Canada Travel Guide

Some facts about Canada

Canada, known for its vast and stunning landscapes, is the second largest country in the world. Spanning six time zones, it stretches from the Atlantic to the Pacific and deep into the Arctic. All this wide-open space makes the perfect home for 60% of the world's polar bear population. Speaking of big, cute carnivores, Canada is also the original home of labradors and Newfoundland dogs.

The Canadian wilderness is a sanctuary for an impressive array of wildlife, from the whales of the Pacific to the moose that roam freely in its national parks. You'll find a playground for adventure here – whether it's skiing in the world-class resorts of the Rockies or kayaking along the rugged coastline of the Atlantic.

On the other side of the coin you've got a multicultural, bilingual country with the French and English languages interwoven with the national identity. Historical ties to the UK and France make some parts of the country feel instantly familiar, with cities like Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver celebrated for their diversity.

Practical Info

Culture and etiquette

Religion

Just over half the population is Christian, making it the biggest religion. About a third of the population isn't religious at all.

Tipping

Tipping is expected in Canada and you should prepare to tip an extra 10% to 15% – perhaps a little less for your bartender.

Smoking

Smoking in public places is banned in Canada including public transport.

Jabs, visas and other advice

For up-to-date advice on jabs, visas and other foreign advice, we recommend following the government's website.

Emergency numbers

911

Top

Getting to Canada

It takes around 7 to 10 hours to fly to Canada depending on where you're going. The shorter flights will take you to the east where cities like Montreal, Ottawa and Quebec cluster together. If you're planning on visiting places like Banff or Vancouver you'll have to stay on the plane a little longer.

Cruising is also an option. You can sail from UK ports like Dover and Southampton to Canada's east coast and witness the breathtaking scenery of Nova Scotia. Or meet your ship on Canada's west coast and see the sights of the Inside Passage, an island-studded route that leads all the way up to Alaska.

Getting around Canada

For ultimate open-air freedom take to Canada's roads by car and follow them into the dense, rugged wilderness – one of the best ways to see the country.

The rules of the road are similar to the USA – so you drive on the right and can turn right at a red light, most of the time. Different provinces have different rules so make sure you check first. Make sure you keep an eye out for wildlife as well – deer and moose often stop traffic so take it slow around corners, especially at night when your headlights can mesmerise them.

If you want some road trip inspiration there are several iconic routes that take you through some jaw-dropping wilderness. A journey on British Columbia Highway 99, also known as the Sea to Sky Highway, will take you from the coastal roads of Vancouver up into the mountains. Or take the 143-mile-long Icefields Parkway past the frozen waterfalls, glaciers and lakes of Jasper National Park.

If you want to take things down a gear and leave the driving to someone else, take the train instead. And not just any train, the Rocky Mountaineer. This iconic locomotive has panoramic carriages so you can see as much of the Rocky Mountain scenery as possible.

Top