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When one thinks of Canada, everyone automatically conjures up images of beautiful vistas, craggy mountains, vast coastline, and the Niagara. But there is so more to the place than that. Canada has an amazing culture and it believes in people’s happiness and equality first. The Canadians love visitors and whip up some… read more
Canada is a vast country, and the weather can be quite different in the East and in the West. It is a place that transforms with the seasons. Even though summer months are most favoured time to visit. The best time to visit Canada is from September through November. The weather has cooled down but is still comfortable and changing fall foliage provides a beautiful backdrop for a vacation. Pleasant fall celebrations such as pumpkin, apple, and wine festivals are in full swing.
The best time to visit Canada is right now. So, what are you waiting for?
December 21st marks the beginning of winter in Canada and lasts until March 19th. Winter is cold across the country. You will find milder temperatures in coastal cities like Vancouver (winter lows of approximately 4 degrees Celsius), and blistering cold in Northern territories and flatlands (lows of around -20 degrees Celsius). However, if you would like to enjoy sports like skating and skiing, you will want to visit Canada in the wintertime. You can also witness the beauty of the Northern Lights, a multi-coloured phenomenon that is worth bearing the cold for! Just because it's cold, doesn't mean that winter isn't the best time to visit Canada. If you are well prepared and bundled up, you can find a multitude of festivals and activities to fill your time during winter in Canada.
Significance: It is the holiday season for Canadians. Winterlude festival in Ottawa is worth a trip to the nation’s capital.
Temperature: Temperatures across the country vary due to its vast size and ranging latitude, but you can expect sub-zero temperatures across the country. In Vancouver (temperate zone), you can find temperatures as high as 4 degrees Celsius during the winter. In other areas like Montreal, Toronto, and Ottawa, temperatures can drop below minus 25 degrees Celsius.
Weather: The weather is cold across Canada during this time.
Why you should visit now: Winter is the preferred time to visit Canada to experience the best in winter sports and festivals. Enjoy skating in scenic outdoor rinks across the country and visit our vast mountain ranges for the best in skiing. If you’ve never witnessed Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, you will have to check this natural phenomenon during the winter season in Canada. Winter is a great time to visit family and friends, as many Canadians take time off work for the holiday season.
Tips: Winter is one of the most beautiful times of the year in Canada. To get the most out of your winter experience, bundle up with the right outerwear and plan your trip well in advance.
Similarly, springtime (March 20th to June 20th) can be a bit chilly if you are visiting from a warmer country like India. April is known for its precipitation, so prepare for different types of weather to get the most from your Canadian spring vacation. In May, you will notice the warming weather along with beautiful flowers, leaves, and greenery blossoming in the environment. May is one of the best times to visit Canada because of warming weather coupled with lower prices relative to the popular summer season. June is similar, as it's still before peak season, and its days are the longest in the year. You can also access the northern parts of Canada during June to embark on the exploration of a lifetime through mountains, valleys, glaciers, and lakes.
Significance: It is a time of growth and new life in the environment. Celebrate spring with Canadians through festivals including the Canadian Tulip Festival (Ottawa), Cherry Blossom Festival (Vancouver), and the Annapolis Apple Blossom Festival (Nova Scotia). Take advantage of the season with the live events happening at these blossoming spectacles.
Temperature: Temperatures vary across the country due to its vast size and ranging latitude, but you can expect above zero temperatures across the country. In Vancouver (temperate zone), you can find temperatures as high as 12 degrees Celsius during the spring. In other areas like Montreal, Toronto, and Ottawa, temperatures can drop below 0 degrees Celsius.
Weather: The weather begins cold and continues warming during spring.
Why you should visit now: Early spring is an off-season for Canadian tourism, so you will find great deals and lower prices for travel and accommodation. Festival season begins in spring with the blossoming of flowers, and the full transformation is complete by the end of the season.
Tips: Spring is often cold and wet in Canada. Be sure to layer up and grab an umbrella and sturdy rain boots to get the most out of your time in Canada.
Peak season in Canada is the summer months of July and August, and for a good reason. Travel across the country with relative ease to enjoy a wide-spanning array of activities. Unleash your inner cowboy at the Calgary Stampede in July, and then head to the Festival de Jazz de Montreal (Montreal Jazz Festival in July) in Quebec to hear the world's leading jazz musicians. For nature lovers, there are countless sites to visit and explore in the summer, with many activities to partake in and enjoy.
Significance: Canada's peak season is summer, and the entire country is bustling with festivals including Carnivale, Canadian National Exhibition, and Pride parade. All in Toronto, these grand celebrations are held throughout peak season, and they all offer great food too. Other notable festivals include the Pacific National Exhibition (Vancouver), Calgary Stampede (Calgary), Just for Laughs (Montreal) and the Celebration of Light (Vancouver).
Temperature: Temperatures vary across Canada due to its size and ranging latitude, but you can expect the warmest temperatures of the year throughout the country. Toronto sees temperatures ranging from 20 to 35 degrees Celsius, while more temperate zones like Vancouver will see smaller ranges and lower average temperatures around 18 to 27 degrees Celsius.
