LandmarkPalm Springs Aerial Tramway
Ride the world's largest rotating tramcar up Chino Canyon to Mountain Station at 2,600 m, where alpine trails and views over the valley await.
Palm Springs, United States
Desert resorts · Mid-century modern · Aerial Tramway · Flight + hotel breaks
4.6 · 8,000+ Palm Springs desert getaways booked by Canadians
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At a glance
Everything you need to know about Palm Springs
Palm Springs is the Coachella Valley's sun-drenched desert playground — a mid-century modern icon of low-slung architecture, kidney-shaped pools, and palm-lined boulevards framed by the San Jacinto mountains. Base yourself on Palm Canyon Drive for boutique shopping, farm-to-table dining, and easygoing nightlife, then head out to the Aerial Tramway, Indian Canyons, and Joshua Tree National Park. Winter and spring bring warm, dry days that draw snowbirds and festival crowds alike.
Palm Springs, CaliforniaClimate
Climate
10–45°C · dry desert sun
JanDec
PeakShoulderAvoid
Warm, sunny winters and springs are ideal; summers routinely top 40°C, so plan pool and indoor time.
Currency
US Dollar
1 CAD ≈ 0.73 USD · cards accepted everywhere
Entry
Visa-free
Valid passport; no visa or ESTA for Canadians by air
Top Experiences in Palm Springs
Landmark
Design & diningMid-Century Modern & Palm Canyon Drive
Tour Palm Springs' famous butterfly-roof architecture in the Uptown Design District, then graze the restaurants, bars and galleries of downtown Palm Canyon Drive.
Day tripJoshua Tree National Park
Drive an hour to the surreal boulder piles and twisting Joshua trees of the park, with easy trails, Keys View and sensational stargazing after dark.
Essential info for Canadian travellers
Passport & entry: Canadian citizens travelling to the US by air need only a valid passport — no visa or ESTA is required.
Currency: The US Dollar (USD) is used everywhere. Cards are widely accepted; keep small bills for tips, valet and rideshares.
Power & plugs: The US uses 120V/60Hz with Type A/B plugs — the same as Canada, so your devices work without an adapter.
Time zone: Palm Springs runs on Pacific Time (PT) — three hours behind Toronto year-round.
Desert heat & getting around: It's a dry desert: hydrate and use sun protection, especially May–September. A rental car is the easiest way to reach resorts, trailheads and day trips across the valley.
Best time to visit Palm Springs
Nov – FebHigh season
Warm, sunny days and cool nights — the snowbird peak, so book resorts early.
Mar – AprPeak & festivals
Perfect weather plus Coachella and Stagecoach crowds; the valley is at its busiest.
May & OctShoulder season
Hot but manageable days with noticeably lower rates and thinner crowds.
Jun – SepExtreme heat
Desert heat often tops 40°C; poolside resort deals are cheapest of the year.
Where to stay
Palm Springs neighbourhoods & districts
The Coachella Valley strings together distinct desert towns along Highway 111. From walkable downtown Palm Springs to the golf-resort enclaves of Rancho Mirage and the shopping of Palm Desert, here's how to choose your base.
Downtown & Uptown Design District
Palm Canyon Drive
The walkable heart of Palm Springs — boutique hotels, mid-century shops, galleries, restaurants and bars along Palm Canyon Drive.
Best for
- First-timers
- Dining & nightlife
- Design lovers
Rancho Mirage
Central Coachella Valley
Manicured golf-resort country with big Westin and spa properties, The River shopping complex and easy freeway access.
Best for
- Golf
- Spa & relaxation
- Families
Palm Desert & El Paseo
East valley
Home to the El Paseo shopping mile, The Living Desert zoo and McCallum Theatre, with a good spread of mid-range and upscale hotels.
Best for
- Shopping
- Value
- Culture
Indian Wells & La Quinta
South-east valley
Sprawling luxury golf and tennis resorts set against the Santa Rosa mountains — quieter and more secluded than downtown.
Best for
- Luxury
- Golf & tennis
- Peace & quiet
Beyond the resort
Day trips & excursions from Palm Springs
Palm Springs is the perfect base for the desert's greatest sights. Every excursion below can be booked through ShopTravel or your hotel tour desk.
National ParkJoshua Tree National Park
Full day · 8 hrs~70 km northeast · 1 hr by car
Wander among giant boulder piles and twisting Joshua trees, take in Keys View over the valley, and stay for world-class desert stargazing.
Insider tips
- Carry plenty of water
- Go early to beat the heat
Mountain ViewsPalm Springs Aerial Tramway & Mt San Jacinto
Half day · 4 hrs~15 km northwest · 20 min by car
Ride the rotating tramcar from the desert floor to Mountain Station at 2,600 m for cool alpine air, hiking trails and panoramic valley views.
Insider tips
- Bring a jacket — it's much cooler up top
- Book tram tickets in advance
Nature & CultureIndian Canyons & Tahquitz Canyon Hike
Half day · 5 hrs~10 km south · 15 min by car
Hike the palm-lined oases and seasonal waterfall of the Agua Caliente Cahuilla homelands, among the most beautiful canyons in the desert.
Insider tips
- Wear sturdy shoes
- Check seasonal opening hours
Family Day OutThe Living Desert Zoo & Gardens
Half day · 4 hrs~25 km east (Palm Desert) · 25 min by car
Explore a desert zoo and botanical garden home to giraffes, cheetahs and desert wildlife, with a shaded carousel and endangered-species trails.
Insider tips
- Visit in the morning when animals are active
- Combine with El Paseo shopping
● Limited availability — book now
Your Palm Springs getaway awaits
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Good to know
Palm Springs travel FAQ
Everything Canadian travellers ask before booking
Do Canadians need a visa for Palm Springs?
No. Canadian citizens travelling to the US by air need only a valid passport — no visa or ESTA is required.
How long is the flight from Canada to Palm Springs?
Seasonal direct flights from Toronto to Palm Springs (PSP) take about 5h 35m in winter. Year-round, you can connect through a US hub in roughly 8–9 hours.
When is the best time to visit Palm Springs?
November to April offers warm, sunny days and cool nights — ideal for the desert. Summers (June–September) are extremely hot but bring the lowest resort rates.
Do I need a car in Palm Springs?
A rental car is highly recommended. The Coachella Valley towns spread along Highway 111, and a car makes it easy to reach resorts, trailheads and day trips like Joshua Tree.
What currency should I bring?
Palm Springs uses US Dollars (USD). Cards are accepted everywhere, but keep small bills for tips, valet and rideshares.
What day trips can I take from Palm Springs?
Popular trips include Joshua Tree National Park, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the Indian Canyons hikes, and The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens in Palm Desert.
Is Palm Springs good for families?
Yes. Resorts like The Westin Mission Hills have pools and water slides, and The Living Desert zoo and the Aerial Tramway are great with kids.
Can I book excursions through ShopTravel?
Yes — you can add trips like Joshua Tree and the Aerial Tramway to your booking at checkout or through your hotel tour desk.