Why travel to Canada?

Canada is a country where the word “vast” barely does justice to the scale of the experiences waiting for you. From the wild Pacific coast, magnificent mountains, and iconic wildlife of western Canada, to the spectacular waterfalls and vibrant cities of eastern Canada.

As the second largest country in the world, Canada boasts an abundance of wonders. Feel your heart race when you spot a black bear by the roadside on Canada’s world-famous scenic routes, or see a whale just off the coast of Vancouver Island.

You must visit Canada if you long to experience nature’s grandeur up close and to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Our tours in Canada

We offer two different types of tours in Canada: self-drive tours and train tours, giving you unforgettable experiences in both western and eastern Canada.

Below, you can find out more about the incredible highlights you can experience on our tours.

Self-drive tours in Canada

Most of our tours to Canada are self-drive tours, where you travel between Canada’s vibrant cities and through its breathtaking scenery.

Having your own car gives you the freedom to make detours along your route each day. On days when you have free time or a leisurely drive ahead, you’ll have the chance to discover attractions near your planned route. This allows you to set your own pace and stop whenever something catches your eye.

Read more about driving in Canada.

Travel by train through Canadian nature

On our train tours, part of your journey is replaced by a comfortable ride through Canada’s stunning landscapes, relaxing in a spacious train carriage.

On our train tours, there’s no need to worry about getting yourself from city to city. Our hotels are centrally located, and catching a taxi between the hotel and the train station is a breeze. Once you’ve found your platform, simply hop on board and soak up the extraordinary scenery as you travel towards your next destination.

On these train tours, you’ll stop in vibrant Canadian cities and have plenty of free time to shape your journey to suit your own interests and pace.

Highlights of western Canada

Our tours to western Canada bring you to stunning national parks, iconic wildlife, spectacular coastal scenery, and historic gold rush towns across the provinces of British Columbia and Alberta.

Vancouver

Vancouver boasts a breathtaking setting between the Pacific Ocean and the majestic coastal mountains in British Columbia.

This harbour city is the perfect place to kick off—or wrap up—your tour in western Canada, offering delights for nature lovers and culture seekers alike.

Stanley Park, Vancouver’s oldest and largest park, is the city’s lush green heart. Alongside its temperate rainforest and scenic paths, you’ll find the famous totem poles from the 1880s, which tell stories of the achievements of the First Nations peoples. Be sure to visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge as well, which spans the river 70 metres below and is surrounded by lush rainforest—a thrilling experience for those who don’t mind their heart beating a little bit faster.

Vancouver is also full of charm. Take a stroll along the waterfront promenade and enjoy the view from one of the many cafés, treat yourself to delicious bites from the market on Granville Island, or pop into one of the city’s numerous museums, such as Science World, with its iconic dome that’s impossible to miss at the end of False Creek.

Vancouver Island

West of Vancouver, out in the Pacific Ocean, you’ll find Vancouver Island. This island’s rugged coastline, shaped by the sea, invites you to discover a wealth of fascinating wildlife waiting to be explored.

One of the real highlights of Vancouver Island can be found on its western edge, where the Pacific Rim—the untouched west coast—reveals mile upon mile of sandy beaches and pristine rainforests. Discover the charming coastal town of Ucluelet, the quaint fishing village of Tofino, or the Pacific Rim National Park, and experience Canada’s remarkable balance between unspoiled wilderness and the rich cultural heritage of the region’s First Nations peoples, such as the Nuu-chah-nulth.

Make Ucluelet or Tofino your base for some fantastic excursions—here, you might be lucky enough to spot some of the island’s estimated 12,000 black bears in their natural habitat.

In addition to the truly outstanding natural beauty found on Vancouver Island, if you travel south, you’ll also discover British Columbia’s capital city. Victoria is an elegant, British-inspired city, famed for its historic buildings, flourishing gardens, and a charming harbourfront promenade. Here, you can soak up the city’s relaxed vibe, enjoy cosy cafés, and immerse yourself in its rich cultural heritage. From Victoria, you can also join a whale-watching tour—if you’re lucky, you might spot humpback whales and orcas, especially between May and September.

