It is possible to travel to Canada all year round. However, TourCompass only offers tours between May and October.

Canada is the second largest country in the world, and as such, its climate varies greatly from coast to coast and from south to north. You’ll find everything from warm summers to cold, snowy winters, making it a wonderfully diverse destination whatever the season.

Canada is especially popular during the summer months—from June to September—when large parts of the country enjoy mild, pleasant weather. This is also peak season for many national parks, including those in the Rocky Mountains in the provinces of British Columbia and Alberta, which attract visitors eager to hike, camp, and take in the country’s spectacular natural scenery. Bear in mind that in Western Canada, temperatures can fluctuate quite a bit depending on whether you’re near the coast or further inland in the mountains. In spring, it’s not unusual to drive through snow-capped mountain landscapes. We therefore recommend packing clothing for both warm and cooler days.

Autumn, especially September and October, is renowned for its stunning ‘fall foliage’, when the forests of eastern Canada—in places like Quebec and Ontario—erupt in vibrant shades of red and gold.

Winter (December–March) draws skiers to renowned resorts such as Whistler and Banff, while metropolitan cities like Toronto and Montreal offer a festive wintery atmosphere with charming Christmas markets.

Spring is an ideal time to visit the country’s southern regions and major cities, as temperatures start to rise from April onwards.

The Rocky Mountains in western Canada (Banff – Jasper – Whistler – Kelowna):

Along the coast of western Canada (Vancouver – Vancouver Island):

Eastern Canada (Toronto – Ottawa – Quebec – Montreal):

Passport

You must, of course, bring your passport with you on your tour. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned return date and contain a biometric chip.

If you are making a connecting flight in a country other than Canada, it is your own responsibility to check the requirements regarding passport validity for that country.

eTA and visa

To travel to or transit through Canada, you generally need to obtain an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization).

eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)

An eTA is an online electronic application required to pre-approve your stay in Canada (this applies for transiting to other countries as well). Travellers entering Canada by land, for example by driving from the USA, are exempt from needing an eTA.

When completing your eTA application, you should only use the official website of the Canadian government via this link: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta.html. Please ensure you use this link to avoid fraudulent copycat websites. The application fee is approximately CAD 7 per person.

You are personally responsible for applying for your entry permit in good time. We recommend you do so immediately after booking your tour, but no later than 72 hours prior to departure. All travellers, regardless of age, must have their own permit.

When you begin your eTA application, please have the following ready:

• Your passport
• Your credit card
• Your email address

Before submitting your application, we recommend double-checking that all the information you have entered is correct.

Typically, a response to your application will be sent to your email shortly after submission, but please allow up to 72 hours for processing. If you haven’t received a response within this timeframe, you should contact the Canadian embassy.

The pre-authorisation is electronically linked to your passport and is valid for 5 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. If you obtain a new passport, you will need to apply for a new eTA.

We recommend bringing a printed, physical copy of your eTA pre-authorisation with you to the airport.

Visa:

As a UK citizen, you do not require a visa to enter Canada for holidays, family visits, or business purposes, provided you meet a number of conditions:

• Your stay in Canada must be less than 6 months
• You have applied for and received approval for your eTA entry permit (see above for more information)
• You hold a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date and contains a biometric chip.

As regulations may change at short notice, it is advisable always to check the latest passport and visa requirements with the embassy of the country you are visiting.

Please refer to the passport and visa regulations on the website of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

Before departure, you can download our app here to find your travel documents and your contact details for TourCompass and our local partners.

Within the app, you can access your vouchers, which you will need to present during your tour. Each voucher contains essential information relating to car hire (if applicable), train tickets, hotels, and excursions.
Be sure to read each voucher carefully and arrive promptly at the specified meeting points and times.

It is important that you bring your itinerary for your tour. Your itinerary provides you with easy access to the day-by-day programme, including vital information for each day. The programme serves as a helpful guide, ensuring you make the most of your time at the destination and experience all the highlights.

Parks Canada Discovery Pass:

When you check in at your first accommodation, simply ask at the reception to collect your Parks Canada Discovery Pass. This annual pass grants you access to more than 80 national parks and selected historic sites. You may be asked to show photo ID along with your pass. Please note that the Parks Canada Discovery Pass does not include entry to provincial parks.

