The story of Canada
Canada's first peoples arrived thousands of years ago, spreading across the continent to create remarkably diverse cultures. Haida and other Northwest Coast nations carved towering totem poles and built cedar plank houses; the Haudenosaunee and Wendat farmed corn, beans and squash around the Great Lakes; the Cree and Blackfoot followed the bison on the plains; and the Inuit thrived in the Arctic. Around the year 1000, Norse explorers briefly settled at L'Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland, the earliest known European site in the Americas.
In the sixteenth century, explorers such as John Cabot and Jacques Cartier reached the Atlantic coast, and in 1608 Samuel de Champlain founded Quebec City. New France grew on the fur trade, built on partnerships with First Nations. Rivalry with Britain ended with the British conquest of New France in the 1760s, though French language, law and Catholic faith endured in Quebec. After the American Revolution, Loyalists moved north, shaping English-speaking Canada.
Read the full history
In 1867 the colonies of Canada, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick joined in Confederation, creating the Dominion of Canada. A transcontinental railway soon linked the country to British Columbia, and settlers poured onto the prairies, while treaties and later policies such as residential schools caused deep harm to Indigenous peoples that the country continues to confront. Canada gained increasing independence through its role in the World Wars, and the Constitution was fully brought home from Britain in 1982 with a Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Modern Canada is officially bilingual and proudly multicultural, with cities such as Toronto and Vancouver among the most diverse on Earth. Nunavut was created in 1999 as a largely Inuit-governed territory. For visitors, history shows up everywhere: in the cobbled streets of Old Quebec, Viking remains in Newfoundland, Indigenous art and cultural centres from Haida Gwaii to Wendake, and in national parks that protect some of the planet's greatest wilderness.
Timeline
- c. 1000Norse settlement at L'Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland
- 1534Jacques Cartier claims the Gulf of St Lawrence for France
- 1608Samuel de Champlain founds Quebec City
- 1763New France is ceded to Britain
- 1867Confederation creates the Dominion of Canada
- 1885Canadian Pacific Railway completed coast to coast
- 1982Constitution patriated with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms
- 1999Nunavut territory is created
Entry rules depend on your passport and change often.
- Commonwealth β Commonwealth member.
Before you book, check the official rules for your passport:
- Visa policy of Canada (Wikipedia) β
- IATA Travel Centre β passport, visa & health rules β
- U.S. passport holders β State Department country pages β
- UK passport holders β GOV.UK travel advice β
The latest visa and entry news for Canada appears below as soon as publishers report it.
American Express cardholders can earn a $20 statement credit when spending $100 or more at participating Wyndham hotels in the US or Canada.
Ireland Steps Up With Canada And More Countries In Updating Travel Advisory For Spain And UK As Security Risks And Passport Rules Intensify Travel alerts issued by Ireland now join the ones issued by Canada and many other nationsβ¦
#Ireland#Canada#Passports#Travel advisory
Things to do in Canada
- Road-trip the Icefields ParkwayDrive between Banff and Jasper past glaciers, turquoise lakes and jagged Rocky Mountain peaks.
- Feel the spray at Niagara FallsRide a boat into the mist of the thundering Horseshoe Falls.
- Wander Old QuebecStroll fortified walls and cobbled lanes in North America's most European-feeling city.
- Chase the northern lightsHead to Yukon or the Northwest Territories in winter for spectacular aurora displays.
- Watch whales off the coastSpot orcas near Vancouver Island, humpbacks in Newfoundland or belugas in the St Lawrence.
- Paddle a canoe in AlgonquinGlide across quiet lakes and camp under the stars in Ontario's classic wilderness park.
- Ski or snowboard in the RockiesCarve deep powder at world-class resorts such as Whistler, Banff or Revelstoke.
- See polar bears in ChurchillJoin a tundra-vehicle tour in Manitoba each autumn as bears gather along Hudson Bay.
- Eat poutine and maple treatsDig into fries, cheese curds and gravy, then visit a sugar shack in spring.
- Drive the Cabot TrailLoop around Cape Breton Island for ocean cliffs, fiery autumn colours and Celtic music.
