Canada Travel Guide
Oh Canada … from striking crystal lakes to towering mountains, it’s a natural beauty to behold. Yet Canada’s cities are also filled to the brim with friendly people, diverse culture, good food and live music so it’s the real deal all round! Whether you decide to take a car and go freestyle or take the famous Rocky Mountaineer Train from side to side, we’ve put together our Canada travel guide with top tips for making the most of this breathtaking destination.
Top Things to Do in Canada
There’s such a diverse range of things to do in Canada, from kayaking across emerald green lakes, taking the Rocky Mountaineer Train cross-country, wildlife spotting (on and offshore), staying in a log-cabin, exploring the wilderness in one of the many national parks – to name just a few! You’ll be sure to find the perfect balance for your holiday to Canada.
Best Places to Visit in Canada
Given its vastness, there are so many places to see when holidaying in Canada so we’ve put some handy pointers on our favourite hot-spots and get-aways depending on your style of travel. It’ll help you know your Jaspers from your Whistlers in no time!
Making your Canada travels meaningful
For us, meaningful travel is all about having authentic experiences on holiday, while giving something back to the environment, communities and travellers too. Whether it’s getting away from the busy cities and into the quietness of the wilderness, learning about the indigenous cultures of Canada, or just spending some quality time with your family – we recommend broadening your horizons and getting back in touch with whatever you need most.
Advice for travelling in Canada
Looking for more Canada travel advice? We’ve put together further details to help plan your trip, including visa & passport information, advice for a self-drive holiday and a guide to the kind of accommodation you can expect to stay in.
What to Expect in Canada
If you think you’re going to be able to tackle Canada in one holiday, then think again! Canada is 41 times the size of the UK; it’s so vast you couldn’t possibly hit all of the highlights and head off the beaten path in one go. The plus side? You’ll be able to visit Canada several times and have a wildly different (and potentially wild!) experience.
With a population just shy of 40 million, it’s no wonder people are amazed by the endless wilderness – it’s the perfect destination to get away from the masses.
Language & Culture
Canadians are notoriously friendly, and they generally live up to this reputation so you can expect a warm welcome from this maple-loving nation. If you’re heading to French Canada, be prepared to hear people speaking French, and will likely appreciate your best efforts to try to speak French in the region.
Getting to Canada
You can get to East Canada on an 8-hour flight (to Toronto & Montreal), or a 9-10 hour flight to the West side of Canada (to Calgary & Vancouver). There is good availability and flights can be from £500, so, no excuses there!
Canada’s Great For…
- Wildlife lovers
- Incredible Scenery
- Adventure seekers
- Getting in touch with nature
- Tranquillity
- Family travellers
Money & Spending in Canada
Currency: Canadian Dollars C$/CAD
In Canada, you’re expected to tip as you go (similar to the USA), Restaurant waiters need 15-20% depending on service (but no less!). Bar staff we generally recommend $1-2 dollars and $2 for cleaners in your hotel.
Key Costs:
- Beer = $6-8 (approx £4)
- Lunch Out = $15-20 (approx £10)
- Dinner Out = $35-55 (approx
- Coffee (Cappuccino) = $5 (approx £3)
- Cocktail = $15 (approx £8)
- Petrol = $1.40-1.50 per litre (approx 80-85p)