Canada Pavilion at Disney’s Epcot Review and Planning

Canada Pavilion at Epcot

Setting: Although they are not necessarily known for their architecture, the Canadians did an impressive job constructing their World Showcase Pavilion. Or, I should say, Disney did a nice job on their behalf. The Hotel du Canada, modeled after Ottawa’s Fairmont Chateau Laurier, is the Pavilion’s largest and most magnificently detailed building. Although visitors are not allowed inside the Hotel, Le Cellier is located directly underneath it.

You can also walk through the gorgeous Victoria Gardens and gaze out at the Canadian Rockies complete with 30-foot waterfall.

Overall, the Canada Pavilion is surprisingly sublime. For a walking tour, see this video.

Attraction Info: Canada features a Circle-Vision 360 film similar to “Reflections of China.”

Disney updated the attraction in 2020 with fresh scenes and new commentary by Catherine O’Hara and Eugene Levy. The 15-minute “Canada Far and Wide” film is projected onto nine individual screens that surround the theater. Disney projects the film in such a way that each screen shows the view looking out in that particular direction, so you feel like you’re right in the middle of the shot. While the film, which replaced O’ Canada, enjoys beautiful cinematography, it does lose some of the humor and whimsy of the previous iteration narrated by Martin Short. With time to spare, it’s still worth seeing. Wait times are only as long as it takes for the previous show to end, but be aware that the theater is standing room only and there is no seating.

On The Mill Stage outside, one of a number of bands perform scheduled sets throughout the day. Most people stop for a moment, but there’s comfortable bench seating up front and a crowd typically forms as the set moves forward. Unfortunately, Disney axed the popular Off Kilter band years ago, in favor of a rotating slate.

Dining Options:

Once the most popular restaurant in all of Walt Disney World, Le Cellier’s following took a hit after it moved to more expensive signature dining in 2013.

Still, it remains popular with its focus on Canadian-raised steak along with the popular Cheddar Cheese Soup.

Considering the high price of a meal here, I typically recommend that guests looking for fine dining head to a resort steakhouse or signature restaurant, such as Flying Fish on the BoardWalk, or Yachtsman Steakhouse at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. Both are in walking distance from Epcot’s International Gateway entrance. Monsieur Paul in France and Takumi-Tei in Japan also typically offer better food and service.

Le Cellier still makes sense as a more convenient, less fussy option.

Canada does not currently offer a major quick service option.

Drink Around the World:

Canada Cart, home to Unibroue’s fabulous La Fin du Monde, is available situates itself near the entrance down to Le Cellier. You’ll also find a rotating selection of draft and bottled beers, in addition to shots of whiskey and the potential for wines, cocktails, and frozen beverages. The cart also offers maple-flavored and regular popcorn, in addition to chips.

There’s also the “Trading Post” in this store, which is little more than a desk serving bottles of beer and samples of ice wine. If the beer selections outside don’t sound appealing, check there.

Character Sightings: Characters are not usually present in Canada, but check your Times Guide to make sure.

Shopping Opportunities: There are two main stores in Canada.

While it looks like there are several stores from the facades outside, interior walkways connect them. You don’t even have to leave one in order to buy more stuff from another. The usual suspects make an appearance, including clothing, jewelry, Christmas ornaments, candy, pins, mugs, and similar items. You’ll also find hockey jerseys and memorabilia, maple syrup, and flannel shirts. A kiosk or two lines the walkway offering similar wares.

Canada Pavilion Overall Ratings:

Setting: 9/10

Attractions: 5/10

Dining: 5/10

Drinking: 9/10

Shopping: 5/10

Canada is one of the most picturesque Pavilions around World Showcase, but you’ll need to take some time to walk through to enjoy it. With no quick service option tucked away, most people bypass the majority of the offerings.

You can pull up a list of all Epcot World Showcase Pavilion and attraction reviews here.