Travelling in Canada

There’s so much to see and do in Canada that you could easily spend a few months travelling from end to end and still not see everything.

This Canada travel guide helps answer any questions you have about travelling here, including where to go, the length of a flight to Canada and whether you need a visa.

SEE ALSO:

- A guide to responsible travel in Canada

Do I need a visa for Canada?

Before we start looking at where exactly to visit, we want to take you through the visa requirements needed for Canada.

British Citizens, British Overseas Citizens (who are re-admissible to the UK), British Subjects and British Dependent Territories Citizens DO NOT need a visa to go on holiday in Canada.

British Overseas Citizens who are subject to control under the (UK) Immigration Act, 1971 still require a Canadian visa for travel to Canada.

Find out more about the travel documentation you need.

Where to go in Canada

As Canada is such a large country, it can be difficult to know where to go and what to see. Before making your decision, you should take a look at our best time to visit Canada and our Canada weather guides to find out the best times of the year for each location.

Here are some of the top places to go in Canada:

Toronto and Niagara Falls

Canada’s largest city is arguably the best-known too. It has been described by many as a clean-cut New York with its downtown skyscrapers, shopping districts and attractions such as the CN Tower.

During your stay in Toronto, it’s definitely worth travelling to the iconic Niagara Falls since it’s so close to the city. Once you’ve seen the falls on the Hornblower Cruise, there are a range of attractions to explore in the Niagara area, including the Niagara Falls History Museum, the WildPlay Whirlpool Adventure Course and Adventure City. Check out our Toronto holidays here.

SEE ALSO:

- Where to Stay in Toronto

- What to do in Toronto in 48 hours

The Atlantic Provinces

The Atlantic Provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick are united by the wild Atlantic Ocean. If you hire a car in Canada, you can go on a road trip down the Cabot Trail around Cape Breton or head to Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland to tackle the legendary Long Range Traverse backcountry hike.

The region is also known for its fresher-than-fresh seafood, as well as whale watching, icebergs, beaches and Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse—one of the world’s most photographed lighthouses.

SEE ALSO:

- 8 reasons why you should visit Atlantic Canada

Montréal

Located in the province of Québec, Montréal is a highlight of Canada as it combines both the old and new worlds of Québec. With European-style streets, lively jazz clubs and amazing cuisine, you can see why many Canadians regard it as the most romantic city in the whole country.

To get stunning views of the city, travel up to Mount Royal. If you’re a hiker, the Kondiaronk Belvedere will offer you amazing aerial shots of the sprawling urban centre.

SEE ALSO:

- 48 hours in Montréal

- The alternative guide to Montréal

Vancouver

This vibrant city is nestled among some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world, meaning you can be in a thriving metropolitan city one moment and hiking in the mountains the next.

Vancouver is far from your average holiday destination as it also boasts world-class shopping opportunities and exciting culinary adventures. There are very few places in the world where you can try so many different types of experiences in one holiday.

SEE ALSO:

- 48 hours in Vancouver

- When to visit Vancouver

The Canadian Rockies

The Canadian Rockies cross British Columbia and Alberta and are one of the most eye-catching mountain ranges in the world. Home to beautiful scenery, lakes and many of Canada’s highest peaks, there’s a reason people travel from across the world to witness the Rockies up close.

During winter, you can ski at resorts in the likes of Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper, with hiking and wildlife watching being extremely popular activities during the summer months.

SEE ALSO:

- Where to stay in the Rockies

- Discovering the wildlife of the Canadian Rockies

How long is a flight to Canada?

In order to answer the question ‘how long is a flight to Canada?’ you’ll need to decide which destination you are travelling to and which airport you are flying from. Most of the country’s major cities have airports, which makes planning a Canada holiday easy.

How long is a flight to Toronto?

London Gatwick to Toronto Pearson Airport: Air Transat - 8 hours, 15 minutes direct

Manchester to Toronto Pearson Airport: Air Transat - 8 hours direct

Glasgow to Toronto Pearson Airport: Air Transat - 7 hours, 35 minutes direct

How long is a flight to Vancouver?

London Gatwick to Vancouver International Airport: Air Transat - 9 hours, 50 minutes direct

Manchester to Vancouver International Airport: Air Transat - 9 hours, 30 minutes direct

Glasgow to Vancouver International Airport: Air Transat - 12 hours, 45+ minutes with one stop British Airways – 11 hours, 15+ minutes with one stop

How long is a flight to Calgary?

London Gatwick to Calgary International Airport: WestJet - 9 hours, 5 minutes direct

Manchester to Calgary International Airport: Air Transat - 11 hours, 45+ minutes with one stop

Glasgow to Calgary International Airport: Air Transat - 11 hours, 50+ minutes with one stop

How long is a flight to Montréal?

London Gatwick to Montréal Pierre Elliot Trudeau Airport: Air Transat - 7 hours, 30 minutes direct

Glasgow to Montréal Pierre Elliot Trudeau Airport: Air Transat - 13 hours, 15+ minutes with one stop

How long is a flight to Québec City?

London Gatwick to Québec City Jean Lesage Airport: Air Transat – 12+ hours with one stop

SEE ALSO:

- What’s your Canada travel fashion tribe?

- 15 ways to entertain yourself on a long-haul flight