Travel Insurance for Canada

Canada is the second largest country in the world, with the world’s longest coastline. You won’t get to see it all in one trip, but you’re guaranteed to have a wonderful time no matter which city you travel to. Get ready for your next holiday with our advice and travel information for Canada.

Emergency Contact Information

The general emergency number in Canada is 911. This number will put you through to the police, the fire brigade, and emergency medical services.

If you are injured or become the victim of the crime while you are on your trip, you should inform your travel insurance provider. If you need an emergency travel document or other consular services, contact the British High Commission in Ottawa or the British Consulate General in Calgary, Montreal, Vancouver, or Toronto.

Travel Safety Tips

Travelling in Canada is generally safe for tourists, but as you would in any country, keep an eye on your belongings, don’t leave your bags unattended, and make us of the hotel safe.

If you’re planning on travelling in the wilderness or visiting a state park, let someone know about your travel plans, take your trash with you, and do not disturb the wildlife. Be respectful of these spaces.

You will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a visa to travel to Canada, depending on the length of your stay. Your passport must be valid for the length of your trip. To drive in Canada, you will need a UK driving licence and a 1949 International Driving Permit. Canada generally has harsh winters, so be especially cautions when driving in icy conditions and make sure your rental vehicle has winter tyres.

Canada is known for experiencing extreme weather conditions, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, tsunamis, thunderstorms, winter storms, avalanches, and forest fires. Keep an eye on the local weather alerts for severe weather in the region you plan on travelling to.

For more information about travel and safety, check out the FCDO travel advice for Canada.

Places to Visit in Canada

A trip to Canada is on most travellers’ bucket lists. Whether you want to try some delicious Canadian food, watch an ice hockey match, or go hiking in the Canadian Rockies, here are some of the top places to visit in Canada.

Banff

The resort town of Banff is a top ski and snowboarding destination due to its proximity to Cascade Mountain, Mount Norquay, and Mount Rundle. The are several ski resorts in the local area, but there are many more activities to do here. Many travellers visit Banff National Park to go hiking on Tunnel Mountain, mountaineering in Johnston Creek, and mountain biking on the Goat Creek Trail. You can also kayak on Lake Minnewanka, go whitewater rafting Kicking Horse River, and take the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain. Many travellers also like to visit the Cave and Basin National Historic Site and the Banff Upper Hot Springs. Other beautiful sites are the Cascade of Time Garden and Bow Falls.

Ottawa

Ottawa is the capital city of Canada. Visitors can head to the city centre and go shopping at the ByWard Market or the Sparks Street Mall. The best museums are the Bytown Museum, National Gallery of Canada, and Canadian Museum of History. Many people stop by Rideau Hall and the Parliament Buildings near Parliament Hill. You can walk along the Rideau Canal, or kayak on it in the summer and ice skate on it in the winter. Adventurous travellers will like whitewater rafting on the Ottawa River, wandering through Gatineau Park, and skiing at Camp Fortune.

Toronto

Toronto is on the east coast and is the largest city in Canada. For the best view of the city, head to the main deck of the CN Tower. Hockey fans can watch a game at the Scotiabank Arena and visit the Hockey Hall of Fame afterwards. The best places for shopping are St Lawrence Market and Eaton Centre shopping mall, and foodies will want to visit Greektown, Chinatown, and the Distillery District. Top landmarks include the Scarborough Bluffs, Lake Ontario, the Royal Ontario Museum, and Casa Loma. Hop on a ferry to see the Gibraltar Point Beach Lighthouse on the Toronto Islands, go hiking in Moccasin Trail Park, or relax at Woodbine Beach.

Vancouver

Vancouver is on the west coast of Canada. Mosey around the city and to the popular Gastown neighbourhood for the best food and shops. You can also go shopping at Granville Island Public Market and Richmond Night Market. Get away from the hustle and bustle of the city by going to Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden in Chinatown or find your way through the Elizabethan Hedge Maze in VanDusen Botanical Garden. Vancouver is a fantastic place for outdoorspeople. You can walk across the Capilano Suspension Bridge at the Capilano Rivier or go across Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge over Lynn Canyon. You should also consider skiing on Grouse Mountain, going kayaking in Deep Cove, and taking a boat tour of Granite Falls. Savour the incredible views of Vancouver from the Sea to Sky Gondola and spend the day at Kitsilano Beach.

Montreal

When people go to Montreal, their first stop is usually the Vieux-Montréal (Old Montreal) district. There, you’ll find the Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History, Parc Jean-Drapeau, and Bonsecours Market. Next to Vieux-Montréal is Vieux-Port (Old Port), which is the home of the Montreal Clock tower, La Grande Roue de Montréal, and Port of Montreal Tower. The trendiest neighbourhood is Mile End, which has casual eateries and artsy shops, and is one of the best places to get poutine. There is a lot to see in the Montréal Space for Life, such as the Montreal Biodome, the Planetarium, the Olympic Stadium, and the Jardins Botanique. Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal and St. Joseph’s Oratory of Mont-Royal are also popular landmarks. Learn about the history of the town at the Redpath Museum and Pointe-à-Callière Museum.

Halifax

Halifax has a rich history, which can be learned about at the Museum of Natural History and Halifax Citadel National Historic Site. Around the corner is Halifax Public Gardens. Shop with the locals at Seaport Farmers’ Market, the Hydrostone Market, and the Brewery Market. Spend the day at Boardwalk before taking a tour of the nearby Halifax Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. The best places to go biking and hiking are Hemlock Ravine Park, Point Pleasant Park, Long Lake Provincial Park.