Holidays to Canada

Canada's official currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD), which is available in paper notes of 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 dollars. Canadian coins consist of a nickel (5 cents), a dime (10 cents), a quarter (25 cents), a loonie (CAD 1), and a toonie (CAD 2). Although 50-cent pieces are minted for special occasions, they are rarely used in circulation. Certain retailers throughout the country will accept the US dollar as a form of payment for goods, but we highly recommend you use the local currency.  

Vancouver 

Nestling beside the immense majesty of the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver ranks alongside some of the major cultural hotspots of the world like Melbourne, Cape Town and San Francisco, all of which have naturally beautiful panoramas and energetic, trendy lifestyles. With Vancouver’s gleaming glass skyscrapers reflected in the azure-blue ocean of its harbour, Canada’s third largest city is a fascinating and cosmopolitan metropolis encircled by water and rainforest-covered mountains which provide an atmospheric backdrop. There are a number of urban parks, such as Stanley Park and Pacific Spirit Regional Park, which bring a touch of nature into the city that adds a touch of calm when you need an easy retreat from all the hustle and bustle.

Banff & The Rocky Mountains 

The resort town of Banff is situated at the heart of the Rocky Mountains within its namesake park – Banff National Park – between the snowy-summited Mount Cascade and Mount Rundle. Staying here puts the peaks and trails of the mountains on your doorstep, perfect for spending your days exploring or simply taking the scenery. You can make a relaxed day hike over to Lake Minnewanka just north of the town if lakeside views and getting closer to nature is what you’re after, and for those seeking more waterfalls than the trashing waters of Bow Falls are only a short trip away.

Calgary 

Found in the Alberta Province to the east of the Rocky Mountains, this bold and brash cosmopolitan city serves as the central hub for Canada’s oil industry. Locals are just as welcoming as you’d expect, but with an extra dash of outgoing confidence that will surely sweep you up and bring you closer to the city. Calgary earned the name “Cowtown” due to the abundance of western culture that pervades a large proportion of the city, with western-themed bars and the annual rodeo event – the Calgary Stampede – which has evolved from its background as a humble farming expo. The city is still transforming and taking on more trends to keep up with similar emerging cities, so popping over to popular neighbourhoods like Mission, Bridgeland and Kensington will give you a sense of what’s on the horizon for Calgary. 

Toronto 

Toronto offers a vibrant tapestry of culture, entertainment, and natural beauty. Nestled on the shores of Lake Ontario, this cosmopolitan city boasts iconic landmarks, like the CN Tower, and diverse neighbourhoods like Kensington Market and the Distillery District. Toronto is a foodie's paradise with a melting pot of global flavours, reflecting its multicultural population - more than 46% of its 3 million inhabitants are foreign-born. There's a Little India, Chinatown, Greektown, Koreatown, Portugal Village and not one but two Little Italys. Art enthusiasts can explore world-class museums such as the Art Gallery of Ontario. With its lush parks, scenic waterfront, and bustling streets, Toronto invites exploration at every turn, promising an unforgettable urban adventure. 

See the Rocky Mountains

The Canadian Rockies are amongst the very finest spectacles of natural beauty and wildlife you can find on Earth. The magnificent Rocky Mountains are Canada’s crowning glory, home to bears, majestic elk, moose and beaver, with endless verdant forests interspersed with the snow-topped peaks of the individual mountains. Opaque lakes of stunning emerald, green and turquoise reflect these magnificent mountains, creating picture perfect moments that must be seen to be believed. Carpets of wildflowers bedeck the green meadows spread beneath the towering glaciers - huge expanses of brilliant white ice and snow, contrasting with the muted greys and pinks of the jagged peaks. Crossing this rugged terrain of deep ravines and high passes is simple when you choose to travel by rail, with the Rocky Mountaineer representing the ultimate way to travel through the beautifully rugged terrain of Alberta and British Columbia as the scenic panoramic views unfold before your very eyes. 

