My Wishlist
1.800.557.2841or Contact Your Travel Advisor
statue of liberty in front of the new york skyline
Home/Destinations/US & Canada/Canada/Travel Guide/A Traveller's Guide to the US & Canada

A Traveller's Guide to the US & Canada

Explore North America in all its glory with a visit to the USA and Canada, where iconic landmarks, diverse cultures, and natural wonders converge. In the USA, experience vibrant cities like New York and cultural gems like New Orleans. In Canada, explore the vast landscapes that host treasures like the majestic Rockies and urban centers like Toronto. 

With friendly locals, advanced amenities, and a commitment to safety, the USA and Canada invite globetrotters to embark on an unforgettable journey filled with unique experiences and unparalleled beauty.

Reasons to visit

The United States and Canada, two vast and diverse nations, welcome globetrotters with an irresistible blend of art, culture, food, festivals, history, and attractions. From the iconic skylines of New York City and Toronto to the serene landscapes of the Rocky Mountains and Banff National Park, North America is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be explored. 

Immerse Yourself in Art and Culture: The artistic heartbeat of the United States pulses in cities like New York, home to the renowned Metropolitan Museum of Art and the vibrant Broadway theatres. Canada, with its thriving art scene, boasts the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. Immerse yourself in a fusion of cultures at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., or marvel at indigenous art at the Museum of Anthropology in Vancouver. Either way, the North American art scene is a kaleidoscope of creativity, inviting you to witness the evolution of human expression. 

Savour the Food & Drink: Culinary adventures await in the USA and Canada, where each region boasts its unique flavours. Savour the diversity of American cuisine, from the soulful barbecue in the South to the delectable seafood of New England. In Canada, indulge in poutine in Quebec, fresh seafood on the Atlantic coast, and the internationally influenced fare of Vancouver. Don't forget to explore the craft beer scene, especially in cities like Portland, Oregon, and Toronto, where local breweries offer a taste of the region's brewing innovation. 

Celebrate the Vibrant Festivals: North America knows how to celebrate, and its festivals are a testament to the region's vibrant spirit. Join the Mardi Gras revelry in New Orleans, witness the spectacle of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, or experience the electrifying atmosphere of the Sundance Film Festival in Utah. Canada's festivals are equally captivating, from the Calgary Stampede's rodeo extravaganza to the world-renowned Toronto International Film Festival. No matter the season, there's always a lively celebration waiting to be enjoyed. 

Learn about History and Civilizations: Step back in time as you explore the rich history and civilizations that have shaped North America. Walk the Freedom Trail in Boston, where the echoes of the American Revolution linger in every cobblestone. Journey to Canada's historic Quebec City, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and lose yourself in the well-preserved architecture and cobblestone streets of Old Montreal.

Visit Breathtaking Attractions: From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, North America boasts an array of attractions that captivate globetrotters. Marvel at the Grand Canyon's breathtaking beauty, feel the energy of Times Square in New York City or witness the majesty of Niagara Falls in the US. In Canada, explore the stunning landscapes of Banff and Jasper National Parks, draw inspiration from the CN Tower in Toronto, or take a stroll through Stanley Park in Vancouver. The USA and Canada offer a rich diversity of attractions, each with its own story to tell. 

Explore Popular Vacation Spots: Whether you seek the sun-soaked beaches of Miami or the rugged wilderness of Alaska, North America caters to every type of traveller. Embrace the laid-back vibes of California's Napa Valley or escape to the tranquillity of the Canadian Rockies. The effervescent city life of Chicago or the maritime charm of Halifax – the choices are as diverse as the continent itself. 

The USA and Canada form a tourist haven that promises a fine mix of experiences. From the pulsating energy of urban landscapes to the serene beauty of natural wonders, North America is a continent that leaves an indelible mark on every globetrotter.

Country Overviews

United States

From the electrifying energy of New York City's skyline to the natural wonders of the Grand Canyon, the USA has something for every globetrotter. Immerse yourself in diverse cultures, indulge in iconic cuisine, and explore historic landmarks like Washington, D.C.'s monuments. With bustling cities, picturesque landscapes, and a warm welcome, the USA promises a thrilling adventure for every traveller.

