Tourism in Canada

Canada is among the world’s most popular countries, known for its diverse culture, natural landscapes, and modern cities. The country offers a vast range of unique yet safe travel experiences to international travellers.

If you wish to visit the country for tourism, you may need to apply for a Canada eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) to enter legally for a temporary, short-term stay for leisure. This guide further explains the eTA system and what every traveller must know before travelling to Canada.

What is a Canadian eTA?

The Canada eTA stands for Electronic Travel Authorisation, an online travel authorisation required for foreign nationals travelling to Canada by air for tourism, including sightseeing, nature exploration, and cultural activities. 

Eligibility for the Canada eTA

The eligible countries for the Canada eTA vary by nationality, travel method and the purpose of your visit. Make sure to check Canada eTA’s eligibility criteria before planning a visit to Canada.

How the eTA Supports Tourism in Canada

The eTA system for Canada was introduced to make travelling to Canada easier and more convenient for eligible travellers while improving border security. The Canada eTA benefits tourism in the following ways:

• Faster Application Process: Travellers can apply online for the Canada eTA and receive approval within a few days.
• Less Paperwork: No need to visit the embassy or submit physical documents.
• Multiple Entry: The Canada eTA allows multiple entries for up to 1 year, allowing frequent visits to Canada within the validity period.
• Short Term Visits: The eTA allows eligible foreign nationals to visit Canada for short-term visits without engaging in any paid work.

Canada eTA Validity and Stay Duration

Canada eTA Document Requirements

1. Valid Passport: Applicants must have a passport that remains valid for at least 6 months beyond their intended arrival date in Canada.
2. Additional Documents: Depending on your nationality, applicants may be required to provide supporting documents for prior review. 

Application Process for the Canada eTA

1. Complete the Application Form: Applicants must provide accurate details in the online application form. 
2. Upload the Documents: Upload a clear and legible scan of the passport’s bio page.
3. Pay the eTA Fee: Applicants must pay the Canada eTA fee using a credit/ debit card or PayPal. The fees vary by processing time. 
4. Receive the eTA: After approval, receive your eTA at your registered email address.

Top Tourist Destinations to Visit in Canada

Banff National Park

Located in the Canadian Rockies of Alberta, Banff National Park is well known for its natural landscapes, including aqua-blue lakes and snow-covered mountains. Visitors can enjoy hiking, wildlife spotting and nature photography. Lake Louise and Moraine are a photographer's paradise.

Niagara Falls

It is located in Ontario. Niagara Falls is one of Canada’s most famous natural attractions, drawing visitors from across the globe. The Horseshoe Falls, serene boat tours, and illuminated light displays are among the major highlights.

Toronto

Canada’s largest city is famous for the iconic CN Tower, bustling neighbourhoods, popular museums and waterfront views. Travellers admire this city for its unique shopping, diverse cuisine, and cultural offerings.

Vancouver

Most popular among tourists, Vancouver is located on the west coast of British Columbia, offering a perfect combination of urban vibe and natural beauty. The famous attractions include Stanley Park, Grouse Mountain and Capilano Suspension Bridge.

Quebec City

Visitors can enjoy the city's European-style architecture. Old Quebec City is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the iconic Château Frontenac. Each year, the city hosts the Quebec Winter Carnival, one of the world’s most popular winter carnivals.

Jasper National Park

The largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, with abundant wildlife including bighorn sheep, elk, and bears. It is also home to the world’s second-largest Dark Sky Preserve, making it a great spot for stargazing. Skiing and snowboarding are popular winter activities among tourists.

Yukon & Northern Lights

Travellers can enjoy spectacular views of the Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, in Yukon. The best time to see the northern lights is from September to April. From stunning national parks, Canada’s highest peak, Mount Logan, to the thrilling activities like hiking and canoeing, the Yukon has a lot to offer.

Ottawa 

The capital city of Canada, Ottawa, is known for being clean, safe and well-organised. The city has popular attractions, including Parliament Hill and the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Rideau Canal, which is the world’s largest skating rink when open to visitors during ideal weather conditions. 

Why Canada Stands Out as a Must-Visit Country

1. Natural Scenic Landscapes

Canada is a beautiful country offering breathtaking views, including:

• Yoho National Park and Glacier National Park in British Columbia
• Hopewell Rocks in New Brunswick
• The Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia 
• Dinosaur Provincial Park
• Vancouver Island in British Columbia

2. Multicultural Cities

These multicultural cities in Canada welcome tourists and offer a diverse range of food, art, architecture, and festivals.

• Toronto: The Capital province of Ontario, and quite popular for its vibrant food scene, iconic skyline and various iconic landmarks.
• Things to do: Dine in at the CN Tower, Enjoy a day trip at Toronto Islands, Explore the St. Lawrence Market and Visit the Royal Ontario Museum
• Vancouver: It is a bustling city in Canada known for its scenic mountains, coastal beauty, and growing arts, music, and theatre. 
• Things to do: Explore the VanDusen Botanical Garden, visit the Vancouver Aquarium or take a nature walk at the Capilano Bridge Park
• Montreal: It is famous for its vast Underground City (RÉSO) and its lively year-round festival culture.
• Things to do: Walk through the Cobblestone street, witness the stunning architecture of Notre-Dame Basilica and visit the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. 
• Calgary: The city is home to numerous skyscrapers and is a key hub for Canada’s oil industry. Calgary Stampede is a major highlight of the city. 

Things to do: Take a tour at the Historical Heritage Park, take a walk at the Prince’s Island Park and Enjoy Canada’s music history at Studio Bell

3. Safe and Well-Organised Infrastructure

Tourists concerned about their safety in the country don’t need to worry, as Canada is a safe country with well-organised and modern infrastructure, including: 

• Modern airports, shopping malls and restaurants 
• Reliable and Safe Public Transport
• High health and safety standards
• Clear and secure travel regulations

Tourism Growth and International Travel Trends

Canada continues to invest in tourism marketing, sustainability, and infrastructure. The country promotes:

• Eco-tourism initiatives
• National park preservation
• Cultural heritage protection
• Indigenous tourism programs

Travel Tips for Visiting Canada

While planning a visit to Canada, travellers should keep these points in mind to ensure a smooth, convenient travel experience. 

• Apply for the eTA in advance: Applying for an eTA in advance helps to avoid last-minute inconveniences.
• Stay up to Date: Check current travel advisories for Canada to stay updated on safety and the current situation in the country.
• Prepare for the Weather: Travellers must pack weather-appropriate clothing, as Canada’s climate varies greatly and can be extremely cold in the winter months.
• Get Travel Insurance: Visitors are required to get travel insurance, as healthcare in Canada can be expensive. 
• Use Public Transport: Major Canadian cities have reliable, safe public transport systems that are often more affordable than renting a car.
• Currency and Payments: Cards are widely accepted in Canada, but it is advisable to keep cash handy in Canadian dollars for smaller towns.
• Responsible Tourism: As travellers, it becomes our duty to respect nature and keep the national parks and cities clean. 
• Use a Local SIM: A local SIM card from Rogers, TELUS, or Bell for stronger network coverage and better connectivity.