Travel Tips

9 Best places to travel in November from Canada

Discover the best November getaways from Canada, from sunny beaches to snowy adventures. Tips for flights, activities, and staying connected abroad.

As November rolls in across Canada, the days are shorter, the temperatures drop, and winter starts to settle in. While many Canadians brace for the cold, it’s also the perfect time to plan a getaway.

November sits in the shoulder season for many destinations, meaning fewer crowds, lower prices, and unique experiences you might miss during peak travel periods. Whether you’re seeking sunny escapes to recharge your vitamin D, adventurous winter experiences closer to home, or budget-friendly international trips in November, this particular month has something to offer for everyone.

In this guide, we highlight nine of the best places to travel from Canada in November, along with practical travel tips – like choosing an international eSIM from Holafly – to make your trip smoother.

In this article

Where to go from Canada in November for warm weather

If your goal is looking for a winter destination to escape the cold and soak up the sun, November is an ideal time to travel south. The following destinations offer warm temperatures, fun activities, and relatively short flights from Canada.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica marks the transition from the wet to dry season in November, which makes it one of the best months to visit before the peak season crowds arrive. You can experience lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and abundant wildlife without the summer downpours.

Top activities:

Explore Monteverde Cloud Forest and spot sloths, monkeys, and exotic birds.
Visit Arenal Volcano for hiking trails, hot springs, and canopy tours.
Surf on the Pacific Coast in Tamarindo or Playa Hermosa — perfect for beginners and advanced surfers.
Take a wildlife tour in Tortuguero National Park to see nesting turtles (season dependent).

Flight time: Direct flights are around 5–7 hours from Toronto or Montreal.

Travel tip: November is just before the dry season (December–April), so pack a light rain jacket and insect repellent to comfortably enjoy the outdoors. You can also take a look at this ultimate Costa Rica packing list for more packing tips.

Caribbean Islands (Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire)

For Canadians looking for a reliable sunny getaway, the southern Caribbean islands are ideal in November. Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire are located outside the hurricane belt, offering consistent sunshine and calm turquoise waters.

Top activities:

Snorkel or dive in crystal-clear waters, home to colorful coral reefs and tropical fish.
Relax on iconic beaches like Eagle Beach (Aruba) or Playa Knip (Curaçao).
Join cultural tours to learn about the islands’ Dutch colonial history and local cuisine.
Explore national parks and natural landmarks such as Arikok National Park in Aruba.

Flight time: Direct flights from Toronto or Montreal are typically 5–6 hours.

Travel tip: While English is widely spoken, learning a few Dutch or Papiamento phrases is appreciated. Pack reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life while snorkeling and diving.

Hawaii

Hawaii is an all-time favorite for November travel. While the islands remain warm, it’s shoulder season, meaning fewer crowds and more affordable rates compared to Christmas and New Year. November also marks the start of early humpback whale sightings, making it a great month for wildlife lovers.

Top activities:

Hike volcanic trails in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island.
Visit the most iconic islands, such as Oahu, Molokai, and Maui if you’re a first-timer.
Enjoy surfing or paddleboarding at Waikiki Beach in Oahu.
Attend cultural events and luaus, a Hawaiian feast, to experience traditional Hawaiian music, dance, and cuisine.

Flight time: Around 11–14 hours from Toronto with a stopover; direct flights from Vancouver take around 6–7 hours.

Travel tip: November weather is generally stable, but occasional showers occur, so pack a lightweight rain jacket. Check out this ultimate Hawaii packing list for your travel preparation. Early booking is also recommended for whale-watching tours.

Where to go in Canada in November for winter fun

If you’d rather embrace the season instead of escaping it, there are quite a few places in Canada that offer unique winter experiences in November. From wildlife adventures to snowy mountain getaways, these destinations provide memorable seasonal fun.

Churchill, Manitoba

Known as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World,” Churchill is at its peak season from mid-October to mid-November. It’s a rare opportunity to see polar bears in their natural habitat before they migrate inland.

Top activities:

Take guided Tundra Buggy tours to safely view polar bears.
Spot other Arctic wildlife, including Arctic foxes and beluga whales (depending on timing).
Visit the Itsanitaq Museum, which houses one of Canada’s finest collections of Inuit carvings, tools, and artifacts — offering a deep look into the history and culture of northern Indigenous peoples.

Flight time: Approximately 2 hours from Winnipeg.

Travel tip: Temperatures can be extremely cold, often below -20°C. Layered clothing, insulated boots, and thermal accessories are essential.

Yukon / Northwest Territories

For Canadians chasing the Northern Lights, November offers long dark nights perfect for aurora spotting. The Yukon and Northwest Territories are stunning in late autumn, with snow beginning to dust the landscape.

Top activities:

Hunt for the Aurora in Whitehorse or Yellowknife.
Experience dog sledding, snowmobiling, or ice fishing.
Explore local culture, museums, and Indigenous art galleries, such as MacBride Museum and Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre.

