Distances are bigger than they look
Toronto and Vancouver are more than 3,000 km apart; crossing the country is a flight of several hours, not a day trip. Pick one or two regions per trip rather than trying to see everything.
Main airports
Most international visitors arrive at Toronto Pearson (YYZ), Vancouver (YVR), Montréal-Trudeau (YUL), Calgary (YYC) or Edmonton (YEG). Ottawa (YOW) and Halifax (YHZ) serve the capital and the Atlantic provinces. Calgary is the usual gateway for Banff and Canmore, and Vancouver for Whistler and Vancouver Island.
- Vancouver: the Canada Line rapid-transit service links the airport and downtown.
- Toronto: the UP Express train runs between Pearson and Union Station downtown.
Trains and buses
VIA Rail operates passenger trains, including the busy corridor between Windsor, Toronto, Ottawa, Montréal and Québec City, and long-distance services such as the Toronto–Vancouver “Canadian” and the Montréal–Halifax “Ocean”. Several scenic tourist trains also run in the Rockies. Intercity coaches and shuttle services connect many resort towns with airports.
Renting a car
Outside the big cities, a car is usually the easiest way to move. Calgary to Banff is roughly 1.5 hours by road and Vancouver to Whistler about 2 hours, but weather, construction and traffic can add a lot. Fill the tank before long stretches with no services, and remember that wildlife can be on the road, especially at dawn and dusk.
Winter driving
Rules differ by province. As examples, Québec requires winter tires on registered passenger vehicles from 1 December to 15 March, and some highways in British Columbia require winter tires or chains between 1 October and 30 April. If you rent a car in winter, ask the agency what it supplies and check the current rules with the provincial authority.
Ferries
Reaching Vancouver Island by car or Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland by sea involves ferries. In summer and on holiday weekends, reserve vehicle space in advance where the operator allows it.
This guide gives general information and is not a substitute for the hotel's own terms or an official source. Rules, prices and conditions change; confirm before you travel.