Canada holidays

All your questions about entry requirements, visas, passports or health information are answered on our Travel Advice page.

In Canada, pack layers to adapt to variable temperatures. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a warm jacket for cooler evenings, and waterproof clothing if visiting in spring or autumn. For summer visits, include sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat, while winter travelers need thermal layers, a heavy coat, gloves and a warm hat.

Tipping is customary in Canada, particularly in restaurants, bars, and for services like taxis. In restaurants, a tip of 15-20% on the pre-tax total is common. For other services, 10-15% is generally appreciated. Many establishments now include a tip option when paying by card.

For shopping in Canada, explore Toronto's Eaton Centre, one of North America's largest shopping centres with over 250 stores. Vancouver's Robson Street offers a mix of international brands and local boutiques. Montreal's Underground City features a network of shops and boutiques connected beneath the downtown area.

Traditional Canadian cuisine can be found in various restaurants across the country. We recommend trying poutine, a dish of fries topped with gravy and cheese curds, in Quebec. For seafood, visit coastal areas like Nova Scotia for fresh lobster. In urban areas, look for restaurants specializing in Canadian cuisine, often featuring locally sourced ingredients and regional specialties.

Canada offers lively nightlife in cities like Toronto with clubs and live music venues, Vancouver's Granville Street for bars and entertainment, and Montréal's Quartier des Spectacles for performances. Head to Byward Market in Ottawa for pubs, or explore Calgary's 17th Avenue for varied nightlife and local breweries.

Canada's beaches offer varied coastal experiences across its vast shoreline. Long Beach on Vancouver Island is ideal for surfing and beachcombing, while Wasaga Beach in Ontario stretches along Georgian Bay with soft sand. Head to Parlee Beach in New Brunswick for warm waters and family activities.

When visiting Canada, you'll find the same electrical outlets as in the United States. They use two flat parallel prongs Type A and Type B. If you're travelling from the UK, you'll need a North American adapter. Most hotels provide these, but we recommend bringing your own to ensure compatibility with all your devices.

When visiting Canada, polite behaviour is valued, so saying please and thank you goes a long way. Queue patiently in public spaces and avoid loud conversations on public transport. Locals appreciate personal space, so keep a comfortable distance during conversations. In Quebec, greeting people in French is appreciated, even if you then continue in English.