Blanketed by tropical greenery, Belize blends untamed Central American wilderness, mystifying Mayan heritage, and the kind of blissful serenity you can only experience in a country cradled by the Caribbean. With ruins of ancient civilizations dotting luxuriant jungles and a sprawling barrier reef hiding a wondrous underwater world, this small nation rewards curious exploration and adventure.
Visit Belize: get started
Perfect a trip to Belize with the best excursions and activities! A top diving destination, head to Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker or Belize City to book boat trips to the famous Belize Barrier Reef or the Great Blue Hole. Embark on jungle tours to the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary or to the Mayan ruins of Xunantunich. Start by selecting from our all-inclusive packages for a sublime stay.
Belize travel guide
Destination facts
Language
Officially English, but Spanish, Belizean Creole and various indigenous languages are also widely spoken
What to bring back
Handwoven Belizean Mayan baskets, Belizean chocolate, a bottle of the award-winning 1 Barrel Rum or Belikin beer and hand-carved wooden items.
What to eat
Ceviche, rice and beans, conch fritters, lobster (there are even 3 lobster festivals in the summer!), tamales, fry jacks (triangular fried dough) and, considering the country’s proximity, Mexican cuisine like Cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork).
Fun fact
Belize is home to the only jaguar reserve in the world (the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary!) and endangered black howler monkeys. But some of its wildlife is more bizarre than exotic. Its national animal, the tapir, is an odd-looking mammal nicknamed the “mountain cow,” while the gibnut, a large, spotted rodent, is considered a delicacy and called the “royal rat,” because it was once served to Queen Elizabeth II!
Important info
For more information on all necessary travel documents and more, check Air Canada’s Travel Requirements page and the Government of Canada’s Travel and Tourism website.
