Moraine Lake, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada, 17 June 2019. Photo: Chensiyuan · Image source · CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized.
For a first trip to Canada, pick one region rather than trying to see the whole country: Toronto and Niagara Falls, the Rockies around Banff, or Québec City and Montréal. Distances are huge, so plan flights or long drives between regions, and check whether you need an eTA before you fly.
This guide was researched on 5 November 2026 using official Canadian government, Parks Canada and attraction websites. Prices are in Canadian dollars and exclude tax unless stated.
Canada at a glance
Swipe or scroll horizontally to see the full table.
| Highlight | Adult price (CAD) | Season |
|---|---|---|
| CN Tower, Toronto | $47 timed general admission | Year-round |
| Journey Behind the Falls, Niagara | $33 | Year-round |
| Niagara City Cruises | $47.95 | April–November |
| Banff National Park | $12.25 per adult per day | Year-round |
| Moraine Lake shuttle | $12.75 (plus park entry) | June–mid-October |
| Old Québec | Free to explore | Year-round |
Entry rules: the eTA
Most visa-exempt travellers flying to or through Canada need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). It costs CAN$7, is linked to your passport and is valid for up to five years or until the passport expires. US citizens do not need one, and you do not need one if you arrive by land or sea. Apply only on the official Government of Canada website, as other sites charge extra fees.
Toronto and Niagara Falls
Toronto's CN Tower is 553 metres tall. Timed general admission costs $47 for adults and $34 for seniors and children aged 6–13, and includes the Glass Floor at 342 metres; add the top level for $59. The observation levels are open daily from 10:00 to 23:00 (last entry 21:00). For a thrill, the EdgeWalk around the outside of the tower starts at $199.
Niagara Falls is about 90 minutes from Toronto by car or train. The Canadian side has the best views of the Horseshoe Falls. Journey Behind the Falls, open all year, takes you to tunnels and viewing platforms behind the water ($33 for adults, $21.50 for children aged 3–12, plus tax). From April to November, Niagara City Cruises sail to the base of the falls ($47.95 for adults).
Banff and the Rockies
The cover of this page shows Moraine Lake in Banff National Park, where daily admission costs $12.25 for adults and is free for under-18s; a family or group pass costs $24.50 per day. If you plan to visit several national parks, the annual Discovery Pass ($83.50 for adults, $167.50 for a family) usually pays off within a week.
Moraine Lake Road is closed to private vehicles all year. In summer, the only ways to get there are the Parks Canada shuttle, licensed tour operators or a stay at Moraine Lake Lodge. In 2026 the shuttle ran from June to 12 October and cost $12.75 for adults, with reservations opening in mid-April; it sells out quickly, so book as soon as bookings open. Lake Louise has paid parking in summer ($42 per vehicle per day in 2026) and its own shuttle.
From Lake Louise, the Icefields Parkway runs 232 kilometres north to Jasper past glaciers and lakes. You need a valid park pass to drive it, and chains or winter tyres are required in winter, when services are limited.
Québec City and Vancouver
Old Québec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the only fortified city north of Mexico. Spring and early summer are quieter; late September and early October bring autumn colours; and winter brings the Carnival and a snowy old town. Combine it with Montréal, about three hours away.
On the Pacific coast, Vancouver is the gateway to the west. Its Stanley Park covers more than 1,000 acres, with a 10-kilometre seawall that is popular for walking and cycling.
See our Canada travel guide for more on each region.
When to go
Summer (late June to early September) is best for the Rockies and lakes, but it is also the busiest and most expensive time. September and early October are excellent for autumn colours and smaller crowds. Winter is long and cold in most of the country, but good for skiing in the Rockies and winter festivals in Québec.
Canada: FAQ
Do I need an eTA to visit Canada?
If you are from a visa-exempt country and flying to Canada, yes. It costs CAN$7. US citizens do not need one.
Can I drive to Moraine Lake?
No. Moraine Lake Road is closed to private vehicles. Use the Parks Canada shuttle or a licensed tour.
How long should a first trip to Canada be?
A week is enough for one region, such as Toronto and Niagara or Banff and Jasper. Allow two weeks to combine two regions by air.
Sources and planning checks
Prices and rules were checked on 5 November 2026 against Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, Parks Canada, the CN Tower, Niagara Parks, Québec City Tourism and Destination Vancouver. The 2027 Moraine Lake shuttle dates were not yet published. Recommendations are editorial judgments.
Affiliate note: Photos4Travel may earn a commission if you book through the hotel link in this article.
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