Reservation for Algonquin Provincial Park:

To enter Algonquin Provincial Park, you need to make an online reservation. Reservations can be made up to 5 days before your planned arrival.

1. Visit Ontario Parks’ reservation system here: https://reservations.ontarioparks.ca/
2. Select ‘day pass/ day use’
3. Choose Algonquin – Hwy 60 Corridor, which gives you access to drive along Highway 60, visit the Visitor Centre, and explore the most popular walking trails. If you wish to visit other, specific routes, you may require an alternative pass.
4. Select your date (a reservation is needed for every day you plan to enter the park)
5. Enter your car registration number
6. Make your payment (approximately CAD 21 per car, per day)
7. Please present your reservation at the park entrance (either digitally or as a printed copy)

We recommend that you contact your GP or an authorised private vaccination clinic for information about vaccinations. You can also read more about the rules regarding travel vaccinations here.

Please be aware of the rules about yellow fever – especially if you are entering via another country where yellow fever is present. Some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination upon entry. Your vaccination certificate should therefore always be carried with you in your hand luggage when you travel.

Please make sure to read our general booking conditions thoroughly, as they form part of the contractual agreement for tours purchased with TourCompass. Tours purchased from us are covered by the ‘Package Travel Regulations’.

Click here to read our booking conditions.

All the flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay, you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels, and other services) is listed on it.
Please see our booking conditions for further information, or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate, click here.

We always recommend that you have comprehensive travel insurance as part of your preparations for your dream tour. In addition, it is also a very good idea to take out cancellation insurance.

Click here to visit our insurance page, where you can read more about our recommendations.

In Canada, the currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD). You can find the current exchange rate for Canadian dollars here.

Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted – in hotels, shops, and most restaurants. In all major cities and airports, there are cash machines (ATMs) where you can easily withdraw cash. We recommend taking some cash with you if you are visiting smaller towns, villages, or national parks, as card payments and ATMs may be limited.

Get an idea of price levels in Canada here.

In Canada, it is customary and expected to tip in the service industry. The usual amount is between 15–20% of the bill, depending on your experience.

Just as in the USA, tipping makes up a significant part of the income for many service employees in Canada, and it’s common for some restaurants to automatically add a tip to your bill—usually shown as “gratuity included”. In these cases, there’s no need to tip extra.

Below you’ll find a general guide to tipping in Canada:

• Taxi drivers and ride-share apps (Uber/Lyft): 10–15%, but at least 3 CAD per journey
• Porters/luggage assistance: 1–3 CAD per piece of luggage
• Hotel housekeeping: 2–5 CAD per room per day
• Restaurants: 15–20% based on service and quality—check if gratuity is already included before tipping
• Guides: 5–10 CAD per day per person depending on the length and quality of your tour

At the vast majority of our destinations, we are able to take allergies, as well as allergens or preferences, into account when it comes to food; however, it is important that you inform us of this when you book the tour.

Telephone & Wi-Fi:

Using data and roaming abroad can be expensive if it’s not already included in your mobile plan. Check with your mobile provider to find out what services are included in your plan and what rates apply when travelling overseas.

If your mobile plan does not already include data and roaming for Canada, we recommend making use of the free Wi-Fi available at your hotel or in restaurants. This way, you can call and message home at no extra cost using various services such as Facetime, Messenger, or WhatsApp.

You also have the option to purchase a physical SIM card with data included upon arrival in Canada. Alternatively, you can buy an electronic SIM card – known as an eSIM – either before you travel or at your destination. With an eSIM, you keep your own SIM card in your phone, but still have access to data throughout your tour.

You can read more about how to get online while travelling on our blog here.

Electricity:

Canada uses 120 volts in its power outlets, with sockets for two flat pins. It’s important to bring an appropriate adapter with you.

Always ensure that all essential and irreplaceable items are kept in your hand luggage. For example, this includes your passport, visa, vaccination card, credit cards, cash, insurance documents, travel documents, computer, mobile phone, as well as any information regarding your state of health and any life-essential medication.

