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Canada

Canada is a continent in itself: turquoise lakes in the Rockies, old city of Quebec under the snow, grizzly bears in British Columbia. A country of quiet excess.

Region
Amérique du Nord
Circuits from
1,150 €
Ideal duration
14 days
Best season
May-October
Flight
7.5-10.5h

Why Canada

There are countries that we cross, and others that cross you. Canada belongs to the second category. Its scale is that of a continent: Montreal and Vancouver are separated by 5,000 km and as many cultures, landscapes, seasons. And yet, something unites these two shores from one end of the country to the other: a form of profound tranquility, a way of leaving space, for people and animals alike.

To the east, Quebec speaks French, remembers New France and celebrates its identity with festivals. Montreal is the most festive city on the continent, Quebec the most picturesque. To the west, British Columbia looks towards the Pacific with the carefree attitude of those who have the mountains at their backs and the ocean in front. In between, the Canadian Rockies pose their turquoise lakes, glaciers and bears as geological evidence.

What makes Canada unique is the bounty of the land: you don't fight for a view here. You arrive at the edge of Moraine Lake at dawn and the mountains are there, for you, in a silence that weighs the right weight. Canada doesn't try to impress. It lets its landscapes do the talking. And they speak loudly.

When to go

The best time to stay varies drastically depending on the region and what you're looking for.

July-August: high season throughout the country. The Rockies are at their best, national parks are fully open, cities are celebrating. Montreal and Toronto reach 25-27°C. Book early, accommodations in Banff and Whistler are snapped up.

September: the golden month, especially in the east. The colours of Quebec autumn (red, orange, yellow maples) begin in mid-September and last until mid-October. Fewer people, milder prices, incomparable photographic light. In the Rockies, temperatures remain pleasant during the day (15-18°C) but nights are cool.

December to March: ski season in the Rockies (Banff, Lake Louise) and in Whistler, the largest ski area in North America. Montreal and Quebec City live their winter magic: the Quebec Winter Carnival in January-February is one of the great northern celebrations on the planet. Negative temperatures in the east (-10 to -15°C), much milder in Vancouver (3-7°C).

April-May and November: Transition periods are not recommended for tours, except for discounted city stays.

Western variant: Vancouver is the mildest city in Canada all year round. Even in January, temperatures remain positive (3-8°C). Summers are drier and brighter than in the east.

January★★☆☆☆
-14°--5°C86 mmLow season
Carnaval de Québec (fin janvier, 17 jours de festivités hivernales) · Festival Montréal en Lumière (fin janvier)
Froid intense à Montréal et Toronto (-15°C et moins), neige abondante. Idéal seulement pour les amateurs de sports d'hiver ou le Carnaval de Québec.
February★★☆☆☆
-12°--3°C66 mmLow season
Carnaval de Québec (début février) · Festival Igloofest Montréal (musique électronique en plein air sous la neige)
Températures encore négatives. Les Rocheuses et Whistler sont en pleine saison ski avec superbes conditions.
March★★☆☆☆
-7°-2°C77 mmLow season
Sugaring-off season (cabanes à sucre, érablières ouvertes au Québec)
Fonte des neiges à l'est (conditions boueuses), mais excellentes conditions ski à l'ouest (Rocheuses, Whistler).
April★★★☆☆
1°-11°C90 mmShoulder season
May★★★★☆
8°-19°C86 mmShoulder season
Festival de Jazz de Montréal annoncé (juillet mais billetterie ouvre) · Tulip Festival d'Ottawa
June★★★★☆
14°-24°C84 mmHigh season
Fête nationale du Québec (24 juin) · Festival international de Jazz de Montréal (fin juin)
July★★★★★
17°-27°C91 mmHigh season
Fête du Canada (1er juillet) · Festival International de Jazz de Montréal · Festival Juste pour rire Montréal · Stampede de Calgary (10 jours en juillet)
August★★★★★
16°-26°C94 mmHigh season
Festival d'été de Québec · Folk Fest de Vancouver
September★★★★★
11°-21°C89 mmHigh season
Début des couleurs d'automne au Québec et en Ontario (mi-septembre)
October★★★★☆
5°-13°C103 mmShoulder season
Couleurs d'automne à leur apogée (feuillage érables) · Thanksgiving canadien (2e lundi d'octobre)
November★★☆☆☆
-2°-6°C84 mmLow season
Premières neiges à Montréal et Toronto, temps gris. Les parcs des Rocheuses restent accessibles mais certains services ferment.
December★★★☆☆
-9°--1°C92 mmShoulder season
Marchés de Noël à Montréal et Québec · Ouverture saison ski Whistler et Banff (mi-novembre)
High seasonLow seasonShoulder season