Weather: Across the country, it’s the warmest time of the year.
Why you should visit now: With the warmest weather, you will find all year, summer is the best time to visit Canada. You will find all the best attractions, national parks, hiking trails open to visitors, and you can explore to your heart’s content.
Tips: Canada’s peak season is summer. So if you are looking to avoid crowds, pick alternative destinations and smaller cities and towns. That way, you will save money, time, and get to create your own unique, Canadian experience.
Autumn in Canada (September to December) is a truly spectacular site; whether you are walking around a local town looking at its historic sites and buildings, or taking a stroll through a nearby forest, the leaves' colours will leave you breathless. From a luscious green, the foliage in the country goes through a complete transformation adding yellows, oranges, and reds you will not want to miss. Enjoy most outdoor activities with fewer crowds than in the summer and take in the beautiful scenery for a truly spectacular visit to Canada.
Significance: With the leaves changing colour, you can join Canadians and celebrate the changing seasons at a number of festivals and events. Visit the Tremblant Symphony of Colours (Quebec), Kitchener/Waterloo Oktoberfest, Niagara Grape & Wine Festival (St. Catherines) and the Celtics Colours International Festival (Nova Scotia).
Temperature: Temperatures vary across Canada due to its size and ranging latitude, but you can expect cooling temperatures throughout the season. In Toronto, temperatures average around 16 degrees in September 10 degrees in October, and 4 degrees in November. Other cities across the country see a similar pattern of cooling with varying ranges.
Weather: The weather is gradually cooling over the course of this season.
Why you should visit now: Early autumn is a great time to visit Canada for many reasons from its fall festivals to the fewer number of tourists at popular destinations. It's still warm enough to stop by the Niagara Falls, and you can explore the changing surrounding area at the Niagara gorge.
Tips: Canada’s peak season is summer. So if you are looking to avoid crowds, pick alternative destinations and smaller cities and towns. That way, you will save money, time, and get to create your own unique, Canadian experience. Now its time to go for a Visa. Apply for a Canada Visa now!
Experience one top chef's dream of Canadian cuisine at restaurant George in downtown Toronto. Featuring a menu of small plates highlighting local ingredients, this award-winning restaurant will give you an authentic taste of Canada. As a Canadian fine dining restaurant, you can expect to spend a bit more to enjoy everything on the menu, but it is well worth it. The team's passion for food, wine and hospitality is evident, and a trip to Canada would be amiss without a visit to George.
Must have: the catch of the day
Cost for two: Rs. 5,000 -10,000
Address: 111C Queen St E, Toronto, Ontario M5C 1S1, Canada
Hours: Monday 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM; Tuesday - Friday 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM; Saturday 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Visit one of Canada's Premiere Farmer's Market in downtown Toronto. The St. Lawrence Market gathers a collection of farmers, makers, artisans and antiques sellers to create an immersive pop-up experience. Gorge on local produce, cheese and meats knowing they are the freshest you will find in the country.
Location: Toronto, ON
For: All Ages
Difficulty Level: Easy
Approximate Cost: Variable
Tips: Make sure to get preliminary training from a reputed adventure sports center.
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this historic neighbourhood is guarded to this day by Fortifications of Quebec and the Citadel. There are several beautiful churches established in previous centuries to explore including the stunning Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, the Notre-Dame-de-Québec Basilica-Cathedral, the Jesuits Chapel, and St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church. Enjoy elegant restaurants and boutiques celebrating French Canadian cuisine and culture. Make sure you do not leave the province without trying the classic French fries dish, poutine. Vegetarians note that the gravy is often made from animal stock, so be sure to check with your server for options.
Location: Quebec City, QC
Known for: Its historic architecture, history, delicious food and exclusive shopping.
How to reach: By plane to Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport, by road, by bus
Type: Village
Experience one top chef's dream of Canadian cuisine at restaurant George in downtown Toronto. Featuring a menu of small plates highlighting local ingredients, this award-winning restaurant will give you an authentic taste of Canada. As a Canadian fine dining restaurant, you can expect to spend a bit more to enjoy everything on the menu, but it is well worth it. The team's passion for food, wine and hospitality is evident, and a trip to Canada would be amiss without a visit to George.
Must have: the catch of the day
Cost for two: Rs. 5,000 -10,000
Address: 111C Queen St E, Toronto, Ontario M5C 1S1, Canada
Hours: Monday 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM; Tuesday - Friday 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM; Saturday 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Visit one of Canada's Premiere Farmer's Market in downtown Toronto. The St. Lawrence Market gathers a collection of farmers, makers, artisans and antiques sellers to create an immersive pop-up experience. Gorge on local produce, cheese and meats knowing they are the freshest you will find in the country.
Location: Toronto, ON
For: All Ages
Difficulty Level: Easy
Approximate Cost: Variable
Tips: Make sure to get preliminary training from a reputed adventure sports center.
