According to the Expedia® Fall Travel Outlook, American travelers have their sights on Canada this season, with searches for Whistler, British Columbia, up 40%[1] year-over-year, followed by Banff (+20%) and Nova Scotia (+15%). These scenic destinations are not only trending, but they are also more affordable in the fall. Based on Expedia data, the sweet spot to fly to Canada is between September 22 – October 3, as the flights are lower during this period.
Developed in partnership with Destination Canada, below is a guide to the top five destinations to visit this fall in Canada based on Expedia data and traveler insights.
Whistler, British Columbia: Why travel to Whistler in the Fall?
In fall, Whistler shifts from summer adventure hub to a more intimate, locals’ season with vibrant foliage in the valley, early snow on the peaks, and a thriving culinary and arts scene. Visitors can combine outdoor experiences with cultural immersion, from gallery nights to food and wine festivals. For US travelers who know mountain resorts only in peak ski or summer seasons, Whistler in fall offers a rare, two-season escape with a distinctly Canadian mountain culture.
Unique Fall Experiences & Itinerary Recommendations:
- Soak up the mountain views with a ride on the Peak2 Peak Gondola, a guided Jeep tour or flightseeing tour on Blackcomb Mountain.
- Whistler Wine Walk (October) pairs BC wines with local art.
- Whistler Writers’ Festival (October) has something for everyone: readers, writers, authors, and events for every interest and age.
- Wellness highlight: Scandinave Spa for forest-surrounded hydrotherapy pools in the crisp fall air
- Cornucopia Food & Drink Festival (Nov 6–16) celebrates BC’s fall bounty. The festival will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2026.
Banff, Alberta: Why travel to Banff in the Fall?
Few places in North America rival Banff’s fall spectacle, when alpine valleys glow gold with larch trees under snow-dusted peaks. This is the season for uncrowded trails, wildlife viewing, and the rare chance to experience the Rockies in both fall and early winter in one trip. Compared with US mountain destinations, Banff layers in a national park setting, rich Indigenous heritage, and small-town alpine culture all within easy reach of Calgary.
Unique Fall Experiences & Itinerary Recommendations:
- Iconic larch season hikes (Larch Valley, Plain of Six Glaciers) in late September.
- Banff Mountain Film & Book Festival (Nov 1-9, 2025) celebrates mountain culture.
- Wildlife viewing around Vermilion Lakes and Minnewanka Loop.
- Wellness highlight: The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise debuts BASIN, a multi-million-dollar all-new wellness facility, offering world-class hydrotherapy, mountain-view relaxation lounges, and treatments inspired by the surrounding alpine environment.
Nova Scotia (Halifax Hub): Why Visit Nova Scotia in the Fall?
Fall in Nova Scotia blends coastal beauty with rich cultural traditions, from Cape Breton Island’s Celtic Colours International Music Festival to pumpkin regatta in Shelburne on the province’s western tip. Just a short drive from the city, vineyard tours and apple u-picks in the Annapolis Valley are every bit as compelling as the rugged coastal drives along the Lighthouse Route or the twist and turns of the Cabot Trail. While US coastal destinations may offer foliage or seafood, Nova Scotia delivers both and so much more, with maritime warmth, storytelling, and scenery shaped by the Atlantic itself. Discover your ocean playground in Nova Scotia this fall.
Unique Fall Experiences & Itinerary Recommendations:
- Celtic Colours International Music Festival across Cape Breton Island, October 10-18
- Nova Scotia Giant Pumpkin Festival & Regatta in Shelburne, Oct 11-12
- Peak foliage drives across the province including the Lighthouse Route and Cabot Trail.
- Wine tours and tastings in the Annapolis Valley.
- Wellness highlight: Fox Harb’r Resort, a coastal luxury spa and golf retreat.
Québec (Montréal, Québec City & Charlevoix): Why Visit Québec in the Fall?