Iceland Joins Japan and Canada Lead New Two-Tone Travel Trend Blending Adventure with Restorative Escapes Iceland, Japan and Canada are emerging as leading destinations for the Two-Tone Travel trend, as holidaymakers increasinglyβ¦
#Iceland#Japan
Canada Follows Mexico and More to Boost US Tourism as Hotel 1883 Opens in North Dakota Canada, Mexico, UK and Brazil boost US tourism as Hotel 1883 opens in North Dakota, expanding Badlands travel and Medora stays.
#Canada#Mexico#Hotels & Stays
Where to go in Canada
- πBanff National ParkAlberta Β· Rocky MountainsCanada's first national park, with Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and endless hiking and skiing.
- VancouverBritish Columbia Β· city & natureA cosmopolitan city framed by mountains and ocean, with Stanley Park and easy access to the outdoors.
- Quebec CityQuebec Β· historic cityA UNESCO-listed walled city full of French charm, especially magical during the winter carnival.
- TorontoOntario Β· cityCanada's largest city, buzzing with diverse food, galleries, sports and the CN Tower.
- MontrealQuebec Β· cultureA bilingual city famous for festivals, bagels, smoked meat and a lively arts scene.
- Jasper National ParkAlberta Β· wildernessWilder and quieter than Banff, with glaciers, dark skies and abundant wildlife.
- πGros Morne National ParkNewfoundland Β· fjordsDramatic fjords and rare geology where you can walk on the Earth's exposed mantle.
- πVancouver IslandBritish Columbia Β· coastHome to Victoria, the surf town of Tofino, rainforests and whale watching.
Ontario Joins Alberta and Other Canadian Provinces in Coping With a Severe Decline in Overnight US Tourism Demand in Late 2026 Ontario joins Alberta and other provinces as overnight US tourism demand declines in late 2026, withβ¦
#Canada#United States
Vancouver Rises With Victoria and Others in Fueling Canadian Cruise Tourism Sector with Over 20% Surge in US Tourists in 2026 Vancouver rises with Victoria and others as Canadaβs cruise tourism sector gains momentum from an overβ¦
#Canada#United States#Vancouver#Cruises
- Drive the Icefields Parkway between Banff and Jasper
- See Niagara Falls up close by boat
- Canoe on a glacier-fed mountain lake
- Watch for whales off the coast of British Columbia or Quebec
Canada Travellers Pivot to Mexico, Dominican Republic and Costa Rica as Price Certainty Reshapes Winter Holidays Canadian travellers are protecting winter holidays as upfront pricing drives all-inclusive demand and Mexicoβ¦
#Canada#Mexico
Alaska and Canada Enter a Landmark Cruise Year as Holland America Marks 80 Years in 2027 Alaska cruise tourism expands in 2027 as Holland America marks 80 years with six ships, new itineraries and major Denali upgrades
#United States#Canada#Holland America#Cruises
- Poutine β fries topped with cheese curds and gravy
- Butter tarts β sweet pastry with a gooey filling
- Nanaimo bars β no-bake layered chocolate and custard squares
- Montreal-style bagels β smaller, sweeter, wood-fired bagels
Canada Joins United States, Norway And Other Counteries as the AR 4549 CME Aurora Forecast Unleashes Monumental Solar Event Galvanising Sky Travel AR 4549 CME aurora forecast triggers UK US Canada Norway Finland Sweden Icelandβ¦
#Canada#United States#Northern Lights#Weather & Alerts
Despite the efforts of U.S. Mayors, Canadians provinces have different plans.
#United States#Canada#Visas & Entry Rules
Best time to visit Canada
Canada's climate ranges from mild, rainy winters on the Pacific coast to bitterly cold winters on the prairies and in the north. Summers are warm to hot in southern cities, while the Arctic stays cool year-round.
Typical daytime highs and rain in Ottawa (approximate averages).
Pirates, we've found a rare deal on flights to Sydney, Australia from $694 round trip! While you'd normally pay over $1,300 for flights from the mainland US or Canada, this deal will save you over 45% off. Explore Sydney andβ¦
#Australia#United States#Sydney#Deals & Budget
Greece Moves Alongside US And More As Canada Issues Travel Advisory Amid Entry Rules, Fraud, Demonstrations And Security Risks Canada releases new travel advisories for Greece, US and Poland concerning entry restrictionsβ¦
#Greece#United States#Travel advisory#Visas & Entry Rules
- Late JanuaryβFebruaryQuebec Winter CarnivalOne of the world's biggest winter festivals, with ice palaces, night parades and canoe races on the frozen river.
