Canada Holidays

Charter Travel has specialised in Canada holidays from the UK since 1988, rated 4.9 Excellent on Trustpilot from over 715 verified reviews and fully protected by ATOL licence 4151 and ABTA membership F8106. From direct Virgin Atlantic flights to Toronto and self-drive Rockies road trips, to Rocky Mountaineer journeys and multi-centre tours combining Vancouver, Banff, and beyond — our tailor-made Canada holidays start from £1,159pp, each designed around you by a personal Travel Advisor with access to exclusive airline and hotel rates, bookable with a low deposit.

Canada Holidays 2026/2027

Plan your Canada holiday with one of the UK's most experienced tailor-made travel specialists. From direct Virgin Atlantic flights to Toronto and self-drive Rockies road trips, to Rocky Mountaineer journeys, with Alaskan cruises, and multi-centre tours combining Vancouver, Banff, and beyond - we've been designing Canada holidays for UK travellers since 1988. You'll receive a tailor-made itinerary from a personal Travel Advisor, have access to exclusive airlines (Virgin Atlantic / British Airways /Delta Airlines etc) and hotel rates, bookable with a low deposit and being taken care of by a 4.9 Excellent rated Travel Company on Trustpilot. 

Discover the beauty, culture, and excitement that this incredible destination has to offer with Charter Travel. Let us help you plan the trip of a lifetime!

Planning your trip? Read our complete guide to Canada travel advice from the UK, including eTA entry requirements, passport rules, currency tips and health advice.

Canada Rocky Mountains Holidays (Banff, Jasper & Lake Louise)

Discover the majestic Rocky Mountains with a tour through Banff, Jasper, and Calgary.

Banff: located in the heart of Banff National Park, this picturesque town offers stunning mountain scenery, hot springs, and abundant wildlife. Take a gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain, hike the trails, and enjoy the beauty of Lake Louise.

Jasper: continue your journey to Jasper, known for its pristine wilderness and stunning natural attractions. Visit the Columbia Icefield, take a boat cruise on Maligne Lake, and explore the Jasper SkyTram.

Calgary: end your Canada Rocky Mountain adventure in Calgary, a vibrant city with a rich western heritage. Visit the Calgary Stampede, explore the Glenbow Museum, and enjoy the city's bustling downtown.

Our Specialist's suggested itinerary: Vancouver, Banff and Calgary Tour - best of Western Canada, including The Rockies!

Best Canada Multi-Centre Holiday Itineraries

• Vancouver and Rockies Tour / Holiday - see Vancouver, Whistler, Jasper, Banff and Calgary in one trip!
• Vancouver to Calgary Rocky Mountaineer Itinerary / Holiday - see the Rockies in style onboard the Rocky Mountaineer Train, plus iconic Rockies cities and stops like Banff and Jasper! 
• Rocky Mountaineer and Alaska Cruise Holiday - explore the best of North America's dramatic landscapes and stunning scenery! 
• Vancouver and Victoria itinerary - explore the best of Vancouver & Vancouver Island.
• Vancouver Banff and Calgary Tour - explore the best of Western Canada.
• Toronto and Montreal Trip - see two amazing cities connected via a scenic rail journey.

Whether it's the wonder of the Rocky Mountains, the crystal-clear glacial waters of lake Louise, the majestic ice fields or the marvel of Niagara Falls, Charter Travel can help you fulfil your Canadian dream. Give us a call on 01635 551011 or complete a quote form and allow us to show you how.

When is the Best Time to Visit Canada?

Canada is a year-round destination, but the right time to visit depends heavily on what you want to do and where you want to go.

June to August is the most popular time to visit, and for good reason. The Canadian Rockies are at their most spectacular — Banff and Jasper are fully accessible, the wildflowers are out, and long daylight hours mean more time to explore. Vancouver is warm and lively, and Toronto buzzes with festivals and outdoor dining. If the Rockies or west coast are on your itinerary, summer is hard to beat.

September and October is arguably the finest time to visit Eastern Canada. Montreal and Quebec City take on a magical quality as the leaves turn, with the famous fall foliage drawing visitors from around the world. Temperatures are still comfortable, crowds thin out, and prices begin to ease. For a Toronto and Montreal trip, this is our specialists' preferred time to travel.

November to March opens up Canada's world-class ski resorts. Whistler in British Columbia regularly ranks among the top ski destinations globally, and the Rockies resorts of Banff and Lake Louise offer exceptional conditions from December through February. Cities like Toronto and Vancouver remain very much open for business in winter, though the Icefields Parkway and some Rockies routes can be affected by snow closures — worth checking before you travel.

April and May is shoulder season — a quieter, often more affordable time to visit, with spring arriving in Vancouver and the cities. The Rockies can still be snowbound in April, but by late May conditions improve significantly. A good option if you're city-focused or looking for better value.