Flight time: 2–3 hours from Vancouver to Whitehorse or Yellowknife.

Travel tip: Weather can be unpredictable, with rapidly changing temperatures. Pack warm, waterproof clothing and check local aurora forecasts for the best viewing nights.

Banff

Banff in Alberta is a classic local winter escape. Ski resorts usually begin opening in late November, making it perfect for early-season skiing, snowtubing, or simply enjoying the scenic mountain views.

Top activities:

Ski, snowboard, snowshoe at Lake Louise, Sunshine Village, or Mount Norquay.
Take a winter hike around Lake Louise or Johnston Canyon.
Relax in the Banff Upper Hot Springs after a day on the slopes.

Flight time: 4–5 hours from Toronto or Montreal to Calgary, then a 1.5-hour drive.

Travel tip: Even early in the season, snow conditions can vary. Book accommodations and lift tickets in advance, and pack layers for mountain weather.

Cheap places to travel from Canada in November

November is also a great month to score travel deals. With fewer crowds and shoulder-season pricing in many regions, you can stretch your budget further without sacrificing experiences.

Vietnam

Vietnam in November offers favorable weather across the country, Northern regions, such as Hanoi and Sapa are cool and dry, while southern regions like Ho Chi Minh City and Phu Quoc remain warm and sunny.

Top activities:

Cruise through Ha Long Bay and visit the floating market in Mekong Delta are some of the top picks for travelling in Vietnam
Walk around Hanoi’s Old Quarter or Ho Chi Minh City’s traditional markets.
Enjoy street food, including pho, banh mi, and fresh seafood.

Flight time: 19–22 hours from Toronto with one stopover.

Budget tips: Vietnam has a very low cost of living, with affordable accommodation and meals. Budget travellers can get by on CAD$55–$85 per day.

Colombia

Colombia is warm year-round, and November is shoulder season before dry season peak travel. It’s a great destination for those seeking colorful cities, tropical beaches, and rich culture.

Top activities:

Explore the historic streets of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cartagena’s Old Town.
Hike around Tayrona National Natural Park and enjoy lush forests and spot howler monkeys, iguanas, and tropical birds in their natural habitat.
Relax in coffee region towns such as Salento and Manizales and visit coffee farms.

Flight time: 6–7 hours from Toronto or Montreal, with direct flights to Bogotá.

Budget tips: Colombia is less expensive than Caribbean islands. A comfortable trip can range from CAD$100–$150 per day depending on your style of travel.

South Africa

South Africa offers warm weather in November as it enters the summer season. It is also generally more affordable than Caribbean or European destinations. From wildlife safaris to coastal adventures, it has a lot to offer.

Top activities:

Take a safari in Kruger National Park to spot wildlife with their newborns.
Hike Cape Town’s Table Mountain and explore Cape Peninsula.
Visit Johannesburg’s Apartheid Museum to gain insight into South Africa’s complex past.

Flight time: Around 18–22 hours from Toronto with one stopover.

Budget tips: Daily costs vary, but a mid-range traveller can expect CAD$100–$200 per day.

Practical tips for Canadians travelling in November

Before booking your November getaway, here are a few practical reminders to make your trip smoother:

Check visa requirements early: Some destinations, like Vietnam, may require a visa for Canadian passport holders. Processing times can vary, so it’s best to confirm entry requirements at least a few weeks in advance.
Pack smart for variable climates: If you’re escaping to the tropics, bring light clothing, swimwear, and reef-safe sunscreen, but don’t forget a rain jacket for unpredictable showers. For northern destinations like Banff or Churchill, pack warm layers, gloves, and waterproof boots.
Be mindful of seasonal weather: While most warm-weather destinations are sunny in November, areas like Southeast Asia and South America may experience short rain bursts. Check forecasts and plan outdoor activities accordingly.
Protect your trip with travel insurance: Weather-related disruptions, cancellations, or medical emergencies can happen anytime. Comprehensive coverage helps you travel worry-free.
Stay connected effortlessly: Instead of paying high roaming fees, consider using an eSIM like Holafly for unlimited data in over 200 destinations. It’s easy to install and reliable for navigating and staying connected while abroad.

Enjoy unlimited data on your November trip with Holafly

Wherever you’re headed this November, having reliable mobile data can make travel easier and more enjoyable. From checking weather forecasts to finding directions or translating menus, staying connected helps you move confidently through new destinations.

That’s where travel eSIMs come in. With Holafly, you can get unlimited data in over 200 countries and avoid expensive roaming charges from your carrier. Simply scan a QR code to activate your plan and stay online the moment you land, no need to swap SIM cards or hunt for local networks.

With daily plans starting at just CAD$4.90, Holafly offers a simple, flexible option for Canadian travellers exploring anywhere from tropical beaches to snowy mountain towns this November.

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