- JulyCalgary StampedeTen days of rodeo, chuckwagon racing, cowboy culture and pancake breakfasts.
- Late JuneβJulyMontreal International Jazz FestivalFree outdoor concerts fill the city centre at one of the world's largest jazz festivals.
- SeptemberToronto International Film FestivalA major film festival where stars and premieres light up the city.
- 1 JulyCanada DayFireworks, concerts and red-and-white celebrations across the country, especially in Ottawa.
Canada Unlocks A New Era of High-End Tourism Powered By Ancient Traditions And First Nations Culture Canada unlocks a new era of high-end tourism powered by ancient traditions! Discover First Nations retreats, luxury eco-lodgesβ¦
#Canada#Inspiring & Scenic
Canada Tightens Coastal Travel Near Sidney and Victoria as Park Lands Close but Mooring Buoys Stay Open Parks Canada closes Sidney Island park lands near Victoria while offshore mooring buoys remain open.
#Canada
How many days in Canada?
Day 1: fly into Calgary and drive to Banff. Day 2-3: hike around Lake Louise and Moraine Lake and ride the Banff Gondola. Day 4-5: drive the Icefields Parkway to Jasper for glaciers, canyons and wildlife.
Day 1-3: Toronto and a day trip to Niagara Falls. Day 4-5: Ottawa's museums and parliament. Day 6-8: Montreal's neighbourhoods and food scene. Day 9-10: Quebec City's old town and the nearby Montmorency Falls.
US Along With Canada and More Discover Hamburg Through UNESCO Heritage Harbour Tours and Vibrant City Areas US, Canada, Brazil and Mexico travellers discover Hamburg through UNESCO heritage, harbour tours, HafenCity and vibrantβ¦
#United States#Canada#UNESCO#Inspiring & Scenic
Canada Steps Up With UK And More Countries In Protecting Tourists From AI Scams As Governments Build Defences Against Deepfakes Canadians will be joining forces with people from the UK and more countries to guard themselvesβ¦
#Canada#United Kingdom#Travel Tips
Backpacker budget: about $70β100 a day
- Canada is large and expensive to cross, so consider rideshares, intercity buses or a VIA Rail pass, and plan regions rather than trying to see it all.
- Hostels are widespread in big cities and mountain towns such as Banff, Jasper and Whistler, and they book out early in summer.
- National park campgrounds are affordable but popular; reserve as early as possible for summer.
- Save on food by shopping at supermarkets and farmers' markets and cooking in hostel kitchens.
- The Working Holiday programme lets many young travellers work in Canada, depending on their passport β check official details before applying.
CondΓ© Nast Traveler readers rate their top ski resorts in the Canada.
CondΓ© Nast Traveler readers rate their top resorts in Canada.
#Canada#Destinations
Stay safe
- Canada is very safe, but use normal precautions with valuables in big cities.
- In bear country, carry bear spray, make noise on trails and store food properly.
- Winter driving can be dangerous; use winter tyres and check road conditions before mountain or highway trips.
- Weather changes quickly in the mountains and the north, so carry layers, water and a map when hiking.
Money
- The currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD); cards, including contactless payments, are accepted almost everywhere.
- ATMs are widely available, though you may want some cash for rural areas and small markets.
- Tipping is expected: around 15-20% in restaurants and bars, and tips for taxi drivers, guides and hairdressers too. Sales tax is added at the till, not shown on price tags.
Emergency: 911 police, fire & ambulance
CondΓ© Nast Traveler readers rate their top hotels in Eastern Canada.
#Canada#Destinations
The worldβs most swoon-worthy train trips, from the rugged Peruvian highlands to the romantic Canadian Rockies.
#Peru#Canada#Destinations
Major international airports include Toronto Pearson, Vancouver, Montreal and Calgary, with direct flights from around the world. There are also many land crossings and rail and bus routes from the United States, and ferries and cruise ships on both coasts.