Canada Rail Holidays (Rocky Mountaineer)

For a truly unforgettable experience, embark on a journey aboard the Rocky Mountaineer. This luxury train travels through the heart of the Rockies, offering spectacular views of snow-capped peaks, pristine lakes, and lush forests. Choose from various routes and packages to create your perfect adventure — a favourite of ours is the Rocky Mountaineer First Passage to the West where you will travel from Vancouver to Banff via Kamloops, or from Vancouver to Lake Louise via Kamloops, taking in stunning scenery along the way!

Self-Drive Tours Through the Rockies

For those who prefer the freedom of the open road, a self-drive tour through the Rockies is the perfect option. Experience the stunning landscapes at your own pace, with stops at must-see destinations like Banff, Jasper, and Lake Louise. Enjoy the flexibility to explore hidden gems and take in the breathtaking views along the Icefields Parkway. Fly into Seattle onboard Virgin Atlantic and begin your drive to the Rockies in the USA, stopping in Vancouver along the way. Or, fly into Vancouver with our partner airline Air Canada and start your Self-Drive Tour through the Rockies straight away!

Canada & USA Multi-Centre Holidays

At Charter Travel, we can organise your dream cross-country Canadian tour or holiday to Toronto, Vancouver and beyond. We also offer amazing multi-centre holidays, combining the best of Canada and the USA. Here are some popular options:

1. Toronto, Niagara Falls, and New York: Start your trip in Toronto, explore the natural wonder of Niagara Falls, and then head to the bustling metropolis of New York City. Enjoy world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment in three iconic destinations.

2. Toronto, New York, and Boston: Combine the cultural richness of Toronto, the energy of New York, and the historic charm of Boston. Discover the diverse attractions each city has to offer, from museums and galleries to parks and historic sites.

3. Vancouver, Seattle, and Washington: Experience the best of the Pacific Northwest with a tour of Vancouver, Seattle, and Washington. Enjoy the vibrant city life, stunning natural scenery, and unique attractions in each destination.

Vancouver, Toronto & East Coast Canada Holidays

Montreal is known for its lively festivals, diverse neighbourhoods, and buzzing nightlife. Explore the historic Old Montreal, visit the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, and enjoy the culinary delights of the city's renowned restaurants. Quebec City invites visitors to step back in time with its cobblestone streets, fortified walls, and stunning architecture. Visit the iconic Château Frontenac, explore the historic district of Old Quebec, and take a scenic cruise on the St. Lawrence River. There is nothing more charming than a visit to French-speaking Canada on your Canadian Holiday/Tour!

No matter your travel style or interests, Charter Travel has the perfect Canadian holiday for you. Contact us today to start planning your next adventure!

Fly with one of our airline partners to Canada: Virgin Atlantic, Air Canada, British Airways, Delta Airlines and United Airlines. Whether you fly internally between cities or fly-drive using car hire, the trip will be an unforgettable experience and a Canadian holiday to talk about for years to come!

Explore Toronto with a new direct flight on-board Virgin Atlantic! This returning service makes holidays to Canada even more accessible thanks to Virgin Atlantic's new daily flights Bookable Now!

Discover Toronto's iconic landmarks, including the CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum, and the Distillery District. Or, make the short drive from Toronto to the stunning Niagara Falls! Experience the breathtaking views of the falls, take a boat ride on the Hornblower, and explore the charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Whilst in Toronto there is also the opportunity to escape city life with a ferry ride to the Toronto Islands. Enjoy cycling, picnicking, and stunning views of the Toronto skyline. Don't forget to enjoy Toronto's vibrant food scene with evening trips to Kensington Market and Little Italy! Toronto is calling in 2026/2027 — fly direct onboard Virgin Atlantic book your entire Canada Package holiday with our expert advisors today!

Our Specialist's suggested itinerary: Toronto and Montreal Trip - explore two of Canada’s most beloved cities via rail with this Toronto and Montreal Trip / Itinerary.

The west coast of Canada offers breathtaking landscapes and endless adventure opportunities. Vancouver is a simply stunning city surrounded by mountains and ocean, explore Stanley Park, visit Granville Island, and take a day trip to the stunning Capilano Suspension Bridge. Plus, just a short ferry ride from Vancouver is the picturesque Vancouver Island! Boasting beautiful beaches, lush forests, and charming towns, Vancouver Island is a must visit on your holiday to the west coast of Canada; visit the Butchart Gardens, go whale watching in Tofino, and explore the historic city of Victoria.

Our Specialist's suggested itinerary: Vancouver and Victoria Itinerary - see the best of British Columbia.

Practical Travel Information for UK Visitors

ETA: What UK Visitors Need to Know

British passport holders do not need a visa to visit Canada, but you must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before you fly. This is a simple online application through the Government of Canada website and costs CAD $7 (approximately £4). It's linked electronically to your passport, valid for five years or until your passport expires, and covers multiple visits. You'll need it before you board — airlines check at check-in. It takes most applicants just a few minutes to complete, though it's worth doing well in advance of travel rather than leaving it to the last minute.

