Canada is the second-largest country on Earth, and its sheer size is the single most important thing to understand before you plan a trip. The distance from Vancouver to Toronto is roughly the same as crossing the whole of Europe, and driving coast to coast takes the better part of a week. Choosing the right mix of transport modes for each leg of your journey will save you time, money and frustration.
Domestic flights are essential for long distances
For any trip that crosses more than one province, flying is usually the only sensible option. The two dominant carriers are Air Canada and WestJet, both with extensive networks connecting the major hubs of Toronto, Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver. Budget-focused options such as Flair and Lynx come and go, so check current routes when you book.
Book well in advance for the best fares, especially in summer and around holidays. Fares to remote destinations in the North, such as the Yukon or Nunavut, are high because there is simply no competing ground transport. Carry-on rules and checked-bag fees vary by carrier and fare class, so read the fine print before you pay.
VIA Rail: scenic but slow
Canada's passenger rail network is run by VIA Rail. The flagship route, "The Canadian," runs between Toronto and Vancouver over four days, crossing the prairies and the Rocky Mountains. It is one of the world's great train journeys, with glass-domed observation cars and sweeping wilderness views.
Set expectations correctly: rail here is about the experience, not speed. The Canadian is slower and often more expensive than flying, and it can run late because freight trains have priority on the tracks. In the busy Quebec City–Windsor corridor, trains are far more practical and frequent, making rail a genuinely good way to travel between Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto.
Renting a car and road trips
For exploring regions like the Rockies, the Maritimes or Vancouver Island, a rental car gives you the most freedom. Remember that Canadians drive on the right, the same as the United States and most of Europe. Distances between towns can be vast, so fill up when you can and carry water and snacks.
Winter driving demands respect. In many provinces, especially British Columbia and Quebec, winter tires are legally required or strongly recommended on mountain highways from roughly October to April. Snow, ice and long stretches with no services make preparation vital. Check road conditions before you set out, and never underestimate how quickly weather changes in the mountains.
City transit
Canada's big cities have solid public transport that lets you skip a car entirely.
- Toronto: the TTC runs subways, streetcars and buses; a single fare or day pass covers the network.
- Vancouver: the SkyTrain is a fast, driverless rail system linking downtown, the airport and the suburbs.
- Montreal: the Metro is clean, warm in winter and reaches most neighbourhoods travellers want.
In each city a rechargeable smart card (Presto in Toronto, Compass in Vancouver, OPUS in Montreal) is the easiest way to pay, and day or multi-day passes save money if you ride often.
Ferries and the missing bus network
On the west coast, BC Ferries connect the mainland with Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands and remote coastal communities. The Tsawwassen–Swartz Bay crossing to Victoria is a scenic highlight, and vehicles can be booked ahead in peak season to avoid long waits.
One important gap: after Greyhound withdrew from Canada, there is no cheap national intercity bus network. Regional operators cover some routes, but coverage is patchy and far from comprehensive. Do not assume you can simply hop a budget bus between distant cities the way you might elsewhere; plan flights or rail for long hauls.
Getting from the airport to downtown
Major airports are well connected. In Toronto, the UP Express train reaches downtown in about 25 minutes. In Vancouver, the SkyTrain's Canada Line runs directly from the airport to the city centre. Montreal uses frequent express buses, with a rail link expanding the options. These transit routes are almost always cheaper than a taxi or rideshare, and often faster in traffic. A quick tip on etiquette: taxi and rideshare drivers expect a tip of around 15–20%, so budget for it.