Canada Travel 2026: Discover the Top 5 Must-Visit Cities

Here are our top picks for cities to visit in Canada in 2026 focusing on culture, landscapes, customs and so much more! Our list features incredible destinations like beautiful British Columbia’s largest city Vancouver and colourful Quebec’s second largest city Montreal. Read on to get a detailed lowdown of each destination, the estimated costs of visiting each city and lots of useful information about each location including how to get around, hotel costs and more! You can expect to pay roughly between $160 CAD and $250 CAD per night to stay in a mid-range hotel. A good tip is to purchase a Compass Card in Vancouver or a Presto Card in Montreal as both offer easy affordable options to get about the cities.

• Vancouver offers natural beauty with an average hotel cost of CAD 200/night.
• Toronto is home to a wide array of cultural backgrounds and traditions. The food here's diverse and unique. Based on recent data, the average cost for a hotel in Toronto is $250 CAD per night.
• Montreal is the largest cultural and artistic center in Canada and one of the most festive cities in the world. It's also very lively at night. Current hotel prices in Montreal are around CAD 180/night.
• Cost Breakdown For Each City Hotel costs are based on average nightly rates and are subject to change: Quebec City has the unique charm of Europe, with plenty of historical sites to explore, and average nightly hotel rates of about CAD 170.
• Calgary is known for the Calgary Stampede and proximity to the Rocky Mountains. Average nightly hotel rate is CAD 160.

Canada is a great destination to visit with its varied cities, fascinating cultures and incredible natural beauty. All these factors have confirmed Canada as one of our Top Destinations 2026.

Vancouver: Natural Beauty and lively Culture

Vancouver is frequently praised for its gorgeous natural environment and lovely weather which has earned the title of being one of the coolest cities in Canada. Beautiful mountains, sparkling Pacific Ocean, and mild weather are among the many things visitors adore in Vancouver. For accommodation, visitors can look forward to choosing from a whole array of hotels fitting into almost any given budget, with average hotel price in Vancouver situated at around CAD 200 per night (€140, $150).

Vancouver has a very efficient public transportation system. The buses, SkyTrain and SeaBus are very traveller friendly. We purchased a Compass Card and were able to ride the whole system for about CAD 11 per day (€8 or $11 USD) with a day pass. Vancouver has a wonderful outdoorsy feel and there are countless hiking and biking trails and places to rent kayaks, etc. Just be sure to bring an umbrella as there's plenty of rain.

Grouse Mountain is one of the top viewpoints for Vancouver. The Skyride aerial tramway whisks you up 3,917 feet above the level of the city, providing unobstructed views of Vancouver as well as surrounding mountains and valleys.

Toronto: Diverse Cultural Experiences

Culture capital of Canada, Toronto is a diverse city and there’s plenty to do. Famous for its CN Tower and lively area of Kensington Market, Toronto is a fantastic place to explore. The average cost for a hotel in Toronto is around CAD 250 per night (€175, $190).

Using public transport in Toronto is easy with a Presto Card and a single fare costs $3.35 CAD (€2.35). A diverse food culture is one of Toronto’s highlights, and the downtown area is always alive. But be sure to explore some of the outer neighbourhoods, like the eclectic Kensington Market.

Montreal: Arts and Festivals Galore

It's known for being one of the cultural hubs of the world, offering everything from artistic exhibitions to music festivals at all times of the year. Currently, the average overnight cost of a hotel in Montreal is $180 CAD per night (€125, $135). Riding the public transportation system in Montreal is a great way to see the city. All you need to get on a bus, train or metro is an OPUS Card which is a small plastic card that allows passengers to ride a set amount of transit per day. You can buy a one day pass for €8 ($11 CAD).

While most Montrealers speak good English, learning some basic French phrases will prove useful and greatly appreciated by locals. There’s plenty of day and night activities for any cultural or simply social appetite – this is also one of our favourite cities to visit for art. We ask that you be respectful of French-Canadian culture and customs.

