Venice, Italy
Flight + hotel city breaks · Stays by the Grand Canal
City Break · Flights Included
Vacation Packages to Venice
Flight + hotel city breaks with return flights from Canada
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Hotels in Venice
Grand Canal palazzi, San Marco classics, and island stays on Murano
At a glance
Everything you need to know about Venice
Venice is a city built on 118 islands laced together by 400-odd bridges and a maze of canals, with no cars anywhere in the historic centre. You move by foot and by vaporetto, threading between the Grand Canal's Gothic palazzi, the mosaic-domed Basilica di San Marco, and the market bustle around the Rialto. Spring and autumn are the sweet spots — mild, luminous, and quieter than the summer crush.
Best months
Apr–Jun & Sep–Oct · mild
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Cards widely accepted · carry some cash for bacari
Entry
Visa-free
Up to 90 days for Canadians (Schengen)
When to visit
Apr–Jun & Sep–Oct
Mild, bright days and thinner crowds. August is hot, humid, and packed.
Top Experiences in Venice
St Mark's Basilica & Doge's Palace
Marvel at golden mosaics inside the Basilica, then cross the Bridge of Sighs from the Doge's Palace.
Cicchetti Crawl in the Bacari
Hop between backstreet bacari near the Rialto for cicchetti small plates and a spritz or ombra of wine.
Murano, Burano & Torcello
Take the vaporetto across the lagoon to Murano's glass furnaces and Burano's rainbow-painted houses.
Essential info for Canadian travellers
Passport: A Canadian passport valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area is required.
Visa & ETIAS: No visa is needed for stays up to 90 days. ETIAS travel authorization is being phased in for visa-exempt visitors — confirm current requirements before departure.
Travel insurance: Provincial health plans do not cover care in Italy. Buy comprehensive travel medical insurance before you go.
Power & plugs: Italy uses 230V/50Hz with Type C, F and L plugs — bring a European adapter and check 120V-only devices.
Time zone: Venice runs on Central European Time (CET/CEST) — six hours ahead of Toronto.
Best time to visit Venice
Mild, luminous spring days before the summer crowds and heat arrive.
Warm early autumn with softer light and fewer visitors than midsummer.
Peak crowds, high humidity, and the busiest, priciest weeks of the year.
Cool and quiet with occasional acqua alta; February brings Carnival.
Where to stay
Venice neighbourhoods (sestieri)
Venice is split into six historic sestieri plus its lagoon islands. Here's how to pick the right base for your trip.
San Marco
City centre
The heart of Venice around St Mark's Square, the Basilica, and the grand cafés — central but priciest.
- First-timers
- Sightseeing
- Couples
Cannaregio
North
A residential quarter of quiet canals, the historic Jewish Ghetto, and some of the best cicchetti bars.
- Foodies
- Value
- Local feel
Dorsoduro
South
Home to the Accademia, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, and the buzzing student scene around Campo Santa Margherita.
- Art lovers
- Nightlife
- Couples
Castello
East
The largest sestiere, stretching from the Arsenale to the Biennale gardens — leafy, quiet, and genuinely lived-in.
- Quiet stays
- Walking
- Families
Beyond the city
Day trips & excursions from Venice
Venice is a superb base for the Veneto's art cities, wine hills, and mountains. Every excursion below can be booked through ShopTravel or your hotel concierge.
Verona & Lake Garda
Visit the Roman Arena and Juliet's balcony in Verona, then a lakeside stop on Lake Garda.
- Book fast regional trains from Santa Lucia
- Bring a hat in summer
Prosecco Hills of Valdobbiadene
Tour the UNESCO-listed Prosecco vineyards with cellar visits and tastings among the rolling hills.
- Designate a non-drinking driver or take the tour coach
- Wear comfortable shoes
Padua & the Scrovegni Chapel
See Giotto's breathtaking frescoes and the vast Prato della Valle square in nearby Padua.
- Chapel entry is timed — reserve ahead
- Easy self-guided by regional train
Dolomites & Cortina Scenic Tour
Ride into the UNESCO Dolomites for jagged peaks, alpine lakes, and a stop in chic Cortina d'Ampezzo.
- Bring a warm layer even in summer
- Long day — best for early risers
Your Venice getaway awaits
Flight + hotel city breaks with flights from Canada, starting at
Good to know
Venice travel FAQ
Everything Canadian travellers ask before booking
Do Canadians need a visa for Venice?
No. Canadians can visit Italy visa-free for up to 90 days. ETIAS travel authorization is being phased in for visa-exempt travellers, so check the current requirement before you fly.
How long is the flight from Canada to Venice?
Seasonal direct flights are about 8h 30m from Toronto to Venice Marco Polo (VCE). Year-round options connect through European hubs like Frankfurt, Munich, or Rome.
When is the best time to visit Venice?
Late spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October) offer mild weather and thinner crowds. August is hot, humid, and the busiest time of year.
How do you get around Venice?
There are no cars in the historic centre — you walk or take the vaporetto (water bus) along the canals. Water taxis and gondolas are available but pricier.
How do I get from Marco Polo Airport into the city?
The Alilaguna water bus and private water taxis run across the lagoon to central Venice, while the ATVO/ACTV buses connect to Piazzale Roma, the road-side edge of the old town.
What currency should I bring?
Italy uses the Euro. Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but carry some cash for cicchetti bars, small cafés, and vaporetto tickets.
Is there a tourist access fee for Venice?
On selected peak days the city charges a day-tripper access fee, but overnight hotel guests are exempt and instead pay a small city accommodation tax at their hotel.
Can I book day trips through ShopTravel?
Yes. You can add excursions like Verona & Lake Garda or the Prosecco Hills of Valdobbiadene to your trip at checkout.