Rocky Mountains

Canada’s Rocky Mountains are where nature’s wild beauty soars to new heights, with snow-capped peaks and sparkling glacier lakes. Some of the world’s most breathtaking natural experiences await you here, with one incredible highlight after another to look forward to.

Explore national parks such as Banff National Park, home to the famed emerald-green waters of Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. Feel the power of nature in Jasper National Park, where the azure Maligne Lake sits ringed by dramatic mountain peaks and glaciers. Travelling between the parks, you’ll journey along the iconic Icefields Parkway, boasting views of snow-covered mountains and the possibility of encountering wildlife such as bears and moose. Retrace the footsteps of gold prospectors along historic routes like the Cariboo Wagon & Gold Rush Trail, passing through places such as Cache Creek and Lillooet—a key hub during the Fraser River gold rush of the 1860s.

Other highlights of western Canada

Western Canada offers an endless treasure trove of experiences and, in addition to those already mentioned, you can also:

• Visit the city of Calgary in southern Alberta, renowned for its sweeping prairies and authentic western vibe. Here, you’ll discover a unique blend of cowboy culture and vibrant city life.

• Feel your adrenaline surge on the world’s longest free-span cable car, the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, in the Olympic city Whistler.

• Enjoy a glass of award-winning ice wine while gazing out over the rolling vineyards of the Okanagan Valley near Kelowna.

Highlights of eastern Canada

Our tours to eastern Canada offer dramatic waterfalls, vibrant historic cities, and true Canadian wilderness in the provinces of Ontario and Québec.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is one of Canada’s top attractions—if not the very greatest of them all.

The falls, which straddle the border between Ontario in Canada and the state of New York in the USA, are among the world’s most iconic natural wonders.

Here, you can truly feel the power of nature as you embark on an unforgettable tour behind the largest of the three falls, Horseshoe Falls. Stand just a few metres from the torrent of thundering water cascading down before you.

Québec City

Québec City is the capital of Québec Province, and this French-Canadian city is a vibrant testament to Canada’s French heritage.

The city is the oldest fortified settlement in North America. The historic district, Vieux-Québec, is the only one of its kind north of Mexico, and its city walls, which were built more than 400 years ago, remain intact to this day. This is one of the reasons the district was added to the UNESCO world heritage list in 1985.

After wandering the atmospheric streets of the old town, you can tuck into local delicacies in Saint-Jean-Baptiste, pop into art museums in Montcalm, or explore one of the many other fascinating neighbourhoods that Québec City has to offer.

Montreal

Montreal is Canada’s cultural heart, where French flair meets North American energy. In fact, Montreal is one of the world’s largest French-speaking cities.

Pay a visit to the breathtaking Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal, whose stained-glass windows narrate the city’s history. Take a stroll along Saint Laurent Boulevard, where vivid murals enliven the cityscape, especially during the annual MURAL Festival, a vibrant celebration of Montreal’s street art culture. And if the weather isn’t on your side, delve into Montreal’s buzzing underground city, RESO, where shops, cafés, and cultural experiences await beneath the city’s streets.

Be sure not to miss a trip out of town to Mount Royal, where the Kondiaronk Lookout offers a stunning panoramic view of the city.

Toronto

Toronto, Canada’s largest city, is buzzing with life and full of experiences waiting to be discovered.

Venture up the iconic CN Tower, where from a height of 346 metres, you’ll enjoy a spectacular panoramic view over the city’s skyline and the beautiful Lake Ontario.

At the renowned Royal Ontario Museum, prepare to be wowed by its world-famous dinosaur exhibits. When hunger strikes, make your way to the colourful Kensington Market, famous for its laid-back vibe and exciting culinary finds, or visit the historic Distillery District, where atmospheric restaurants are tucked away among beautifully preserved industrial buildings.

