Say hello to the land of milk and honey and all it has to offer as you explore one of the Eastern Mediterranean’s finest gems. Connect with nature at the Sea of Galilee or treat yourself to a luxurious spa experience at the Dead Sea. From the soaring skyscrapers and bustling nightlife of Tel Aviv to the ancient streets of Jerusalem, Israel captivates all year long with culture, cuisine and charm.
Mood: vacation favourites
Visit Israel: get started
Start your visit in Tel Aviv and Jaffa, the nation’s largest city, as you explore its nightlife, beaches, museums and art galleries, before heading to the Old City of Jerusalem to see world-famous sites, like the Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Dome of the Rock and the Yad Vashem Museum. For a taste of nature, head to Masada National Park at dawn for its incredible sunrises or visit the Bahá'í Gardens in Haifa for panoramic views of the sea. If you’re looking to relax, check out coastal Eilat for its relaxing resorts and beaches, or grab a day pass for luxury along the Dead Sea’s sizzling shores.
Israel travel guide
Destination facts
Language
Hebrew and Arabic are official languages, but English is commonly spoken.
When to visit
Spring and fall are both ideal for exploring the country’s outdoors and scenery thanks to mild weather and pleasant temperatures, while winter is ideal for visiting popular sites with smaller crowds.
What to bring back
Olive oil, Judaica (menorahs, mezuzahs and prayer books), classic snacks like Bamba, Bissli, or halva (sweetened sesame paste); Armenian-style ceramics, olive wood carvings, beauty products from the Dead Sea, kosher wines, spices from the many markets, embroidered traditional textiles, and vintage items from the Jaffa Flea Market.
What to eat
Multicultural street food favourites like shawarma, falafel, sabich (fried eggplant, hard-boiled eggs, veggies, tahini and pita), Druze pita (baked in large dome-shaped ovens) and kebabs. For heartier fare, order a shakshuka (eggs cooked in tomatoes and pepper sauce) and for dessert, a Krembo (chocolate-covered marshmallows), malabi (rose water milk pudding), or sahlab (orchid flour milk beverage topped with nuts and cinnamon) are sure to please.
Fun fact
The Israeli postal service operates a “letters to god” program for letters arriving worldwide addressed to “God, Jerusalem”. These letters are sorted and then placed among the stones of the Western Wall.
Important info
For more information on all necessary documents for travel to Israel from Canada including visa, taxes and more, check Air Canada’s Travel Requirements page and the Government of Canada’s Travel and Tourism website.
