IconThe Panama Canal
Watch giant ships climb the Miraflores Locks, or head to the newer Agua Clara locks on the Atlantic side.
Panama City, Panama
City & beach getaway · Direct flights from Canada
4.6 · 3,100+ Panama City vacations booked by Canadians
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At a glance
Everything you need to know about Panama City
Where two oceans meet, Panama City pairs a glittering Pacific skyline with the UNESCO old town of Casco Viejo and the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal. It's a rare city-and-beach getaway — colonial plazas, rooftop bars, and rainforest all within reach — plus easy day trips to the San Blas islands. Direct flights from Canada and the US dollar as everyday cash make it one of the simplest tropical city breaks to plan.
Panama City, PanamaClimate
Climate
26–31°C year-round
JanDec
PeakShoulderAvoid
Tropical. Dry season Dec–Apr; green (rainy) season May–Nov.
Currency
US Dollar
The Balboa is pegged 1:1 · USD is everyday cash
Entry
Visa-free
Up to 90 days for Canadians
Top Experiences in Panama City
Icon
Old townCasco Viejo
Panama City's UNESCO old quarter of cobbled plazas, colonial churches and rooftop bars.
IslandsSan Blas Islands
Hundreds of palm-topped islets in the Guna Yala comarca, run by the Indigenous Guna people.
Essential info for Canadian travellers
Passport: A valid Canadian passport is all you need — no visa required for tourist stays of up to 90 days.
Currency: Panama uses the US dollar as everyday cash (the Balboa is pegged 1:1). Bring USD; cards are widely accepted.
Travel insurance: Provincial health plans do not cover medical care in Panama. Comprehensive travel insurance is essential.
Power & plugs: Panama uses 120V with Type A/B plugs — the same as Canada. No adapter needed.
Time zone: Panama runs on Eastern Standard Time (EST) year-round with no daylight saving — the same as Toronto in winter.
Best time to visit Panama City
Dec – AprPeak season
Dry, sunny and breezy. Busiest and priciest for Canadians.
May – AugShoulder season
Green season with afternoon showers. Lush, quieter and better value.
Sep – OctWettest months
Heaviest rain of the year. Panama sits below the main hurricane belt.
NovShoulder season
Rain eases and prices stay low before the December high season.
Where to stay
Panama City zones & neighbourhoods
Panama City offers a range of areas to base yourself, from historic old town to gleaming skyline towers. Here's how to choose.
Casco Viejo
Old town
The UNESCO-listed colonial quarter of plazas, boutique hotels, rooftop bars and restaurants — all walkable.
Best for
- First-timers
- Culture
- Nightlife
Banking District
Obarrio & Marbella
The skyline heart of the city, packed with high-rise hotels, malls, casinos and dining.
Best for
- Business
- Shopping
- Convenience
Amador Causeway
Pacific waterfront
A palm-lined causeway to islands with skyline views, the Biomuseo and the marina.
Best for
- Views
- Cycling
- Families
Costa del Este
Coastal suburb
A planned bayside district of modern towers, golf and resort-style hotels away from the bustle.
Best for
- Couples
- Golf
- Relaxed
Beyond the city
Day trips & excursions from Panama City
Panama City is a great launch point for the region's canal, rainforest, and islands. Every excursion below can be booked through ShopTravel or your hotel concierge.
Iconic LandmarkMiraflores Locks & Panama Canal
Half day · 4 hrs~15 km northwest · 30 min by car
Watch giant ships transit the locks from the visitor centre viewing decks and museum.
Insider tips
- Go mid-morning for the biggest ships
- Book the observation-deck ticket
UNESCO World HeritageCasco Viejo Walking Tour
Half day · 3 hrsCity centre · Walking
Explore the old town's plazas, churches and rooftop views with a local guide.
Insider tips
- Wear comfortable shoes
- Finish with a rooftop sunset drink
Island Day TripSan Blas Islands
Full day · 12 hrs~110 km northeast · 2.5 hrs 4x4 + boat
A long but unforgettable day to the Guna Yala archipelago of white sand and turquoise shallows.
Insider tips
- Bring cash for Guna community fees
- Start before dawn for the drive
Nature & WildlifeGamboa Rainforest & Monkey Island
Full day · 7 hrs~40 km north · 45 min by car
Boat the Chagres River and canal to spot monkeys, sloths and toucans in the rainforest.
Insider tips
- Bring binoculars and bug spray
- Best wildlife in the early morning
● Limited availability — book now
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Good to know
Panama City travel FAQ
Everything Canadian travellers ask before booking
Do Canadians need a visa for Panama City?
No. Canadians don't need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days — a valid Canadian passport is all you need.
How long is the flight from Canada to Panama City?
Direct flights from Toronto (YYZ) to Panama City (PTY) are about 5h 30m; from other Canadian cities a connection is common.
When is the best time to visit Panama City?
December to April is the dry season — sunniest and most popular. May–November is the greener rainy season with afternoon showers and better value.
Is Panama City safe for tourists?
The main tourist areas like Casco Viejo, the banking district and Amador Causeway are well-patrolled and popular with visitors. Use standard city precautions as anywhere.
What currency should I bring?
The US dollar is everyday cash in Panama (the Balboa is pegged 1:1). Bring USD; credit cards are widely accepted.
Do I need travel insurance?
It's strongly recommended. Healthcare in Panama is private and can be costly without coverage, and provincial plans don't apply abroad.
Is Panama City a beach destination?
It's a city-and-beach getaway — the skyline, canal and old town come first, with Pacific beaches and the San Blas islands an easy day trip away.
Can I book excursions through ShopTravel?
Yes, you can add excursions like the Miraflores Locks and San Blas Islands to your trip at checkout.