Canada overview
When is the best time to fly to Canada?
Peak season
Canada’s peak tourist season stretches over the warm summer months from June through to August when domestic travellers are on their annual vacation. Hotel prices peak during this period, city sights are packed with visitors, and the hiking trails throughout the country’s national parks are incredibly busy. There are also plenty of festivals taking place, such as the famous Montreal Jazz Festival, so if you plan to travel during this period, be sure to book your accommodation well in advance to get the best deals.
Off season
Outside of North American school holidays, the spring, autumn and winter months are generally considered the “off” season in Canada and you can get some great flight and accommodation deals if you opt to travel during these periods. Spring sees the national parks ignited in blossoming flowers, autumn brings with it the changing of foliage, and in winter snowfall blankets the landscape a glorious white. January and February are generally the coldest months, with temperatures in the north of Canada dropping to well below freezing point, so if you are visiting during this time, come prepared with lots of layers!
When is the best time to book a flight to Canada?
You will secure the best travel deals throughout the year if you book well in advance, particularly if you are planning to escape the winter cold in New Zealand and visit during the long North American summer holidays. The Christmas/New Year period is another time when flights to Canada are in high demand as travellers head to the country’s ski slopes, but you can secure some good flight deals in both spring and autumn.
How long is the flight to Canada?
Flights from Auckland to Canada - 13 hours 10 minutes.
Flights from Christchurch to Canada - 15 hours 45 minutes.
Flights from Wellington to Canada - 15 hours 40 minutes.
Flights from Queenstown to Canada - 18 hours 55 minutes.
Which airlines operate flights to Canada?
Canada’s major airports include Toronto Pearson International Airport, Vancouver International Airport, Calgary International Airport and Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport. All offer a range of ground transportation options to get you into the city and to your accommodation.
Most offer fast and efficient rail systems that will whisk you directly from the airport to downtown stations, without having to negotiate the inner city traffic. There are also public bus routes which are often a cheaper, but longer, option, offering a wider choice of stops throughout the city.
Shuttle buses service many of the major hotels, offering a door-to-door service that is hassle-free, and most can be booked online prior to arrival. There are also a number of long-distance buses that depart directly from Canada’s airports to major tourist destinations in the surrounding area, preventing you from having to negotiate multiple forms of public transport.
For those that want a private airport transfer that will drop you directly at your hotel door, then your best option is to take a metered taxi from the ranks outside the airport’s domestic and international terminals.
