Historic coreThe French Quarter & Jackson Square
Wander the Vieux Carré's balconied streets to Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral, then stop at Café du Monde for beignets and chicory café au lait.
New Orleans, United States
The French Quarter · Jazz & Creole cuisine · Return flights from Canada
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At a glance
Everything you need to know about New Orleans
New Orleans is one of America's most soulful cities — a lattice of wrought-iron balconies, Creole cottages, and street-corner brass bands built where French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean cultures collided. Spend your days wandering the French Quarter and Jackson Square, riding the historic St. Charles streetcar past the oak-lined Garden District, and touring the world-class National WWII Museum, then let the evenings pull you toward the jazz clubs of Frenchmen Street and plates of gumbo, po'boys, and café au lait with beignets. It's also the gateway to Louisiana's bayous and River Road plantations.
New Orleans, LouisianaClimate
Climate
10–34°C · humid subtropical
JanDec
PeakShoulderAvoid
Mild, festival-friendly springs and falls are ideal; summers are hot and very humid.
Currency
US Dollar
1 CAD ≈ 0.73 USD · cards accepted everywhere
Entry
Visa-free
Valid passport; no visa or ESTA for Canadians by air
Top Experiences in New Orleans
Historic core
Food & musicJazz & Creole Cooking on Frenchmen Street
Follow the locals to Frenchmen Street's live-music clubs, then feast on gumbo, jambalaya, and char-grilled oysters in the heart of Creole country.
Day tripBayou Swamp & Airboat Adventure
Ride an airboat deep into the cypress swamps south of the city to spot alligators, herons, and wild bayou scenery on a half-day escape.
Essential info for Canadian travellers
Passport & entry: Canadian citizens travelling to the US by air need only a valid passport — no visa or ESTA is required.
Currency: The US Dollar (USD) is used everywhere. Cards are widely accepted; keep small bills for tips, streetcars, and buskers.
Power & plugs: The US uses 120V/60Hz with Type A/B plugs — the same as Canada, so your devices work without an adapter.
Time zone: New Orleans runs on Central Time (CT) — one hour behind Toronto year-round.
Getting around & the 21+ rule: The French Quarter is easily walkable and the St. Charles streetcar reaches the Garden District; use rideshare after dark. You must be 21+ to drink, though open containers are allowed in the Quarter in plastic 'go-cups'.
Best time to visit New Orleans
Feb – MayPeak season
Mild, lively festival months — Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest draw the biggest crowds.
Jun – AugHot & humid
Sultry, sticky heat with afternoon downpours, but hotel rates are at their lowest.
Sep – NovPeak season
Cooling, comfortable days and a packed calendar of food and music festivals.
Dec – JanShoulder season
Cool, festive, and quieter with lower rates outside New Year's and Réveillon dining.
Where to stay
New Orleans neighbourhoods
Where you base yourself shapes your trip — from the round-the-clock buzz of the French Quarter to the oak-lined calm of the Garden District and the music-filled streets of Marigny. Here's how to choose.
French Quarter (Vieux Carré)
Historic heart
The oldest neighbourhood in the city — balconied streets, Jackson Square, Bourbon Street, and countless bars and restaurants steps from your door.
Best for
- First-timers
- Nightlife
- Walkability
CBD & Warehouse/Arts District
Downtown, off Canal St
The business and gallery district with the National WWII Museum, big-brand hotels, and an easy walk or streetcar to the Quarter.
Best for
- Museums
- Value
- Business & leisure
Garden District & Uptown
Along St. Charles Ave
Grand antebellum mansions, oak-shaded avenues, and Magazine Street shopping, all linked to downtown by the historic St. Charles streetcar.
Best for
- Architecture
- Peace & quiet
- Shopping
Faubourg Marigny & Bywater
Just downriver of the Quarter
Colourful Creole cottages, the live-music clubs of Frenchmen Street, and hip cafés and murals in an artsy, walkable pocket.
Best for
- Live music
- Foodies
- Local vibe
Beyond the city
Day trips & excursions from New Orleans
New Orleans is the perfect base for Louisiana's bayous, plantations, and river country. Every excursion below can be booked through ShopTravel or your hotel tour desk.
NatureBarataria Swamp & Airboat Tour
Half day · 4 hrs~40 km south · 45 min by coach
Skim across the cypress swamps of the Jean Lafitte preserve by airboat to spot alligators, turtles, and wading birds with a local guide.
Insider tips
- Book a morning slot for wildlife
- Bring insect repellent
HistoryOak Alley Plantation & River Road
Half day · 5 hrs~90 km west · 1.25 hrs by coach
Tour the famous quarter-mile canopy of 300-year-old oaks and antebellum Big House on the Mississippi's historic River Road.
Insider tips
- Guided house tours run hourly
- Wear comfortable walking shoes
MuseumWhitney Plantation Museum
Half day · 5 hrs~85 km west · 1.15 hrs by coach
Visit the only Louisiana plantation museum focused on the lives of the enslaved, a moving and essential look at the region's history.
Insider tips
- Allow time for the memorials
- Photography rules apply indoors
City EscapeBaton Rouge & the State Capitol
Full day · 8 hrs~130 km northwest · 1.5 hrs by coach
Head up the Mississippi to Louisiana's capital for the art-deco State Capitol tower, riverfront museums, and the LSU campus.
Insider tips
- The Capitol observation deck is free
- Pair with a River Road stop
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Good to know
New Orleans travel FAQ
Everything Canadian travellers ask before booking
Do Canadians need a visa for New Orleans?
No. Canadian citizens travelling to the US by air need only a valid passport — no visa or ESTA is required.
How long is the flight from Canada to New Orleans?
Seasonal direct flights from Toronto to New Orleans (MSY) run about 3 hours 45 minutes; one-stop connections are available year-round from cities across Canada.
When is the best time to visit New Orleans?
February to May and September to November bring the mildest weather and the biggest festivals, including Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest. Summers are hot and very humid but cheapest.
What is the legal drinking age in New Orleans?
You must be 21 or older to buy or drink alcohol. New Orleans famously allows open containers in plastic 'go-cups' in the French Quarter — glass is not permitted on the street.
Is New Orleans walkable and how do I get around?
The French Quarter and CBD are very walkable. The historic St. Charles streetcar links downtown to the Garden District, and rideshare is easy and recommended after dark.
What day trips can I take from New Orleans?
Popular day trips include a Barataria swamp airboat tour, Oak Alley Plantation and River Road, the Whitney Plantation museum, and Baton Rouge with the State Capitol.
What currency should I bring?
New Orleans uses US Dollars (USD). Cards are accepted everywhere, but keep small bills for tips, streetcar fares, and buskers.
Can I book excursions through ShopTravel?
Yes — you can add trips like the swamp airboat tour and Oak Alley Plantation to your booking at checkout.