Our Favorite Things about Epcot’s Canada Pavilion

For many years when I would visit Epcot I'd walk past the Canada pavilion without much of a second thought. However in recent years I've changed my opinion about this previously overlooked pavilion and it is most definitely on my list of must-always-visit areas in World Showcase.

What do you love about the Canada pavilion?

The Canada pavilion was designed with the natural beauty of Canada in mind and you'll find an abundance of flowers and trees throughout the pavilion. The Victoria Gardens at the front of the pavilion were inspired by the Butchart Gardens in British Columbia, and the flowers are changed with the season.

In the winter the white flowers represent snow while in the spring the white flowers represent melting snow. The gardens feature more than 150 rose bushes and seasonal displays and are one of the largest manicured gardens on property. The gardens are definitely a highlight of the pavilion.

Victoria Gardens in Epcot's Canada pavilion

The centerpiece building of the pavilion is the Hotel du Canada which was patterned after the Chateau Laurier in Ottawa, Canada. If you take time to walk to the back of the pavilion you'll find yourself surrounded by the Disney version of the Rocky Mountains and a 30-foot waterfall and a small lake. Also located in the back of the pavilion is the theater that houses the Circle-Vision 360 film O' Canada.

The film is narrated by Canadian actor Martin Shorts and takes guests on a tour of the country from the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick to Toronto to Montreal. [If you find yourself in the back of the pavilion and you don't want to see the film you can just turn around and go up the stairs toward the front of the pavilion].

Some of the beauty in the Canada pavilion

If you're looking for a delicious meal for lunch or dinner we suggest making an Advance Dining Reservation for Le Cellier, the signature dining restaurant located in Canada. Just a few years ago you could enjoy lunch for just one credit on the Disney Dining Plan (or less money out of pocket) but now both meals are signature dining (two table service credits).

That's not to say it isn't worth the price or table service credits. The food is delicious and it really is an experience to dine at Le Cellier. The dining room is beautiful and the small size makes it rather quaint. And let's not forget about the pretzel bread and the Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup. Those two items alone would get me in the door. ;)

You can check out a review of lunch at Le Cellier from our friends at the Disney Food Blog.

Candian Cheddar Cheese Soup from Le Cellier

Once you've explored the pavilion, taken in the beautiful gardens, watched O' Canada, and dined at Le Cellier there is still something to see in Canada. You'll want to stop in front of the pavilion and check out the three totem poles. Two of the totem poles were created by Disney Imagineers and the other was created by Tsimshian artist David Boxley from Alaska. Boxley's totem pole is an authentic piece of native art.

Totem pole in Canada

The Canada pavilion was also the long-time home for fan favorite band Off Kilter. Sadly the band no longer entertains crowds at Epcot and over the last year there has been a revolving door of entertainment options.

Canada is a great pavilion for stopping and smelling the roses (literally!) and learning more about our neighbor to the north. What is your favorite thing in the Canada pavilion? Let us know in the comments.

Many thanks to Kristen K. and the Disney Food Blog for use of their photos.