How much does it cost

Canada is a destination of comfort, and that comes at a price. It is one of the most expensive destinations after Northern Europe and Japan. Accommodations in national parks (Banff, Jasper) are particularly expensive in the summer.

A self-sufficient budget is between 100 and 200 EUR per day all inclusive (accommodation, meals, local transport, entrances). Plan 350 EUR and more per day for superior comfort with guided activities (kayaking, heliskiing, whale watching).

An organized 12-day tour in Quebec starts at around 1,150 EUR per person excluding flights (source: Evaneos, August 2026). A return flight from Paris to Montreal costs between 450 EUR in low season and 900 EUR in high season.

A meal in a decent restaurant costs 14-20 EUR, a coffee 3-4 EUR, a metro ride in Montreal or Toronto about 2.5 EUR. Car rental (essential for the Rockies) costs 40-70 EUR per day with insurance.

LevelBudget
Budget100 €/day
Mid-range180 €/day
Comfort350 €/day
Canada tour
Organised tour 10–14 days, from
1,150
Local meal: ~14 €Local transport: ~8 €/day

Where to go

Canada is not just a few postcards. Here are the regions and cities not to be missed according to your desires.

Montrealis the ideal introduction to discover French-speaking Canada. Cosmopolitan, festive and gastronomic, it sets the tone for a country that has been able to reconcile opposites.

Quebecis the most European city in North America: its seventeenth-century ramparts, cobbled streets and Château Frontenac are reminiscent of Bruges or Saint-Malo, but larger and wilder.

Ottawa, often overlooked by tours, is well worth the extra half-day: Parliament, the National Museums and the UNESCO-listed Rideau Canal are a unique combination.

Torontoplays in the league of the world's great metropolises. Multicultural and efficient, it is also the starting point of Niagara Falls, 1h30 away by car.

Banff and the Rockies: this is where Canada takes your breath away. Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, the Icefields Parkway between Banff and Jasper: these 232 km of scenic drive take you past glaciers, waterfalls and elk meadows. An absolute must.

Vancouver: the perfect city to start or end a western tour. Stanley Park, Granville Island, Richmond's Asian district (the best Cantonese cuisine outside Hong Kong) and the fjords of the North Shore Mountains can be visited in a few intense days.

WhistlerNaturally complements Vancouver: a spectacular 2-hour drive along the Sea-to-Sky Highway, then the largest ski area in North America in the winter, or a mountain biking and hiking paradise in the summer.

MontréalTour start

Montréal

3-4 days

Montreal is the cultural capital of French-speaking Canada: a bilingual, festive and creative city that knows how to make everything coexist, from the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal to the lively terraces of the Plateau. In the summer, festivals follow one another without interruption (Jazz, Just for Laughs, Osheaga). In winter, the city plunges into snow but life continues, underground and alive, in the inner city of RÉSO.