βοΈ Cheap flights to Canada: airports, flight times & best time to fly β
Explore British Columbiaβs Okanagan and Similkameen valleys for wineries, farm-to-table dining, bike trails, spas, and Indigenous culture.
#Canada#Destinations
Air Canada is giving some Aeroplan members a nice boost toward elite status this fall. With a new targeted promotion, members can earn 50% more Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) when booking eligible Air Canada premium economy orβ¦
#Canada#Air Canada#Points & Miles
- Canada has the longest coastline of any country in the world.
- It is home to more lakes than the rest of the world's countries combined.
- Quebec produces the large majority of the world's maple syrup.
- The Trans-Canada Highway is one of the longest national highways in the world.
- Canada has two official languages, English and French, and Nunavut also recognises Inuit languages.
Targeted Aeroplan members can earn 6 SQC per $1 on Air Canada Premium Economy and Business Class fares between Canada and Europe, but the booking window is short.
#Canada#Air Canada#Business class#Points & MilesFor a limited time, Portuguese national flag carrier TAP is offering an 80% bonus on miles for flights between the U.S., Canada, or Brazil and Europe with promo code 8BDAY1MG26. This offer is available for all cabins, but youβllβ¦
#Portugal#United States#Points & Miles
Canada travel questions
Is Canada safe for tourists?
Yes, Canada is one of the safest countries in the world for travellers. The main risks come from wildlife, weather and remote outdoor travel rather than crime.
When is the best time to visit Canada?
June to September is best for hiking, road trips and city sightseeing. Winter is ideal for skiing, festivals and the northern lights.
How many days do you need in Canada?
Canada is huge, so focus on one region: five days suits the Rockies or a couple of cities, while two weeks allows you to combine east and west by flying.
Do I need a visa or travel authorisation for Canada?
It depends on your passport β check the official Government of Canada site or embassy before you travel.
Is Canada expensive to travel?
Canada can be pricey, especially accommodation and long distances. Hostels, camping, cooking your own meals and visiting in the shoulder season help keep costs down.
Nope, you didn't read it wrong! We've found incredible three-night vacation packages at the Bellagio Las Vegas () starting from $309 per person, with plenty of availability from many major US cities and a couple of Canadianβ¦
#United States#Canada#Deals & Budget
Brazil Stands Firmly With Netherlands And More As Canada Expands Double Trade Ambition To Lift Tourism And GDP Brazil and the Netherlands support Canadaβs efforts in trade enlargement through enhanced tourism and GDP growth.
#Brazil#Netherlands
Approximate daily cost per person (stay, food, local transport).
CBP stopped a Canadian traveler from entering Canada at a New York-Ontario border crossing due to the contents of his truck.
#Canada#United States
Air Canada has launched a limited time offer to get Aeroplan members to book premium travel to Europe for travel between today and November 30, 2026. Aeroplan members can earn a 50% boost Status Qualifying Credits (SQDs) if theseβ¦
#Canada#Air Canada#Hotels & Stays
Distances are huge, so domestic flights are common. VIA Rail runs scenic trains, and a rental car is best for the national parks.
The Carnival Radiance completed a 15-day drydock in Seaspan shipyard in Victoria, Canada, welcoming first guests in Long Beach on Sunday, October 3. According to a press release, the shipβs Effy jewelry boutique was upgraded andβ¦
#Ascension Island#Canada#Long Beach#Carnival
A Carnival cruise ship returned to service this weekend after spending 15 days in a dry dock at the Seaspan shipyard in Victoria, Canada. Carnival Radiance returned to service on Saturday, October 3, 2026, for an eight-nightβ¦
#Canada#Carnival#Cruises
- Saint Joseph's Oratory β Huge domed basilica in Montreal and Canada's largest church
- Sainte-Anne-de-BeauprΓ© Basilica β Major Catholic pilgrimage site near Quebec City
- Notre-Dame Basilica, Montreal β Gothic Revival church with a glowing blue and gold interior
Canada And France Deepen Trade Ties As Tourism Surges With New Flights And Stronger Visitor Demand Deepening trade relations between Canada and France due to increased flights and tourism in 2026.
