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- Capital: Ottawa
- Area: 9,984,670 sq km
- Population: 40.5 million
- Languages: English and French (both official), plus dozens of Indigenous languages including Cree, Inuktitut and Ojibwe
| Provinces | |||
| Alberta | British Columbia | Manitoba | New Brunswick |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Nova Scotia | Ontario | Prince Edward Island |
| Québec | Saskatchewan | ||
| Territories | |||
| Northwest Territories | Nunavut | Yukon | |
Canada is a country in North America, and the second-largest country in the world by total area, stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific and northward into the Arctic Ocean. It is made up of ten provinces and three territories, governed as a federal parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy, with His Majesty King Charles III as head of state, represented domestically by a Governor General. Despite its enormous size, the population is concentrated overwhelmingly along the southern border with the United States, and vast stretches of the interior and north remain sparsely populated wilderness.
Indigenous peoples have lived across what is now Canada for thousands of years, developing hundreds of distinct nations, languages and cultures long before European contact — a heritage that remains central to Canadian identity today, from place names to land acknowledgements to the ongoing work of reconciliation. European colonisation began in earnest in the 16th and 17th centuries, with French settlers establishing “New France” along the St Lawrence River and British colonies developing along the Atlantic coast. Rivalry between the two powers culminated in the British conquest of New France in 1763, but French language, law and culture endured, particularly in Québec, shaping the distinctive bilingual character the country retains to this day.
The British North America Act of 1867 confederated several colonies — Ontario, Québec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick — into the self-governing Dominion of Canada, with further provinces and territories joining over the following decades as the country expanded westward, driven in part by the transcontinental railway. Canada gradually gained full legislative independence from Britain, a process completed with the patriation of its constitution in 1982, which brought the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms into force while retaining the monarchy as a constitutional feature. Immigration has been a defining force throughout this history, and Canada is now one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the world, with multiculturalism enshrined as official government policy since the 1970s.
Economically, Canada is a G7 nation with vast natural resources — timber, minerals, oil and hydroelectric power among them — alongside strong manufacturing, technology and financial sectors concentrated in cities like Toronto, Vancouver and Montréal. Modern Canada is known for its dramatic and varied landscapes, from the Rocky Mountains and Pacific rainforests in the west, through the Great Lakes and Canadian Shield, to the Maritime provinces and Arctic tundra in the north and east. It has a global reputation for being welcoming, orderly and outdoorsy in roughly equal measure, and consistently ranks among the world’s most liveable countries.
USEFUL INFORMATION
Currency & banking
The currency in Canada is the Canadian dollar. Each dollar is divided into 100 cents.
When you’re buying currency for Canada, look out for the currency code CAD. Once you’re there, you’ll see the symbol $ used to show prices (sometimes written as C$ or CAD$ to distinguish it from other dollars).
You’ll find Canadian banknotes in denominations of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 — all made from a durable polymer rather than paper. Coins come in 5, 10 and 25 cents, along with the $1 coin (nicknamed the “loonie”, after the loon on its face) and the $2 coin (the “toonie”). The old 1 cent coin (the “penny”) was withdrawn from circulation some years ago, so cash transactions are simply rounded to the nearest 5 cents.
Canada is a heavily card-based society. Contactless (tap) payment is standard almost everywhere, from coffee shops to farmers’ markets, and it’s entirely possible to travel for weeks without needing cash at all.
Paying by credit or debit card in Canada
Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost universally; American Express slightly less so, particularly at smaller independent businesses. Chip-and-PIN and contactless are the norm — you’ll rarely be asked to sign for anything.
ATMs in Canada
Cash machines are plentiful in towns and cities, though they become far less frequent once you head into national parks or remote rural areas, so it’s worth carrying a small amount of cash for these trips.
Be mindful of the charges you might incur for using your card abroad, including:
- International transaction fees
- Currency conversion/exchange rate margins
- Out-of-network ATM fees charged by both your own bank and the Canadian machine
- Dynamic currency conversion “offers” at the till or cash machine, which are almost always worse value than letting your own bank convert the charge
Tipping
1. Is Tipping Common in Canada?
Unlike many other countries, tipping is very much expected in Canada and is treated as a core part of a service worker’s income rather than a bonus. Skipping a tip in a sit-down restaurant, for a taxi, or for hotel staff can be seen as rude, since wages in these industries are often set on the assumption that tips will top them up.