Old Montreal and Old PortMount Royal and its panoramic view of the cityPlateau Mont-Royal and Mile End (street art, cafes)Jean-Talon Market and Quebec gastronomyInternational Jazz Festival (end of June-beginning of July)
Québec

Québec

2-3 days

The only fortified city north of Mexico, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a European parenthesis in North America. The Château Frontenac has dominated the rooftops of Upper Town since 1893, the cobblestone streets of Old Quebec resemble those of a medieval French city, and the Winter Carnival is one of the biggest winter festivals in the world.

Château Frontenac and Dufferin Terrace (UNESCO)Plains of Abraham and FortificationsPetit-Champlain district (oldest commercial street in America)Quebec Winter Carnival (January-February)Montmorency Falls (30 m longer than Niagara)
TorontoTour start

Toronto

2-3 days

Canada's most populous metropolis is also the most cosmopolitan: a third of its inhabitants were born abroad, and its neighborhoods (Chinatown, Little Italy, Greektown, Kensington Market) are all trips within the journey. The CN Tower, an icon of the skyline, offers a breathtaking view from its glass platform at 356 m. Ideal logistics base to reach Niagara Falls (1h30).

CN Tower (553 m, glazed platform at 356 m)Distillery District (Victorian architecture, galleries)Kensington Market and multicultural neighbourhoodsRoyal Ontario Museum (ROM)Niagara Falls Day Trip
Ottawa

Ottawa

1-2 days

Canada's federal capital is often underestimated by travellers, and rightly so. The Gothic Revival Parliament overlooking the Ottawa River, the world-class national museums (National Gallery, Canadian Museum of History), the bustling ByWard Market and the Rideau Canal (the world's longest natural skating rink in winter) make it a must-see between Montreal and Toronto.

Parliament Hill and Peace TowerCanadian Museum of History (Gatineau, across from Ottawa)Rideau Canal (UNESCO, winter skateway)ByWard Market and local gastronomyNational Gallery of Canada
Banff et les Rocheuses

Banff et les Rocheuses

4-5 days

Banff National Park, Canada's first national park founded in 1885, is home to some of the most spectacular landscapes on the planet: Lake Louise with its icy turquoise waters, Moraine Lake and its ten peaks, Banff Hot Springs, and the Icefields Parkway. In summer, wildlife (elk, black bears, grizzly bears) crosses paths with visitors on the trails and roads.

Lake Louise and Moraine Lake (turquoise waters)Icefields Parkway (scenic route 232 km)Columbia Icefield and Athabasca GlacierBanff Hot SpringsWildlife viewing (bears, elk, deer)
VancouverTour start

Vancouver

3-4 days

Vancouver is Canada's mildest city in winter and the most photogenic in any season: Stanley Park, one of the largest urban parks in the world, borders the Pacific Ocean facing the snow-capped peaks of the North Shore Mountains. The city blends Californian laid-back with Asian diversity (Chinatown, Richmond's Cantonese cuisine), and serves as a gateway to the Rockies and Vancouver Island.

Stanley Park and seawall (coastal walk 22 km)Granville Island MarketGastown (Historic District and Steam Clocks)North Shore Mountains and Capilano CanyonVancouver Island and Tofino (surfing, whales)
Whistler

Whistler

2-3 days

An Olympic ski resort (2010 Olympics) 2 hours from Vancouver, Whistler is the largest ski area in North America with 8,171 ha and 200 runs. In the summer, the slopes are covered with mountain bike trails and hiking trails, the Whistler Mountain Bike Park attracts riders from all over the world, and the base village retains its warm alpine chalet atmosphere. An obvious stop for any BC tour.

Whistler Blackcomb Ski Area (200 runs, 8,171 ha)Peak 2 Peak Gondola (World Gondola Record)Whistler Mountain Bike Park (Summer)Whistler Village & Art GalleriesSummer alpine hikes (Harmony Lake, Musical Bumps)

Our itineraries

Three formulas to approach a country that does not last in a week.