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this historic neighbourhood is guarded to this day by Fortifications of Quebec and the Citadel. There are several beautiful churches established in previous centuries to explore including the stunning Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, the Notre-Dame-de-Québec Basilica-Cathedral, the Jesuits Chapel, and St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church. Enjoy elegant restaurants and boutiques celebrating French Canadian cuisine and culture. Make sure you do not leave the province without trying the classic French fries dish, poutine. Vegetarians note that the gravy is often made from animal stock, so be sure to check with your server for options.
Location: Quebec City, QC
Known for: Its historic architecture, history, delicious food and exclusive shopping.
How to reach: By plane to Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport, by road, by bus
Type: Village
The distance from Canada to India can best be covered by booking a flight. You will be able to avail regular flights from major cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad to Canada. Major airports in Canada are spread across Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and Calgary. However, if you are looking to get to Canada as soon as possible, take Air Canada’s direct flight from Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi to Toronto with a duration of approximately 14 hours and 30 minutes. You can also avail direct flights to Toronto from Mumbai.
From these major airports in Canada, domestic flights connect you to several airports across the country. If you are travelling from India, chances are that you will have common stop-over locations at Brussels and London. This depends upon the airline of selection.
It would be advisable to book your tickets well in advance, especially if you are travelling in the peak season. Toronto Pearson International Airport is reputed to be the busiest and largest airport in the country. It is located approximately 27 kms from the city centre. The airport houses an exquisite art collection and art exhibits. It also comprises all kinds of amenities and plenty of shopping outlets to keep you engaged as you wait for your flight. Other major international airports in Canada are Vancouver International Airport (YVR), Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ), Calgary International Airport and Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL).
Air Canada is known to be the pennant carrier and also the safest airline to the destination. However, one can choose between any of the following airlines to travel to Canada - Jet Airways, Air India, Air Asia, Lufthansa, British Airways, United and Cathay Pacific. Upon arrival, individuals can avail of the bus taxi or hotel shuttle or train services to reach their required destination.
Trains do not run from India to Canada for obvious reasons. However, if you wish to sit by the window and watch the pristine lakes of Canada whisk past you, we have a few options for you. You can take the inter-city trains to explore the country, all the way from Halifax to Vancouver. You will find that VIA RAIL operates inter-city and trans-continental passenger trains. Train travelling your way through Canada is the best way to explore its sceneries, people and cultures. The entire Canada train journey will take at least five to six days without any stop in between. Take “The Canadian” train if you wish to travel between Toronto and Vancouver. This route will take at least four days if you do not make any stops along the way. You could also start from Halifax and hop on to “The Ocean” to Montreal after which you could take a train to Toronto. With wholesome supplies of coffee, snacks and beautiful sceneries catching your eye as you sit by the window, these six days might just seem like six minutes to you!
Heading to Canada by road all the way from India is neither possible nor feasible for obvious reasons. However, the country that is famous for its extensive coastline is synonymous with road trips. Hence, hire a car and take the Cabot Trail which is deemed to be one of the most famous road trips in the world. The Icefields Parkway route takes you along Lake Louise, Crowfoot Glacier, Bow and Peyto Lakes.
India does not offer any direct cruises to Canada. However, the seekers of the sea may not despair! If you are a water baby and prefer the crystalline sea over the azure, blue skies; head to the United States of America or if you are coming down from the United Kingdom, these countries offer cruises to Vancouver, Canada.
1)When is the best time to visit Canada?
The best time to visit Canada is during the summer- May to September. During the summer, one can explore more places.
2)Are winters harsh in Canada?
In most Canadian regions, except for British Columbia coast (where winters are moderate), winters are harsh, accompanied with freezing winds and extreme snowfall.
3)Which are the best cities to visit in Canada as a solo traveller?
As a solo traveller, one could and must explore the cities of Vancouver, Niagara Falls, Ottawa, Calgary, Icefields Parkway, Banff, Toronto.
4)Which destinations in Canada are family friendly?
Canada offers many destinations where one could unwind and have a relaxing bonding session with their family. Some of these places are Niagara Falls, Prince Edward Island, Whistler, Quebec City, Jasper National Park, Ottawa, Toronto, Victoria and Vancouver Island, Halifax and Montreal.
5)How many days do I need to wait for a Canada visa?
A tourist visa needs 15 days for processing.
6)What is the duration of a flight to Canada from India?
A direct flight from India to Canada takes a minimum of 14 hours and 18 minutes.
7)Can I use a Canada visa to visit the USA?
No, one cannot visit the USA with a Canadian visa. You must have a valid US visa.
8)How many days are adequate for a vacation to Canada?
Anywhere between 10-14 days would be adequate for a vacation to Canada.
9)Is Canada an expensive country?
Yes, Canada is an expensive country.
10)Can I use my Indian driver's license in Canada?
No. One would need to apply for an International Driving Permit to be able to drive in Canada.