Canada

A land of breathtaking landscapes, multicultural cities, and warm hospitality, Canada promises a wholesome travel experience. From the majestic Rocky Mountains to the vibrant streets of Toronto and the enchanting maritime charm of Vancouver, Canada captivates globetrotters with its diverse beauty. Immerse yourself in the country’s rich culture, explore pristine wilderness, and embrace the warmth of Canadian hospitality on your North American vacation.

Unique, Interesting or Unusual Places to visit

The USA and Canada boast a host of unique, interesting, and unusual destinations that promise unforgettable experiences for travellers. In the United States, the otherworldly landscapes of Antelope Canyon in Arizona mesmerize with their sculpted sandstone walls, creating a surreal subterranean world. The vibrant city of New Orleans, with its lively French Quarter, jazz-filled streets, and renowned Mardi Gras festivities, offers a cultural scene unlike any other. For an offbeat adventure, the mysterious beauty of the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah features an otherworldly expanse of white, flat terrain, perfect for speed trials and stargazing. 

Canada, with its diverse geography, boasts the unusual destination of Drumheller in Alberta, home to the Royal Tyrrell Museum and the otherworldly Badlands. Here, you can explore dinosaur fossils and surreal rock formations. If you wish to watch the dancing colours of the Aurora Borealis illuminate the night sky in a magical display, head to the Northern Lights in the Yukon Territory. Moreover, the remote and charming town of Churchill, Manitoba, is known as the "Polar Bear Capital of the World," offering the rare opportunity to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. 

Important things to know

Currency: Both the USA and Canada have their own currencies. In the USA, it's the United States Dollar (USD) that reigns supreme, while in Canada, it's the Canadian Dollar (CAD). It's advisable to check the current exchange rates and have some local currency on hand for small expenses. 

Language: English is the primary language spoken in both countries. While many people in Canada are bilingual and speak French as well, English remains the main language for communication. 

Weather Variability: The USA and Canada experience diverse climates. Check the weather conditions for your specific destinations and pack accordingly, especially if travelling between regions with significant temperature variations. 

Is it safe to travel

Travelling to the USA and Canada is generally considered safe, offering globetrotters a secure and welcoming environment. Both countries prioritize the safety and well-being of tourists, implementing robust security measures and maintaining low crime rates in most areas. 

In the USA, popular tourist destinations are well-policed, and public spaces are generally safe. Cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago have efficient law enforcement, making them comfortable for travellers. 

Similarly, Canada consistently ranks as one of the safest countries globally. Cities like Toronto and Vancouver are known for their safety, providing a secure atmosphere for exploration. Moreover, the healthcare systems in both countries are advanced, ensuring that travellers can receive prompt and high-quality medical assistance if needed. 

Emergency services are easily accessible in both countries, and tourist areas are equipped to handle various situations. It's important to exercise standard safety precautions, such as being aware of your surroundings, safeguarding personal belongings, and following local guidelines.

Overall, with prudent planning and adherence to basic safety practices, you can confidently enjoy the diverse landscapes, rich cultures, and vibrant atmospheres that USA and Canada have to offer.

Share This Article

What do the experts say?

Aylin Esin

Aylin Esin

Team Lead
Learn More About This Expert
Visitors to Canada just do not understand how different each region can feel, it’s almost like visiting several countries in one. Beyond the big cities and famous sights, there are countless small towns, Indigenous communities, and local traditions that give you a whole new perspective on the country.

Unlock more by subscribing to our newsletter.

