7 Things You Will Love About Epcot’s Canada Pavilion in Walt Disney World

The entrance to World Showcase in Epcot is flanked by America’s two neighbors. If you turn right, you’ll be greeted our neighbors to the north. Far too often, guests walk right on by this pavilion because there is not a ride like Mexico, or an audio-animatronic show like America. But those guests are missing out!

The Canada pavilion has so many things to explore, smell, and taste, that you’ll be sad you missed it! Here are seven things you should experience in the Canada pavilion!

7. Totem Poles: These towering structures are hard to miss. Surprisingly, only one of the three totem poles is made of wood, the other two are made of fiberglass. The poles depict traditional stories of Canada and honor the country’s ancient history, and its peoples’ roots.

6. Le Cellier Steakhouse: Canada’s restaurant is one of the most coveted Advanced Dining Reservations at Walt Disney World. Themed to resemble a wine cellar, as the name implies, Le Cellier is a Signature restaurant, so it counts as two table service credits when using the Disney Dining Plan. Guest favorites include the pretzel bread, Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup, the “Le Cellier” Mushroom Filet Mignon, and the Maple Creme Brulee. Advanced Dining Reservations are highly recommended for this restaurant, and can be made either via phone or online starting 180 days beforehand.

5. Victoria Gardens: Modelled after the Butchart Gardens in British Columbia. The gardens are extensive, and well manicured. Near the gardens is a peaceful place to relax while others in your party stop by the restrooms, visit the Kidcot Station, shop at Northwest Mercantile, or while waiting for your table at Le Cellier. What I love most about the Victoria Garden is that you can enjoy the beautiful flowers even if you’re not vacationing during the Flower and Garden Festival.

4. Performances: Stop by the Mill Stage to see a performance you won’t soon forget from the Canadian Lumberjacks. Prepare to hold your breath as you watch these plaid-clad guys throw axes around! Take a seat and relax to enjoy this twenty minute show, which is performed throughout the day. Check the My Disney Experience App for show times. You can even include the performances into your plans on the app.

3. Oh Canada!: Experience the beauty of the Great White North with a Circle Vision video hosted by comedian Martin Short. The Circle Vision technology gives guests a 360 degree view of Canada’s spectacular landscapes. In eighteen minutes, Martin Short takes you on a grand tour of Canada’s mountains, forest, seaside towns, and old cities. I like to watch this film multiple times per trip, because you simply cannot see all the wonderful sights in one show. This off-the-beaten-path attraction is a perfect solution for rainy weather or hot afternoons because there’s never a long wait and you will want to experience is again!

2. Views: Climb up the steps to the top of the Canada Pavilion, and look out towards the World Showcase Lagoon. Not many pavilions offer guests a chance to look out across the Lagoon, so take advantage of the opportunity for this unique view! There are benches up there by Hotel du Canada, where you can take a break and enjoy the sights! If you head farther back, away from the lagoon, you’ll truly feel as though you left Florida and landed in the Canadian Rockies! My advice, head up here before your meal at Le Cellier, because you’ll be too stuffed afterward to make it up the stairs!

1. Illuminations: Canada is one of my favorite place to view Illuminations: Reflections of Earth. For some reason, this pavilion never seems as crowded as say, Mexico, Norway, or Germany. I’ve gotten some of the best firework views from Canada. Of course, you will still want to find your spot early, but not nearly as early as folks wanting to watch from the popular locations. I recommend that you start thinking about finding a spot about an hour before the show begins. Once you have found your ideal location, members of your party can take turns using the restrooms, shopping, or getting a drink or snack.

Those are my favorites experiences in Epcot’s Canada pavilion. Did I mention any of your favorites? If not, tell me what I missed!