For travellers, vacation rentals in Canada allow for a variety of travel types and adventures! From cozy cabins in cottage country to fabulous city short term apartments, there is something for everyone. Canada is a vast and fascinating country, offering world-class culture, art, and food in its cities, and breath-taking vistas and nature. From Toronto to Qualicum Beach in British Columbia, this is a country of vast beauty and exciting culture to discover. To really experience Canada, a vacation rental allows you to make the most of your stay - and tailor your needs to enhance your vacation experience.
What to Eat on Your Vacation in Canada: Poutine & Other Canadian Delicacies
Canada is famous for many dishes and ingredients, namely maple syrup and Canadian bacon. Quebec is known for creating beloved poutine, a belly-busting dish of fries drowned in gravy and cheese curds. Visitors to Canada should at least try a bite of poutine, diet or not – you can find it just about anywhere in the country these days.
You'll find fresh Pacific salmon served on bagels as a quick lunch or as a main dish. If you're seeking something more exotic, try caribou (reindeer) stew, and if you're heading out for drinks, order a Caesar, perhaps Canada's most famous cocktail. It's made with vodka, Clamato juice, Worcestershire sauce, and a lime wedge for a tart kick.
Canada's Top Cultural Sites for Visitors
For history, art, and culture lovers, Canada's large cities never disappoint. From a downtown Toronto vacation rental, art lovers can walk to the Royal Ontario Museum and the Art Gallery of Ontario. Montreal is also known for its cultural elements, such as the famous Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral and Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. The Museum of Anthropology and "Graffiti Alley" in Mount Pleasant, Vancouver, are also well worth seeing.
Canada proudly showcases its indigenous history and culture, and there are several places you can learn about these cultures and their influence in the country today. Check out the Museum of Aboriginal Civilization across from Parliament Hill in Ottawa, or the Inuit Gallery of Vancouver, which highlights aboriginal art through the ages.
Canada Family Vacation Ideas
There are plenty of kid-friendly activities to choose from when planning a family vacation in Canada. Active families will love exploring the great outdoors at the many natural areas such as Papineau-Labelle Wildlife Preserve near Ottawa, whose hiking trails are perfect for spotting wild turkey, otters, and other critters, or Banff National Park, where you can ride horseback through the Canadian Rockies. In Ontario, the beaches along the Great Lakes promise hours of summer swimming and sandcastle building.
Although Canada's outdoors may be unparalleled, its cities are also tons of fun for families. In Toronto, head to Legoland Discovery Centre or the Ontario Science Centre for a day of hands-on fun. If you're in Vancouver, make sure to see the aquarium, and in Ottawa, the Aviation and Space Museum.
What is Canada's Nightlife Like? Big Nights Out in Toronto and More!
Canada's large cities all have thriving party scenes, so when you find yourself ready for a night of dancing, you'll never be disappointed. In Toronto, the Entertainment District, Chinatown, and the Fashion District are all close to each other and feature superb bars, restaurants, and much more. For travellers visiting Vancouver, a West End vacation rental offers easy access to a dense concentration of night life.
If you're more into theatre and other high-culture pursuits, you'll be equally well catered to in Canada. Opéra de Montréal puts on stunning, world-class performances, as does Toronto's Ed Mirvish Theatre. The Alberta Ballet Company in Calgary is also renowned. Traditional theatre performances are easy to find in each of the big cities, and most smaller towns put on exciting small-scale performances, too.
Canada’s National Parks and Adventure Ideas
In a country with such stunning natural surroundings, you'll surely be tempted to see the magnificent national parks it's famous for. Banff National Park, just a 90-minute drive from Calgary, is the country's oldest, and offers eye-popping views of the Valley of the Ten Peaks over Moraine Lake.
Another idea is to take day trips to different cities. Although most major cities are far apart, Montreal is just over two hours' drive from Ottawa, the nation's capital. You could experience French Canada and also see the Canadian Parliament building at Centre Block, among Ottawa's other landmarks. If you're in Winnipeg, you'll be close to outdoor activities in summer such as hiking and windsurfing at Grand Beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical availability of vacation rentals in Canada?
We found 140,581 vacation homes in Canada available for your next trip.
What are the most popular vacation home amenities in Canada?
When looking to book a vacation home in Canada, the most requested amenities include Pets allowed, Pool, and Internet.
Are there pet-friendly vacation rentals in Canada?
If you're travelling with a dog, over 32% of vacation rentals in Canada are pet-friendly.
What's the best month to visit Canada?
If you're looking for balmy weather, July and August are typically the hottest months in Canada with temperatures around 27 °C. January and February in Canada are the coldest, with -16 °C on average.