Canada Holidays

What can I experience in Canada?

The best thing about Canada? The diversity of its landscapes. As the second-largest country in the world, you can experience everything from snow dusted slopes to sun drenched beaches without even having to leave the province you’re in. It’s a particularly dreamy destination if you love the outdoors, with a whopping 37 national parks and an abundance of famous natural landmarks such as the Rocky Mountains and Niagara Falls. While there are some bigger cities to tour, many travellers 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. As Canada’s first national park, it’s a true scenic showstopper, with icy blue glacial lakes, soaring snow-capped mountains and vibrant green forests. It’s a true magnet for outdoors enthusiasts, too, with hiking, rafting and horse riding in the summer and ice skating, skiing and more come winter.

If it’s a city break you’re seeking, look to Toronto, Vancouver or Montreal for buckets of culture and activities to keep families, couples and everyone in between entertained for the entire stay.

As Canada is around 41 times larger than the UK, you’ll want to focus your attention on a specific area (unless you’ve got several weeks and tanks of petrol to spare). For example, it takes 40 hours to drive from Toronto to Vancouver, so we’d suggest preparing for any longer journeys like this.

Where can I see the Northern Lights in Canada?

Canada’s northernmost territories, which lie on the same latitude as Greenland, offer the perfect opportunity to witness the famous aurora borealis, otherwise known as the Northern Lights. You won’t need to head that far north either, as there are regular sightings in Newfoundland, Labrador, Alberta and Ontario. However, if you want to (almost) guarantee that you’ll see them, the northwest territories play host to this renowned light show for a humble 240 or so nights per year.

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

What is Canada famous for?

Canada’s reputation as an outdoorsy destination is no secret, with an array of year-round activities from hiking and biking to canoeing and horse riding.

The country is also famous for cultural festivals such as the Montreal International Jazz Festival and Toronto International Film Festival, which draw visitors from across the globe 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 (literally). 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 sweet treat at a local restaurant.

Another Canadian staple is poutine, a dish consisting of chips, cheese curds and gravy. Originally cooked up in Quebec, it’s now widely available across the country. And if you want to sample some seafood? Nova Scotia is famous for its lobster, even holding a lobster crawl festival each February.

What is the best way to see Canada?

The best way to see Canada is by car. On a road trip adventure, you can crisscross the country, visiting towering mountains, hidden lakes and untamed national parks – all at your own pace. 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.

If Canada’s vast size feels a little daunting, you may prefer to take the train instead, using the free time to sleep or simply admire the cinematic views stretching out beyond the tracks. Canada is well-served by rail between cities, with some companies offering specific scenic routes.

If you have large distances to travel, but without the luxury of 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 great months to visit if you want warmer weather and plenty of options for outdoor activities, whereas December, January, February and March are best for those who want to ski.

What is the time difference between Canada and the UK?

Due 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 provider if your card will work in Canada or obtain a dedicated travel currency card from another provider.

What plugs are used in Canada?

There are two types of plugs used in Canada: type A (with two flat, parallel prongs) and type B (two flat, parallel prongs with a round earth prong). 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’s the official language of the province.

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 (eight hours and 45 minutes from London)
• Vancouver (nine hours and 45 minutes)
• Toronto (seven hours and 50 minutes)
• Montreal (seven hours and 15 minutes)

Do I need a visa to visit Canada?

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

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 a rabies vaccination, but this should be done in discussion with a medical professional.