North America is full of enticing honeymoon destinations. Canada, the second largest country in the world, is a great place to kick off your married life. It has many natural wonders, metropolitan cities, unique wildlife, and culture.
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Is Canada a Good Place for a Honeymoon?
Easily one of the best honeymoon destinations for newlyweds who want a getaway near the US, Canada is breathtakingly beautiful. It’s surrounded by 13 US states in the west and south, the Atlantic Ocean in the east, the Pacific Ocean in the west, and the Arctic Ocean in the north.
Canada has you covered whether you want to enjoy its rugged coastline or bask in majestic mountain views. Some of its tourist-attracting provinces include Alberta, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, British Columbia (also known as BC or the West Coast of Canada), and the French-speaking province of Quebec.
What Activities Can You Do on a Honeymoon in Canada?
- Explore a national park. Canada is home to magnificent national parks. Jasper National Park is the largest in the Canadian Rockies, and it’s where you can meet abundant wildlife and explore lakes, canyons, and falls. Meanwhile, Banff National Park is the country’s first national park, boasting glacial lakes and towering Rocky Mountain peaks.
- Experience Niagara Falls. This famous waterfall borders New York and Ontario. You can admire the views from a lookout point or hop on a boat and see its beauty up close.
- Take in the captivating Northern Lights. Yukon and Northwest Territories are two of the best options to witness the heavenly elegance of the Northern Lights. The best months to go there are from late August to October and mid-November to early April.
- Try various winter sports. If you head to Lake Louise in Banff or Whistler in winter, you and your significant other can dabble in winter activities such as snowboarding, sledding, and snowmobiling. Lake Louise is a fantastic place to unwind and go kayaking or canoeing in drier months.
- Take on Canada’s best hiking and mountain biking trails. From Nova Scotia’s Cabot Trail to Alberta and BC’s Golden Triangle, there are many places where you can bike while surrounded by natural beauty. If you want to go hiking, challenge yourselves to Canada’s oldest marked trail: the Bruce Trail.
What Is the Best Month to Visit Canada?
A Canada honeymoon is best suited from June through October when the country has warm and pleasant weather. Remember that it’s the summer and peak season from June to August. So for a thinner crowd, try September to early November or April to June.
If you want to go there during winter (mid-December to mid-March), Canada is a great country for various winter sports.
Note that Canada has a vast latitudinal range, and because of that, the climate is very diverse. For instance, British Columbia on the west experiences heavy rainfall and moderate temperatures, while Newfoundland and Labrador on the east witness frequent fogging. Northern Canada has a frigid climate, while the central southern area has the usual continental climate (i.e., hot summers, cold winters, and little precipitation).
Is a Honeymoon in Canada Expensive?
Being a large country, Canada can be an expensive honeymoon destination depending on your itinerary. A one-week honeymoon can range from the more-affordable $2,000 to as luxurious as $11,000.
How To Plan a Budget Canada Honeymoon
- Consider staying near the city center, instead of in it.
- Use public transportation or, if you can, walk and stroll around.
- Take advantage of free activities such as entering parks and exploring beaches.
- Ensure your accommodation has a kitchen so that you can cook some of your meals.
7 Best Cities to Stay In Canada
Vancouver
Vancouver is a major city in the mainland region of BC known for its scenic views, stunning skylines, and top-rated attractions. There are many free spots to visit, including Stanley Park, Queen Elizabeth Park, and Vancouver Seawall, the longest uninterrupted waterfront path in the world.
If you want to go on a road trip, drive for about two hours, and you’ll arrive at the charming town of Whistler. If you’re up for a longer adventure, drive and ride a ferry to Tofino on Vancouver Island’s west coast.
Where to stay: Gastown
Weather: Vancouver has a moderate oceanic climate and is one of the warmest areas in Canada. The summer season is dry, and the rest of the year can be rainy.
