Canada flag Canada Beach Holidays

Flights, Hotels & Travel Guide

Pacific Rim surf, Atlantic Maritime shores, and lakeside beaches stretching across a continent. Plan your Canada beach holiday with flights and tips.

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£1 CA$1.86

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Weather & climate

Weather in Canada

Canada

14°

Moderate rain

Thu

7°

14°

Fri

7°

14°

Sat

7°

22°

Sun

2°

12°

Mon

-2°

5°

Tue

-1°

7°

Wed

1°

8°

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

Your passport must be valid for the length of your planned stay in Canada.

You do not need a visa for short visits, typically up to 6 months.

You will likely need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if arriving by air.

You do not need an eTA if you are arriving by land or sea, only acceptable travel documents and ID.

Be prepared to show a return ticket and proof of sufficient funds at the border.

You do not need an eTA if you are a British-Canadian dual national with a valid Canadian passport.

If transiting through Canada by air, you must have an eTA or a transit visa.

Good to know:

If a child travels with one parent or alone, they should carry a consent letter from the non-travelling parents.

Declare any visits to farms or contact with wild animals before entry on your Customs Declaration Card.

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.

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

Frequently asked questions

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.