Outdoors & landmarksCamelback Mountain & Desert Botanical Garden
Hike the switchbacks up landmark Camelback Mountain at sunrise, then cool off among towering saguaros and cactus gardens at the Desert Botanical Garden in Papago Park.
Phoenix, United States
Valley of the Sun · Desert resorts, golf & spas · Direct flights from Canada
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At a glance
Everything you need to know about Phoenix
Phoenix is the capital of Arizona and the sun-baked heart of the Valley of the Sun — a sprawling desert metropolis with more than 300 days of sunshine a year, saguaro-studded Sonoran Desert scenery, and one of North America's greatest concentrations of golf resorts and destination spas. It's a favourite winter escape for Canadians, buzzing with Cactus League spring-training baseball, and the natural gateway to Sedona's red rocks and the Grand Canyon. Summers are genuinely extreme, so most visitors come November through April.
Phoenix, ArizonaClimate
Climate
10–42°C · dry desert sun, 300+ clear days
JanDec
PeakShoulderAvoid
Warm, sunny winters (18–25°C) are ideal; summers routinely top 42°C, so plan for pools and early starts.
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 Phoenix
Outdoors & landmarks
Food, art & nightlifeOld Town Scottsdale & Roosevelt Row
Gallery-hop and dine in Old Town Scottsdale's Entertainment District, or head to downtown's Roosevelt Row (RoRo) arts district for murals, craft breweries, and Sonoran-style Mexican food.
Day tripSedona Red Rock Country
Drive two hours north to Sedona's cathedral of red-rock buttes for scenic Jeep tours, vortex hikes, and the cliff-set Chapel of the Holy Cross.
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, valet, 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: Arizona does not observe daylight saving, so Phoenix stays on Mountain Standard Time all year — two hours behind Toronto in winter and three hours behind in summer.
Desert heat & hydration: It's an arid desert climate. Carry water, use sun protection, and hike or sightsee early in the day, especially from May to September.
Best time to visit Phoenix
Nov – AprPeak season
Warm, sunny days (18–26°C) and cool nights — the prime winter-sun window.
Feb – MarSpring training
Cactus League baseball draws big crowds; book flights and hotels early.
May & OctShoulder season
Hot but manageable, with quieter resorts and better rates.
Jun – SepExtreme heat
Blistering desert heat often above 42°C, but resort deals are cheapest.
Where to stay
Phoenix zones & neighbourhoods
The Valley of the Sun is vast, so where you base yourself shapes your trip — from the walkable downtown core to nightlife-packed Old Town Scottsdale and the golf-and-spa resort corridors. Here's how to choose.
Downtown Phoenix
City centre
The walkable core around Roosevelt Row's murals and breweries, the Heard and Phoenix Art Museums, and the Chase Field and Footprint Center arenas.
Best for
- Sports & events
- Museums
- Nightlife
Old Town Scottsdale
East valley
Scottsdale's polished Entertainment District, packed with galleries, patio restaurants, cocktail bars, and boutique shopping.
Best for
- Nightlife
- Dining
- Shopping
Camelback Corridor & Arcadia
Central-east valley
Leafy, upscale blocks below Camelback Mountain with landmark spa resorts, top restaurants, and easy hiking access.
Best for
- Resorts & spas
- Hiking
- Fine dining
North Phoenix & Desert Ridge
North valley
Big golf-and-spa resorts set against the open Sonoran Desert, quieter than the city and handy for Cave Creek and the highways north.
Best for
- Golf
- Spa & relaxation
- Families
Beyond the city
Day trips & excursions from Phoenix
Phoenix is the perfect base for Arizona's greatest landscapes and landmarks. Every excursion below can be booked through ShopTravel or your hotel tour desk.
Natural WonderSedona Red Rocks & Jeep Tour
Full day · 10 hrs~190 km north · 2 hrs by coach
Ride an off-road Jeep through Sedona's crimson buttes and canyons, with stops at Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, and the Chapel of the Holy Cross.
Insider tips
- Book the pink Jeep add-on ahead
- Bring layers — Sedona sits higher and cooler
Bucket ListGrand Canyon South Rim
Full day · 14 hrs~360 km north · 3.5 hrs by coach
Make the long haul to the South Rim for the classic Grand Canyon panorama, with time at Mather Point and the historic village overlooks.
Insider tips
- Start very early — it's a long day
- Carry water and sun protection
ArchitectureTaliesin West — Frank Lloyd Wright
Half day · 4 hrs~30 km northeast · 35 min by car
Tour Frank Lloyd Wright's UNESCO-listed desert home and studio in the Scottsdale foothills — a masterclass in organic architecture.
Insider tips
- Reserve timed tickets in advance
- Wear closed shoes for the grounds
Scenic DriveApache Trail & Superstition Mountains
Full day · 8 hrs~65 km east · 1 hr by coach
Follow the historic Apache Trail past the jagged Superstition Mountains, desert lakes, and the frontier ghost town of Goldfield.
Insider tips
- Mornings are cooler for photos
- Bring plenty of water
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Good to know
Phoenix travel FAQ
Everything Canadian travellers ask before booking
Do Canadians need a visa for Phoenix?
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 Phoenix?
Direct flights are about 4 hours 50 minutes from Toronto to Phoenix (PHX), with seasonal direct service and year-round connections from several Canadian cities.
When is the best time to visit Phoenix?
November through April offers warm, sunny days and cool nights — the ideal winter-sun window. Summers (June–September) are extremely hot but cheapest.
How hot does Phoenix get in summer?
Summer highs routinely exceed 42°C. If you visit then, plan pool time, hike at dawn, and stay hydrated. Most Canadians travel in the cooler winter months.
What time zone is Phoenix in?
Arizona does not observe daylight saving, so Phoenix stays on Mountain Standard Time year-round — two hours behind Toronto in winter and three hours behind in summer.
Do I need a car in Phoenix?
The Valley of the Sun is spread out, so a rental car is the easiest way to reach Scottsdale, hiking trails, and day trips. Rideshare works well for downtown and Old Town.
What day trips can I take from Phoenix?
Popular day trips include Sedona's red rocks, the Grand Canyon South Rim, Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West, and the Apache Trail through the Superstition Mountains.
Can I book excursions through ShopTravel?
Yes — you can add trips like the Sedona Jeep tour and the Grand Canyon South Rim to your booking at checkout.