#Canada#France#Flights & Airlines
Sweden Moves Alongside Italy And More Countries As Canada Updates Travel Advisory Over Demonstrations And Security Risks Canada advises careful planning in Sweden, Italy, and other places due to the problems caused by protestsβ¦
#Sweden#Italy#Travel advisory#Weather & Alerts
- Politeness matters β 'please', 'thank you' and 'sorry' are used a lot
- In Quebec, start with 'bonjour' before switching to English
- Respect wildlife β never feed or approach bears or elk
Red Roof's annual brand conference outlined upgrades to Red Roof PLUS+, a revamped RediRewards loyalty program, AI-powered digital platform, LED lighting rollout, and expansion into Canada and the western US.
#Canada#United States#Hotels & StaysThis hotel in Banff, Canada offers a unique spa experience. Here, you'll find an underground cave with a heated pool and sauna. The accommodation also offers guests free shuttle rides to downtown and the Banff Ski Gondola, makingβ¦
#Canada#Banff#Deals & Budget
Canada and New England Cruise Tourism Expands as Holland America Unveils Major 2028 MontrΓ©al Programme Holland America opens 2028 Canada and New England cruises with MontrΓ©al sailings, upgraded Zuiderdam and voyages from May toβ¦
#Canada#Holland America#Cruises
Air Canada Vacations Targets Bahamas Winter Travel With Up to 13,000 Aeroplan Points for Nassau and Great Exuma Air Canada Vacations offers up to 13,000 Aeroplan points on select Bahamas packages to Nassau and Great Exuma forβ¦
#Bahamas#Canada#Nassau#Air Canada
Australia and Canada Face Rising UK Competition as Literary Tourism Becomes a Major Autumn Travel Draw in 2026 Birmingham Literature Festival 2026 returns from 8β12 October, bringing authors, readers and cultural travellers toβ¦
#Australia#Canada#Festivals
Banff Puts Wildlife First as Bow Valley Parkway Faces New Traffic Restrictions Banff National Park tightens traffic rules on Bow Valley Parkway to protect wildlife. Check seasonal road closures, cycling hours, and driving updates.
#Canada#Banff#National parks
NEXUS interview applications are now shortened to two years post-pandemic period.
#United States#Canada
Canadian snowbirds may have another reason to sell their properties in Florida.
#Canada
Jamaica Syncs With Saint Lucia & Caribbean Nations To Lift Canada Tourism Past 4% Growth Via Flexible Visas & Festival Events Tourism in Canada rises 4.2% due to Caribbean travel connections, major events, and high demand fromβ¦
#Jamaica#Saint Lucia#Festivals#Visas & Entry Rules
Canada Steps Up With Finland And More Arctic Countries In Iceland Tourism As Cross Border Demand Lifts Growth Beyond 11% Canada, US, and Nordic partners fuel Iceland's 2026 boost to exceed 11% border increases.
#Canada#Finland
As tensions between the U.S. and Canada rise, Holland America's 2028 itinerary focuses heavily on one Canadian city.
#Canada#United States#Montreal#Holland America
Prince Edward Island Follows Nova Scotia And More Places As Canada Grows Coastal Tourism With Cruise Ports Stays And Marine Attractions Canada enhances coastal tourism through the creation of cruise ports, stays, marineβ¦
#Canada#Cruises
Explore Torontoβs fall art scene with Nuit Blanche, independent galleries, major museums, cultural attractions, restaurants, and a guide to planning an art-filled weekend.
#Canada#Toronto#Destinations
A comparison of Othership and AIRE Ancient Baths in Toronto frames two distinct contrast therapy models for hotel developers weighing frequency-driven vs. occasion-based wellness concepts.
#Canada#Hotels & StaysUS Leads Canada and Mexico as Inflight WiFi Breakthrough Sparks a Game Changing Tourism Boom Across North America The USA is outshining both Canada and Mexico due to the rapidly growing fleet and availability of free Inflightβ¦
#United States#Canada
Written by Lucy Thompson, Senior Research Scientist, University of New Brunswick, Canada Earth planning date: Friday, Sept. 25, 2026 Before we landed, the area of Gale crater that we planned to explore was divided up intoβ¦
#Canada#Inspiring & Scenic
American travelers have different requirements regarding Canadian alcohol.
