Canada FAQs

Find out all you need to know about visiting Canada.

When is the best time to visit Canada?

The best time to visit Canada is May to September when the weather is warmest and sunniest. This is also the most comfortable period for outdoor activities and the best time to watch wildlife such as bears and whales.

Sunshine and daylight peak in summer (June-August) with very long days and this also coincides with the busiest period for events.

Winter (November-March) is long and cold further north and inland, but comparatively milder on the Pacific and Atlantic coasts near the US border. This is the best period for winter sports with often heavy snowfall, as well as a great time to watch the Northern Lights in northern areas.

Spring arrives between March and late April and is a good time to see spring blossoms and waterfalls.

Autumn (September-October) sees temperatures fall steadily. However, the countryside is often at its most beautiful when the Fall colours arrive.

What is the official language of Canada?

English and French are the official languages of Canada. English is widely spoken, while French is more common in the provinces of Quebec including Montreal and Quebec City, and parts of Atlantic Canada such as New Brunswick.

How do I manage my travel money in Canada?

The Canadian Dollar is the official currency of Canada. Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and cash can easily be withdrawn from ATMs across the country.

What is the time difference between the UK and Canada?

The time difference between the UK and Canada varies between GMT – 8 hours on the Pacific coast, GMT – 6 in central provinces and GMT – 4 on much of the Atlantic coast.

What places combine well with Canada?

Canada combines well with the USA to the south. New England combines well with Atlantic Canada, New York State combines well with Ontario and Quebec, while the Pacific North-West and Alaska combine well with British Columbia.

What are the main cultural events in Canada?

Canada has a vast range of festivals and events with a busy schedule year-round that peaks in summer.

Canada Day on July 1st is the country’s biggest national celebration with parades, carnivals, concerts and fireworks. Other famous summer events include the three-night Celebration of Light in Vancouver, the largest fireworks competition in the world, the Calgary Stampede with rodeos, races and performances over 10 days, and Just for Laughs, one of the world’s most famous comedy festivals in Montreal.

Some of Canada’s most spellbinding winter festivals include Winterlude in Ottawa in February, which sees the city’s Rideau Canal transform into the world’s largest skating rink, while the Winter Festival of Lights illuminates Niagara Falls November to February. Montreal hosts a snow festival in February and a huge light show in March, while Quebec City hosts the world’s biggest winter carnival in February.

Canada has many long-running indigenous festivals, celebrating First Nations cultures, as well as spring flower celebrations, autumn harvest festivals and music festivals. Cape Breton Island hosts the Celtic Colours International Festival, the world’s biggest Celtic festival in October.