Canada holidays

Adventurers: Home to Niagara Falls, Banff National Park and the Rocky Mountains, Canada is full of unique landscapes to explore. Witness the Northern Lights in Whitehorse, Yukon. Or visit Lake Louise, known for its spectacular glaciers and crystal-clear waters.

Thrill-seekers: Canada has plenty to offer thrill-seekers. From scuba diving around the Thousand Islands Region to hiking along the West Coast Trail, there won’t be a dull moment.

Sightseers: There are many incredible cities to explore, each with their own unique attractions. Head to Canada’s bustling capital city, Ottawa, and discover its fascinating museums and historic sites. Or enjoy world-class shopping and dining in Toronto, Canada’s largest city.

Language: Canada has two official languages, English and French.  

Currency: The currency used in Canada is the Canadian dollar (CAD). 

Local time: Ottawa, Canada is 5 hours behind GMT/UK time. However, Canada has 6 different time zones that cover 4.5 hours. These are:  

• Pacific
• Mountain 
• Central 
• Eastern 
• Atlantic 
• Newfoundland 

Fly to:  The main airports in Canada are Toronto Pearson International Airport, Montreal-Trudeau International Airport, Ottawa International Airport, and Calgary International Airport. 

Flight time from UK: 7-8 hours

Tourist Information: Visit the official Canada tourism website.

Visa / Health: Before you travel, check the latest advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

By train: Due to Canada’s large size, one of the most convenient ways to get around is by train. The country has an excellent rail network, and taking the train is a good way to enjoy views of Canada’s landscape. Booking in advance can make your train fare considerably cheaper.

By bus: Travelling around Canada by bus is safe and reliable. This is the cheapest transportation mode between cities and is often the only way to get to smaller towns if you aren’t driving a car.

By rental car: Travel around on your own terms with a rental car. There are plenty of major hire car companies to choose from, including Avis and Enterprise.  

Canada Day: Canada Day occurs on the 1st of July each year. It commemorates the anniversary of the day that Canada, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia unified as one nation. Celebrations are held across the country, including parades, concerts and firework displays.  

Winterlude: This annual festival takes place in the Ottawa region every year. It was created in 1979 to celebrate Canada’s climate and culture and occurs on the first three weekends of February. Winterlude hosts a range of attractions, such as street performers, ice sculptures and great music.  

Quebec Winter Carnival: This event is the largest winter carnival in the world and is celebrated annually from late January into February. Highlights include skating, snow sculptures and a canoe race across the Saint Lawrence River.  

For up-to-date advice on travelling to Canada, please visit the FCDO website.

Find out about entry requirements into Canada from the UK by visiting the FCDO website.