Understanding this in advance can save you from an awkward moment at the till, where card machines will frequently prompt you to choose a tip percentage before you can complete payment.
2. Understanding Tipping Culture in Canada
Tipping in Canada is deeply embedded and closely mirrors the culture in the United States, though percentages can run slightly lower. It is calculated on the pre-tax total, not the final amount after sales tax has been added.
Larger cities such as Toronto and Vancouver tend to expect the higher end of the scale (18–20%), while smaller towns and rural areas are often a little more relaxed.
3. Tipping in Restaurants in Canada
In sit-down restaurants, a tip of 15–20% of the bill before tax is standard, and card terminals will usually present preset options in this range. For counter service or takeaway coffee, tipping is optional but a jar for loose change is common — a dollar or two is a friendly gesture rather than an obligation.
4. Tipping for Taxi Drivers and Rideshares in Canada
For taxis and services like Uber or Lyft, 10–15% of the fare is typical. The rideshare apps will usually prompt you to add a tip after the journey ends, so there’s no need to carry cash for this.
5. Tipping for Tour Guides in Canada
On organised tours, guides typically receive $5–10 per person per day, with bus or coach drivers on longer excursions sometimes tipped separately as well.
6. Tipping for Hotel Staff in Canada
Bellhops are usually tipped $1–2 per bag, and housekeeping around $2–5 per day, left in the room (ideally with a note, so it isn’t mistaken for litter). At bars, $1–2 per drink, or 15–20% on a full tab, is the norm.
Communications
Mobile and Wi-Fi coverage is excellent in cities and along major routes, though it becomes patchy — and sometimes non-existent — in national parks, the Rockies, and much of the northern territories, so don’t rely on it for navigation off the beaten track.
Roaming charges on a UK mobile contract can be steep in Canada, since it isn’t covered by the same reciprocal deals as the EU. It’s usually far cheaper to buy a local prepaid SIM or eSIM on arrival from providers such as Rogers, Bell, Telus or the budget brand Fido, or to arrange an eSIM before you travel.
Unlike some destinations, there’s no need for a VPN in Canada — all the usual websites and apps (Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Netflix, the BBC) work exactly as they do at home, and internet access is unrestricted.
Free Wi-Fi is widely available in cafés, hotels and shopping centres, though — as with mobile coverage — it can be limited on long train or coach journeys through less populated regions.
Getting around
Public transit
Toronto, Montréal, Vancouver, Calgary and Ottawa all have efficient public transport networks combining subway/metro or light rail with extensive bus routes. Toronto’s subway (the TTC) and Montréal’s Métro are both easy to navigate, with signage in English (and French in Montréal). Contactless bank card payment is now accepted on most systems, so a separate transit card usually isn’t necessary for a short visit.
Canada is enormous, and its cities are spread far apart — this is not a country where you can expect to hop between destinations on public transport the way you might in Europe. For anything beyond a single city, renting a car is by far the most practical way to see the country, particularly for national parks and rural areas where public transport is sparse or non-existent.
Taxis and rideshares
Uber and Lyft operate in all major cities and are usually cheaper and more convenient than hailing a traditional taxi. Both apps work exactly as they do in the UK, with no local phone number or workaround required.
Rail and coach
VIA Rail runs long-distance passenger services, including the scenic transcontinental route between Toronto and Vancouver, though journeys are measured in days rather than hours given the distances involved. Domestic flights are often the more time-efficient way to cover the country’s vast size.
Health advice
For the latest health advice for UK visitors travelling to Canada, see the FCDO travel advice for Canada and TravelHealthPro.
Quality of Care
Canadian healthcare is of an excellent, Western standard, comparable to the NHS in terms of quality — but it is not free for visitors. Canada’s public healthcare system covers residents only, so tourists are billed directly for any treatment, and costs can be very high, particularly for hospital admission or emergency care.
Payment and Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance with generous medical cover is essential — this is one of the most important preparations for any UK traveller heading to Canada, and should never be skipped. Emergency departments and walk-in clinics are the usual points of contact for unplanned medical needs, and payment (or proof of insurance) is typically required upfront.
Canada Health Care and Vaccinations
| Vaccine | Special precautions |
|---|---|
| Diphtheria | Ensure routine UK courses/boosters are up to date |
| Hepatitis A | Sometimes recommended, particularly for rural or backcountry travel |
| Yellow Fever | No, not required for entry from the UK |
| Typhoid | Rarely necessary; only for specific higher-risk itineraries |
| Tetanus | Yes, ensure routine boosters are current |
| Rabies | Sometimes, for extended wilderness travel or work with animals |
- No specific COVID-19 entry requirements are currently in place; check current guidance before travelling as this can change.
