Canada

Why Choose an Escorted Holiday to Canada?

Canada is the second largest country in the world, and the distances between its major attractions are one of the central challenges for independent travellers. Toronto and Vancouver are 4,000 kilometres apart; the Canadian Rockies are six hours by road from Calgary. A guided tour handles this geography efficiently, connecting the highlights that matter most - Niagara Falls, Banff, the Icefields Parkway, Quebec City, Vancouver Island - into a coherent journey with all internal flights and transfers arranged.

The natural landscapes of Canada are among the finest in the world. The Rockies around Banff and Jasper represent mountain scenery on a scale that even seasoned travellers find humbling. The fall foliage across Ontario and Quebec in September and October is spectacular. Niagara Falls, despite being one of the most visited natural wonders on earth, genuinely lives up to its reputation. For British-Indian passengers, Canada's very large Indian and South Asian diaspora - over 1.5 million people - means that Indian food, temples and cultural community are accessible in all major Canadian cities.

Indian-Friendly Features on Our Canada Tours

• Indian dinners included on most multi-day tours, with excellent Indian restaurant options in Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary
• Vegetarian options widely available across Canada
• No beef or pork compulsory in any included group meals
• Indian community large and well-established in Toronto (Brampton, Mississauga) and Vancouver (Surrey) - warmly relevant to many of our passengers
• India departure add-on available on some itineraries - contact our India team on 1800 123 181 181

Best Time to Visit Canada

June to August is the main touring season. The Rockies are fully accessible, Niagara Falls is at its most spectacular, and the long days allow for maximum sightseeing.

September and October are excellent for the east: the fall foliage across Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes is extraordinary, and the Rockies are still accessible in September.

December to March is ski season in Whistler (British Columbia) and Banff. Quebec City's Winter Carnival in February is one of Canada's great festivals.

April and May are quieter but pleasant, particularly in the west and in the cities. Some Rocky Mountain passes may still be closed in early spring.

Popular Destinations Within Canada

Niagara Falls - the falls themselves, the illuminated night view from the Canadian side, the Maid of the Mist boat tour into the spray and the surrounding Niagara wine country. More compelling than many expect.

Banff and the Canadian Rockies - Banff National Park, Lake Louise, the Icefields Parkway (one of the world's great drives), the Columbia Icefield and Jasper National Park. A UNESCO World Heritage landscape of extraordinary scope.

Vancouver - a beautiful city of mountains and Pacific coast. Stanley Park, Granville Island Market, Gastown, Capilano Suspension Bridge and the easy day trip to Whistler. Also the gateway to Vancouver Island and Victoria.

Quebec City - the most European city in North America, with a UNESCO-listed fortified old town, French language and culture, excellent food and the Château Frontenac overlooking the St Lawrence River.

Toronto - the CN Tower, the Royal Ontario Museum, the Distillery District, the Toronto waterfront and the extraordinary diversity of a city that has welcomed immigrants from across South Asia, East Asia and the Caribbean.

Montreal - bilingual, creative and cosmopolitan. Old Montreal's cobblestone streets, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the food scene and the underground city (RESO) built to manage the winters.

Practical Information

• Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD)
• Language: English and French (both official); English dominates outside Quebec
• Time zone: Multiple zones, from Newfoundland Time (GMT-3.5) to Pacific Time (GMT-8), with daylight saving throughout
• Electricity: Type A and B plugs (120V). UK devices need a voltage converter as well as a plug adapter.
• Tipping: Included in your Star Tours holiday price; our tour managers handle all gratuities
• India bookings: Call our India line free on 1800 123 181 181 (10am-7pm)
• ABTA & ATOL: All our Canada holidays are fully protected