Why visit
Canada is wilderness travel. Banff and Jasper in the Rockies, Tofino on Vancouver Island, Quebec City's old-world feel, Newfoundland's icebergs and puffins, and Yukon for the aurora.
Country - North America
Canada
natureadventurecityfoodculture
How to use this result
Use it as a country shortlist
Canada works best as a first-pass travel idea. Start with the region, season, and themes on this page, then compare flights, entry rules, safety guidance, and local transport before treating it as a real option.
Compare the capital and side trips
Use Ottawa as the administrative starting point, then check whether the strongest trip idea is actually the capital, a coastal area, a nature route, or another city in Canada.
At a glance
Location
60.0°, -95.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
9,984,670 km²
3,855,101 mi²
Country population
39.9 million
4/km²
Subregion
North America
Currency
Canadian dollar ($)
CAD
Dial
+1204
Languages
English, French
Demonym
Canadian
Internet
.ca
UN
Member state
ISO code
CA / CAN
Where in the world
60.0° - -95.0°
Canada
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Canada has more lakes than the rest of the world combined: over 2 million.
- It is the second-largest country by area (9.98 million km²), but its population density is one of the lowest on earth.
- Canada's national sport in summer is lacrosse, not hockey.
- 90% of Canadians live within 160 km of the US border: most of the country is essentially empty.
Bordering Canada
Traveler notes
- eTA for visa-free nationalities
- VIA Rail The Canadian Toronto–Vancouver takes 4 days
- October has the Ontario/Quebec foliage peak
Plan checks
- Start research with the capital Ottawa, then compare two or three other regions.
- Check passport validity, visa rules, health requirements, and travel insurance for current conditions.
- Reserve top restaurants 2–4 weeks out and plan two standout meals per city.
- Bring layered clothing and verify trail/park access before arrival.
Signature travel cities in Canada
Vancouver
Vancouver is Stanley Park's seawall, Granville Island's market, Gastown's restored old streets, and the North Shore mountains + Whistler 2 hours away.
Montreal
Montreal is French-speaking Canada. Old Montreal's stone streets, Plateau Mont-Royal cafés, Mile End's bagels, and festivals every summer weekend.
Quebec City
Quebec City has North America's only walled Old Town. Château Frontenac, Petit Champlain, the Plains of Abraham, and winter Carnaval.
Toronto
Toronto is CN Tower, Kensington Market, Toronto Islands, St. Lawrence Market, and some of the most diverse ethnic food in North America across neighborhoods.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Canada
What is the capital of Canada?
Ottawa is the capital of Canada.
What currency does Canada use?
Canada uses the Canadian dollar ($), ISO code CAD.
What languages are spoken in Canada?
The primary languages are English and French.
Is Canada landlocked?
No, Canada has a coastline.
What countries border Canada?
Canada borders United States.
What is the international calling code for Canada?
The calling code is +1204.
When is the best time to visit Canada?
Jun–Sep, Dec–Mar for ski/aurora. Check current weather and local events before booking.
Other North America destinations
San Francisco
San Francisco is the Golden Gate, Alcatraz, Mission murals, Ferry Building, Chinatown, and a short drive to Muir Woods redwoods or Napa wine country.
Chicago
Chicago is deep-dish pizza, the Art Institute, Millennium Park's Bean, Wrigley Field, and Lake Michigan beaches + Chicago Architecture Foundation river cruises.
New Orleans
New Orleans is jazz, Cajun and Creole food, French Quarter courtyards, the Garden District's mansions, and second-lines still happening most weekends.
Miami
Miami is South Beach Art Deco, Little Havana, Wynwood Walls, and Everglades airboats 45 minutes out.
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is the Strip's theme-park casinos, Red Rock Canyon climbing nearby, and access to Grand Canyon, Zion, and Death Valley on short flights or drives.
Seattle
Seattle is Pike Place Market, Space Needle, Chihuly glass garden, ferry rides, and Mount Rainier + Olympic National Park 2 hours out.