Canada is easily accessible from Europe — numerous direct flights, simplified formalities (simple eTA), three major international airports.
By air, the country has several international hubs. Montreal-Trudeau (YUL) is Quebec's main airport, with direct flights from Paris CDG (Air France and Air Canada daily), Paris Orly (Air Transat several weekly in season), Brussels, Geneva, Lyon (Air Transat seasonal summer and autumn charters). 7h30 direct flight outbound, 6h30-7h return (tailwinds). Paris-Montreal return fares: €400-600 in low season (November-March excluding holidays), €700-900 in high season (June-August, October Indian summer). It's the cheapest and shortest flight from Europe to Canada.
Toronto-Pearson (YYZ) is Canada's main hub, with direct flights from Paris CDG (Air France daily, Air Canada several daily), London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Zurich. 7h45 direct flight outbound. Paris-Toronto return fares: €450-700 low season, €800-1,000 high season.
Vancouver (YVR) is British Columbia's airport, gateway to Western Canada. Direct flights from Paris CDG (Air France 4-5 weekly, Air Canada daily in summer), London Heathrow, Frankfurt. 10h direct flight outbound, 9h return. Paris-Vancouver return fares: €650-900 low season, €1,100-1,400 high season.
Other useful airports: Calgary (YYC) for the Rockies (Paris direct flight in summer by Air Canada seasonal, or via Toronto/Montreal), Ottawa (YOW) for the capital (via Montreal or Toronto), Halifax (YHZ) for the Maritimes, Quebec (YQB) for Quebec City (mostly via Montreal).
The eTA (electronic Travel Authorization, mandatory) is requested online at canada.ca/eta for 7 CAD (€5), 5-year validity, usual processing from a few minutes to 72h.
From airport to city centre: in Montreal, 747 express shuttle (CAD 11, 45 min, to downtown), metro from airport via shuttle (40 min), Uber CAD 35-50. In Toronto, the UP Express (fast train to Union Station, CAD 12.35, 25 min), metro from Pearson via 192 or 52 to Kipling Station, Uber CAD 50-70. In Vancouver, the Canada Line SkyTrain (CAD 9, 25 min to downtown), Uber CAD 35-50.
Once on site, internal transport depends on the trip. VIA Rail train (Toronto-Montreal in 5h, CAD 100-200, departures every 2h; Toronto-Vancouver in 4 days and 4 nights via the legendary Canadian, CAD 1,500-3,500 depending on class and season, one of the world's most beautiful rail experiences). Domestic flights (Air Canada, WestJet, Porter, Flair) are essential for East-West distances: Montreal-Vancouver 5h30, Toronto-Calgary 4h, CAD 250-700 return. Car rental (CAD 50-80/day depending on category + CAD 20-30/day fuel) is essential for the Rockies, Charlevoix scenic drives, Gaspé loop. Right-hand driving, French licence valid for 6 months, winter vigilance (winter tires mandatory in Quebec November-mid April).
The Canadian train Toronto-Vancouver (VIA Rail) is one of the world's most beautiful rail experiences: 4 days/4 nights through the Great Lakes, Prairies, spectacular Rockies. Cabin compartments 2 people CAD 2,500-3,500/person, seated CAD 700-1,000. Book 4-6 months ahead for summer high season.
Read also
- Quebec — Cosmopolitan Montreal, UNESCO Old Quebec, Charlevoix and Tadoussac: French-speaking Canada 7h30 from Paris.
- Ontario — Multicultural Toronto, Niagara Falls, Ottawa the federal capital: the economic and institutional heart.
- Canadian Rockies — Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper: among the world's most beautiful alpine landscapes, turquoise lakes and glaciers.
- British Columbia — Vancouver facing the Pacific, legendary Whistler ski resort, Vancouver Island and British Victoria.