- Ticks carrying Lyme disease are present in parts of southern Canada during the warmer months — check for ticks after time in long grass or woodland.
- Biting insects, particularly mosquitoes and blackflies, can be intense in northern and forested regions in summer — pack a strong repellent.
- Altitude sickness can affect visitors in mountainous areas such as Banff and Lake Louise; take it easy for the first day or two.
- Winters bring genuinely dangerous cold in much of the country — frostbite and hypothermia are real risks for anyone unprepared for temperatures that can fall well below −20°C.
- Tap water is safe to drink virtually everywhere in Canada.
Safety
Canada is consistently ranked among the safer countries in the world to visit; violent crime affecting tourists is rare.
- Petty theft can occur in busy tourist areas of large cities — keep an eye on bags and belongings as you would at home.
- Wildlife safety is a genuine consideration: black bears, grizzly bears, moose and elk are present in and around many national parks. Store food correctly at campsites, keep a safe distance, and follow posted park guidance.
- Winter driving conditions (ice, snow, “whiteout” blizzards) catch out unprepared visitors every year — check road conditions and carry emergency supplies if driving between towns in winter.
- Wildfires are an increasing summer risk in British Columbia, Alberta and parts of the north; check local advisories if travelling in these regions between June and September.
- The emergency number across Canada is 911, and English-speaking operators are available everywhere.
Climate
Canada is vast, and its climate varies enormously by region — from temperate rainforest on the Pacific coast, to bitterly cold winters and warm, sometimes humid, summers across the interior, to Arctic conditions in the far north. There is no single “best” time to visit; it depends heavily on where you’re going.
Broadly, June to September is the most popular window, with long daylight hours, warm temperatures across most of the country, and all national parks and attractions fully open. Winter (December–March) is the time for skiing, the Northern Lights, and events like Winterlude, but comes with serious cold, especially inland and in the Prairies. Spring and autumn are quieter and cheaper, with autumn (late September–October) particularly prized for spectacular fall foliage in Ontario and Québec.
Weather Month-By-Month
Deep winter across most of the country, with temperatures regularly well below freezing inland and in the Prairies, though the Pacific coast around Vancouver and Victoria stays much milder and often wet rather than snowy. This is peak season for skiing in the Rockies (Banff, Whistler) and for winter festivals.
Events & Festivals
- Winterlude, Ottawa (early February): Canada’s largest winter festival, with ice sculptures and skating on the Rideau Canal.
- Québec Winter Carnival (late January–February): Parades, ice palaces and the famous “Bonhomme” mascot in Québec City.
- Victoria Day (mid-May): A public holiday marking the unofficial start of the summer season, with fireworks in many towns.
- National Indigenous Peoples Day (21 June): Celebrations of First Nations, Inuit and Métis culture nationwide.
- Canada Day (1 July): Fireworks, parades and celebrations nationwide to mark the country’s founding.
- Calgary Stampede (early–mid July): A huge rodeo, festival and exhibition in Alberta.
- Toronto International Film Festival (early-mid September): One of the world’s leading film festivals.
- Canadian Thanksgiving (second Monday of October): A family-focused public holiday with harvest celebrations.
- Europe: United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland and most other EU/EEA states
- Asia-Pacific: Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong SAR, Taiwan, Israel, United Arab Emirates, Qatar
- Americas: United States (exempt from the eTA requirement entirely), Bahamas, Barbados, Chile
- Oceania: Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands
- Africa: Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Egypt, South Africa, Ethiopia, Morocco
- Asia: China, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Iran, Iraq
- Americas: Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Haiti, Venezuela
- Middle East: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria
- Be valid for the full length of your intended stay
- Be undamaged, with no missing or altered pages
- Be the specific document your eTA or visa is tied to, since neither transfers to a replacement passport
Still cold, particularly in the interior, though the Pacific coast and southern Ontario begin to see the first hints of spring by the end of the month. Ski season remains in full swing in the mountains.
A transitional month — snow is melting in the south, though the Rockies and northern regions can still see significant snowfall. Temperatures are unpredictable and layers are essential wherever you’re headed.