Visitors are not permitted to bring plants, seeds, fruit, and other plant products into the UK from their travels outside the UK, unless they are accompanied by a plant health (phytosanitary) certificate. These rules also apply to smaller quantities of plants and plant products.

You can read more about the regulations here.

Please note that our tours are generally not suitable for persons with reduced mobility. However, you are very welcome to contact us for information about options concerning your specific requirements.

For most airlines, flight tickets are issued electronically as e-tickets.

It is important to ensure that your name is spelt correctly, as the name on the booking must match your passport exactly. Should any amendments need to be made, please contact us as soon as possible. Please be aware that airlines may charge a fee for such changes.

The airline will assign you a seat onboard the aircraft at check-in. If you have specific preferences regarding where you sit, you can make a seat reservation yourself via the airline’s website or app. Please note that most airlines charge a fee for reserving a seat.

The exact timing of when seat reservations open varies from airline to airline, but as a general rule, you can book seats from the time you make your booking up until 48 hours before departure.

Please be aware that the airline retains full control over all seats on the aircraft and therefore always reserves the right to make changes to your reservation. If you do not reserve a seat before your departure, the airline will allocate you a seat at check-in.

When checking in, you will need your passport and booking reference, which you can find on your itinerary.

We recommend downloading the airline’s app onto your mobile phone. Through the app, you can usually check in online from 24 to 48 hours before departure. The app will also keep you updated on any flight changes and provide other important information relating to your journey.

Please note that your flight times may differ from those stated in the itinerary you received when booking your tour. The actual flight times are always those listed in the airline’s app or on their website.

We recommend arriving at the airport no later than 2–3 hours prior to departure. For the latest updates, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the airport’s website.

We work with a wide range of airlines to our various destinations. For specific rules regarding hand luggage and checked-in luggage, please check the airline’s website or app.

If your itinerary includes domestic flights, please be aware that the baggage allowance may differ from your international flights. It is usually possible to purchase additional luggage allowance locally if required.

When flying domestically within Canada, please note that TourCompass is not always able to pre-pay your checked luggage. Rest assured, you will still be able to bring your luggage with you – you’ll simply need to purchase and pay for it yourself at the check-in desk at the airport. The process is straightforward, and you can pay for your luggage at the same time as you check in.

If your luggage is delayed, you should report your missing baggage to the staff in the luggage area at the airport upon arrival.

It’s important that you have your baggage receipt when completing your PIR report (Property Irregularity Report).

Please ensure you do not leave the airport luggage area before you have filled out the report.

If there are any changes to your flight reservation before departure, we will, of course, contact you with the relevant information.

If a flight delay occurs after you have checked in, it is the airline’s responsibility to rebook your flight. They will typically book you onto the next available departure and provide meals and accommodation if required.

If a delay or cancellation results in the airline rebooking you onto a different flight number after you have arrived at the airport, please contact us on the TourCompass emergency hotline.

Immigration:
When you arrive at your final destination, you will pass through immigration, where your passport and any entry documents or visas will be checked. In many locations, you will be required to provide fingerprints, and a photograph of your face may be taken for biometric identification. You may also be asked questions about your travel plans in the country and possibly the address of your accommodation.

Customs:
Once you’ve passed through immigration and collected your luggage, you’ll need to go through customs. If you have nothing to declare, you can proceed through the “nothing to declare” channel. However, if you do have items to declare, it’s important that you use the “declare” channel. It is your responsibility to check the customs regulations that apply in the country you are travelling to.

Once you have cleared immigration and customs in Canada, you will generally need to make your way to your first accommodation on your own—either by public transport, taxi, or by hiring a car. If you have arranged a transfer through TourCompass as part of your tour, simply follow the instructions on your transfer voucher. The information relevant to your specific tour can be found in the itinerary you received by email. Here, you will also find the daily programme for your tour, including whether you need to collect a hire car upon arrival or make your way to your accommodation by other means.

Car hire on arrival:
If your tour requires you to collect a hire car on your arrival day, you’ll find the collection details, rental company, and pick-up time on your voucher. Most car hire companies have desks either within the airport or a short distance away. You may wish to use a complimentary airport shuttle, which will take you directly to the rental location.

Standard check-in is usually between 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm, so you should not expect to have access to your room before then.