Quebec City: European Charm in North America

Quebec City is steeped in European charm with its winding cobblestone streets and period architecture. In our research, we found the average nightly price for a hotel in the city to be about CAD 170 (€120, $130). The RTC (Régie intermunicipale de transport de Charlevoix) transit system is the primary public transportation provider for the city and fares for a single ride are CAD 3.75 (€2.60, $2.85).

Old Quebec is a must see. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and is steeped in history and culture. The buildings and landmarks here are some of the best preserved in the world. Quebec City is lovely in the winter but it’s even more magical in the summer when it hosts many festivals and events.

Take a walking tour through the historic streets of Old Quebec with a guide, and get a deeper understanding of its past and why its buildings were constructed. An expert guide helps make the tour more entertaining and insightful than exploring on your own.

Calgary: Gateway to the Rockies

Our friends from across the border used to live in Calgary and we can see why it would be a lovely place to stay. Apparently the highlight of the year is the Calgary Stampede, some sort of rodeo and expo that happens every July. Our friends loved the nearby mountains. We’re not really sure what the accommodation prices are like there but it’s about CAD $160 (€110, $120) per night on average, a bit cheaper than some of the other big cities in Canada.

The CTrain light rail is also an option and day passes cost CAD 11 (€8, $8). Calgary has taken on a lot of western culture and this is displayed heavily during the annual Calgary Stampede, where you'll see cowboy hats and boots everywhere. Taking a trip to Banff National Park, about an hour’s drive from Calgary, is also highly recommended.

2026 Updates: A Focus on Sustainable Tourism

By 2026, Canada is aiming to make sustainable tourism a major part of its plans. Improvements to public transit systems are in the works for several major Canadian cities to help lower transportation emissions. Meanwhile, the country is considering implementing a digital nomad visa to enable remote workers to spend more time in Canada.

Travel warnings may change, so check travel news before you travel to Canada. Canada is starting to introduce more sustainable tourism practices in line with an increasing global trend of sustainable tourism practices.

Cost Comparisons: Canada vs. Other Destinations

Cost wise, Canada is more expensive than Eastern Europe, but similar to Australia. Although it's pricier, especially when it comes to traveling and living in the cities, it has so much to offer that the value is well worth the extra cost.

Places like Vancouver and Toronto are expensive and pricey, while smaller cities and towns are much more affordable. By considering the cost of places and comparing them to other destinations that may offer more of what you're looking for, you'll be better equipped to plan trips that suit your budget and your interests.

Think Canada suggests that the best time to plan a city break to Canada is during the off-season. With accommodation rates significantly lower than in the high-season, you’ll be able to stretch your budget further while benefiting from smaller crowds of tourists, especially during breakfast and dinner times.

Practical Information for Travelers

Note: there are a few things to be aware of when visiting Canada. They use the Canadian Dollar (CAD) and their official languages are English and French, although you’ll hear more French spoken in Quebec.

Visa-exempt travellers will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) which costs CAD 7 (€5, $5). We recommend to apply in good time to avoid any inconvenience. it's also important to consider the local customs and etiquette, which includes respecting people and adhering to the generally considered sufficient tips: 15-20% of the bill.

Frequently Asked Questions About Canada

What is the best time to visit Canada?

The late spring season in Canada generally runs from late May until early June and the early fall season from early September until early October. These seasons offer warm yet comfortable temperatures and much lower crowds.

Do I need a visa to visit Canada?

Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) / Visa Some countries require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or visa to enter Canada. Please check the official Canadian Government Immigration website for the latest entry requirements.

How can I travel between cities in Canada?

Canada has many cities and travelling between them can be done in a variety of ways including domestic flights, trains via VIA Rail and long distance buses via companies such as Greyhound. Each of these options has different pros and cons depending on the circumstances of the trip.

What is the cost of living in Canada for expats?

Cost of living differs from city to city, and in Canada, Vancouver and Toronto are usually the most expensive cities. You can expect lower costs of living in smaller cities, which makes them often more affordable for expats.

Are there any cultural etiquette tips for visiting Canada?

Be more courteous, respectful of personal space and aware that tipping (15-20%) is the norm in the service industry. Also, be aware of Canada's multicultural heritage.

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