Here are the Christmas markets in Canada, chosen for Canadian travellers. Canada’s holiday markets and festive towns.
Christmas markets in Canada
1. Quebec City
Quebec City is the only walled city north of Mexico, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with French charm, the Château Frontenac and a famous winter carnival. Read our Quebec City travel guide.
- Best time: June to October; February for Carnival; December for Christmas
- Getting there: About 3 hours from Montreal
- Don’t miss: Old Quebec, Château Frontenac and Petit-Champlain
- Mid-range hotels: C$220–380 a night
2. Toronto
Toronto is Canada’s largest and most multicultural city, with the CN Tower, lively neighbourhoods, waterfront islands and pro sports. Read our Toronto travel guide.
- Best time: May to October
- Getting there: About 1.5 hours to Niagara Falls; 5 hours to Montreal
- Don’t miss: CN Tower, Toronto Islands and Royal Ontario Museum
- Mid-range hotels: C$320–550 a night
3. Montreal
Montreal is a French-speaking city with European flair, cobblestone Old Montreal, festivals and a legendary food scene. Read our Montreal travel guide.
- Best time: May to October; December for festive markets
- Getting there: About 2 hours from Ottawa; 3 hours from Quebec City
- Don’t miss: Old Montreal, Mount Royal and Jean-Talon Market
- Mid-range hotels: C$220–380 a night
4. Ottawa
Ottawa, Canada’s capital, combines Parliament Hill, national museums, the Rideau Canal and a bilingual atmosphere. Read our Ottawa travel guide.
- Best time: May to October; February for Winterlude
- Getting there: About 2 hours from Montreal; 4.5 hours from Toronto
- Don’t miss: Parliament Hill, Rideau Canal and National Gallery of Canada
- Mid-range hotels: C$220–380 a night
For the luxury traveller
- Designer luggage for first-class travel Opulique
Premium luggage that arrives at the resort looking as good as it left. - Premium backpacks for stylish travel Opulique
A polished backpack for city breaks and carry-on days. - Designer travel bags Opulique
Elegant day bags for city strolls and dinners out.
Partner links: these go to our sister review sites, which may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
5. Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls on the Canadian side offers the best views of the Horseshoe Falls, boat tours into the mist and a lively tourist strip. Read our Niagara Falls travel guide.
- Best time: June to September
- Getting there: About 1.5 hours from Toronto
- Don’t miss: Niagara City Cruises, Journey Behind the Falls and Table Rock
- Mid-range hotels: C$220–380 a night
6. Banff
Banff is Canada’s first national park (1885) and its most famous mountain town, surrounded by turquoise lakes, hot springs, wildlife and the peaks of the Rockies. Read our Banff travel guide.
- Best time: June to September for lakes and hiking; December to March for skiing
- Getting there: About 1.5 hours from Calgary; 3.5–4 hours from Jasper via the Icefields Parkway
- Don’t miss: Moraine Lake, Banff Gondola and Banff Upper Hot Springs
- Mid-range hotels: C$320–550 a night
7. Distillery Winter Village, Toronto
Christmas market.
8. Vancouver Christmas Market
German-style.
9. Niagara Festival of Lights
Illuminations.
10. Lunenburg
Festive town.
Tips
Book December weekends early.
How to choose
Start with when you can travel and how you like to spend your days. Some destinations on this list shine in summer, others in shoulder season; some suit active travellers, others are made for slow days and good food. Pick one or two that match your style rather than trying to see everything, and read the linked guides for timing, costs and where to stay.
How we chose
We picked destinations that consistently impress first-time and returning visitors, balanced famous names with lesser-known gems, and considered access, value, seasonality and the quality of the experience on the ground. Prices, opening dates and reservation rules change, so confirm the details before booking.
Planning tips for your trip
- ID for flights: Domestic flights require government-issued photo ID; carry a passport if you might cross into the US.
- Money: GST or HST is added to most prices at the till, so budget 5–15% more than the shelf price; tipping 15–20% at restaurants is standard.
- Insurance: Provincial health plans may not pay the full cost of care in another province, and ambulance and air-ambulance costs can be high, so check whether an out-of-province travel insurance policy makes sense for you. Read our guide to out-of-province travel insurance.
- Driving: Most Canadians road-trip in their own car; rentals are widely available, and winter tyres are required on many BC highways and in Quebec in winter. Fuel is usually cheapest in Alberta and most expensive in BC and the North.
- Saving money: see our Canada budget travel and cheapest places to travel in Canada guides.
What a trip costs
Typical spending per person per day, excluding flights:
| Travel style | Per person per day | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | C$150–C$220 | motel, hostel or campsite, casual meals, self-drive |
| Mid-range | C$300–C$480 | good hotel, restaurant meals, some tours |
| Luxury | C$700–C$1,400 | resort or historic hotel, fine dining, guided experiences |
Prices rise in peak season and on holiday weekends, and fall sharply in the shoulder seasons.
Travelling responsibly
Follow Leave No Trace principles: stay on marked trails, pack out everything you bring in, and never feed wildlife. Support locally owned restaurants, guides and shops, and visit popular places early or late to spread out the crowds. In busy parks, use shuttles where they exist to cut traffic and parking pressure.
Safety basics
Carry water and layers on outdoor outings, check weather and road conditions before long drives, and tell someone your plans in remote areas, where mobile coverage can be patchy. In cities, use normal precautions with valuables at night. The emergency number is 911.
Travel in style
- Luxury jewellery for special occasions Opulique
Mark an anniversary or honeymoon with something lasting. - Luxury gift ideas Opulique
Gifts for the traveller in your life. - Luxury weekender bags for short getaways Opulique
A refined weekender is perfect for two-night escapes.
Partner links: these go to our sister review sites, which may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best choice on this list?
It depends on your travel style, but Quebec City is a standout for most travellers.
When should I go?
Winter, from December to March.
How many days do I need?
Plan at least two to three days per destination.
Are these good for families?
Most are; check each guide for family tips.
How much should I budget?
Mid-range travellers typically spend C$300–C$480 per person per day.
Plan the rest of your trip
- Quebec City Travel Guide: Old Quebec, Winter Carnival and Tips
- Toronto Travel Guide: Neighbourhoods, Sights and Food
- Montreal Travel Guide: Old Montreal, Food and Festivals
- Ottawa Travel Guide: Parliament, Museums and the Rideau Canal
- How to Travel Canada on a Budget: 25 Money-Saving Tips