Canada Holidays

Which experiences is Canada best for?

Canada boasts nature in abundance, which you can explore in a multitude of different ways. Roam freely in summer, kayaking in remote rivers, fishing off the enchanting Prince Edward Island or, if you’re feeling intrepid, hiking Newfoundland’s epic Torngat Mountains and its bottle-green fjords. Winter Canada holidays are about thrilling snow-based adventure such as snowmobiling, skiing, snowshoeing and dog sledding. You could even go polar bear spotting in Churchill, known as the Polar Bear Capital of the World. Skiing is superlative in the Rockies, lauded for its reliable dumps of powder-white snow where you can wind past frozen waterfalls, rumbling glaciers and resident wildlife. In addition, you could dedicate a whole trip to Canada’s culinary culture, from farm-to-table grub in Quebec to aromatic ice wines in the Okanagan Valley.

Who is Canada best for?

Whether you’re a city slicker, adventurer, family, wildlife lover or foodie, Canada holidays offer a wealth of treasures that tick virtually every box. Outdoorsy types can rejoice in the host of finely tuned excursions from skiing and ziplining to hiking and kayaking. On top of that, there’s accommodation to suit all, from five-star resorts ideal for families to remote wooden lodges surrounded by pine. Or perhaps you’ll choose glamping in wilderness so remote it’s only accessible by seaplane.

What are the best ways to discover Canada?

Take two to three weeks on a self-drive exploration, punctuated with wild safaris, adrenaline-fuelled seaplanes, exploratory hikes and canoeing. Given the country’s vast size, we recommend focusing on selected areas chosen to suit your preferences. Exploring the Rockies is a trip in itself, from kayaking on the gorgeous Lake Louise and heli-touring over glaciers to white water rafting in the Athabasca Valley. Needless to say, you’ll be gobsmacked by the mountain vistas. Or there's British Columbia, where you can heli-ski in winter, and watch bears in the wilds of Vancouver Island which, to give some sense of scale, is the same size as Wales. Although Canada’s wilderness-filled national parks of Banff and Jasper are spectacular, the country’s bustling sky-scraping cities of Vancouver, Toronto, Niagara and Calgary are also not to be missed, and a few days in each is a great way to dive into Canadian culture.

Special things to do in Canada:

Island Living

Explore the Magdalen Islands, a small archipelago in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence where you can encounter colourful fishing houses, watch harp seals doze on the beach and tuck into the fresh seafood, like buttery lobster and fresh-from-the-sea mussels. Vancouver Island is also a firm favourite as it is brimming with history and colourful communities. Victoria, British Colombia’s capital, is laid back and low rise in comparison to Vancouver across the water. Wander along the Inner Harbour for a bit of boat spotting, before heading to the Royal BC Museum for an insight into the life and struggles of Canada’s First Nations people.

Bear Watching

The inlets off Vancouver Island are the ultimate spot to seek out some of the grizzliest bears in the world. Knight Inlet’s floating hotel is one of our absolute favourite spots for families or honeymooners, or just those who love a splash of adventure. After a seaplane journey into the inlet, and a refreshing cup of tea and fresh cookies, head out on a boat for a tour of the area, under waterfalls and around rocky outcrops, all the while keeping your eyes peeled for bears. Head into moss-covered bear hides where you may well catch a glimpse of a bear and her cubs trundling down the river, splashing as they go, in search of food. The wonderful wilderness and remoteness of these inlets make for the ultimate adventure.

Ranch Life

Make like a cowboy and stay in a frontier-style lodge surrounded by swaying grassland and magenta fireweed. Hop aboard your noble steed and take off through the undergrowth, over rolling hills, through babbling brooks and between the tangled limbs of ancient trees. Take part in activities such as fly fishing, canoeing and helicopter safaris, as well as outstanding equine adventures on endless nature trails. End the day with beautiful fresh food and drinks as the stars fill the dark night sky.

Take a Road Trip

Canada’s wide-open spaces make it easy to carve out the perfect road trip. Begin your travels in the bustling city of Toronto with dinner up the CN Tower overlooking Lake Ontario. Niagara is a must-stop-spot when in this neck of the woods and donning a fetching plastic poncho and hopping aboard the Maid of the Mist is the perfect way to explore the falls from the water. Fly to Calgary, pick up your car and traverse the famous Rockies that’ll take you through deep green pines and past intense turquoise lakes and soaring mountains. Venture onto Banff National Park and wind your way through fir tree forests and past icy-cold waterfalls, before reaching the ridiculously beautiful Lakes Louise and Moraine, their aquamarine waters calling out to be explored in canoes. Whistler is the ultimate stop for adventure lovers as zip lining, biking and skiing are just part of life here. Pass glaciers, cowboy ranches and skyscraper cities before ending your road trip on Vancouver Island for a spot of wine tasting and whale watching on the Campbell River. Of all the types of Canada holidays on offer, a Rockies road trip is easily the most memorable.

FAQs

Things to do

What can I experience in Canada?

The best thing about Canada is its diversity – as the second largest country in the world, you can experience everything from snow to beaches without even having to leave the province you’re in. It holds particular appeal if you love the outdoors, with 37 national parks and famous landmarks such as the Rocky Mountains and Niagara Falls to discover. While there are some big cities to explore, many people choose to embrace a slower pace and enjoy the expansive forest scenery and lakes that the country is known for.

Where should I visit in Canada?