Walk on a Glacier

The sparkling Columbia glacier covers an expanse of over 200 square miles, making it the largest of its kind across the whole of the Rocky Mountains and sits astride the Continental Divide between British Columbia and Alberta. Driving across this glacier from the comfort of a ‘snocoach’ gives you a completely unique experience of these mountains, allowing you to see the colossal crevasses up close. Stepping onto the glacier itself, you get a sense of perspective and scale that will leave you marvelling at just how immense Canada’s natural world is, with much being untouched by the modern world. 

Discover First Nations art in Stanley Park

Within Vancouver’s urban metropolis is a grand green escape which brings the glorious, lush landscape of Canada’s national parks into the heart of the city. The park consists of 400 hectares of West Coast rainforest for you to discover as you wander along the various paths that take you out past the English Bay and under the Lions Gate Bridge. Highlights within the park are the various totem poles which present a carved history of the some of Canada’s First Nation peoples. See the traditional red cedar gateways styled like those of the Coast Salish people, and the impressive collection of nine totem poles brought from across the country. 

Take in Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls, a stunning natural wonder located on the border of the USA and Canada, is a sight to behold. It consists of three sets of waterfalls: the Bridal Veil Falls and the American Falls on U.S. soil, whereas the iconic Horseshoe Falls sits on the Canadian side - and when you think of Niagara Falls, you think of the Horseshoe. From this vantage point, you can walk along the gorge's rim for a mile and immerse yourself in the breathtaking panorama. You can marvel at the Niagara River below or gaze across at all three cascading waterfalls. 

Visit Fundy National Park

The Cliffs of Fundy, the soaring sea cliffs near Minas Basin in the Bay of Fundy, was designated a UNESCO Global Geopark in summer 2020-the province's sixth UNESCO nod to date. The cliffs were created by the highest tides on earth - which can even be taller than five-story buildings! As well as holding great significance for the Mi'kmaq people, they're also an ideal spot for fossil hunters and have great significance for the Mi'kmaq people. Plus, these cliffs tell a 300-million-year-old story of Pangea, which is truly fascinating. 

Travel on the Icefields Parkway

To travel the Icefields Parkway is to experience one of Canada’s national treasures and most rewarding destinations. This stunning 232 km (144 miles) stretch runs through the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountains World Heritage Site, and offers access to an amazing wilderness of pristine mountain lakes, ancient glaciers, exciting wildlife, and broad sweeping valleys. The route winds through the National Parks of Banff and Jasper, and is home to a unique and irreplaceable landscape that's rich in history and natural beauty like no other. It's definitely worth a visit if you have the chance (and you will on the Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer or Grand Jounrey on Canada's Rocky Mountaineer & Alaskan cruise). 

In the southern regions where the major cities are located, the climate is continental. This means that winters are cold with long-lasting snow and a short growing season. During winter, temperatures tend to stay below 10ºC. In summer, the average temperature includes highs of 22ºC with occasional warmer spots.

Canada's food is a reflection of its people - friendly, unpretentious, and full of character. The humble maple leaf, which is part of the Canadian flag, is a central element in the country's food. It can be seen drizzled over various dishes. After maple syrup, poutine, a hearty Canadian classic, is considered the national dish. It consists of seasoned French fries, cheese curds, and rich, thick gravy. Authentic poutine, which originated in Quebec, is now a proud symbol of the city's culture. On the sweeter side, fluffy and filling butter tarts are another Canadian staple, along with Nanaimo bars, which are essential choices for those with a sweet tooth. 

Tipping is common practice in Canada, and expected in many service industries, including restaurants, bars, cafes, and various services. Most leave a 15-18% tip for table services, however when ordering at the counter and taking your food with you, less is fine. Groups of 6 or more may find a service charge added to the bill.

Just over half the population of Canada reported a Christian religion in the 2021 census. 29% are religiously unaffiliated, while a rising share of Canadians identify with other faiths, including Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, Judaism and Buddhism, due in large part to immigration.