Canada

Most international travelers need either a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada, depending on their nationality. Citizens of the US are exempt from both and can enter Canada with just a valid passport. Citizens of the UK, Australia, most EU countries, and many other nations can visit Canada visa-free but need an eTA for air travel — it's applied for online, costs CAD $7, and is typically approved within minutes, though it can take a few days in some cases. Citizens of countries not on the visa-exempt list need to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) through the Canadian government's immigration portal, which requires more documentation and processing time. Always check the current requirements for your specific nationality well before your travel dates.

Canada's size means that the answer depends entirely on where you want to go. Two weeks is enough for a focused trip — either the Canadian Rockies (Banff, Jasper, Yoho) or an east coast city trip (Toronto, Montréal, Québec City), but not both without a lot of flying. Three weeks lets you combine the Rockies with Vancouver on the west coast, or do a proper east coast journey. A month opens up more remote destinations — the Yukon, Newfoundland, the Maritime provinces — which are extraordinary but genuinely far from the main tourist corridors. The most common mistake is underestimating distances: Toronto to Vancouver is a 4.5-hour flight, and driving the Trans-Canada Highway end to end takes about a week of solid driving. Plan your routing carefully and be realistic about what's achievable.

Canada's best travel season depends on what you're after. Summer (June to August) is the most popular time to visit — long days, warm temperatures, and all attractions and national parks fully open. The Canadian Rockies are at their most spectacular in summer, with wildflowers, clear skies, and accessible hiking trails. Fall (September to October) brings stunning foliage, particularly in Québec and Ontario, with fewer crowds and lower prices. Winter (December to March) is the season for skiing in Whistler and Banff, ice skating on the Rideau Canal in Ottawa, and Northern Lights viewing in the Yukon and Northwest Territories — but temperatures in many parts of the country are genuinely extreme, and some attractions close or have reduced hours. Spring (April to May) is shoulder season — cheaper and less crowded, but weather can be unpredictable and some mountain roads remain closed.

Canada is a moderately expensive destination — comparable to Western Europe in many respects, though costs vary significantly by region and season. Cities like Vancouver and Toronto are expensive for accommodation and dining; Montréal is noticeably more affordable. The Canadian Rockies are pricier in peak summer season, when accommodation in Banff books out months in advance. Eating cheaply is very doable in cities — food markets, food halls, and casual spots offer good value — but restaurant dining adds up quickly. National park entry fees are reasonable, and the Discovery Pass (covering all Canadian national parks for a year) is excellent value if you're visiting multiple parks. Getting around Canada is expensive: domestic flights are pricey, and the distances make driving or taking the train between regions a significant time commitment. Booking accommodation and transport well in advance is the most effective way to manage costs.

Vancouver and Toronto are Canada's two largest cities, and they're genuinely different in character. Vancouver is defined by its geography — mountains to the north, ocean to the west, and a mild Pacific climate that keeps it green year-round. It's an outdoor city, with skiing at Whistler, kayaking in Indian Arm, and hiking in Garibaldi Provincial Park all within reach of the city center. The food scene reflects its Pacific Rim location, with some of the best Asian cuisine in North America. Toronto is Canada's largest city and its financial and cultural capital — more urban, more diverse, and more fast-paced than Vancouver. It has world-class museums, a thriving arts and music scene, excellent restaurants across every cuisine, and the CN Tower. Vancouver tends to win on natural beauty and outdoor access; Toronto tends to win on cultural depth and urban energy. Both are worth visiting if you have the time.