Canada Travel Guide

From melting-pot modern cities to remote wilderness, Canada’s home to a diverse range of things to do for all travellers. Whether you’ll choose to kayak across emerald green lakes, take in the views on-board the Rocky Mountaineer Train cross-country, head on a wildlife spotting (on and offshore) adventure, eat your way through its vibrant cities, stay in a log-cabin and exploring the wilderness in one of its many national parks… we could go on! Whatever it is you’re looking for, you’ll be sure to find the perfect balance for your holiday to Canada.

Given its vastness, there are so many places to see when holidaying in Canada that it can be difficult to know where to start planning. To help you along, 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 – and if you need some more expertise to help you plan your Rickshaw trip, our destination specialists will be more than happy to help.

For us, meaningful travel is all about having authentic experiences on holiday, while giving something back to the environment, communities whilst ensuring the local wildlife is protected 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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

• Wildlife lovers
• Incredible Scenery
• Adventure seekers
• Getting in touch with nature
• Tranquillity
• Family travellers

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)