Dreaming of a city trip that combines soaring skyscrapers, wild festivals and breathtaking scenery? Canada's great metropolises promise you all that and more! From the French charm of Quebec City to the trendy atmosphere of Toronto, from the thriving cultural scene of Montreal to the omnipresent nature of Vancouver, discover four fascinating cities where urbanism and adventure meet. In this article, we take a look at their assets, their costs, their highlights and the latest news you might find useful in preparing for your next Canadian getaway.
Toronto: dynamism at the heart of finance and culture
When you think of a major Canadian metropolis, Toronto inevitably comes to the top of the list. As the country's economic capital, Toronto is a city of cultural diversity and boundless energy. The first thing that stands out is the impressive silhouette of the CN Tower, the undisputed symbol of the city. But there's more to Toronto than its ultra-modern city centre: many of its neighbourhoods, such as Kensington Market and the Distillery District, are brimming with galleries, arty cafés and independent boutiques.
What's new: the city is actively preparing for the World Cup 2026, some of the matches of which will be held in Toronto. Sports facilities are improving, and the city is also announcing new measures to encourage public transport, with a modernised tram network.
Budget and best period
- Accommodation: between $150 and $200 CAD per night for a mid-range hotel in high season;
- Meals: allow around 15 to 25 $CAD for a dish in a restaurant in the centre;
- Perfect time of year: May to September, when festivals (including the TIFF international film festival) and good weather make the city even livelier.
Must-dos
- Admire the panoramic view from the outdoor walkway at the top of the CN Tower (thrills guaranteed!);
- Stroll around Toronto's islands for a picnic and enjoy a unique urban panorama;
- Discover the street art of Graffiti Alley, a free space of expression for local artists.
Montreal: cultural hustle and bustle and festivals all year round
It's impossible to talk about Canada's major metropolises without mentioning Montreal, the largest French-speaking city in North America after Mexico City. Renowned for its exceptional cultural programme, it offers events all year round: jazz, comedy, cinema and open-air concerts follow one another in a supercharged atmosphere. Just a few streets away, you'll find a whole new world, from historic Old Montreal (cobblestones and ancient facades) to the colourful and trendy Plateau-Mont-Royal.
Returns on experience
Many travelers comment on the warmth of Montrealers and how easy it is to make friends. Even in the harshest winters, the city retains its charm thanks to its network of underground tunnels, which connect many buildings to keep you warm. Sports fans can also make the most of the skating rink in the Old Port or hit the slopes of Mont Saint-Bruno, less than an hour's drive away.
Budget and best period
- Accommodation: slightly more affordable than in Toronto, at around $100 to $150 CAD per night depending on the season;
- Meals: between 12 and 20 $CAD for a good dish in a brasserie or a local restaurant;
- Ideal time of year: June to September for the hustle and bustle of festivals, with a particular focus on July, when the Jazz Festival and Just for Laughs Festival are held.
Main activities
- Visit Old Montreal and Notre-Dame Basilica, an architectural jewel steeped in history;
- Climb Mount Royal on foot or by bike, and enjoy the view of the skyline from the Kondiaronk lookout;
- Try poutine in all its forms, from classic restaurants to gourmet versions.
Vancouver: magnificent nature in the heart of the city
Bordered by the Pacific Ocean and backed by mountain peaks, Vancouver is an instant magnet for outdoor enthusiasts. Here, you get up early to run along the seawall of Stanley Park, before spending the afternoon picking out artisan treasures on Granville Island. The cool, creative atmosphere appeals to travellers and high-tech companies alike, attracted by the region's exceptional quality of life.
Focus on the news
Local authorities have been working for several years to make Vancouver a greener city, with pedestrianized neighborhoods and numerous cycle paths. Development projects are underway to preserve urban forests and coastal ecosystems, with the aim of reducing the city's carbon footprint.
Budget and best period
- Accommodation: minimum $150 CAD per night in high season, and more if you're looking for a location with an ocean view;
- Meals: the price of a dish in a restaurant is around 20 to 30 $CAD, especially in the tourist areas;
- Ideal period: June to September, less rainy, perfect for enjoying the urban beaches and nearby hiking trails.
Must-do's
- Hire a bike and take a full tour of the Seawall (the trail that runs alongside Stanley Park);
- Venture onto the Capilano suspension bridge for an adrenalin shot;
- Watch whales and orcas on a boat trip off the bay, if the season is right.
Quebec City: a historic jewel in a modern setting
Smaller than its sister cities, Quebec City is nonetheless a major Canadian metropolis full of surprises. Its main attraction: the feeling of travelling back in time as you stroll through Vieux-Québec, the only fortified city in North America. The colourful facades, fortifications and Château Frontenac lend the city an irresistible European charm.
Practical tips
- The winters are harsh, but snow lovers love the enchantment of the Québec Winter Carnival in February, with its ice sculptures and parades;
- From mid-spring, the city comes alive outdoors, especially during the Festival d'été de Québec (July).
Budget and transport
- Accommodation: less expensive than Toronto or Vancouver, between $80 and $130 CAD per night depending on the category;
- Local cuisine: try the tourtière, maple taffy or the countless versions of poutine, often less expensive than in Montreal;
- Getting around: the city is easy to explore on foot, and the RTC bus network is still an efficient way to reach the major points of interest.
Highlights
- Stroll through the cobbled streets of Petit-Champlain and take in the incredible view from the Terrasse Dufferin;
- Take a diversion to Montmorency Falls, higher than Niagara Falls, just a few kilometres from the centre;
- Experience the famous Quebec Winter Carnival, one of the biggest winter events in the world.
Set a course for Canada's major metropolises!
Whether you're passionate about culture, nature, history or sports, Canada's major metropolises each have their own unique universe. From the cosmopolitanism of Toronto to the historic lanes of Quebec City, from the artistic effervescence of Montreal to the outdoor escapism of Vancouver, these cities have countless treasures to explore. To prepare for your adventure, don't forget to check your administrative formalities: if you are a national of a visa-exempt country, consider applying for the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) online.
Want to know more about the procedure? To find out more about applying for an ETA, visit our dedicated page and make sure you meet the deadlines so you can travel with peace of mind. And don't hesitate to consult the official tourist sites for each city (for example, Destination Ontario or Quebec City) to find out about festivals, new regulations and the best deals of the moment.
Ready to experience Canada's urban effervescence? Choose from these four top destinations or, why not, organise a cross-country itinerary to discover them all! After all, every metropolis has its own flavor, and we never tire of the warm welcome offered by our Canadian friends.