Old TownOld Town Scottsdale & the Arts District
Wander Fifth Avenue boutiques and Marshall Way galleries, browse Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West, then graze the patios and rooftop bars after dark.
Scottsdale, United States
Old Town · Desert resorts & golf · Direct flights to Phoenix
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At a glance
Everything you need to know about Scottsdale
Scottsdale is Arizona's polished desert resort city — a sun-drenched playground of championship golf, world-class spas, and a walkable Old Town packed with galleries, cowboy-chic bars, and Southwestern kitchens. Set in the Sonoran Desert against the McDowell Mountains, it pairs saguaro-studded hiking trails with easy day trips to Sedona's red rocks and the Grand Canyon. Winter and spring are glorious; summers are intensely hot, so plan pool and indoor time from June to September.
Scottsdale, ArizonaClimate
Climate
10–42°C · dry Sonoran sun
JanDec
PeakShoulderAvoid
Mild, sunny winters are the classic escape; summers routinely top 40°C, so favour early mornings and pools.
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 Scottsdale
Old Town
OutdoorsCamelback & the McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Hike Camelback Mountain or the saguaro-lined trails of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, or float above the desert at sunrise on a hot-air balloon ride.
Day tripSedona Red Rock Country
Drive two hours north to Sedona's crimson buttes, Oak Creek Canyon, and the cliff-set Chapel of the Holy Cross — the Southwest's most photogenic day out.
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 runs on Mountain Standard Time and does not observe daylight saving — so it's 3 hours behind Toronto in summer and 2 hours behind in winter.
Desert heat & sun: It's a dry desert: hydrate constantly, wear sun protection, and hike early. Summer highs regularly exceed 40°C from June through September.
Best time to visit Scottsdale
Nov – FebPeak season
Mild, sunny winter days — the classic desert escape from Canadian cold.
Mar – AprPeak season
Warm spring days, MLB Cactus League spring training, and desert wildflowers.
May & OctShoulder season
Hot but manageable, with the best value on resorts, golf, and spas.
Jun – SepExtreme heat
Sonoran summer often tops 40°C; deep discounts, but plan pool and indoor time.
Where to stay
Scottsdale neighbourhoods
Where you base yourself shapes your trip — from the walkable buzz of Old Town to the golf-and-spa resort corridors and quieter, better-value blocks near the airport. Here's how to choose.
Old Town Scottsdale
Downtown core
The walkable heart of the city — Fifth Avenue shopping, Marshall Way galleries, Southwestern kitchens, and lively rooftop bars, all steps apart.
Best for
- First-timers
- Dining & nightlife
- Walkability
Gainey Ranch & McCormick Ranch
Central Scottsdale
Manicured resort communities set around lakes and championship fairways, central to both Old Town and North Scottsdale.
Best for
- Golf
- Spa & relaxation
- Couples
North Scottsdale & Kierland
Northern suburbs
Newer resorts near Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter, TPC Scottsdale, and the trailheads of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
Best for
- Shopping
- Hiking
- Longer stays
South Scottsdale
Near Sky Harbor & Tempe
The most budget-friendly base, closest to PHX airport and Tempe's ASU energy, with quick access to Old Town.
Best for
- Value
- Short trips
- Airport access
Beyond the city
Day trips & excursions from Scottsdale
Scottsdale is the perfect base for Arizona's greatest landscapes. Every excursion below can be booked through ShopTravel or your hotel concierge.
Natural WonderSedona Red Rocks & Oak Creek Canyon
Full day · 10 hrs~190 km north · 2 hrs by coach
Marvel at crimson buttes, drive Oak Creek Canyon, and visit the cliff-set Chapel of the Holy Cross on a guided trip into red rock country.
Insider tips
- Bring layers — Sedona is cooler
- Book a jeep tour add-on ahead
Bucket ListGrand Canyon South Rim
Full day · 13 hrs~360 km north · 3.5 hrs by coach
A long but unforgettable day at the South Rim's most famous overlooks, with time to walk the Rim Trail above the mile-deep gorge.
Insider tips
- Start early — it's a long drive
- Pack water and snacks
Half DayDesert Botanical Garden & Papago Park
Half day · 4 hrs~20 km southwest · 25 min by car
Wander 50,000 desert plants at the Desert Botanical Garden, then climb to Papago Park's Hole-in-the-Rock for city and mountain views.
Insider tips
- Go early to beat the heat
- Book garden tickets online
Scenic DriveApache Trail & Superstition Mountains
Full day · 8 hrs~65 km east · 1 hr by coach
Follow the historic Apache Trail past the Superstition Mountains, Canyon Lake, and the Goldfield Ghost Town for a taste of the Old West.
Insider tips
- Wear sturdy shoes
- Cameras ready for the lakes
● Limited availability — book now
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Good to know
Scottsdale travel FAQ
Everything Canadian travellers ask before booking
Do Canadians need a visa for Scottsdale?
No. Canadian citizens travelling to the US by air need only a valid passport — no visa or ESTA is required.
Which airport do I fly into for Scottsdale?
You fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), about a 20-minute drive from Old Town Scottsdale. Scottsdale has no commercial passenger airport of its own.
How long is the flight from Canada to Scottsdale?
Direct flights are about 5 hours 20 minutes from Toronto to Phoenix (PHX), with direct service from several Canadian cities in the winter season.
When is the best time to visit Scottsdale?
November through April brings mild, sunny days ideal for golf, hiking, and pool time. Summers (June–September) are extremely hot but have the lowest rates.
Do I need a car in Scottsdale?
A rental car is handy for exploring the wider desert and day trips, but Old Town is walkable and rideshares are plentiful for getting around town.
What day trips can I take from Scottsdale?
Popular day trips include Sedona's red rocks, the Grand Canyon South Rim, the Desert Botanical Garden, and the Apache Trail through the Superstition Mountains.
What currency should I bring?
Scottsdale uses US Dollars (USD). Cards are accepted everywhere, but keep small bills for tips, valet, and rideshares.
Does Arizona change its clocks for daylight saving?
No. Arizona stays on Mountain Standard Time year-round, so it's 3 hours behind Toronto in summer and 2 hours behind in winter.