Palm Springs Travel Guide for Canadians

Looking to escape the cold this winter?

Palm Springs is the perfect destination for Canadian travelers. With direct flights from most major cities and over 2,000 vacation rental homes available, it’s easy to plan an extended stay in this desert oasis. With our year-round sunny weather and plethora of things to do, Palm Springs makes for the perfect winter getaway destination for Canadians looking for some relief from the frigid temperatures back home.

The Weather Forecast is Sunny & Warm

One of the biggest reasons why Canadians should flock down south to Palm Springs during winter is because of the amazing weather conditions that persist throughout the season! While most parts of Canada are blanketed in snow and experiencing freezing temperatures, those same conditions are non-existent in Palm Spring thanks largely due its location within a desert climate zone. In fact, daytime temperatures during winter hover around a balmy 23 degrees Celsius on average. So if you’re looking forward to basking in some warm sunshine this winter instead trudging through slushy streets back home, then Palm Spring is certainly worth considering as your go-to travel destination.

Getting Here is Easy

Another great thing about Palm Springs is its convenience factor – specifically when it comes to travel. For Canadians looking to escape the cold this winter, Palm Springs is easily accessible thanks to its close proximity to major Canadian airports.

Seasonal direct flights to Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) include: Air Canada – Toronto, Vancouver; Flair – Edmonton, Toronto, Vancouver; and WestJet – Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Winnipeg.

Covid-19 Canadian border measures end on October 1, 2022.

Pack Light

Since it’s a desert climate, you’ll want to pack light, loose-fitting clothing and plenty of sunscreen. A hat and sunglasses are also essential for protecting yourself from the strong sun. If you’re planning on doing any hiking or outdoor activities, be sure to bring appropriate footwear.

Enjoy a Variety of Indoor and Outdoor Activities

Another great reason to visit Palm Springs during winter is all the different activities that are available to visitors throughout the season. From hiking and biking in the beautiful desert landscapes, to just relaxing by the swimming pool.

Explore a Trail

There are many hiking trails throughout the Palm Springs area. We highly recommend Indian Canyons and Tahquitz Canyon. Located just outside of downtown Palm Springs, this is the reservation and ancestral home to the Agua Caliente Indians. Hiking paths through the mountains range from beginning to challenging. From October – June there are free ranger led interpretive hikes or talks for families to learn more about the natural landscape and history of the Agua Caliente Indian people.

There are also a number of different trails to explore throughout the Palm Springs area.   Palm Springs Hiking Guide

Ride a Bike

Another great way to explore Palm Springs is on a bike. Many resorts offer these complementary. You can also rent bikes like cruisers or even electric bikes. Here’s some information to plan your own Palm Springs Bike Ride.

Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is the perfect destination for Canadians looking to experience the unique landscapes of California. The tramway takes visitors up to 2,590 meters above sea level, providing stunning views of the desert below. Additionally, the tramway offers a variety of hiking trails and activities for visitors to enjoy, making it the perfect place to spend a day or two. Keep in mind if its 29 degrees Celsius downtown, its likely to be around 18 degrees Celsius at the top of the Tram.

Window Shop

Shopping is a popular activity, especially at the many boutique stores in downtown Palm Springs and in our Uptown Design District. There are also several museums and art galleries worth visiting.

While you’re here, why no do a little holiday shopping – Palm Springs style?

Tour a Museum

The Palm Springs Art Museum is one of the most popular in the area. It features both contemporary and classic artwork from around the world. If you’re interested in learning about the history of Palm Springs, then be sure to visit the Palm Springs Historical Society, which opens Oct. 10th. And no trip to Palm Springs would be complete without a visit to the Palm Springs Air Museum. This museum is dedicated to the history of aviation, and features a collection of over 50 vintage aircraft, the largest collection of flyable WWII aircraft in the U.S. So whether you’re a history buff or just looking for something to do, be sure to check out these museums in Palm Springs.

Discover Everything Midcentury Modern

We are the capital of cool and midcentury modern architecture and design is at our core. Palm Springs has the largest collection of preserved architecture in the world. Movie stars or Rat Packers like Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, Bob Hope, Peter Lawford, and Lucille Ball once owned or visited these architectural treasures. Because the walls can’t talk, book a tour with an outfit like Palm Springs Mod Squad to learn more. Some programs even take you inside private homes.

Check Out Downtown

Be sure to check-out our new downtown Palm Springs park located just in front of the Art Museum. You’ll also be greeted by Marilyn, who’s returned.

Save Time for Pool Time

And of course, no trip to Palm Springs would be complete without spending some time relaxing by the pool!

A Grand Variety of Places to Say

One of the best things about Palm Springs is that it offers a wide variety of accommodations to suit every type of traveler and budget. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious 5-star hotel or a more affordable vacation rental house or condo, you’ll be able to find exactly what you’re looking for in Palm Springs.

Vacation Rentals

Palm Springs has a collection of over 2,000 vacation home rentals, so we have you covered for those extended stays. Although you can book through a number of on-line websites, we recommend booking with a local agency. Some with larger inventories and local offices include Vacation Palm Springs, Oranj Palm Springs Homes, Acme House Company, and McLean Company Rentals.

Stylish Resort Stays

Consider what type of experience will best fit you. Choices include cool modern desert dwellings formerly owned by celebrities for that Hollywood style stay. For a romantic getaway, Palm Springs has a large collection of boutique resorts that range from historic to hip. Many of these are centrally located downtown and in the tennis neighborhood. Consider staying at a mid-century modern boutique resort and really experience the vide of Palm Springs.

We also offer large full-service hotels and can accommodate your every need. The Kimpton has their pool on the 7^th floor with sweeping views of the desert, while the Renaissance has the largest pool in Palm Springs.

Money-Saving Tips

Due to the summer heat, July, August, and September is the slow season. Therefore, if you can stomach the heat, or are someone who thrives in it, you can cash in on big hotel deals or easily score prime rentals and timeshare slots.

If you aren’t attending one of the music festivals in April, avoid those weekends if you can. They mark the most crowded and expensive time of the year to visit. Even budget motels ask several hundreds of dollars a night. Traffic ratchets up, and lines are long. If you are a ticket holder, secure accommodations early.   Explore Palm Springs Care/Free

Check attraction websites to see if there are weekly or monthly free days or discounts for active-duty military, seniors, or AAA members. For instance, the Palm Springs Art Museum is free every Thursday night from 5 to 7 p.m. (times may vary).

Attend the free VillageFest every Thursday night in downtown Palm Springs.  Here you will find an array of artists, food and fun.

Plan Your Palm Springs Getaway Today!

So there you have it – great reasons why Canadians should spend their winter in Palm Springs! If you’re looking for a warm weather getaway that won’t break the bank, then this sunny desert city is definitely worth considering. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!  Visitor Guides