Top 10 Destinations to get Canadians Daydreaming About Travel

Let’s face it, you deserve a vacation. While travel restrictions may be keeping Canadians at home a while longer, we’re looking ahead to brighter days and daydreaming about our next big getaway. We may not be ready to pack our bags just yet, but there is no time like the present to start fantasizing about one of the top five travel destinations in Canada or the top five international vacation destinations for Canadians to add to their must-visit list. No matter your destination, UP Express can help you start – or end – your vacation with ease, getting you from downtown Toronto to Pearson International Airport in just 25-minutes, seven days a week.

When the time comes to make the trip you’ve dreamed about a reality, be sure to check online for the most recent COVID safety protocols and entry requirements. Remember that all Canadian air and ground transportation requires proof of full vaccination for anyone over the age of 12. As of Dec. 21, 2021, all travellers entering Canada will require a negative COVID-19 before arrival, regardless of their vaccination status.

The Best Travel Destinations In Canada For Canadian Travellers

You don’t need to leave Canada to have an amazing vacation. Whether you’re looking for pristine mountain views, a culinary adventure, or a family-friendly getaway, Canada has it all. Add one of these top five Canadian destinations to your future travel bucket list now!

Crisp air, stunning mountain views, and wildlife galore, Alberta’s mountain community of Banff and nearby Lake Louise is one of the most popular places for a Canadian getaway. No matter the time of year, Banff offers something for everyone! Head to the slopes for some of the country’s finest skiing in the winter months or pack your hiking shoes for the summer and hit the trails around Lake Louise. Year-round, soak in the scenery from the picturesque outdoor Banff Upper Hot Springs for the trip of a lifetime.

Calling all foodies! Montreal is a food-lover’s paradise, no matter your palate. From hard-to-get reservations at one of the late Anthony Bourdain’s favourite spots, Au Pied de Cochon, to the deliciously cheap eats from around the world at the Jean Talon Market, there is always somewhere to tempt your taste buds in between exploring the city’s many museums, galleries, bars, and unique spas.

Put Niagara Falls on your list of places to explore. This family-friendly destination will delight and inspire travellers of all ages. Though the breathtaking waterfalls may be the main draw of this border city, you can enjoy Clifton Hill’s many indoor fun houses and museums, get your adrenaline pumping on Niagara’s Fury high-speed whirlpool boat ride, roll the dice at the casinos or enjoy some family fun at Great Wolf Lodge. UP Express can help you get there with smooth connections from Toronto Pearson International Airport to UP Express Union Station and onward. Visitors arriving at the airport can take the UP Express to Union Station and easily hop on a GO Transit Niagara-bound bus with service running daily, or the GO Train during the weekends and holidays in the summer. Make sure to check the full train schedule change information before heading out.

Enjoy some East Coast charm with a visit to Nova Scotia’s city by the sea. As the province’s cultural hub, Halifax is the place to be for live music and nightlife and it also offers visitors a wide range of unique shops, cafes, and restaurants along the nearly four-kilometer harbourfront boardwalk. The gateway to Canada for over one million immigrants, Canada’s Museum Of Immigration at Pier 21 is a must-visit on any trip to the city.

Head West for some stunning nature and big city vibes in Vancouver. With a buzzing craft brewery scene, breathtaking views from the city’s famous Stanley Park, boutique shopping, and the Granville Market loved by locals and visitors alike, Vancouver truly has something for everyone. Don’t let the laidback vibe fool you – there are plenty of nightlife spots to get your dance on, cozy pubs to sit in and have a chat, and some of the country’s best restaurants to fill your Vancouver itinerary.

The Best International Travel For Canadian Travellers

With many travel restrictions keeping Canadians at home, now is the perfect time to daydream about foreign lands and future trips. Mentally pack your bags and head out on vacation to one of these top international travel destinations for Canadians. Bucket list-worthy adventures and relaxing beach vacations await!

With its growing luxury hotel and restaurant scene, Kyoto is truly the crown jewel of Japan. A bucket list- worthy destination for Canadians, Kyoto boasts a bevy of the country’s must-see attractions like the Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion UNESCO World Heritage site and the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. After a day of hanging out with the Japanese macaques that roam Monkey Park Iwatayama, the bustling Pontocho Alley is the place to unwind with a cocktail and do some geisha-spotting.

Always a favourite destination for Canadians, Mexico’s beautiful sandy beaches and exciting culture make for a great getaway for families, friends, couples, and solo travellers. Tulum’s dramatic coastline is home to one of the Yucatan Peninsula’s most-stunning archaeological sites, the Tulum Mayan ruins. Cheap eats and sleeps are plentiful in the town centre, but head to the coast for picturesque beachside bungalows that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into paradise.

The city that never sleeps is slowly emerging from the pandemic, and eager to welcome visitors with open arms. No city south of the border has as much culture on offer as New York with its over 80 museums spread across five boroughs dedicated to everything from modern works of art and fashion to TV and ice cream. Some of the world’s finest dining may be just a reservation away here, but nothing beats a slice of New York pizza, especially after a Broadway show.

Ciao Italy! Why not eat and drink your way through the Tuscan countryside? This centre of Italy’s Renaissance arts and culture scene is where Michelangelo’s David calls home. When you’ve had your fill of Florence’s finest antipasto and wines, take in the perfect 360 degree view of the Tuscan capital and countryside at the Piazzale Michelangelo or hop on a guided bicycle tour to learn more about the city’s landmarks and famous residents.

There’s no doubt Morocco is a multi-city destination for Canadians, but the beautiful blue-washed mountain village of Chefchaouen should top your list of travel destinations in the future. Get your camera ready because this pretty city is a stunner with its painted houses and mountain views at almost every turn. A great outpost for nature explorers, and with luxury accommodation on the rise, it is the perfect place to slow-down after the hustle and bustle of sprawling Marrakech.
While vacations may only be the stuff of dreams right now, be aware COVID travel guidelines for Canadians are subject to change. When it’s time to turn your travel dreams into reality, remember to consult official government advisories and regulations within Canada and at your destination for specific entry and exit requirements for visitors.