Canada Holidays

How to reach Canada

• Flight time: Flights to Canada from London take 7 to 10 hours, with major destinations including Montréal, Toronto and Vancouver.

• Transfer time: Each of Canada’s main cities has efficient transport options to get you from the airport to the city centre, taking between 25 and 45 minutes.

• Price: A ride on any of the buses linking main cities’ airports with their downtowns will set you back around CAD10–CAD12, while taxis generally cost CAD30–CAD50.

Best time to visit Canada

Canada is a country of diverse climates, so the best time to visit will depend on what type of holiday you’re after.

• December to February is peak winter season in Canada, perfect for snow sports lovers. Temperatures can drop to –20°C or lower in the colder regions, with heavy snow, so pack warm. Popular destinations, including Whistler, Banff and Mont-Tremblant, offer skiing, snowboarding and much more.

• March to May brings spring to Canada, with blooming landscapes across the country. It’s the season with fewer tourists and temperatures from 5°C to 15°C, making it great for a quieter exploration of cities and parks. As the days begin to lengthen, you may expect 7 to 9 hours of sunshine daily.

• June to August is summer and high season in the country, ideal for all outdoors aficionados. Temperatures range from a pleasant 15°C to 30°C, and you’ll get 10 to 12 hours of sunshine a day. This is also festival season across cities like Toronto, Montréal and Vancouver.

• September to November is autumn in Canada, with vibrant colours adding a beautiful backdrop to the countryside. Temperatures start to cool, ranging from 5°C to 20°C. Rain increases slightly (around 50 to 90mm), and sunshine ranges between 6 and 9 hours a day.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: English and French are the official languages.

• Local habits and customs: Canadians are known for being polite and friendly. It’s customary to tip 15 to 20 percent in restaurants, bars, and for services.

• Currency: Canada uses the Canadian Dollar. ATMs are widely available, and major credit and debit cards are accepted.

• Getting around: Canada’s major cities have efficient public transport systems. Basic fares start at around CAD3. Consider purchasing day or multi-day passes if you plan to use public transport frequently.

• Electricity and plug types: Canada uses 120 volts, and plugs are Type A and B, so UK travellers need an adaptor.

• Time zones: Canada has six main time zones. Eastern cities like Toronto and Montréal are GMT–5, while Vancouver is GMT–8.

• Required travel documentation: UK travellers need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada.

Best things to do in Canada

Each region of Canada has its own unique charm, whether it’s the vibrant cities, historic towns or breathtaking natural landscapes.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• CN Tower, Toronto: One of Toronto’s iconic landmarks, the 533-metre CN Tower offers fabulous views of the city and Lake Ontario. Just take a lift to the top or pluck up your courage and walk around the outside of the tower at dizzying heights as part of the EdgeWalk.

• Banff Gondola: On Sulphur Mountain, the Banff Gondola provides a breathtaking bird’s eye view of Banff and the Rockies.

• Terrasse Dufferin, Québec City: For panoramic views from the base of the imposing Château Frontenac – over the St Lawrence river to the south shore and the distant mountains beyond – hit the Terrasse Dufferin.

The best districts

• Old Montréal: This charming, cobblestoned district feels like stepping back in time. You can explore centuries-old buildings, wander through quaint streets, and enjoy cafés and galleries.

• Byward Market, Ottawa: Since the 1840s, Byward Market has been a centre for the sale of farm produce, but it’s now also Ottawa’s busiest district, buzzing until the early hours, and home to cafés and delis, and fresh fruit and vegetable stalls.

• Gastown, Vancouver: Gastown is a piece of city rejuvenation distinguished by cobblestone streets, 20th-century brick buildings, stylish shops, and the city’s hippest cafés, restaurants and bars.

Parks and gardens

• Stanley Park, Vancouver: Stanley Park, at nearly four square kilometres, is one of the largest urban parks in North America – a semi wilderness of dense rainforest, marshland and beaches.

• High Park, Toronto: High Park is Toronto’s largest park and home to a rare stand of black oak savannah and unusual plants such as blazing star and the sassafras tree.

Historical monuments

• Parliament Hill, Ottawa: The centre of Canada’s government, Parliament Hill, with postcard-pretty Parliament Buildings, is an architectural marvel. You can join guided tours, watch the Changing of the Guard, and enjoy a spectacular light show in the summer.

• Château Frontenac, Quebec City: The Château Frontenac, a pseudo-medieval pile crowned with a copper roof, now housing a hotel, is probably Canada’s most photographed building.

• Fortress of Louisbourg, Nova Scotia: Painstakingly rebuilt in the 1960s, the fortress offers an extraordinary window into 18th-century colonial life, making for a great immersive experience.

