The Canadian Rockies are a great mountain range to explore in Canada. With iconic peaks like Mount Robson and Mount Assiniboine, these mountains offer breathtaking scenery and numerous outdoor activities. Visitors can hike through stunning alpine …
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Backpacking Canada in 2025
A complete guide for backpacking in Canada with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.
Visit Canada
Welcome to Canada, a vast wilderness and cultural mosaic that beckons backpackers with its unique charm. Pros? Immerse in breathtaking landscapes, friendly locals, and a safe, well-developed infrastructure. The diverse cities and natural wonders offer a mix of urban and outdoor adventures. However, Canada's sheer size can pose logistical challenges, and the cost of living may be higher than in some backpacker havens. For those seeking a harmonious blend of nature and culture in a safe and welcoming environment, Canada stands out as a uniquely enriching backpacking destination, where every province unveils a different facet of this North American treasure.
Why to go?Why backpacking in Canada
Mountains
Scenery
Canada is known for its diverse and breathtaking landscapes, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts. One of the best sceneries to explore in Canada is the Canadian Rockies. This mountain range offers stunning peaks, turquoise lakes, and …
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Wildlife
Canada is great for seeing wildlife because of its vast and diverse landscapes. From the rugged mountains of the Canadian Rockies to the expansive boreal forests and the pristine coastal regions, Canada offers a wide range of habitats that support a …
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💡 HighlightsTop-5 things to do in Canada
- Visit Niagara Falls: Niagara Falls is one of the most iconic natural wonders in the world. Witnessing the sheer power and beauty of the falls is a truly unforgettable experience.
- Explore Banff National Park: Located in the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park offers stunning mountain landscapes, turquoise lakes, and abundant wildlife. Hiking, skiing, and wildlife spotting are popular activities in this picturesque park.
- Discover the Old Quebec City: With its cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and European charm, Old Quebec City is a must-visit destination. Explore the well-preserved fortifications, visit the iconic Château Frontenac, and indulge in delicious French cuisine.
- Experience the Northern Lights in Yukon: The Yukon is known for its dark skies and is one of the best places to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights. Immerse yourself in the vast wilderness and be awed by the dancing colors of the aurora borealis.
- Take a road trip on the Cabot Trail: Located in Nova Scotia, the Cabot Trail offers breathtaking coastal scenery, charming fishing villages, and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Driving along this scenic route is a great way to explore the beauty of the Maritimes.
But Canada offers more...
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Canada
Traveled route: Montreal, Vancouver, Nanaimo, Victoria, Ucluelet, Tofino, Courtenay, Comox Airport, Calgary, Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Kamloops, Whistler
🌤️ When to go?Best time to go backpacking Canada
The best time to visit Canada for backpacking depends on your preferences and the specific activities you plan to do. Here are some options:
1. Summer (June to August): This is the most popular time for backpacking in Canada due to pleasant weather and longer daylight hours. You can explore national parks, hike in the Rocky Mountains, camp, and enjoy outdoor activities like kayaking or canoeing. However, it can get crowded in popular tourist destinations.
2. Spring (April to May) and Fall (September to October): These shoulder seasons offer milder temperatures, fewer crowds, and beautiful foliage in many regions. You can still enjoy outdoor activities, but be aware that some trails and campsites may be closed or have limited services.
3. Winter (November to March): If you enjoy winter sports like skiing or snowboarding, visiting Canada during winter can be a fantastic experience. Popular destinations include Whistler, Banff, and Mont-Tremblant. However, be prepared for cold temperatures and shorter daylight hours.
Consider the specific region you plan to visit, as Canada is a vast country with diverse climates. Research the weather patterns and activities available in each area to choose the best time for your backpacking adventure.
1. Summer (June to August): This is the most popular time for backpacking in Canada due to pleasant weather and longer daylight hours. You can explore national parks, hike in the Rocky Mountains, camp, and enjoy outdoor activities like kayaking or canoeing. However, it can get crowded in popular tourist destinations.
2. Spring (April to May) and Fall (September to October): These shoulder seasons offer milder temperatures, fewer crowds, and beautiful foliage in many regions. You can still enjoy outdoor activities, but be aware that some trails and campsites may be closed or have limited services.
3. Winter (November to March): If you enjoy winter sports like skiing or snowboarding, visiting Canada during winter can be a fantastic experience. Popular destinations include Whistler, Banff, and Mont-Tremblant. However, be prepared for cold temperatures and shorter daylight hours.
Consider the specific region you plan to visit, as Canada is a vast country with diverse climates. Research the weather patterns and activities available in each area to choose the best time for your backpacking adventure.
Risk level: low (0%)Safety advice for Canada
- Avoid areas where demonstrations and protests are occurring. Follow instructions of local authorities.
- Canada has a similar crime rate to Australia. Violent crime does occur throughout Canada, especially in larger cities. Petty crime can occur in tourist areas and on public transport. Look after your belongings. Theft from cars is common in larger cities. Don't leave valuables in your vehicle. Credit card scams and fraud occur. Check your statements often.
- Bears and other dangerous wildlife live in forested areas. Get local advice before hiking.
- Canada can experience severe weather. This includes wildfires, tornadoes and hurricanes in summer, and extreme cold, ice and heavy snowfalls in winter. Monitor local media and official sources for weather alerts.
source: smartraveller.gov.au
CanadaMy tips to get you on the way!Does Canada sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.
Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Canada. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Canada may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Canada. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Canada may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Canada, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Canada, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
My personal packing list 🎒
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Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Moneybelt
[Amazon]
“Best way to carry your important documents”
Quick dry pant
[Amazon]
“Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling”
Light rain jacket
[Amazon]
“Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry”
Thermo underwear
[Amazon]
“Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets”
Quick dry towel
[Amazon]
“Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling”
Power bank
[Amazon]
“Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more”
Travel adapter
[Amazon]
“Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs”
Number lock
[Amazon]
“No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories”
Packing cubes
[Amazon]
“Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest”
Travel pillow
[Amazon]
“Light and great for flights and long bus journeys”
last page update: 29 September 2024