Canada Travel Guide
Canada is widely regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful countries, known for its vast wilderness, mountain ranges, crystal-clear lakes, and forests. As the second-largest country on Earth, it is home to over 40 million people and its capital is Ottawa. Canada has two official languages, English and French, with English spoken by the majority. French is most widely spoken in the province of Quebec, where it plays a central role in local culture and heritage.
From vibrant cities to vast natural landscapes, Canada offers something different in every season, each bringing its own unique atmosphere and colour.
We've outlined some general information that may be helpful to you when planning your next holiday to Canada.
Time Zone & Currency in Canada
Canada spans 6 different time zones. In Vancouver it is eight hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), and in Ottawa it is five hours behind. The currency is the Canadian Dollar.
Weather in Canada
Canada is a year-round destination with varied climates: British Columbia and Alberta on the west side tend to range from mild coastal weather to more extreme mountain and prairie conditions, while Ontario and Québec on the east side experience more pronounced seasons, with warm, often humid summers and cold, snowy winters.
Reading For Your Trip To Canada
Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery
Alone Against the North by Adam Shoalts
The Golden Spruce by John Vaillant
Best time to go to Canada
We travel in Canada when it’s shaped by the seasons. The Maple Leaf Trail is especially popular in early summer and autumn for its colourful landscapes, while Western Canada is at its best in late summer, when long days and clear conditions show the landscapes and scenery at their best.
Top Tourist Attractions In Canada
10 best places to go in Canada
Maple Leaf Trail or the Rockies? Whether you're drawn to vibrant cities and colourful autumn landscapes along the Maple Leaf Trail, or the dramatic mountain scenery, turquoise lakes, and wildlife of the Canadian Rockies, Canada offers unforgettable experiences from coast to coast
Virtual Tour Of Canada
This virtual tour will take you through Western Canada and the Rockies as well as the highlights on Canada’s Maple Leaf Trail.
Food and drink in Canada
Canadian cuisine reflects the country’s diverse cultural influences, regional specialities, and abundance of fresh local produce. Some must-try dishes include:
- Poutine: A classic Canadian comfort food made with crispy chips, cheese curds, and rich gravy, originating in Quebec.
- Butter Tarts: A traditional sweet pastry filled with a rich butter, sugar, and syrup mixture, often enjoyed as a dessert or snack.
- Tourtière: A savoury meat pie from Quebec, typically made with minced pork, beef, or veal and seasoned with warming spices.
- Peameal Bacon: A cured pork loin rolled in cornmeal, often served in sandwiches and particularly popular in Ontario.
- Montreal-Style Bagels: Smaller, sweeter, and denser than their New York counterparts, these wood-fired bagels are a local favourite.
When it comes to drinks, Canada is known for its excellent wines, particularly ice wine. Craft breweries can be found across the country, producing a wide variety of beers, while Canadian whisky has earned an international reputation for quality.
Canada Travel Guide FAQs
Can you give a brief history of Canada?
Canada’s history begins with Indigenous peoples who have lived across the land for thousands of years, each with rich and diverse cultures. From the 1600s, French and British settlers arrived, shaping the country’s early development through trade, exploration, and settlement. Over time, Canada grew into a self-governing nation and achieved full sovereignty in 1982, while maintaining strong ties within the Commonwealth. Today, it is a diverse, modern country with deep historical roots and is a travel list destination.
Is Canada a safe destination?
The destinations included in your itinerary are generally considered safe. As with any major city or popular tourist area, such as Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, there may be instances of opportunistic theft such as pickpocketing. It is advisable to remain aware of your surroundings, particularly in busy attractions, and to look after personal belongings at all times. We recommend using your hotel safe for valuables and carrying a photocopy of your passport when out and about. Extra caution is also sensible when travelling on public transport.
Do I need a holiday visa for Canada?
EU and UK citizens typically do not require a tourist visa to enter Canada, but must apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) for a fee when arriving by air. If your passport has less than six months’ validity remaining on arrival, you may experience delays at immigration. All other nationalities should check entry requirements with their local embassy or consulate.
Is tipping customary in Canada?
Tipping is prevalent throughout Canada. It is customary to leave a tip when having dealt with anyone in the service field. It is especially important to leave a tip in restaurants as wait staff as service providers receive a relatively low base wage. The standard tip for average service is 15% and if the service was above par then the typical tip left is 20% or more.
Is dining out expensive in Canada?
In Canada, taxes are not included in the advertised price so do be aware that when you see food or drink being advertised there is often an extra charge added on at the time of payment and it is also very important to leave a tip. For this reason, food and drink can appear to be inexpensive but often you will end up paying similar prices to what you pay in Ireland or the United Kingdom.
Canadian Travel Advice
- For up-to-date information regarding entry into Colombia please see: www.gov.uk
- Official Canadian Tourism Board: Tourism Board: travel.destinationcanada.com