With our newsletter, you’ll get access to regular communications that inspire you and help you explore the world your way.
Exclusive Savings
Insider Benefits
Trending Stories
Newsletter signup visual
ExcellentBased on 5,159 Reviews
Verified
Everything was expertly planned, from the drivers to the hotels to the tours to the flights. We particularly enjoyed Hobart and the animal sanctuary, Adelaide and the trip to Kangaroo Island, Melbourne and the evening tour with dinner and drinks, and Sydney with the private boat cruise of the Harbour. We will definitely use Goway again.SARA Wiebe
Verified
There were 4 travelers on this trip. All of us were in our late 70's. We started planning this trip 6 months prior to our travel date and had a lot of questions regarding this trip. Our Goway Travel Specialist, Karen Larrota, always answered our questions in a timely and complete manner. We traveled to Quito, Ecuador, the Galapagos, The Sacred Valley in Peru, Machu Picchu, and Cusco in Peru. Not only were the destinations and accommodations excellent, but every tour guide and driver were beyond excellent. The entire trip went smoothly every step of the way, which was amazing given the fact that there were numerous flights and hotels included in our package. We found out that the tour company that Goway used, Condor Travel, checked on us with our guide to make sure we were doing OK which we thought was very nice but also amusing as we are fairly fit older adults. Would also like to mention that we did a cruise thru the Galapagos on the Galapagos Legend which was arranged thru Go Galapagos - Kleintouurs. This portion of our tour was also excellent as were the wildlife guides and staff. We continue to discuss how wonderful this trip was with our family and friends and how wonderful this experience was. Would definately use Goway for our travel needs in the future.Dianne
Verified
After spending some time with our agent, we felt that she understood exactly what we had in mind as far as the level of service, etc, we were hoping for. The trip exceeded our expectations. Lori kept us busy(not too busy!) and we had many, many very exciting experiences. Bruce Belshaw
Verified
Aylin is an exceptionally proficient advisor. Coordinating my clients simultaneously often feels like herding cats, but she has remained patient and accommodating through every modification and delay. Goway continues to be my go-to for complex itineraries, and they never disappoint.Nick Cron, ACC
Verified
Mahalo Goway Travel for helping in planning our group Japan's trip. Lawrence was very helpful & patient with all the changes & additions we did. Also, mahalo to Natasa who helped planned my Australia trip past November. The planning from transportation to tours to hotels worked very smoothly. I'll continue to use Goway travel for all my International trips. I'll also will recommend to my friends & family to use Goway...MahaloTanya Laguatan
Verified
Maria Spitman was wonderful to work with. She was very helpful in designing our trip to Japan and equally wonderful when we had to cancel it. I loved the service she gave us.Sandy Warren
Verified
My daughter and I had a wonderful 2 weeks in New Zealand! The country is so beautiful and the people so friendly. Our destination specialist did a great job with planning and organizing the itinerary, choosing our hotels, and organizing transportation. The hotels were absolutely beautiful and we had great views. We felt right at home and found all of the staff to be friendly and accommodating. There were no issues with our itinerary and our excursions we were always on the list. Our transportation was always ready and waiting for us. We want to thank Goway Travel for their hard work and patience with us in planning this trip. Any changes that needed to be made were communicated timely. We also want to thank you for the beautiful weather during the entire 2 weeks it was perfect every day 😀. It was a memorable trip that we will never forget and we will think of Goway when we plan our next adventure. Because it was not just a vacation; it was an adventure!Connie Wenhardt
Verified
We had a great travelling experience with GoWay ! Thank you all involved in organazing our trip!Maia
Verified
Brigitta Fuller is Amazing! She was my group coordinator. She understood the assignment and all the nuances I was trying to achieve. The itinerary she curated was fantastic. If you want someone who truly cares about her group and what they are trying to achieve. I will always reach out to Brigitta first for Europe groups. Kathryn Walker
Verified
My clients had a wonderful time on their trip to Easter Island. They were very pleased with the Hare Nua Hotel Boutique and especially noted the warmth and hospitality of the hotel staff as well as their excellent breakfasts. Jaime Vargas-Hendandez was an exceptionally gracious and knowledgeable agent, who went out of his way to ensure that my clients had the best possible experience. I will definitely contact him for future bookings and will recommend him to my colleagues.Alethea Kardas
Follow Us On
instagramfacebook
Contact UsCustomer ServiceGeneral Inquiries
Featured in
Travel + LeisureAfarForbesSmithsonian
Accreditations & Memberships
USTOAASTA TOPASTATICOACTA
 
© Copyright 2026. Goway Travel