in km/h and signage is clear. In winter, choose a car equipped with suitable tires and adapt your driving; some roads may close temporarily.

Domestic flights efficiently connect major centres, useful for combining, for example, Vancouver and Toronto in one trip. Ferries connect the mainland coast to Vancouver Island; in summer, it's wise to book. Buses cover the essentials between major cities and some intercity routes; for the last kilometre, local transport and bike sharing are good complements.

VIA Rail offers iconic connections, including the transcontinental crossing, more experience than simple transport, to consider if you have time. Private scenic trains also exist on some sections; they are sumptuous but to consider as an occasional splendour rather than an economical means.

Road and nature: check road conditions and weather in the morning, especially in the mountains. Bring water, some snacks and a warm layer: weather changes quickly and gas stations can be spaced out.

The cost of living in Canada varies by region, but overall, summer and highly touristy areas (Rockies, major urban centres) are more expensive. Sales taxes are added to the displayed price and differ by province. In restaurants, tipping is customary, generally between 15 and 20% of the amount before taxes. Card payments are ubiquitous, and contactless payment is widely accepted.

For accommodations, book early for summer in parks and around favourites like Banff, Jasper or Tofino. Campgrounds are in high demand and some sites open for reservation several months in advance. National park passes exist by the day or year; find out about the conditions of the park you're visiting.

For formalities, most visa-exempt travelers need an eTA (electronic travel authorization) to arrive by plane. US citizens are subject to specific rules; always check official requirements before departure. Travel insurance with health coverage is recommended: care can be expensive for non-residents.

Safety is excellent, but as everywhere, use common sense in the city and in nature. When hiking, report your itinerary if you go alone, bring enough water and respect park guidelines. In summer, mosquitoes may be present near bodies of water; an effective repellent and long sleeves at dusk work wonders.

Respect for places: learn some "Leave No Trace" principles. Stay on trails, take your trash back and avoid disturbing wildlife. Sites remain beautiful if we leave them intact.

In such a vast territory, a reliable connection saves time and peace of mind. GoMoWorld offers a 100% digital eSIM that works in 200+ destinations with a single installation. You install the eSIM once via the iOS/Android app, then you buy and activate data plans as you travel, without ever reinstalling anything. Installation is done only in the app, without QR code, with ultra-clear step-by-step guidance. Plans don't start automatically: you activate them manually when you're ready. And as long as they're not activated, they don't expire: convenient for buying in advance.

In Canada, coverage relies on high-performance local mobile networks, with connection sharing (hotspot) allowed on all plans. The VPN integrated into the app adds a layer of peace of mind for your public Wi-Fi connections or sensitive operations. And if you cross several countries on the same trip, the same eSIM continues to work: you just need to buy and activate the plan for the new destination, always in the same app.

For Canada pricing, you have a choice of several volumes depending on your duration and usage:

• 30-day plan: 20GB for €29.99
• 30-day plan: 12GB for €19.99
• 30-day plan: 6GB for €10.99
• 7-day plan: 1.2GB for €3.99

In practice, this means that for a 10 to 14 day stay with moderate use (maps, reservations, social networks, some videos), the 12GB 30-day plan covers most needs. For an intensive road trip with navigation and connection sharing, 20GB over 30 days offers a comfortable margin. For a week-long city break, 1.2GB over 7 days is enough if you optimize with Wi-Fi; otherwise, the flexibility of 30-day plans allows you to have a bit more data without worrying about time constraints.

GoMoWorld tip: install the eSIM in the app before leaving, then activate your plan upon landing or when crossing the border. When changing countries later in your trip, you don't have to reinstall anything: you simply switch to the new plan in the app.

A few important details for a smooth experience. You can buy your plans on the website or directly in the app; if you go through the website, then log into the app with the same email to find your purchases. All plans allow connection sharing: useful if your travel companion or tablet needs data occasionally. Customer service is based in Europe and responds every day. And since GoMoWorld is prepaid, no surprise overages: you consume what you bought, in complete transparency.

The weather changes quickly, especially in the mountains and on the Pacific coast. Opt for the three-layer system: breathable, insulating, waterproof. Also bring good shoes, a reusable water bottle and sun protection, including in spring and autumn.

When driving, respect limits, stop completely at "4-way stops" and be vigilant about wildlife at sunrise and sunset. In winter, caution is required: longer braking distances, possible ice, roads sometimes partially cleared.

For formalities, inquire early enough for your eTA if you're eligible. Have proof of accommodation for the first days, your return tickets and travel insurance. For health, bring your prescriptions and check customs rules if you're carrying medications.

Finally, to peacefully enjoy national and provincial parks, find out about camping reservation systems and peak periods. Sometimes a morning walk makes all the difference: fewer people, more light, more wildlife.

Time saver: download offline maps of your hikes and rural areas. Between enclosed valleys and remote parks, it's reassuring even with an eSIM. And in the city, GoMoWorld's integrated VPN secures your connections on public Wi-Fi.

As a reminder, here are the data offers available in Canada via GoMoWorld, as updated:

• 30-day plan: 20GB for €29.99
• 30-day plan: 12GB for €19.99
• 30-day plan: 6GB for €10.99
• 7-day plan: 1.2GB for €3.99

These plans are cumulative and activatable on demand in the app, without eSIM reinstallation. They're suitable for both a city trip and a long road trip, with the ability to recharge with one click if needed.

Is the eSIM installed with a QR code? No: installation is done only in the GoMoWorld app, guided step by step, without QR code. Do you have to reinstall for each trip? No: one eSIM for 200+ destinations; you buy/activate plans according to your needs. Do plans expire? No: as long as they're not activated, they remain valid indefinitely. Is connection sharing allowed? Yes: hotspot included on all plans. Payment? Bank card via the website or app. Automatic activation upon arrival? No: you control plan start in the app.

Multi-destinations: easily chain a summer in eastern Canada then an escape to Mexico or a cultural autumn in Japan without touching your eSIM: you simply activate the next country's plan in the app.

Canada is a great journey both literally and figuratively. You come for landscapes that shake the imagination, you return for the art of living, the kindness of people and the feeling of freedom. Whether you dream of crossing the Icefields Parkway, a gastronomic tour between Montreal and Quebec, whale watching in Tadoussac or a maritime road trip in Nova Scotia, you'll find an itinerary that suits you.

To keep a light spirit, a reliable and hassle-free connection is a real plus. With an eSIM installed once and for all, flexible plans, an always available hotspot and an integrated VPN, GoMoWorld checks all the boxes for traveling connected, from the Pacific to the Atlantic. And if you feel like extending the adventure, nothing simpler than chaining with a jump to Morocco or Thailand in stride. No stress: your eSIM follows you everywhere, all you have to do is enjoy.