Fall in Québec is a sensory immersion: fiery foliage, seasonal cuisine shaped by centuries of culinary tradition, and crisp air along the St. Lawrence. Travelers can pair Montréal’s vibrant culture with the history of Québec City and the pastoral beauty of Charlevoix, linked by the scenic Train de Charlevoix. In a landscape of North American cities, Québec stands apart with its French heritage, UNESCO-designated architecture, and Michelin’s stamp of culinary excellence on the entire province.
Unique Fall Experiences & Itinerary Recommendations:
- Michelin Guide Quebec highlights a province-wide culinary trail.
- Scenic Train de Charlevoix fall foliage journeys along the St. Lawrence.
- MTL à Table (Oct 30-Nov 16) offers prix-fixe menus across Montréal.
- Wellness highlight: Strøm Nordic Spa (Québec City) or Bota Bota (Montréal) for waterfront thermal spas for post-sightseeing relaxation.
- New for 2025: Michelin announces a province-wide guide for Québec.
- Montreal is the world capital of urban agriculture, and three main markets host fall harvest festivals in September.
Niagara Region, Ontario: Why visit the Niagara region in the Fall?
Beyond the roar of Niagara Falls lies a fall destination built for slow travel: vineyard-dotted landscapes, harvest festivals, and world-class dining anchored by some of the best restaurants in the country. The Niagara regional experience blends small-town charm, Canada’s most acclaimed wineries, and a rich arts scene in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Compared to US wine regions, Niagara offers a unique mix of Old World–style winemaking, heritage towns, and one of the world’s natural wonders in a single trip.
Unique Fall Experiences & Itinerary Recommendations:
- Grape harvest tours in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
- Fun fact: positioned at the same latitude as Burgundy and Oregon, Niagara produces world-class Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and sparkling wines. Taste exceptional vintages influenced by glacial deposits, with soils rich in limestone, shale, and minerals that add depth and character to every sip.
- Pearl Morissette – Canada’s #1 restaurant (Canada’s 100 Best 2025)
- Shaw Festival fall theatre in historic Niagara-on-the-Lake.
- Wellness highlight: Vineyard stays with spa experiences, such as White Oaks Resort & Spa in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
- New for 2025: Craft cider route linking Jordan, Beamsville, and Niagara-on-the-Lake.
- Experience Niagara Falls like you have never seen before with Niagara Takes Flight.
- The Brock Niagara Falls, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. This newly reimagined, boutique hotel ideal for couples is just steps from the falls and has undergone a $15 million renovation.
What are the Best Travel Deals to Canada this Fall?
Expedia recommends the following tips to make the most of your fall getaway to Canada:
- Flight deals: Take advantage of Expedia’s Flight Deals, which scours millions of flights to show fares that are at least 20% cheaper than the typical estimated price.[2] Current Flight Deals available on Expedia to Canada include:
- $377 roundtrip flight from JFK Airport to Vancouver (Sept. 2-Sept. 4 on Air Canada), 40% less than typical price.
- $232 roundtrip flight from Los Angeles to Vancouver, then take a short drive to Whistler (Sept. 9-Sept. 13 on Air Canada)
- $390 roundtrip flight from DFW to Halifax, Nova Scotia (Oct. 8-Oct. 12 on Air Canada)
- Packages: Travelers can save hundreds, on average, when reserving their hotel and flight at the same time through package deals through one-stop travel shops like Expedia. Here are some current packages to Canada available on Expedia:
- $1,214 per traveler to Banff from Sept. 11-15, staying at the Royal Canadian Lodge. Flight is from LAX to Calgary on Air Canada.
- $538 per traveler (1 night free of hotel) to Halifax from Nov. 4-9, staying at the Prince George Hotel. Flight is from Philadelphia to Halifax on Air Canada.
[1] Based on lodging searches made on Expedia.com between March 3, 2025, to June 22, 2025, for travel between September 1, 2025, to November 30, 2025, compared to the same period in 2024.
[2] Expedia predicts flight deals based on historical data collected from searches made on or by Expedia for this route. See site for details.