One of the most pleasant months to visit, with warm but not yet sweltering temperatures and blossom out across southern Ontario, British Columbia and Québec. Crowds and prices are lower than in peak summer, making it a favourite among seasoned visitors.
Events & Festivals
The start of summer proper, with warm, often long, sunny days across most of the country and everything — from national parks to whale-watching tours — fully open for the season.
Events & Festivals
Peak summer, and Canada’s busiest and most expensive travel month. Temperatures can be very warm and, in cities like Toronto and Montréal, humid; the Rockies and coast stay noticeably cooler and drier.
Similar to July — hot, sunny and busy, particularly in national parks, where booking accommodation well ahead is essential. Wildfire smoke can occasionally affect air quality in the west.
A wonderful month to visit: crowds and temperatures both start to ease, and by late September the first autumn colours begin to appear in the north.
Events & Festivals
Peak “fall colours” season across Ontario, Québec and the Maritimes, drawing visitors specifically for the foliage. Days are crisp and cool, and the first snow can arrive in northern and mountain regions.
Events & Festivals
Cold sets in across most of the country, with snow becoming regular in the north and mountains. Quieter and cheaper for city breaks, though many outdoor attractions begin winding down for the season.
Firmly winter, with snow common across much of the country and genuinely cold temperatures in the Prairies and the north. Christmas markets and festive lights make cities like Québec City, Toronto and Vancouver particularly charming, and ski resorts open for the season.
Visa information
What you need to enter Canada depends entirely on your nationality and falls into one of two routes: a low-cost Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for visa-exempt passport holders flying in, or a full Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), also called a visitor visa, for everyone else. Which route applies to you is set by your citizenship, not by where you’re travelling from.
Who just needs an eTA
Holders of a visa-exempt passport only need an eTA if they are flying to Canada — those arriving by land, or by boat (including cruise ship), don’t need one at all. Passport holders from the following countries and territories are typically eTA-eligible:
The eTA is electronically linked to your passport, costs a flat CAD $7 regardless of nationality, and is valid for up to five years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first — a new passport means a new eTA. It permits multiple visits of up to six months at a time, and most applications are approved within minutes, though a small number take longer if extra documents are requested.
Who needs a full visitor visa
Travellers from countries not on the eTA-eligible list need a Temporary Resident Visa arranged in advance, regardless of how they’re arriving. This includes passport holders from many countries across Africa, most of South and Southeast Asia, and parts of the Americas and Middle East, among them:
This list is only a sample — always check your own eligibility on the official Canada.ca entry requirements tool before booking, since requirements do change and vary by exact passport type.
Whichever route applies, your passport must generally:
Applying
Both the eTA and the Temporary Resident Visa are applied for entirely online via the official Canada.ca visit-Canada portal. An eTA application needs only a valid passport, a card or PayPal for the fee, and an email address, and is usually approved within minutes. A TRV application is considerably more involved, typically requiring proof of funds, a travel itinerary, ties to your home country, and biometrics (fingerprints and a photo) given in person at a visa application centre, with processing taking anywhere from several weeks to a few months depending on your country of residence.
Be wary of unofficial third-party websites that charge inflated fees for either service — always apply directly through the official government site.
Visa Fees
| Requirement | Cost | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| eTA (all eligible nationalities, air travel) | CAD $7 | Up to 5 years or passport expiry |
| Temporary Resident Visa (single or multiple entry) | CAD $100 | Set by the visa officer, up to 10 years or passport expiry |
| Temporary Resident Visa, family of 5+ applying together | CAD $500 maximum | As above |
| Biometrics (individual) | CAD $85 | Reusable for 10 years across applications |
| Biometrics (family applying together) | CAD $170 maximum | As above |
These are official government fees only; fees charged by third-party visa or immigration agents are separate and not included here.
Electrical
Which power plugs and sockets are used in Canada?
Canada uses power outlets and plugs of types A and B — the same as the United States.
All power sockets in Canada provide a standard voltage of 120V with a standard frequency of 60Hz, which differs from the UK’s 230V/50Hz supply, so UK travellers will need a plug adaptor and, for anything without built-in dual-voltage support (check the label on the plug), a voltage converter too.
 |
| Plug type notes |
|---|
| Type A – Two flat parallel pins, ungrounded. Fits most small electronics. Type B – As Type A, with an added round grounding pin. Used for larger appliances and anything with a three-pin plug. UK travellers should pack a UK-to-North-America adaptor, as UK plugs (Type G) will not fit Canadian sockets without one. |