Are you stuck on where to go this summer?
Many Americans overlook their neighbor to the north when planning an international vacation. But Canada is a destination that should not be missed!
Easy access from the U.S., great weather, beautiful nature, cool cities, and a favorable exchange rate are some of the reasons why Canada is a fantastic summer destination for Americans.
Here are the reasons why this summer is the perfect time to plan a trip to Canada.
1. Easy Flights
Getting to Canada from the United States is easy. There are tons of nonstop flights between cities in the United States and Canada, and many of them are shorter than you might expect.
For example, New York to Quebec City is less than two hours, Los Angeles to Vancouver is a three-hour flight, and Chicago to Calgary is under four hours.
Additionally, United Airlines and Air Canada have announced that they are expanding their partnership this summer, with more than 80 transborder codeshare routes and 260 daily flights.
They are also launching new nonstop routes from Washington, DC to Vancouver and Calgary.
2. Great Weather
Summer is arguably the best season of the year to visit Canada. While fall offers beautiful foliage and winter is the best time for skiing and other snow sports, summer in Canada has the best weather.
You can enjoy extra-long days where the sun doesn’t set until late and warm, mild temperatures. Unlike many parts of the United States, where temperatures can rise to scorching levels during the summer, Canada as a whole experiences milder summers.
It’s the perfect time of year for hiking and other outdoor activities.
3. Beautiful Nature
Where Canada really shines is the outdoors, especially during the summer.
Banff National Park and Lake Louise in Alberta are popular summer destinations due to the jaw-dropping scenery and great hiking in the Canadian Rockies.
British Columbia is another great region to visit during the summer. While destinations like Whistler are popular during the winter for skiing, summer is also an excellent time to visit for outdoor activities.
If you’re a fan of camping, there are many great places to camp in Canada.
On the eastern side of Canada, Niagara Falls is a bucket list destination that is beautiful in the summer.
And if you want to visit a more underrated destination, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia both offer beautiful nature, beaches, and coastal landscapes.
4. Vibrant Cities
Although Canada is a great outdoorsy destination, it also has a lot to offer for city lovers. Canadian cities come alive during the summer due to the great weather, and there are tons of events and things to do.
Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal are some of the most popular cities in Canada for visitors, with tons of sights and activities.
But if you’re looking for a more off-the-beaten-path city break, consider visiting Calgary, a fast-growing city that is famous for hosting the Calgary Stampede rodeo every July. Quaint Halifax, Nova Scotia is another great spot and acts as a gateway to much of Nova Scotia.
5. Exchange Rate
Another reason for American travelers to visit Canada this summer is because of the favorable exchange rate when changing U.S. dollars to Canadian dollars.
At the time of publishing, the exchange rate is 1 USD to 1.35 CAD. This means you get more value for your money in Canada.
While Canada can be a pricy destination to visit, American travelers will find that they don’t have to break the bank on things like accommodation, food, transportation, souvenirs, and activities thanks to the favorable exchange rate.