DowntownLas Olas Boulevard & the Riverwalk
Browse the boutiques and galleries of Las Olas, then follow the New River along the Riverwalk to sidewalk cafés and evening cocktail bars.
Fort Lauderdale, United States
Las Olas & the canals · Riverwalk dining · Direct flights from Canada
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At a glance
Everything you need to know about Fort Lauderdale
Nicknamed the 'Venice of America', Fort Lauderdale is a laid-back South Florida city laced with more than 300 miles of navigable canals, a walkable Riverwalk along the New River, and the palm-lined shops, galleries and restaurants of Las Olas Boulevard. It's an easy three-hour hop from Canada, a superyacht capital with a lively arts and dining scene, and the ideal base for day trips to Miami, the Everglades and the Florida Keys.
Fort Lauderdale, FloridaClimate
Climate
18–33°C · warm subtropical sun
JanDec
PeakShoulderAvoid
Sunny, comfortable winters draw the crowds; summers are hot and humid with short afternoon downpours.
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 Fort Lauderdale
Downtown
On the waterVenice of America Canal Cruise
Hop the hop-on water taxi or a Jungle Queen riverboat to glide past mega-yachts and waterfront mansions along the city's famous canals.
Arts & historyBonnet House & NSU Art Museum
Tour the whimsical Bonnet House estate and its subtropical gardens, then take in modern works at the NSU Art Museum downtown.
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 water taxis, tips 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: Fort Lauderdale runs on Eastern Time (ET) — the same time zone as Toronto and Montreal year-round.
Getting around: The Sun Trolley and water taxi connect the beach, Las Olas and downtown; rideshares are easy, and a rental car helps for day trips.
Best time to visit Fort Lauderdale
Dec – AprPeak season
Warm, dry, sunny days and the liveliest dining and events — book early as snowbirds fill the city.
May – JunShoulder season
Still warm with thinner crowds and softer rates before the humid summer sets in.
Jul – SepHot & humid
High heat and humidity with short afternoon storms, but the cheapest packages of the year.
Oct – NovShoulder season
Comfortable temperatures return, crowds are light and the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show lands in late October.
Where to stay
Fort Lauderdale zones & neighbourhoods
Where you base yourself shapes your trip — from the beachfront promenade along A1A to the galleries of Las Olas and the quiet canal streets just inland. Here's how to choose.
Central Beach
Along A1A / Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd
The wave-wall promenade lined with cafés, the W and Sonesta towers, and the palm-shaded strip that's an easy walk to Las Olas.
Best for
- First-timers
- Walkability
- Nightlife
Las Olas & Downtown
New River & Las Olas Blvd
The city's cultural core — boutiques, galleries, riverfront restaurants and the Riverwalk, plus the Broward Center for the arts.
Best for
- Foodies
- Culture
- City breaks
Victoria Park & Rio Vista
Inland of Las Olas
Leafy residential streets threaded with canals, a short trolley or rideshare from the beach for calmer, better-value stays.
Best for
- Value
- Peace & quiet
- Longer stays
Harbor Beach & the Isles
South of Las Olas, near Port Everglades
Gated waterfront enclaves and marina resorts like the Marriott Harbor Beach, with private stretches of sand and yacht-lined docks.
Best for
- Luxury
- Couples
- Boating
Beyond the city
Day trips & excursions from Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale is the perfect base for South Florida's icons. Every excursion below can be booked through ShopTravel or your hotel tour desk.
NatureEverglades Airboat Adventure
Half day · 5 hrs~35 km west · 45 min by coach
Skim across the River of Grass by airboat at Everglades Holiday Park, spotting alligators, herons and wading birds with a naturalist guide.
Insider tips
- Bring sun protection and a hat
- Morning trips see the most wildlife
City EscapeMiami & South Beach Day Tour
Full day · 8 hrs~45 km south · 50 min by coach
Explore the Art Deco district of South Beach, Little Havana's Calle Ocho and Wynwood's street-art walls on a guided day in Miami.
Insider tips
- Wear comfortable walking shoes
- Carry cash for Little Havana cafés
Coastal TownsPalm Beach & Boca Raton
Full day · 7 hrs~70 km north · 55 min by coach
Stroll the Gilded-Age mansions and Worth Avenue boutiques of Palm Beach, then the Mizner-style streets and galleries of Boca Raton.
Insider tips
- Worth Avenue is best mid-morning
- Smart-casual dress for lunch spots
Bucket ListKey West Full-Day Excursion
Full day · 14 hrs~300 km south · 4 hrs by coach
Ride the Overseas Highway across the Florida Keys to Duval Street, the Hemingway Home and the Southernmost Point at the tip of the continental US.
Insider tips
- It's a long day — leave early
- Book the sunset time at Mallory Square
● Limited availability — book now
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Good to know
Fort Lauderdale travel FAQ
Everything Canadian travellers ask before booking
Do Canadians need a visa for Fort Lauderdale?
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 Fort Lauderdale?
Direct flights are about 3 hours 15 minutes from Toronto to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL), with direct service from several Canadian cities.
When is the best time to visit Fort Lauderdale?
December through April brings the warmest, driest and sunniest weather. May, June, October and November are quieter and better value; July to September is hot and humid.
How do I get around Fort Lauderdale?
The free Sun Trolley and the water taxi link the beach, Las Olas and downtown, and rideshares are plentiful. A rental car is handy if you plan day trips to Miami or the Keys.
What is there to do in Fort Lauderdale besides the beach?
Wander Las Olas Boulevard and the Riverwalk, cruise the 'Venice of America' canals by water taxi, tour Bonnet House, and visit the NSU Art Museum and the shops and restaurants downtown.
What day trips can I take from Fort Lauderdale?
Popular day trips include an Everglades airboat tour, Miami and South Beach, Palm Beach and Boca Raton, and a full-day run down to Key West.
What currency and time zone does Fort Lauderdale use?
Fort Lauderdale uses US Dollars (USD) and runs on Eastern Time — the same time zone as Toronto. Cards are accepted everywhere; keep small bills for tips and water-taxi fares.
Can I book excursions through ShopTravel?
Yes — you can add trips like the Everglades airboat adventure, Miami day tour and Key West excursion to your booking at checkout.