Toronto
Toronto is the capital of Ontario province. If this will be your home base for your Canadian getaway, you can visit CN Tower (the highest free-standing structure in the world’s western hemisphere) and Distillery District (which was once home to one of the largest wineries in the British Empire).
For longer excursions, go to Lake Ontario or explore the historic town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. If you’re up for a longer drive, head to Canada’s capital, Ottawa.
Where to stay: Entertainment District
Weather: Toronto experiences partly cloudy weather year-round. While summers are comfortable, winters are freezing and windy.
Montreal
Montreal is one of Canada’s most romantic places, a city of incredible beauty and history. While Quebec City is the capital of the Quebec province, Montreal offers more diversity. Montreal, especially its older districts, is known for its old-world charm (think cobblestone streets and quaint cafes and shops). You can also visit Old Quebec to learn more about the province’s history.
Apart from its attractions, such as Mont-Royal and Jacques-Carier Bridge, Montreal offers the best Canadian cuisine: poutine and Montreal-style bagels.
Where to stay: Downtown Montreal
Weather: Montreal has a temperate climate, and rainfall can occur even during its driest month, February. The summers are warm and humid, while the winters are cold.
Calgary
Calgary is Alberta’s largest city. The city has abundant natural beauty and is surrounded by the Rocky Mountains and verdant prairies. Visit the Heritage Park Historical Village and stroll back in time or get up close and personal with animals at the Calgary Zoo. If you’re going there in July, don’t miss Calgary Stampede, a 10-day rodeo festival dubbed the greatest outdoor show on earth.
When in Calgary, you must also allocate a day or two to visit Banff. Located on the western border of Alberta, it’s famous for the aforementioned national park and relaxing hot springs.
Where to stay: Downtown Calgary
Weather: The climate in Calgary is prairie-steppe type. It generally experiences sunny weather even during winter.
Whitehorse
Yukon’s capital city is located on the Alaska Highway in southwest Canada. Nicknamed the Wilderness City, this is ideal for couples who want to have fun and make beautiful memories in an off-the-beaten-path setting.
When you stay in Whitehorse, you’ll enjoy marked trails for hiking and biking and postcard-worthy lakes. It also has several scenic spots, including Miles Canyon and the Yukon Wildlife Preserve. Come winter, you can avail of Northern Lights package tours, which include winter activities such as snowmobiling and dog sledding.
Where to stay: Downtown Whitehorse
Weather: Whitehorse is mostly cloudy year in and year out. While summers are comfortable, winters can be snowy, frigid, and dark.
Cape Breton
An island in Nova Scotia, Cape Breton, is on the eastern edge of Canada. Perfect for honeymooners who want to spend the early days of marriage in a more laid-back environment. Activities you can do here include whale watching and fishing. On land, you can go hiking at the Highland National Park or golf on any of the island’s eight golf courses.
For history buffs, explore the Fortress of Louisbourg and get a glimpse of what it feels like to be in 18th-century France.
Where to stay: Meat Cove
Weather: The island has a cold and temperate climate and receives lots of rainfall. The northern area, in particular, experiences cold winters, warm summers, and moderate precipitation.
Charlottetown
From snorkeling and fishing to kayaking and golfing, Prince Edward Island is a gem on the eastern coast of Canada. Charlottetown, the capital of Prince Edward Island, boasts historic architecture, lush gardens (Victoria Park is a must-visit), and charming roads where you can leisurely walk and explore local cafes and shops.
The city is also known as the “Birthplace of Confederation,” where the historical event that led to the founding of Canada took place. You can take guided walking tours downtown and put on historic costumes yourselves.
Where to stay: Cavendish
Weather: Having a continental climate, Charlottetown experiences frigid winters and warm summers. During summer, it can be partly cloudy, while winters are dark.
What Is the Best Way to Travel to Canada?
A Canadian getaway is easily reachable from the US. Home to several major airports, you’ll likely fly into Toronto Pearson International Airport, Vancouver International Airport, or Calgary International Airport, depending on which city you’ll stay.