At check-in, the receptionist will typically register your credit card and may reserve a certain amount as a hold. This is not an additional cost, but a standard procedure at hotels to cover any potential expenses such as minibar usage or similar. Upon check-out, the amount will automatically be released if you have not made use of these services.

It is quite common for hotels to take a copy of your passport. In some destinations, this is a requirement from the local authorities.

Standard check-out is usually around 10:00 am. If you are not travelling onwards until later in the day, most hotels can store your luggage until you are ready to depart. Should you wish for a late check-out instead, this can usually be arranged for an extra charge at the time of booking your tour.

Please note that you must be at least 21 years old to check in at hotels in Canada.

Parking at hotels:

• Please be aware that many hotels charge a separate fee for parking.
• You can search for parking options in a given area, e.g. “Calgary Downtown”, on Parkopedia.
• It is your own responsibility to check up-to-date opening hours, prices, and current regulations when parking your car.
• We advise against leaving any belongings in the car.

In the event of unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, blocked roads, or otherwise, it may be necessary to change the order of sightseeing tours and attractions in your itinerary.

Car hire:

Self-drive tours are a popular way to travel in Canada, and it’s an easy country to get around by car. This offers wonderful freedom to decide where and when you wish to stop along the way.

We use Avis car rental in Canada. Below you’ll find important information about car hire in Canada, including an overview of the insurance cover included in your hire agreement. Please note, the following is a brief summary of the typical insurances and services included in your agreement, and that certain conditions may apply as specified in the full terms and conditions which you will receive when you collect your hire car.

Here are a few important things to note about your car hire in Canada:

• Your car hire in Canada includes mandatory as well as the selected recommended services:
  • Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) including Theft Protection (TP): Covers damage to the rental car and in the event of theft. There is an excess of CAD 750. Excess elimination can be purchased at the car rental desk when you collect your vehicle for approximately CAD 12 per day (maximum CAD 288). In the province of Alberta, the price for excess elimination is around CAD 14 per day (maximum CAD 336).
  • Third-Party Liability (TPL): Covers third-party damages in the event of an accident up to CAD 1,000,000. There is no excess (CAD 0).
• Your car hire does not include the following insurance or services:
  • Personal Accident Insurance (PAI): Personal accident insurance is not included in the insurance package for the main driver, passengers, or any additional drivers. You should ensure this is included in your private insurance and that it covers travel in Canada.
  • Roadside Assistance (RA): This service can be purchased locally if you wish. It costs around CAD 18 plus local taxes per day, payable locally upon collection.
  • Fuel: As a rule of thumb, the car should be returned with the same amount of petrol as when collected (usually a full tank). If you are unsure, please check with the local car hire office.
  • Optional insurance: You may be offered a range of additional insurance options at the local car hire office. It is entirely up to you whether you wish to purchase any of these. Please note, however, that your signature on the final rental agreement (including any add-ons) is legally binding, and you are liable for any selected extras.
• Passport and driving licence: When collecting your care hire, you must present both your passport and driving licence. Temporary and digital driving licences are not accepted. We advise bringing an international driving permit, as in some cases, this may be required in addition to your standard licence if it is not in English.
  You must have held your driving licence for at least one year.
  The above passport and driving licence requirements also apply to any additional drivers, as well as drivers aged 21–24 years.
• Additional drivers: Additional driver (AD). Any additional driver must be added to the rental agreement when collecting the car, and must present both their passport and driving licence, just like the main driver. An additional driver can be as young as 21, in which case the same terms and young driver fees will apply as for a Young Driver.
• Credit card: The main renter must present a valid credit card in their own name when collecting the hire car:
  • Credit card: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover
  • Please remember to bring your physical credit card (not just on your phone)
• Security deposit: A deposit is required when collecting the vehicle. The deposit is approximately CAD 500 and may vary depending on vehicle category and any optional extras selected. The amount will be held on your card and released when you return the car.
• Young driver fee:  A supplement is charged for drivers aged 21-24. The fee is approximately CAD 25-35 + local tax per day and is payable locally upon collection. Please note that drivers aged 21-24 are only permitted to hire certain vehicle categories (luxury cars, SUVs, and minivans are not allowed).
• Navigation:  Your hire car does not include GPS, but you can reserve this when booking your tour. The cost is around CAD 18 + local taxes per day, payable locally when you collect your vehicle. Selected car hire offices also offer the purchase of an e-sim through Avis, costing around CAD 24 for 30 days. If you have data access either through your phone plan or an e-sim, you can use several free navigation services on your mobile. Alternatively, you can purchase a GPS unit at your destination.
• Child car seats: You can reserve a child car seat when booking your tour. The price is approximately CAD 14 + local tax per day, payable locally upon collection. Here is a general guide for choosing the appropriate car seat:
  • Infant seat (2.3 – 9 kg) – infant seat
  • Child safety seat (9-18 kg) – child safety seat
  • Booster seat – child booster seat
• Luggage: When you collect your car, you’ll usually be shown a selection of vehicles within your chosen category to pick from. The size of the boot can vary depending on the model offered. We recommend that you pack soft bags and do not exceed the recommended luggage allowance for your vehicle category on your tour.
• Permitted roads: The hire car may only be driven on official paved roads.
• Breach of contract: Insurance coverage is void if the rental contract is breached, including reckless driving or violation of Canadian law.
• Toll roads and bridges: If you drive on toll roads or bridges, charges are typically registered automatically via your number plate. Avis will usually invoice you between 4 and 8 weeks after the end of your car hire.

