Flights to New Orleans

Canadian citizens can enter the U.S. through the Visa Waiver Program, which lets them visit for 90 days or less without requiring a travel visa. A passport is required, and travellers must have an Electronic System for Travel Authorization approval. For foreign nationals, please check the U.S. Department of State website.

Things to do and places of interest in New Orleans

The city of New Orleans is one of those cities that never seem to rest. Throughout the year, there are events, festivals, and plenty of attractions. La Nouvelle-Orleans was established in 1718 and it still holds true to many of its French roots. While known as New Orleans today, it is home to over 300,000 people and attractions to keep everyone busy year-round.

• Festivals are big in New Orleans. Right through the year, you have culinary, music, and multicultural festivals. Try the Oak Street Po-Boy Fest or the New Orleans Seafood Festival if you are a foodie. For music, you have the French Quarter Festival and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. To experience New Orleans culture, visit on Bastille Day or in time for Louisiana’s own Oktoberfest.
• The French Quarter takes you back to a simpler time. The buildings have been expertly preserved, and within the French Quarter you have restaurants, hotels, and numerous attractions. While here, visit the New Orleans Opera or catch a colourful production at one of the theatres. The museums of the French Quarter are also worth visiting, especially The 1850 House, the American Italian Culture Center, Amistad Research Center, and The Backstreet Cultural Museum.
• Explore the history and heritage of New Orleans. Neighbourhoods here each have historic significance to the city, like The Garden District, the Warehouse District, and even Faubourg Marigny and Bywater. Some of the historic buildings to stroll by or tour within include the Basin St. Station, The Cabildo, and Gallier House.
• If you are here for Mardi Gras, catch one of the many colourful and vibrant parades or go to a carnival club. If you are not here for the big day, The Backstreet Cultural Museum celebrates Mardi Gras year-round and so does Blaine Kern’s Mardi Gras World.

Tips and tricks for visiting New Orleans

New Orleans is a vibrant, safe city for the most part. However, when you are a new visitor, there are a few items to keep in mind.

Get to know the language

One thing that might throw you off is the way to pronounce names of areas while you are in New Orleans. Locals take offense when you get their language wrong. For example, “New Orleans” is pronounced as “Naw-lins.”

Know the drinks

To truly experience the night life of New Orleans, you need to know the signature drinks on Bourbon Street. Try yourself at a Hand Grenade or Crawdad Bloody Mary – both local favourites. You can also get the official Mardi Gras drink, known as the Ojen.

Avoid certain areas after dark

The city sees a heavy tourist count per year; therefore, they do what they can to keep it safe. However, there are some areas you must try to avoid during the late hours, such as the districts outside of city centre.

The challenge of driving

From the cost of parking to the difficulty of finding parking spots, it is better to take a cab or use public transportation than try to navigate New Orleans in a car. Parking meters are marked, so if you do park there, do not skip the meter fare – or your vehicle will be towed.