Cool Canada
Spread across many territories and provinces, Canada spans six time zones. From cosmopolitan Toronto in the east, to stylish Vancouver in the west, this vast country is impossibly diverse. Canada’s coastlines combine cities with beaches, while the country’s scenic interior is home to wildlife, dramatic mountains and huge ski resorts. Come winter or summer, rain or shine, Canada is a delight. It’s time to start exploring…
Good to know
Flight time: You can fly direct to Vancouver with Air Canada, which takes just under 10 hours. Direct flights to Calgary last about nine hours, while Toronto is just eight hours away.
Climate: Temperatures range from extreme lows of -30°C in January to highs of 27°C in July. June is a great time to visit as the melting snow transforms into a colourful landscape.
Local currency: Canadian Dollar
GMT: Canada spans four time zones from GMT-4 to GMT-7
Calgary
The first Canadian city to host the Winter Olympic Games, Calgary is nestled against the backdrop of the mighty Rocky Mountains. A fantastic year round destination, this city has something for everyone from dramatic scenery to thrilling winter adventure sports and the yearly spectacle of the Calgary stampede.
Our favourite things to do in Canada
Photos are great, but you need to see the Northern Lights with your own eyes. Feel at one with nature as you witness a truly incredible light show. As the beautiful, hypnotic colours of the Aurora Borealis fill the sky, you won’t believe your eyes.
The best place to see the Northern Lights is from the northernmost part of Canada, the Northwest Territories, from September to March. Make a night of it and go glamping near Yellowknife in a tipi, or for a fabulous day trip, dash through the snow on a sled pulled by huskies and cosy on up beneath the night sky with a delicious hot soup.
No trip to Canada is complete without a whale-watching experience. With 22 species of whale to see including sperm, humpback and blue you will be in awe of these wondrous creatures.
There are a number of ways to see these magnificent mammals. You can take a boat trip, or hire a kayak to get even closer. Still not close enough? Take a snorkel tour to discover their underwater world.
Vancouver
Vancouver is a vibrant city full of contrasts. From mountains to skyscrapers, to the lush urban oasis of Stanley Park and the stunning wildlife of Vancouver Island. A welcoming mix of cosmopolitan and cosy, this diverse and friendly city has something for everyone.
Food for thought
If food is your thing, Canada is your place. Thanks to the country’s never-ending coastline, there’s masses of seafood on offer here. And you can try the local produce from Canada’s cheese producers, apples orchards and berry farms. Canada is also a big producer of dessert wine – the perfect way to round off any meal. From white-tablecloth restaurants to multicultural food markets, Canada has it all.
Toronto
From record breaking buildings to breath-taking beauty, Toronto has an abundance of attractions to keep you busy.