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3,331 mi away
£1 CA$1.88
Today
10:54 pm
-4h from you
Weather & climate
Weather in Canada
Canada
24°
Overcast
Wed
14°
24°
Thu
14°
24°
Fri
13°
26°
Sat
16°
28°
Sun
14°
29°
Mon
17°
29°
Tue
17°
37°
SPF level in Canada
Recommended: SPF 50
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 50
Autumn
SPF 30
Winter
SPF 15
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Canada
What British travellers need to know
To enter Canada, your passport must be valid for the length of your planned stay.
You do not need a visa for short visits normally up to 6 months, but you may need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
You do not need an eTA if you are arriving in Canada by land or sea, but you must have acceptable travel documents and ID.
Border officials may ask you to show a return or onward ticket and proof you have sufficient funds for your stay.
If you are transiting through Canada by air, you must have an eTA or a transit visa.
Good to know:
If a child travels alone or with only one parent, they should carry a letter of consent from the non-travelling parents or guardians.
You must declare any food, plants, animals, or goods that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
Safety in Canada
Tips when travelling
Canada is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Take precautions against petty crime by not leaving bags unattended and keeping valuables in a safe location.
Carry a copy of your passport for identification purposes.
Be aware that laws on cannabis vary by province, and it is illegal to take it across the Canadian border without a permit.
When hiking or camping, be cautious of local wildlife and take all rubbish with you to avoid attracting animals.
If driving, check local laws as they vary between provinces, including rules on turning right on a red light and whether you need an international driving permit.
Bonus tips:
Hire car companies often have stricter requirements like a higher minimum age and holding an international driving permit.
In winter, driving conditions can be dangerous due to snowstorms, so ensure your vehicle has snow tyres and emergency supplies.
Stay connected on your trip
More information
Driving in Canada
A valid UK driving license is usually sufficient for a short visit. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended, but not always mandatory.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
100 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.08%
Remember: Canada drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Canada
As a British tourist, you are responsible for your healthcare costs in Canada. Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including hospital stays, doctor visits, and repatriation. While the GHIC/EHIC card is useful in Europe, it is not valid in Canada.
No vaccinations required
Generally, Canada has a high standard of public health. No specific vaccinations are required for entry. However, it's advisable to be up-to-date with routine vaccinations such as measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, and polio. Consult your doctor for personalized advice, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions.
Cards & payments
High
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1 303 967 1096
Tipping in Canada
Tipping is customary in Canada for various service industries. The standard amount is usually 15-20% for good service.
Restaurant
15-20% of the pre-tax bill
Bar/Café
15-20% of the bill
Taxi
10-15% of the fare
Hotel Porter
1-2 CAD per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
2-5 CAD per night
Tour Guide
10-15% of the tour cost
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, the EU roaming regulations no longer apply to UK mobile users. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in Canada. Roaming charges can be high, so consider purchasing a local SIM card.
Local SIM
10 GB for 30 CAD (~£17.50)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Electrical in Canada
Voltage
120V / 60Hz
Plug types
Type A, Type B
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and public spaces.
Average speed
50 Mbps
Internet access is readily available throughout Canada. Most accommodations offer free WiFi.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
911
Save 911 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Canada
Country code
+1
To call the British High Commission in Ottawa from the UK, dial 00 1 613 237 1530.
The country code for Canada is 1. When calling Canada from abroad, you need to dial the exit code of your country (00 in the UK), followed by Canada's country code (1), and then the area code and the local number.
Languages in Canada
English(primary)
French
UK Embassy
British High Commission Ottawa
80 Elgin Street, Ottawa, ON K1P 5K7, Canada
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Entry requirements
21 days ago
Health
- New health restrictions now apply to travellers who have been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda or South Sudan in the previous 21 days.
- These travellers will get a health assessment on arrival and must quarantine for 21 days if asymptomatic.
Airports in Canada
Beaches in Canada
Frequently asked questions
British citizens generally do not need a visa to enter Canada for tourism or business purposes for stays up to six months. However, you will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to Canada. You should apply for the eTA well in advance of your trip.
The best time to visit Canada depends on your interests. Summer (June-August) offers warm weather ideal for outdoor activities and festivals. Fall (September-October) boasts stunning foliage, particularly in eastern Canada. Winter (December-February) is perfect for skiing and snowboarding, while spring (March-May) sees the landscapes come alive again.
Yes, tap water in Canada is generally safe to drink. Canada has high standards for water quality, and most cities and towns provide clean, potable water. If you are in a remote area, it's always best to check with locals or boil the water as a precaution.
While Canada is generally safe, be aware of common tourist scams such as fake tour operators, unsolicited offers of assistance with luggage, and ATM skimming. Use reputable transportation services and avoid withdrawing large sums of cash from ATMs in unfamiliar locations.
Tipping is customary in Canada for services in restaurants, bars, and taxis. A standard tip is usually 15-20% of the pre-tax bill. It's also common to tip hairdressers, delivery drivers, and other service providers.
The legal drinking age varies by province and territory in Canada. In Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec, the legal drinking age is 18. In all other provinces and territories, it is 19. Be prepared to show valid photo identification as proof of age.
Canada offers a diverse culinary scene. Must-try foods include poutine (fries, cheese curds, and gravy), maple syrup products, Nanaimo bars, and butter tarts. Regional specialties include seafood on the coasts, Montreal smoked meat, and Alberta beef.
Canadians are generally polite and value personal space. Be mindful of queuing etiquette, and avoid loud or boisterous behavior in public places. It's also important to be respectful of Canada's multicultural diversity and Indigenous cultures.
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.