Canada’s highlights

• Niagara Falls (Ontario): Just a 90-minute drive from Toronto, Niagara Falls is Canada’s major show-stopper and an absolute must-visit. Take in the breathtaking views from various vantage points, or hop on a boat tour to feel the spray of the falls.

• The Rockies (Alberta and British Columbia): The Canadian Rockies are a natural wonder, where you can hike, canoe, and even spot grizzly bears.

• Northern Lights (Yukon): Catch sight of the Northern Lights in the Yukon from late August through to March, when the night sky comes alive with a dazzling display of colours.

Activities for families in Canada

Canada holidays offer wonderful family-friendly attractions that will keep kids and adults entertained.

• Aquariums and zoos: Visit Vancouver Aquarium, where you can see a wealth of animals including penguins, sea otters and beluga whales. And Toronto Zoo is home to over 5,000 animals from all around the world, including polar bears and giant pandas.

• Museums with interactive exhibits: Many of Canada’s museums have sections dedicated to children. The Ontario Science Centre in Toronto, the Royal BC Museum in Victoria and the Montréal Science Centre are all fantastic for interactive learning.

• Theme parks and adventure parks: La Ronde in Montréal and Canada’s Wonderland near Toronto offer thrilling rides and shows that are a hit with kids of all ages (and their parents too).

Free things to do in Canada

Canada has many free attractions, especially for those who love the outdoors.

• National parks free days: Every year, Canada offers several free entry days to its national parks and marine conservation areas. So take this opportunity and visit parks like Banff or Pacific Rim without paying a dime.

• Free events and festivals: From Toronto’s Nuit Blanche art event, to Vancouver’s Celebration of Light and Montréal’s Jazz Festival, there are plenty of excellent celebrations you can attend for free.

• Free guided walking tours: Many cities in Canada offer free walking tours which are a perfect way to learn about the history and culture of places like Old Montréal or downtown Ottawa.

Nature and outdoor activities in Canada

Whether you crave adrenaline or peace and quiet, Canada’s great outdoors delivers.

• National parks: Canada’s national parks are among its most cherished attractions. Banff and Jasper national parks in the Rockies are known for their mountain scenery while the Pacific Rim National Park on Vancouver Island offers temperate rainforests and sandy beaches.

• Adventure activities: Thrill-seekers will find plenty to do in Canada. Try white-water rafting on the Ottawa River, ziplining through the treetops of Whistler, or paragliding over the stunning Okanagan Valley.

• Hiking and mountain biking: From the rugged trails of the Rockies to the coastal paths of Newfoundland, Canada is a hiker’s paradise. And mountain bikers will love the trails at Whistler Bike Park, which range from beginner-friendly routes to challenging runs.

• Wildlife tours: Canada is known for its incredible wildlife. Join a bear-watching tour in the Great Bear Rainforest, spot moose in Gros Morne National Park, or have your eyes peeled for whales in the Bay of Fundy.

Local dishes in Canada

One of the great delights of holidays to Canada is savouring the country’s diverse food scene.

Some typical dishes

• Poutine: Poutine are French fries covered in melted mozzarella cheese or cheese curds and gravy, a must-try during your visit to Canada. Simple but delicious!

• Butter Tarts: A quintessential Canadian dessert, these little pastry shells, filled with a sticky mixture of butter, brown sugar, corn or maple syrup, are the subject of endless debates: should they be runny or chewy? Decide for yourself!

Meat dishes

• Montréal Smoked Meat Sandwiches: Typically served on rye bread with yellow mustard, this tender, flavourful smoked beef meat is a Montréal staple.

• Alberta Beef: Alberta is known for its high-quality beef, which you’ll find in many dishes including steaks, burgers and roasts.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Pacific Salmon: The fresh, wild-caught salmon is a must-try when in British Columbia. It’s served in many ways – from grilled fillets to smoked salmon, served with fresh, local vegetables.

• Lobster Rolls: On the east coast, lobster rolls are a popular treat. Tender chunks of lobster are mixed with a light mayo dressing and served in a toasted roll.

Sweets and desserts

• Nanaimo Bar: This classic Canadian dessert, hailing from Nanaimo, consists of a crumbly biscuit base, creamy custard filling and a chocolate topping. Yummy!

• Maple Syrup Treats: Maple syrup is featured in a great variety of Canadian desserts, from maple taffy to maple-glazed doughnuts. A must-try when in Canada.

Local drinks

• Caesar Cocktail: Canada’s classic, the Caesar is a savoury cocktail, made with vodka, clamato juice, hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce.

• Ice Wine: This sweet dessert wine is made from grapes that have frozen on the vine. Primarily produced in Ontario’s Niagara region, it’s a treat for wine lovers.