You can also go there by Train via Amtrak. If you’re from a neighboring state, you can drive your own vehicle or rent one.
Traveling Within Canada
Given its size, driving is one of the best ways to explore Canada. If you have the money to splurge, you can take trains or flights to another province. Within the city of your choice, you can count on trains, buses, taxis, and vehicles for ride-sharing.
What Types of Accommodations Are Available in Canada?
Canada is a top honeymoon destination offering various lodging options—from luxury hotels and ski resorts to more inexpensive ones, such as mid-range hotels, apartments, and rental properties.
Many modern and top-class resorts and hotels come with amenities couples look for in a trip, including a swimming pool, sauna, and hot tub. Some hosts offer honeymoon packages for a more cost-effective trip.
Some of the country’s most popular and unique accommodations include Fairmont Banff Springs Mountain Resort and Fogo Island Inn. The latter is referred to as “the hotel at the edge of the world” because it’s located in a remote place off the northeast coast of Newfoundland.
What Type of Food Should You Try in Canada?
- Poutine. Originally from Quebec, this classic Canadian dish is an indulgent treat comprising French fries topped with gravy and cheese curds.
- Peameal bacon. This is the Canadian spin on bacon. A lean pork loin is trimmed, cured, and rolled in ground yellow corn.
- Tire d’érable or maple taffy. Since Canada is synonymous with maple, you shouldn’t leave the country without trying maple-related food. Maple taffy is a sugary sweet candy made by pouring warm maple syrup over snow.
Are There Any Cultural Experiences to Include in a Canada Honeymoon?
You can book indigenous cultural tours to make your trip more culturally immersive. Canada is home to indigenous people, including First Nations, Inuit, and Métis.
Visiting Old Quebec will take you back in time. The city is over 400 years old and takes pride in having historical sites such as the Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church and Morrin Centre.
You can also book your stay coinciding with major festivals such as the Canadian Tulip Festival in Ottawa (May) and the Winter Festival of Lights near Niagara Falls (mid-November to mid-January).
What to Pack For a Honeymoon in Canada
Canadians usually wear casual clothes and athleisure attire when outside. Keeping this in mind, you should pack more casual ensembles. Bring warm clothing to combat cold temperatures (at night or during winter). And since you’ll probably be doing lots of walking, sightseeing, and outdoor activities, bring comfortable shoes and hiking boots.
If you’re going there in winter, waterproof boots are essential. If you’re visiting in summer, you shouldn’t forget your sunscreen, insect repellent, and swimwear.
Is Canada Safe to Visit?
Though Canada is a generally safe and romantic honeymoon destination, taking precautions and being aware of your surroundings is vital for a guaranteed enjoyable vacation. Check out these safety tips:
- Always research your city of choice and pay attention to areas to avoid. For instance, avoid dangerous neighborhoods such as Parma Short and Crescent Town if you stay in Toronto.
- Use your accommodation’s safe to secure valuables.
- Canada can have extreme weather conditions (e.g., extreme heat, heavy snowfall). So always monitor the weather report.
- Always follow the regulations of the tourist spot you’re visiting, whether a park or a mountain.
- Currents in Canadian waters can be intense. Be extra careful when swimming, and know your limits.
- Pickpocketing still happens, so always be alert and use common sense in public spaces.
Do You Need a Visa to Visit Canada?
As US citizens visiting Canada for less than 180 days, you and your loved one don’t need to apply for visas.
Bonus Canada Travel Tips
- Tap water is generally safe to drink in Canada.
- Canada is a vast country and has six different time zones. Take that into account when planning your itinerary.
- Canada uses the Canadian dollar. As of writing, $1 is equivalent to C$1.35. You can exchange your currency in banks or withdraw Canadian dollars via ATMs.
- Tipping is customary in Canada. To give you an idea, Canadians typically give 15% to 20% of the total bill.
- Canada has two official languages: English and French. The latter is mainly spoken in Quebec.