Other highlights of eastern Canada

It’s hard to ever get enough of Canada, and the highlights of eastern Canada continue with:

• Algonquin Provincial Park, where you can immerse yourself in the authentic Canadian wilderness. Explore the park’s stunning scenery of coniferous and deciduous forests, lakes, and wetlands on foot or by canoe on Canoe Lake or Smoke Lake, where you might spot moose and beavers.

• The Thousand Islands region, where a captivating boat trip along the St. Lawrence River takes you through an enchanting archipelago dotted with charming small islands and historic summer residences.

• Ottawa, Canada’s welcoming capital city, where you can soak up the unique atmosphere at Parliament Hill along the Rideau Canal, and within the lively ByWard Market where Canadian specialities are waiting to be discovered.

A tour to Canada is a journey you’ll remember for a lifetime.

Package holidays to Canada including flights

All our tours to Canada are package holidays.

This means return flights, car hire or train travel, accommodation, and the scheduled excursions are all included in the price.

Take a look at the individual tours to see exactly what’s included.

Combine your package holiday with New York in the USA

Pair your Canadian adventure with a trip to New York – the city that never sleeps.

New York is one of the world’s most iconic cities, where you can experience attractions such as Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, and the picturesque Central Park nestled at the heart of the buzzing metropolis.

Discover the many vibrant neighbourhoods and enjoy stunning city views from the top of Rockefeller Center, where you’ll have spectacular sights of the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty among others.

New York makes for the perfect add-on if you want to combine Canada’s natural wonders with a taste of vibrant city life and world-famous attractions.

Frequently asked questions about travelling to Canada

It’s only natural to have plenty of questions when you’re planning a tour. We’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about Canada below.

Which languages are spoken in Canada?

Canada has two official languages: English and French.

Around 75% of Canadians have English as their first language, while about 22% speak French as their mother tongue.

Do I need a visa for Canada?

If you’re a UK citizen, you generally don’t need a visa for travel to Canada for holiday purposes. Instead, you must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).

An eTA is an electronic pre-authorisation that allows you to fly to Canada without a visa—usually for trips of up to six months at a time, provided you meet the current requirements.

You must apply online via the official Canadian authorities well in advance of your departure. Read more about the requirements and application process for an eTA on our page with practical information.

When is the best time to travel to Canada?

Canada is a year-round destination, but for many travellers, the best time to visit is between May and September when the weather is at its best. June to August are especially popular, offering long, warm days perfect for exploring. If you’re dreaming of experiencing a Canadian winter, you should travel outside of this period.

Please note that our tours are available between May and October.

Is tipping expected in Canada?

Yes, tipping is entirely customary in Canada and expected in many places, such as restaurants, with guides, and for hotel staff.

It is common practice to tip 15-20% at restaurants and cafés if you’re satisfied with the service. Always check whether a tip has already been included in the bill—this is often the case at larger hotels and in popular areas.

At hotels, it’s also customary to tip service staff, for example housekeeping and porters.

Why choose TourCompass?

When you book a tour in Canada with TourCompass, you get the best of both worlds.

You travel independently, while still enjoying the peace of mind that comes from having us as your travel partner. Throughout your tour, we and our local partners are ready to assist you on our emergency hotline, staffed 24/7, should you need support at any point along the way.

This means you can confidently set off on your Canadian adventure, knowing you’re never on your own.

Book your tour in Canada with TourCompass

Visiting Canada is an unforgettable experience. Are you ready to take that first step towards an adventure brimming with majestic landscapes, iconic wildlife, and charming cities?

If you still have questions, our travel specialists are here to support you – before, during, and after your tour. Get in touch today and together we’ll find the perfect tour for you.

It’s reassuring to explore the world with TourCompass – we’re with you all the way!

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