Train travel in Canada:

There are several train operators in Canada. TourCompass offers tours by train with both VIA Rail in Eastern Canada and Rocky Mountaineer in Western Canada.

When travelling by train in Eastern Canada with VIA Rail:
It is especially important to arrive on time. Typically, you should arrive 45 minutes before departure, and at major stations like Union Station in Toronto, we recommend arriving 90 minutes ahead of time.

Information about which platform your train departs from will be displayed on the information screens approximately 15–20 minutes before the scheduled departure.

We recommend that you bring a type of bag or suitcase that is easy for you to carry and move around with.

You will be travelling standard class (Economy class). The following luggage allowance applies:

• 1 small bag to take on board with you, which must fit underneath your seat.
• 1 piece of checked luggage per person (maximum 76 x 48 x 30 cm and up to 23 kg) – to be taken into the carriage and stored either between the seats or on the racks above.
• If you have oversized luggage, you must check it in. In this case, you need to arrive at least 60 minutes before departure and you may be charged an additional fee.

Public transport or taxi:

Taxi, Uber: In Canada, it’s just as common to take a taxi as it is to book an Uber. We recommend downloading apps like Uber in advance if you’d like to use this service. It’s straightforward to use: simply book your route and payment is made when you place your order.

Public transport: Major cities in Canada offer excellent options for public transport. Below you’ll find general recommendations for a few key cities where your tour might begin:

• Toronto: You can catch the UP Express train from Toronto Pearson Airport directly to downtown Toronto. Tickets cost around CAD 13 and can be purchased from a ticket machine near the train. Just follow the “Train to City” signs at the airport to find the UP Express platform.
• Calgary: Getting from the airport to downtown Calgary is easy with the bus. Tickets can be obtained from a ticket machine by the train. At the airport, simply follow the “Transit Calgary” signs.
• Vancouver: The SkyTrain provides a convenient connection between Vancouver International Airport and downtown Vancouver. Tickets are available from ticket machines by the train, and you’ll find the “Canada Line” easily by following the signs in the airport.

Special terrain and weather conditions:

• In your tour itinerary, you’ll find an estimated driving time for each day. Please note that this is only a guideline and does not account for live traffic conditions on your driving day. You are responsible for checking the current driving time yourself, and we highly recommend that you keep an eye on your route before setting off. It is your own responsibility to check the actual driving time for your journey.

We offer a 24-hour emergency hotline, so you can always reach us should any unforeseen events occur during your tour. You’ll also receive the direct telephone numbers and emergency contact details for our local partners at your destination. In some cases, due to time zone differences, it may be quicker and easier to contact our on-site partners directly – particularly if, for example, your pick-up for a tour is delayed by more than 15 minutes.

Our business relies on happy travellers, and we would love to hear from you once you return home. Please email us at info@tourcompass.co.uk or call us on 01279 704 135.