Est canadien : Montréal, Québec, Ottawa, Toronto

12 daysjuin-octobre (couleurs d'automne en septembre-octobre)
Montréal
3 nights
Québec
2 nights
Ottawa
1 night
Toronto
3 nights
From ~1,800
Sample itinerary
culturehistoiregastronomievillesfamille

Ouest sauvage : Vancouver, Whistler, Banff

14 daysjuillet-septembre (Rocheuses en été), décembre-mars (ski)
Vancouver
3 nights
Whistler
2 nights
Banff et les Rocheuses
5 nights
From ~2,400
Sample itinerary
naturerandonneefaunemontagneaventure

Grand tour Canada est-ouest

21 daysjuillet-septembre
Montréal
3 nights
Québec
2 nights
Ottawa
1 night
Toronto
2 nights
Banff et les Rocheuses
5 nights
Vancouver
3 nights
Whistler
2 nights
From ~3,800
Sample itinerary
decouvertepanoramaculturenaturegrand-voyage

In pictures

Rikin Katyal on Unsplash
Rikin Katyal on Unsplash
Jason Ng on Unsplash
Jason Ng on Unsplash
Greg Johnson on Unsplash
Greg Johnson on Unsplash
Karl Paul Baldacchino on Unsplash
Karl Paul Baldacchino on Unsplash
Ali Kazal on Unsplash
Ali Kazal on Unsplash
Patrice Bouchard on Unsplash
Patrice Bouchard on Unsplash
Redd Francisco on Unsplash
Redd Francisco on Unsplash
Sergey Pesterev on Unsplash
Sergey Pesterev on Unsplash
Condor Wei on Unsplash
Condor Wei on Unsplash
Tyler Maddigan on Unsplash
Tyler Maddigan on Unsplash

Practical advice

Formalities

The French do not need a visa to visit Canada, but the eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) isMandatoryfor any air travel. It is required on canada.ca (7 CAD, about 5 EUR), usually takes a few minutes, and is electronically linked to your passport. To be done before you go to the airport.

Authorized length of stay: 180 days (6 months). The passport must be valid for the entire duration of the stay.

Getting around

TheCar rentalis a must for the Rockies, Whistler and rural areas. Book in advance during peak season: vehicles are in short supply at Calgary and Vancouver airports in the summer. A French driver's license is accepted.

In the cities, public transport is reliable: subway in Montreal and Toronto, SkyTrain in Vancouver. The trainVIA Railconnects Quebec City, Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto with comfort (allow 4h30 Montreal-Toronto, 3h Montreal-Ottawa).

For long distances (Toronto-Vancouver), the domestic plane is the only reasonable option (4h30 flight, compared to 4 days by transcontinental train).

Culture and uses

TheGratuityis a social obligation in Canada, not an option: 15 to 20% in restaurants and taxis, 10-15% in bars. Not tipping is perceived as an insult.

TheCurrencyis the Canadian dollar (CAD). 1 EUR = approximately 1.49 CAD (August 2026). Credit cards are accepted everywhere, including French Visa and Mastercard. Contactless payment (tap) is universal.

In theQuebec, the language of service is French. Salespeople, waiters and greeters will greet you in French spontaneously. In the rest of Canada, English is essential.

Wildlife: In national parks, maintain a minimum distance of 100 m from bears and 30 m from other animals (elk, deer, beavers). Never feed animals. Carry bear spray if hiking in grizzly bear areas (Rockies).

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a visa to go to Canada if you are French?

No, French people do not need a visa to visit Canada for up to 180 days. On the other hand, the eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization, eTA) is mandatory if you arrive by plane. It can be applied for online on canada.ca, costs 7 CAD (about 5 EUR) and is usually granted in a few minutes. Without an eTA, you will not be able to board. Entry by land or sea from the United States does not require an eTA.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_requirements_for_French_citizenshttps://www.canada.ca/fr/immigration-refugies-citoyennete/services/visiter-canada/ate.html
What is the best season to visit Canada?