Apply only via the official Government of Canada website: canada.ca/eta

Direct Flights to Canada from the UK

Canada is well-served from UK airports, with a good range of direct routes:

• London Heathrow to Toronto: approximately 8–9 hours. Virgin Atlantic operates a daily direct service, with British Airways and Air Canada also flying this route.London Heathrow to Vancouver: approximately 9–10 hours direct, operated by Air Canada and British Airways.
• London Heathrow to Montreal: approximately 8 hours direct with Air Canada.
• Manchester to Toronto: Air Canada operates a seasonal direct service, typically running from spring through autumn — a great option for travellers in the North of England.

Most other Canadian cities (Calgary, Quebec City, Ottawa) are reached via a connection through Toronto or Vancouver, which adds around 2–3 hours to total journey time.

Toronto or Vancouver: Which Should You Fly Into?

Your ideal entry point depends entirely on your itinerary — and it's often worth flying into one and out of the other to avoid backtracking. 

• Fly into Toronto if your trip is focused on Eastern Canada — Toronto itself, Niagara Falls, Montreal, or Quebec City. Toronto is also the natural starting point for a Canada and New York multi-centre holiday, with easy onward connections into the US northeast.
• Fly into Vancouver if your priority is the Canadian Rockies, the west coast, or a Rocky Mountaineer journey.
• Vancouver is the gateway to British Columbia, Vancouver Island, and the classic Rockies road trip through to Banff and Calgary.
• Many of our most popular itineraries fly into Vancouver and out of Calgary, covering the full sweep of Western Canada in one trip.
• Not sure? Our specialists can advise on open-jaw flights — flying into one city and returning from another — which often costs little more than a return and saves significant internal travel time.

Canada Holidays FAQS

What is the best time of year to visit Canada from the UK?

June to August is the most popular time, offering warm weather, full access to the Canadian Rockies, and long daylight hours — ideal for outdoor adventures in Banff, Jasper, and Vancouver. September and October is our specialists' favourite time for Eastern Canada, when the fall foliage transforms Montreal and Quebec City into something truly special. Winter (December to February) is excellent for skiing in Whistler and the Rockies. Spring (April to May) offers better value and fewer crowds, though some mountain routes may still be affected by snow in early spring.

Do I need an eTA to visit Canada?

Yes. British passport holders do not need a visa, but you must have an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before you fly. It costs CAD $7, takes just a few minutes to apply for online, and is valid for five years. Airlines check for it at check-in, so don't leave it until the day of travel. Apply only through the official Government of Canada website — there are third-party sites that charge significantly more for the same application.

How long is the flight from the UK to Toronto / Vancouver?

London to Toronto is approximately 8–9 hours direct. Virgin Atlantic operates a daily direct service from London Heathrow, with British Airways and Air Canada also flying the route. London to Vancouver is slightly longer at around 9–10 hours direct, with Air Canada and British Airways both operating non-stop services. From Manchester, Air Canada runs a seasonal direct service to Toronto, making it a convenient option for travellers in the north of England.

What are the best Canada multi-centre holidays?

Canada lends itself brilliantly to combining destinations, and some of our most popular combinations are Toronto and Niagara Falls — a classic pairing, easily done in 7–10 nights, with the option to extend into Montreal or New York. Vancouver, Banff, and Calgary — the definitive Western Canada itinerary, covering city, mountain, and prairie in one trip. Works beautifully as a self-drive. Vancouver, Whistler, Jasper, Banff, and Calgary — a fuller two-week version of the above, adding the ski resort town of Whistler and the wilder scenery of Jasper National Park. Toronto, Montreal, and Quebec City — perfect for those drawn to culture, food, and history rather than landscapes. Easily connected by train. Canada and New York — one of our most popular transatlantic combinations, flying into Toronto and out of New York (or vice versa) for a genuinely varied trip.

How far in advance should I book a Canada holiday?

For most Canada holidays, we'd recommend booking at least six to nine months ahead. The Rocky Mountaineer in particular sells out quickly — popular departure dates in summer can fill up a year or more in advance, so if the train is on your wish list, earlier is always better. Summer travel (June to August) and the fall foliage season (late September to October) are the busiest periods, and the best flight availability and hotel options go early. That said, we can often put together excellent itineraries at shorter notice outside peak season — speak to one of our specialists and we'll tell you honestly what's available.

Is the Rocky Mountaineer worth it?

In short, yes — if scenic journeys and a more relaxed pace appeal to you. The Rocky Mountaineer travels in daylight only, so you don't miss a single mountain, river, or glacier. Meals are included, the service is exceptional, and the glass-domed carriages are designed specifically to maximise the views. It's a premium experience with a premium price, but clients who've taken it almost universally tell us it was the part of their Canada holiday they talk about most when they get home. We'd recommend pairing it with a few days in Banff or Vancouver either side to get the most from the journey.