#Canada#United States
A new Wyndham Amex Offer has popped up that has the potential to save you up to 20% on your next stay at a participating property in the US or Canada. The Deal Spend $100+ on room rate & room charges in one or more purchases atβ¦
#United States#Canada#Points & Miles
A good sale to Krakow. Pricing will vary slightly depending on routing United and its partners Air Canada, Austrian, Lufthansa and Swiss
#Poland#United States#San Francisco#Lufthansa
The country's population growth has been on a steady decline since 2024.
#Canada
Canada Leads Brazil, Argentina and More as Tourism Revenues, International Arrivals and Jobs Strengthen Across the Americas in 2026: What You Need to Know Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Dominican Republic and Chile see tourismβ¦
#Canada#Brazil
Through October 31, 2026, youβll get a 15% bonus when converting Marriott points to Aeroplan. Points usually convert at a 3: 1 ratio, or 60,000 to 25,000 (20,000 + 5K bonus). With this bonus, the transfer ratio will be 3:1.15, orβ¦
#Canada#Air Canada#Marriott#Points & Miles
The Gordie Howe International Bridge has a list of prohibited activities on its multi-use path.
#United States#Canada
The carrier will eventually fly its A321XLRs to London from three Canadian cities.
#Canada#United Kingdom#Air Canada#Flights & Airlines
In case you were curious what a one-way flight to Canada goes for these days... It starts at $45! We've rounded up a list of the best options for destinations across Canada. Canada is home to both bustling cities and some of theβ¦
#Canada#Deals & Budget
If you are looking to take a cruise to Montreal, Canada, in 2028, Holland America Line will feature more visits to the city than any other cruise line. Holland America Line has opened bookings for its cruises to Canada and Newβ¦
#Canada#Montreal#Holland America#Cruises
The aircraft will enter service in a few weeks with a flight to Toronto.
#Canada#KLM#Flights & Airlines
Those needing to book a stay at a Wyndham hotel in the U.S. or Canada are in luck, as the hotel chain is running a nice sale to help you save money on upcoming stays. The discount amount depends on...
#United States#Canada#Points & Miles
Air Canada will resume flights from Quito to Montreal and Toronto in December, adding four weekly frequencies and connections across North America and Europe. The article Air Canada returns to Quito first appeared inβ¦
#Canada#Ecuador#Quito#Air Canada
The airline helpfully rebooked a delayed traveler from Toronto, but failed to mention it had also canceled her return trip. She spent $800 to get home.
#Canada#Air Canada
Tangerine and Wealthsimple join the list this month, RBCβs elevated Avion offers continue, and the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card settles at 75,000 points. Here are Canadaβs best credit card welcome offers right now.
#Canada#Marriott#Credit cards#Points & MilesEvery Canadian Aeroplan credit card gets a permanent 15% off Air Canada flight rewards from January 12, 2027, and premium cards add worldwide Maple Leaf Lounge access and priority security.
#Canada#Air Canada#Airport lounges#Credit cardsWhere the Bois de Sioux and Otter Tail rivers merge in southeastern North Dakota, the Red River of the North begins its winding trek northward into Canada. The river is renowned across the continent as an anglerβs mecca forβ¦
#Canada#Hiking#Inspiring & Scenic
Air India's new Boeing 787-9 now flies most of its TorontoβDelhi schedule. I walked all three cabins at Pearson, and it's a good first step.
#India#Canada#Toronto#Air IndiaBalance transfers can be a useful tool to consolidate higher-interest debt. Hereβs how they work, what to watch out for, and the best balance transfer offers in Canada right now.
#Canada#Credit cards#Points & MilesIberia Club is offering up to 20% off Avios on award flights to and from Madrid, booked by September 23 for travel through March 18, 2027. The Toronto non-stop is 15% off in economy and 10% off in business class for departuresβ¦
#Spain#Canada#Iberia#Business class
Nothing in this tab yet β the agents add new stories every few minutes.
π° Older Canada stories Everything our agents ever found β keeps loading as you scroll
π You reached the start of our archive.
Banff
Quebec



