UK FCDO travel advice: Exercise normal precautions when travelling to Canada. Some areas may have increased risk — check conditions for the specific regions you plan to visit.
Discover
Top Attractions in Canada
The most iconic and unmissable experiences this country has to offer.
Banff National Park
Canada's oldest national park in the heart of the Rockies — turquoise glacial lakes, snow-capped peaks, abundant wildlife, and world-class skiing at Lake Louise.
Niagara Falls
One of the most powerful waterfalls in the world, straddling the Ontario-New York border. Best experienced by boat, or lit up dramatically after dark.
Old Quebec City
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only walled city in North America north of Mexico. Its cobblestone streets, French architecture, and fortress walls are extraordinary.
Whistler Blackcomb
North America's largest ski resort combines two mountains in British Columbia for world-class winter sports, mountain biking, and stunning alpine scenery year-round.
CN Tower, Toronto
Standing 553 m tall, the CN Tower offers stunning views of Toronto from its observation deck and glass floor, alongside a revolving restaurant.
Churchill, Manitoba
The polar bear capital of the world — visit in autumn for polar bear sightings, or in winter for magnificent Northern Lights displays over the tundra.
Where to Go
Top Cities to Visit in Canada
Toronto
Canada's most diverse city — world-class food, Niagara day trips
Vancouver
Mountains, ocean, and one of the world's most liveable cities
Montreal
Bilingual, bohemian, and home to North America's best bagels
Quebec City
North America's only walled city north of Mexico, deeply French
Banff
Rocky Mountain grandeur in a postcard-perfect national park town
Travel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Canada
Citizens of many countries — including the UK, Australia, France, Germany, Japan, and others — can visit Canada visa-free but must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before flying. US citizens are visa-exempt and do not need an eTA when flying. Citizens of other countries need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV).
Most visitors are permitted to stay for up to 6 months per visit. The exact duration is determined by the border services officer at the port of entry.
A valid passport, a valid eTA (if applicable) or Canadian visa, evidence of sufficient funds, and a return or onward travel ticket. All travellers must clear Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) on arrival.
Canada is one of the safest countries in the world for tourists. Crime rates in most areas are low. Exercise normal caution in all locations, particularly in downtown areas of major cities.
The Canadian Dollar (CAD, symbol C$). US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas near the US border, though at unfavourable exchange rates. ATMs are widely available.
Canada has two official languages: English and French. French is predominant in Québec and parts of New Brunswick. The rest of the country is predominantly English-speaking.
Summer (June–August) is peak season for outdoor activities, national parks, and festivals. Winter (December–March) is ideal for skiing at Whistler or in the Rockies. Fall (September–October) brings stunning foliage across much of the country.
Explore Banff National Park, see Niagara Falls, walk Old Quebec City, whale-watch in British Columbia, ski or snowboard at Whistler, experience the Northern Lights from Yukon or Manitoba, visit the CN Tower in Toronto, and go wildlife-watching for bears and polar bears.
Toronto Pearson International (YYZ) is the busiest. Vancouver International (YVR), Montréal-Trudeau (YUL), and Calgary International (YYC) are also major international gateways.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Canada has an excellent public healthcare system but it does not cover foreign visitors. Medical costs can be very high.
No vaccinations are legally required for entry. Standard routine immunisations are recommended.
Yes. A valid foreign driver's licence is accepted in Canada for up to 60–90 days depending on the province. An International Driving Permit is recommended. Drive on the right side of the road.
You may bring in C$800 worth of goods duty-free after 7+ days abroad. Declare all food, plants, and animal products. Cash over C$10,000 must be declared. Cannabis is legal in Canada but cannot be imported or exported internationally.
Tipping is customary and important. Tip 15–20% at restaurants, bars, and for taxis. Many payment terminals have preset tip suggestions. Hotel housekeeping, porters, and tour guides also expect tips.
Yes. Tap water is safe to drink in cities and towns throughout Canada. In some remote Indigenous communities, there have been longstanding boil-water advisories — check locally.
Canada uses Type A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat pins plus round grounding pin) at 120V / 60Hz — the same as the United States. European and Australian travellers will need an adapter and a voltage converter for most devices.
911 is the emergency number for police, fire, and ambulance throughout Canada.
Canada is consistently rated at the lowest advisory level — 'take normal precautions' — by most governments. Check your government's official travel advice for any province- or territory-specific notes.