Holidays to Canada take you to some of nature’s most spectacular landscapes, with beautiful mountains, lakes, forests and beaches awaiting – along with diverse and dynamic cities.
Winters are snowy and cold, but summers are surprisingly warm, allowing you to get out of the cities and explore the country’s rich range of natural wonders.
At any time of year, the great outdoors is a big part of the appeal of Canadian holidays. Discover incredible and untouched national parks such as the serene Great Lakes of the south or go whale watching in Nova Scotia.
Culture lovers can spend days wandering the friendly, modern cities of Toronto, Montreal or Vancouver - indulging in cafe culture, trips to museums or boutique shopping. Thrill-seekers, meanwhile, can hurtle down world-class slopes on exciting ski trips.
Read all about what this stunning country has to offer and start planning your Canadian adventure today.
Canada holiday packages give you the chance to explore the country’s friendly cities, endless wilderness, stunning landscapes and busy arts scene.
When thinking of holidays in Canada, many people will bring to mind wild landscapes and mesmerising scenery. If that’s what you’re looking for, you certainly won’t be disappointed.
Canada’s national parks are a natural treasure trove, with clear blue lakes, snow-capped mountain peaks and wildlife galore, including bison, caribou and grizzly bears.
Grab your walking boots, mountain bike or cross-country skis before heading off on an adventure as sedate or challenging as you choose.
Canada’s ski resorts are world-renowned. They have easy family blue runs as well as the toughest of blacks and steep couloirs.
Ski resorts in Canada are generally modern and well-equipped, with plenty of good options for day trips from the big cities.
Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia is the most famous of Canada’s resorts. Around 90 minutes from Vancouver, it has a greater choice of runs than almost any other, along with a fabulous ski village complete with an array of fine dining options.
One of Canada’s best-kept secrets is its incredible beaches. From lovely lakeside stretches to big ocean surf spots, you’ll be able to find a prime piece of waterfront or welcoming sweep of sand to suit your needs.
If you want to combine a beach holiday with city living, try Toronto, where Lake Ontario’s beaches and islands are ripe for exploring.
Halifax has a huge choice of beaches, the Nova Scotia coastline offering both places to relax and surf.
There are also lovely lake beaches just five minutes from the city itself – head for Chocolate Lake Beach, popular with locals.
Canada effortlessly combines natural beauty with urban charm. Toronto, with over five million people, is the country’s largest city. It’s a real melting pot with residents from across the world and features towering skyscrapers, a beautiful and historic old town and stunning views over Lake Ontario.
Vancouver, meanwhile, has a laid-back urban heart, fabulous restaurant scene and both ocean and mountain views.
Montreal, Winnipeg, Halifax and more all deliver a different flavour of the real Canada.
Canada’s food scene surprises most visitors with its quality and diversity. One of the most famous dishes is the comforting poutine – chips covered in gravy and cheese curds.
Each city will have its favourite spot to try this, so ask the locals where they go.
The country’s many miles of waterfront yield up delicious seafood and freshwater fish. In Toronto and Vancouver, you can eat your way around the world with Asian, European, North American and fusion restaurants competing to serve up the tastiest fare.
If you’re looking for a city break destination in Canada, make it Toronto.
Climb the CN Tower to enjoy breathtaking views out over the city’s skyscrapers and Lake Ontario.
Art lovers will adore the distillery district with its small galleries, theatres and creative boutiques. Explore Lake Ontario on a paddleboard or take a day trip to the magnificent Niagara Falls.
In the heart of Quebec, Montreal is the most Gallic of Canada’s cities, full of sensational architecture and with a passion for food.
Come during the winter months to make the most of the snow – there are world-class ski slopes very close to the city.
Visit at other times for a comprehensive programme of festivals ranging from jazz to comedy to film. Stay in the centre at the comfortable Auberge Le Pomerol to be close to Notre-Dame and the Library of Quebec.
This prairie city is one of Canada’s unsung gems. It combines the best of a modern city with well-preserved historic neighbourhoods. The Canadian Museum for Human Rights is one of the biggest draws, housed inside a piece of stunning modern architecture.
Climb to the top of the Tower of Hope for spectacular views. Stay in the Downtown area to be close to the best attractions and restaurants – The Fairmont Winnipeg makes a great base here.
The local currency is the Canadian dollar (CAN). There are plenty of ATMs in urban areas and debit and credit cards are widely accepted.
Taxis and metro systems are the best way to get around major cities, which are connected by Canada’s extensive rail network. Car hire is also widely available.
English and French are Canada’s main languages, with about 20 per cent of the population speaking French. Around 60 indigenous languages are also spoken throughout the country.
Canada uses type A and B plug sockets. You may need an adaptor depending on where you’re travelling from.
Canada’s indigenous people lived by farming, hunting and gathering, with many different groups stretching from the Great Lakes to the Arctic.
The very first Europeans to settle in Canada were Icelandic Vikings who made their way to Newfoundland around the year 1000. You can still see the remains of their settlement today at L'Anse aux Meadows.
In the late 15th century, British and French explorers arrived, establishing colonies from the early 17th century.
Canada’s culture is influenced strongly by its British and French history, as well as by its indigenous people. Its geographical position means that it’s also heavily influenced by the US.
Sport is important to many Canadians, particularly ice hockey (which the Canadians simply call hockey).
Traditionally played on frozen lakes, today it’s a highly organised sport that most children grow up playing. Canada has a burgeoning arts scene too, with multiple galleries in its cities and the annual Toronto Film Festival achieving international renown.
There are more than 2,000 museums in Canada, spanning the historical to the artistic, the niche to the unusual.
To get a better understanding of Canada’s ancient heritage, and the people of the First Nations, make a beeline for The Museum of Anthropology in Vancouver. The slant here is towards the ethnographic, with objects from around the world.
In Toronto, the Royal Ontario Museum is a vast and fascinating repository that covers everything from dinosaur skeletons to totem poles, minerals to ancient Chinese architecture.
In Montreal, the Museum of Fine Arts boasts Egyptian mummies and paintings by Rembrandt.
UAE
Gorgeous beaches, dramatic desert landscapes and fascinating history make this a fantastic holiday destination that will live long in the memory.
UAE Holidays
USA
Canada’s neighbour offers every type of holiday. Each city has its own special identity – from the bright lights of New York to the beaches and glamour of LA.
USA Holidays
UK
The UK's vibrant, busy cities are an experience you’ll never forget. Soak up the culture, architecture and rich history on show in this endlessly fascinating country.
UK Holidays
France
Just like Canada, France is full of wide-open spaces and relaxed, romantic cities. Chill out on the beach or seek out world-famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower.
France Holidays
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