If you’re a nature lover, then Banff is a must-see location. As Canada’s first national park, it’s picturesque in a way that almost seems impossible, with icy blue glacier lakes, soaring snow-capped mountains, and vibrant green forests offering some of the most spectacular views in the world. It’s a true hotspot for outdoors enthusiasts, too, with hiking, rafting, and horse riding just some of the summer activities available, while the winter brings with it opportunities for ice skating and skiing.

If you prefer a city break, look to Toronto, Vancouver or Montréal for buckets of culture and activities to keep you entertained for your entire stay.

It’s important to note that Canada is around 41 times larger than the UK, so you’ll want to focus your attention on a specific area unless you’ve got several weeks to spare. For example, it takes 40 hours to drive from Toronto to Vancouver – so you’ll want to prepare for any longer journeys.

Where can I see the Northern Lights in Canada?

With the northernmost territories of Canada stretching up to parallel Greenland, Canada offers the perfect opportunity to see the famous aurora borealis, otherwise known as the Northern Lights, on your trip. You won’t actually need to head that far north, with regular sightings in Newfoundland, Labrador, Alberta and Ontario. However, if you want to (almost) guarantee that you’ll see them, the northwest territories boast this renowned light show around 240 nights per year.

The best time of year to see the Northern Lights in Canada is from September to March when there is enough darkness to allow you to see the spectacular colours clearly.

Culture

What is Canada famous for?

There’s no doubt that Canada is primarily known for its outdoorsy reputation, with a huge variety of activities on offer year-round, suitable for confident enthusiasts and beginners alike. Many people find a sense of wonder and relaxation from being surrounded by such beautiful landscapes and use a holiday to Canada as a chance to connect with friends and family (or themselves) by taking a more laid-back approach.

The country is also famous for prominent festivals such as the Montréal International Jazz Festival and Toronto International Film Festival, which have a global reputation and offer a chance to see world-class artistry in a scenic setting. Sport is also a popular pastime, with a trip here offering a chance to see ice hockey, Canadian football, curling or lacrosse matches.

What food and drink should I try in Canada?

One of the other things Canada is famous for is food and drink, so if you’re a foodie, you’re in for a treat. Maple syrup is one of the country’s renowned sweet exports, so make sure to schedule a visit to a sugar shack if you’re there in syrup season, which typically runs from late February to early April. Even if you’re visiting out of season, you’ll be able to sample this delicious liquid at a local restaurant.

Another Canadian must-eat is poutine, a dish consisting of chips, cheese curds and gravy. Originally created in Québec, it’s now widely available across the country. If you want to sample some seafood, Nova Scotia is famous for its lobster, even holding a festival to celebrate it each February.

Planning your trip

What is the best way to see Canada?

The best way to see Canada tends to be driving, as this will allow you to visit multiple locations during your holiday, as well making it easier to visit out-of-town spots like national parks. To rent a car, you typically need to be over 25 (or you can pay an additional charge), and you’ll be able to use your UK licence for up to three months.

However, due to the size of this vast country, you may prefer to take the train instead, giving you time to sleep or simply admire the view. Canada is well-served by rail between cities, with some companies offering specific scenic routes.

If you have a lot of distance to travel but not much time, you may also want to consider flying – but be aware that most airlines don’t offer a hold luggage bag as standard, so it can be costly.

When is the best time to visit Canada?

The best time to visit Canada will depend on the activities you want to do, as well as where you’re staying. But, broadly speaking, June, July and August are fantastic months to visit if you want warmer weather and plenty of activity options, whereas December, January, February and March are best for those who wish to ski.

Local information

What is the time difference between Canada and the UK?

Thanks to its size, Canada has multiple time zones. These are:

- Newfoundland Daylight Time (GMT-2.30, Newfoundland)
- Atlantic Daylight Time (GMT-3, Halifax)
- Central Daylight Time (GMT-5, Winnipeg)
- Central Standard Time (GMT-6, Regina)
- Mountain Daylight Time (GMT-6, Edmonton)
- Pacific Daylight Time (GMT-7, Vancouver)

What currency does Canada use?

The official currency of Canada is the Canadian dollar. Cash is preferred for small purchases, but cards are widely accepted. You’ll need to check with your card provider if it will work in Canada, or get a dedicated travel currency card from another provider.

What plugs are used in Canada?

There are two types of plug used in Canada, type A and type B. The standard voltage is 120v, meaning that you’ll need a plug adapter that also acts as a converter, as the standard voltage in the UK is 230v.

What language is spoken in Canada?

The official languages of Canada are French and English. The majority of French speakers are located in Quebec, where it is the official language of the province.

Travel information

Where can I find the latest travel advice for Canada?

The latest travel advice for Canada is available on the UK government’s foreign travel advice pages.

How long does it take to fly to Canada from the UK?

The exact time it takes to fly to Canada from the UK will vary depending on your destination. Common stops include:

- Calgary (8h 45m from London)
- Vancouver (9h 45m)
- Toronto (7h 50m)
- Montréal (7h 15m)

Do I need a visa to visit Canada?

If you have a British passport, then you don’t usually need a visa for visits that are less than six months in duration. However, you will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), which you can apply for online. This costs $7.

What are the passport requirements for Canada?

Your passport must be valid for the length of your stay in Canada.

Do I need vaccinations to visit Canada?

You’ll need to be up-to-date with standard UK vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) and the diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccine. If you’re a high-risk individual, it may be advisable to also have hepatitis vaccinations and rabies vaccination, but this should be done in discussion with a medical professional.