San Francisco, United States
Golden Gate & cable cars · Bay Area food & culture · Direct flights from Canada
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Hotels in San Francisco
Fisherman's Wharf waterfront, Nob Hill landmarks, Embarcadero stays and SFO gateway hotels
Breakfast Included
Breakfast IncludedRiu Plaza Fisherman'S Wharf
San Francisco
4.5(11,624)
- Beach
- Pool
- Restaurant
- Breakfast
From
$403/ night
At a glance
Everything you need to know about San Francisco
San Francisco packs an astonishing amount into just seven square miles at the tip of its peninsula — a compact, hilly, walkable city wrapped by the Pacific and San Francisco Bay. It's the Golden Gate Bridge and cable cars, the crooked switchbacks of Lombard Street, Alcatraz out on the water, and a food scene that runs from Ferry Building oyster bars to the dumpling houses of Chinatown. Neighbourhoods change block by block, and the famous summer fog keeps things cool, so pack layers and plan your days around the districts you most want to explore.
San Francisco, CaliforniaClimate
Climate
10–21°C · cool, foggy Mediterranean
JanDec
PeakShoulderAvoid
Mild all year with dry, foggy summers and green, rainy winters. Coastal fog ('Karl') often rolls in on summer afternoons, so temperatures stay cool.
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 San Francisco
Iconic SFGolden Gate Bridge & the Presidio
Walk or cycle across the world's most photographed bridge, then explore the forested trails and coastal batteries of the Presidio and Crissy Field below.
History on the waterAlcatraz Island & Fisherman's Wharf
Ferry out to the notorious island prison for its award-winning audio tour, then wander Pier 39 for sea lions, sourdough and Bay views.
Day tripMuir Woods & Sausalito
Cross the Golden Gate to stand among ancient coast redwoods at Muir Woods, then drop into the waterfront village of Sausalito for lunch with a skyline view.
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, cable car fares and rideshares.
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: San Francisco runs on Pacific Time (PT) — three hours behind Toronto year-round.
Getting around: Central San Francisco is walkable, but hilly. Cable cars, Muni buses and streetcars, plus BART, cover the city and the airport; rideshares fill the gaps. A car is only worth it for day trips beyond the city.
Best time to visit San Francisco
Sep – OctPeak season
The city's warmest, clearest stretch — 'Indian summer' brings sunny, fog-free days and the best weather of the year.
Apr – MayPeak season
Mild spring days and green hills before the summer fog sets in — great for sightseeing and lighter crowds.
Jun – AugShoulder season
Busiest and priciest, but often grey and cool as afternoon fog rolls in off the Pacific — pack layers.
Nov – MarShoulder season
Cooler, greener and the rainiest months, with the quietest streets and the best hotel rates.
Where to stay
San Francisco neighbourhoods
San Francisco is a mosaic of tight-knit neighbourhoods, and where you base yourself shapes your whole trip — from the shops and cable car turntables of Union Square to the waterfront buzz of Fisherman's Wharf, historic Nob Hill and the Ferry Building side of the Embarcadero. Here's how to choose.
Union Square
Downtown
The city's shopping and hotel hub, with cable car lines, theatres and Chinatown's Dragon Gate all within a few blocks — the most connected base in the city.
Best for
- First-timers
- Shopping
- No-car stays
Fisherman's Wharf & North Beach
Northern waterfront
Pier 39 sea lions, Alcatraz ferries and sourdough bakeries, backing onto North Beach's Italian cafés and the buzz of Little Italy.
Best for
- Families
- Sightseeing
- Waterfront
Nob Hill
Central hills
Grand landmark hotels, Grace Cathedral and cable cars climbing the slopes, with elegant streets and skyline views over the city.
Best for
- Couples
- Views
- Classic SF
Embarcadero & SoMa
Eastern waterfront
The Ferry Building marketplace, bayfront promenades and museums like SFMOMA, with BART and Muni making the whole city easy to reach.
Best for
- Foodies
- Museums
- Transit
Beyond the city
Day trips & excursions from San Francisco
San Francisco is the perfect base for Northern California's redwoods, wine country and dramatic coast. Every excursion below can be booked through ShopTravel or your hotel tour desk.
Wine CountryNapa & Sonoma Wine Country
Full day · 9 hrs~80 km north · 1.5 hrs by coach
Tour the rolling vineyards of Napa and Sonoma with tastings at family wineries and a leisurely lunch among the vines.
Insider tips
- Book tasting appointments ahead
- Choose a tour so no one has to drive
RedwoodsMuir Woods & Sausalito
Half day · 5 hrs~30 km north · 45 min by coach
Walk beneath towering old-growth coast redwoods at Muir Woods National Monument, then unwind on Sausalito's waterfront across the bay.
Insider tips
- Reservations are required to enter Muir Woods
- Bring a layer — the grove stays cool
Coastal EscapeMonterey, Carmel & 17-Mile Drive
Full day · 11 hrs~190 km south · 2.5 hrs by coach
Follow the coast to Monterey's Cannery Row and the storybook village of Carmel, with the scenic 17-Mile Drive past Pebble Beach.
Insider tips
- Leave early to make the most of the day
- Bring binoculars for coastal wildlife
National ParkYosemite National Park
Full day · 14 hrs~270 km east · 4 hrs by coach
A long but unforgettable day trip to Yosemite Valley, where granite walls like El Capitan and Half Dome rise above waterfalls and meadows.
Insider tips
- Start very early for the drive
- Pack water, snacks and sturdy shoes
● Limited availability — book now
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Good to know
San Francisco travel FAQ
Everything Canadian travellers ask before booking
Do Canadians need a visa for San Francisco?
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 San Francisco?
Direct flights are about 5 hours 40 minutes from Toronto to San Francisco (SFO), with direct service from several Canadian cities.
When is the best time to visit San Francisco?
September and October are the warmest and clearest, followed by spring (April–May). Summer is busy but often cool and foggy, so pack layers whenever you go.
Do I need a car in San Francisco?
Not for the city itself — it's compact and well served by cable cars, Muni, BART and rideshares. A rental only makes sense for day trips to wine country, the redwoods or the coast.
Which neighbourhood should I stay in?
Union Square is central and walkable with the best transit links, Fisherman's Wharf and North Beach suit families and the waterfront, Nob Hill is classic and refined, and the Embarcadero puts you by the Ferry Building and museums.
What day trips can I take from San Francisco?
Popular day trips include Napa and Sonoma wine country, the redwoods at Muir Woods with Sausalito, Monterey and Carmel down the coast, and Yosemite National Park.
What currency should I bring?
San Francisco uses US Dollars (USD). Cards are accepted everywhere, but keep small bills for tips, cable car fares and rideshares.
Can I book excursions through ShopTravel?
Yes — you can add trips like Napa wine country, Muir Woods, Monterey and Yosemite to your booking at checkout.