Things to do in Canada
Turquoise mountain lakes, endless forests and vibrant, multicultural cities. Canada is the great outdoors on an enormous scale.
Alberta
Alberta is home to Banff and Jasper national parks and some of the most spectacular scenery in the Rocky Mountains.
Canada holidays: where to go
Canada is the second-largest country in the world, so most visitors focus on one region. In the west, the Rocky Mountains of Alberta and British Columbia offer lakes, glaciers and wildlife, while Vancouver combines city life with the ocean and the mountains.
In the east, Toronto is Canada's largest city, Montreal and Quebec City have a French-speaking, European feel, and Niagara Falls is an easy day trip from Toronto.
Beautiful nature
Forests, lakes and mountains cover much of Canada, and wildlife such as moose, elk and bears are common in the national parks.
The Rockies: Banff, Jasper and Lake Louise
Banff National Park is Canada's oldest national park and one of its most popular. Hike around Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, take the gondola up Sulphur Mountain and soak in the Banff hot springs. The Icefields Parkway, which links Banff and Jasper, is one of the world's most beautiful drives.
In winter, Banff and Lake Louise are excellent ski destinations, and Whistler in British Columbia is one of the largest ski resorts in North America.
The Last of Us
Much of the HBO series The Last of Us was filmed in Alberta.
Canada on screen: The Last of Us filming locations
The hit HBO series The Last of Us was filmed largely in and around Calgary and Edmonton, with Alberta's towns, prairies and mountains standing in for post-apocalyptic America. Read Picolo's guide to the filming locations of The Last of Us.
Explore more destinations across North, Central and South America in our guide to the Americas.
Best time to visit Canada
Summer, from June to September, is the best time for hiking, road trips and national parks, with long days and mild temperatures. Autumn brings spectacular colours, especially in eastern Canada in late September and October.
Winter, from December to March, is cold but perfect for skiing, snowshoeing and the northern lights. Spring can be wet, and mountain trails may still be covered in snow until June.
Canada: frequently asked questions
Do I need an eTA to visit Canada?
Many visa-exempt travellers, including UK and most EU passport holders, need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) to fly to Canada. Others need a visa. Requirements change, so always apply through official Canadian government sources and check the rules before you book.
How many days do you need in Canada?
Ten days to two weeks is ideal for one region, such as the Rockies with Calgary and Vancouver, or Toronto, Niagara, Montreal and Quebec City in the east. Distances are huge, so avoid trying to see both coasts in one short trip.
Where was The Last of Us filmed?
The first season of The Last of Us was filmed mainly in Alberta, Canada, including Calgary, Edmonton and smaller towns such as High River and Canmore. The province's varied landscapes stood in for locations across the USA.
Is Banff worth visiting?
Yes. Banff National Park has some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in the world, with turquoise lakes, glaciers and wildlife. It is busy in summer, so book accommodation early and check whether you need to reserve shuttles to popular lakes.