It all depends on what you're looking for. Summer (July-August) is the high season: pleasant heat in Montreal and Toronto (25-27°C), accessible Rockies, festivals everywhere. September is ideal for fall colors in Quebec and Ontario with fewer crowds. Winter (January-March) is suitable for ski enthusiasts (Whistler, Banff) and holidays like the Quebec Winter Carnival. To avoid: November and April, unattractive transition periods.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climate_of_Montreal
What is the budget for a tour in Canada?

Canada is an expensive destination compared to Southern Europe. Expect to pay between €100 and €200 per day for a self-guided trip (accommodation, meals, local transport). A 12-day organized tour starts at around €1,150 per person excluding flights (source: Evaneos). The Paris-Montreal or Paris-Toronto return flight costs between €450 (low season) and €900 (high season). A meal in a mid-range restaurant costs €14-18.

https://www.evaneos.fr/canada/
How long does it take to visit Canada?

Canada is huge: Montreal and Vancouver are a 5-hour flight from each other. Allow a minimum of 10 to 12 days to explore a region (East or West). A great east-west tour takes 3 weeks. A 14-day stay allows you to cover Eastern Canada (Montreal, Quebec City, Ottawa, Toronto) or the West (Vancouver, Whistler, Banff, Calgary).

https://www.evaneos.fr/canada/
Do you need to speak English to travel to Canada?

English is essential in most of the country (Ontario, British Columbia, Prairies). In Quebec, French is the official language and you will be greeted in French everywhere. In large cities, bilingualism is common. Knowledge of English makes it much easier to travel to national parks and rural areas outside Quebec.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Languages_of_Canada
Is Canada a dangerous country for tourists?

Canada is one of the safest countries in the world. The Quai d'Orsay classifies it as on normal vigilance. Violent crime targeting tourists is extremely rare. The main precaution concerns wildlife in national parks (bears, moose): follow safety instructions and never feed animals. In the summer of 2026, active wildfires in British Columbia and Saskatchewan may force park closures.

https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/conseils-par-pays-destination/canada/
How long is the Paris-Canada flight?

Paris-Montreal (YUL): about 7 hours and 30 minutes by direct flight, operated by Air France, Air Transat and Corsair. Paris-Toronto (YYZ): about 8 hours and 30 minutes. Paris-Vancouver (YVR): about 10 hours to 10:30 hours, non-stop. Flights with stopovers (London, Amsterdam, Reykjavik) can be cheaper but extend the journey by 2 to 5 hours. Air Transat is often the cheapest on Paris-Montreal.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montreal%E2%80%93Trudeau_International_Airporthttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vancouver_International_Airport
Do I need vaccines to go to Canada?

No vaccinations are required to enter Canada. The recommended vaccines are up-to-date DTP, hepatitis A and B. There is no risk of malaria, dengue fever or yellow fever in Canada. Mosquitoes can be a nuisance in summer in forest and lake areas (northern Quebec, rural Ontario): carry an effective repellent.

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/canada
How to get around Canada?

Car rental is highly recommended, especially for the Rockies (Banff, Icefields Parkway) and rural areas. In major cities, public transportation (subway in Montreal and Toronto, SkyTrain in Vancouver) is efficient. The VIA Rail train connects Quebec City, Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto comfortably in 4 to 5 hours. Domestic aircraft are necessary for long distances (Toronto-Vancouver: 4h30 flight). The Sea-to-Sky Highway (Vancouver-Whistler) offers one of the most spectacular scenic drives in the world.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Via_Rail
Is it better to visit Eastern or Western Canada?

The two have radically different identities. The East (Quebec City, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto) is rich in Francophone culture, history, gastronomy and urban life. The West (Vancouver, Whistler, Rockies, Banff) is the destination of wide open spaces, wildlife and outdoor sports. For a first trip with 2 weeks, it is better to focus on one region rather than crossing the 5,000 km of the country in disaster.

https://www.evaneos.fr/canada/
Organised stays

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