The glinting glaciers of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago and buzzing cafes of Montreal, whale spotting from the pink beaches of Prince Edward Island and cooling off in the spray of the thundering Niagara Falls… welcome to our Canada travel guide.

The second biggest country in the world, Canada is a vast wilderness with pockets of sophistication appearing suddenly in between snow-capped peaks and deep, dark forests. Cities such as Toronto and Vancouver are as cosmopolitan as they come, but trek into the heart of Alaska and you’ll feel as if little has changed since aboriginal times.

So where to start when planning your Canadian adventure? Here are our picks of the best things to see and do in Canada. And don’t forget to check out our list of 100 things to do in Canada before you die.

Getting there

To say that Canada is big is an understatement. In a country this huge, careful planning is key to making the most of your trip. Whether you’re keen to answer the call of the wild or curl up with a craft beer in a cool cafe, we’ve got you covered with our curated guide of the best ways to see Canada.

You can fly to Canada directly from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane and with one stop from Perth and Adelaide.

Please note: Australian citizens are required to apply for a Canada eTA visa to enter Canada on a short-term basis (under 90 days) for general tourism, business, transit or medical purposes.

When to visit Canada

The best season to visit Canada depends on what sort of holiday you’re looking for.

Spring sees the snow gradually melting to reveal forests and wild flowers. March to June are particularly lovely months in Toronto because there are so many cultural things to do, from festivals to exhibitions.

Summer’s long, balmy evenings are ideal for getting out in nature, while September is the peak of the salmon run, meaning your chances of spotting bears are higher than at any other time of the year.

And of course ski resorts such as Whistler and Banff come alive in winter with pristine slopes and countless cozy bars. Not a skier? Check out our guide to Canadian winter festivals that are well worth their airfare.

Best way to explore Canada

Planning your road trip

Massive and mesmerising, Canada is a country that could have been dreamed up by adventurous explorers. On four wheels is the perfect way to see it, but knowing your distances is crucial. The drive from Vancouver in the west to Quebec City in the east is more than 3,000 miles.

There are so many things to see on a road trip across Canada it can be hard narrowing down your route. One of the most spectacular is from Vancouver to Alaska, through British Columbia and Yukon Territory. Expect cobalt blue mountain lakes and the shadows of moose through the gloom of the pine forests.

And did you know there was a desert in Canada? Discover rattlesnakes, great wines and the desert of Osoyoos on a quirky road trip to the Okanagan Valley.

Rest and relaxation

Canada’s immense collection of natural wonders lends itself to activity holidays, but you don’t have to be an adventurous type to enjoy your visit.

Escaping the cold to luxuriate in a spa is one of the best things to do in Canada in winter. Soak in an outdoor bath on the edge of a rolling cedar forest or enjoy a calming facial in a snow-dusted log cabin at Thermae. There are also more than 30 natural hot springs throughout the country. Those at Lussier, British Columbia, are particularly beautiful.

Alternately, embrace life in the slow lane on one of Canada’s most beautiful islands. Dig for giant clams on Prince Edward Island, or explore the Île d’Orléans, which has a smattering of romantic villages surrounded by lush vineyards.

Best places to visit in Canada

From Quebec’s 19th-century cafes filled with the smell of fresh croissants to Churchill, the polar bear capital of the world, there are no shortage of exhilarating places to visit in Canada. Plan your trip of a lifetime with our curated guide.

Ottawa

Charming and gregarious, Canada’s handsome capital is one of the best places in the country to visit with kids. A tour of the elaborate Gothic Parliament buildings which soar above downtown is a must, while the city’s many parks and gardens are the perfect place to appreciate the changing seasons.

Come winter, skate on the Rideau Canal and escape the cold in the National Museum of Canada, a futuristic treasure trove made of pink granite and sparkling glass towers.

Vancouver

This West coast seaport is a regular on ‘the world’s most attractive cities’ lists for a reason. Cradled between snowy mountains, idyllic seascapes and forest wildernesses, it is a cosmopolitan hub with a thriving arts scene and dazzling historic architecture.

There are countless cultural things to do in Vancouver, and you’ll find lashings of inspiration with our comprehensive city guide.

Toronto

Perching on Lake Ontario’s northwestern shore, achingly-cool Toronto is the most multiculturally diverse city on the planet. One of the best things to do in Toronto in June is a leisurely art tour of West Queen West, Toronto’s hippest hood. Enjoy the spring sunshine as you pop into galleries and keep your eyes peeled for bright splashes of street art.

If you prefer your thrills of the culinary variety, you’re in luck, because there are more fantastic places to eat in Toronto than any other city in Canada.

Banff

There are so many things to see in Banff, located bang in the middle of Canada’s very first national park, that there is no best time to visit. In summer, glide through ultramarine lakes on canoes as eagles soar overhead and in winter experience the thrills of Lake Louise’s ski slopes. Find more inspiration with our ultimate Banff ski guide.

Be sure to catch the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain for epic views over the Rocky Mountains.

Montreal

Turn up the speakers and get your dancing shoes on for a trip to Montreal, the music capital of Canada. Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, Arcade Fire and Neil Young are just a few of its gifts to the world, and a visit to Downtown’s many music venues is still one of the top 10 things to do in Montreal.

Expect crooked pubs and 18th-century buildings contrasted with the best cultural and arts scene in the country… Throw in the fact that the ski slopes of Bromant and Le Massif are a short drive away and you’ll begin to see why Montreal is regularly voted one of the most livable cities in the world

Skiing in Canada

Powdery snow covers the slopes outside, the festive season has begun and you’re wrapped up by the fire inside your luxurious winter lodge watching the snow fall softly out the window. Could there be a more magical scene? A snow holiday in Canada is a bucket-list trip for many Australians – and for good reason too.

The country is renowned for the quality and quantity of its snow and its many ski resorts, including Jasper, Whistler, Banff, Panorama Mountain Resort, Fernie, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, Revelstroke, Sun Peaks and SilverStar, which cater to all levels and interests –they’ve even thought of the non-skiers.

But for those keen to hit the slopes, you’ll find everything you need to know about skiing in Canada here. If you’re looking for extreme runs, you’ll want to read our guide to Canada’s six scariest ski slopes.