Can I travel to Canada?

The British government advises against non-essential travel. So does the Canadian government. Below are the things that you should still consider.

Canada will be open to tourists, business travellers, and families on September 7, 2021. But, proof of complete vaccination against coronavirus (Covid-19) must be presented before departure. Learn how to ensure a safe trip to Canada.

What is the procedure for travelling to Canada?

You must adhere to the rules of both Canada and the UK. Talk to our Travel Specialists about specific plans.

Before you leave the UK

• On your arrival in Canada, proof of vaccination will be required if you are fully protected against Covid-19. You must send proof of vaccine status to Canada. ArriveCAN Please allow 72 hours for appt before you leave.
  • The ArriveCAN App is available for download via the App Store or Google Play. It can be installed on your mobile device or tablet.
  • We recommend that the app not be downloaded too soon.
• All travellers must have a plan for a 14-day quarantine period upon arrival. This may be the hotel you booked to stay on your first day. Motorhomes and motorhomes are not permitted.
• Before boarding a flight to Canada, passengers must have either a negative PCR Covid-19 testing within 72hrs or a Negative Antigen test within 24hrs. Qured is a provider, as well as Medicspot (C19). While it is your choice and your responsibility to choose the supplier, we suggest that you only use a government-approved test provider.
• After entering your details into ArriveCAN, you will get a receipt. This receipt must be shown upon arrival in Canada.

Upon arrival in Canada

• Every visitor will no longer have to pass a DNA test on their arrival. You will still be randomly selected for arrival testing, but you will not need to be isolated until your results are back.
• ArriveCAN receipts that show proof of vaccinations and pre-entry tests will be required.
  • The Licensed vaccines were accepted by Pfizer BioNTech (Moderna), AstraZeneca (Jassen/Johnson & Johnson)
• You must have proof of negative Covid testing (can be paper or electronic).
• Name and civic address of the laboratory/clinic/facility that administered the test
• The date of the test
• Type of test
  • The test result
• For those who have received COVID-19 treatment in the past six months and can prove that they are able to produce valid documentation via ArriveCAN, entry is allowed.
• Unvaccinated children under 12 can enter Canada when travelling with fully-vaccinated parents.
• Passengers that have not been fully immunised or do not have the ArriveCAN receipt need to be quarantined for 14 nights in a designated Hotel.

What should I do to plan my trip to Canada given the current Covid-19 situation?

To ensure that your travel insurance covers you for Covid-19 illness and any treatment abroad, it is important to carefully read the details. If you are unsure, talk to your insurance agent. You might want to consider a special policy. 

Is everything in Canada open?

Yes, although social distancing is recommended, and hand hygiene is advised.

Is it mandatory to use a facial mask in Canada?

Canada has regional variations so that face masks may be required for public transport.

What happens when I suspect that I have Covid-19 symptoms during a holiday in Canada

COVID-19 symptoms are something you should immediately treat.

• You can contact the local public hospital and follow their instructions.
• By calling 1-833-641-34343, you can report your symptoms and concerns to PHAC.

If asked, any federal, municipal, or territorial government official will require proof of your test results.

Canada’s best places to visit

This Commonwealth country actually ranks second in terms of world size. However, much of that land area is still completely wilderness. Canada is famous for its huge expanses and vast nature, which can be a real drawcard. Its national parks, which offer spectacular views, are truly vast. If you enjoy being outdoors, there are plenty of opportunities for mountaineering as well as boating, swimming and cycling. Banff National Park’s grizzly bears can be seen. Whistler’s powdered slopes offer a spectacular view. Vancouver’s wild salmon is available for tasting. Canada has something to offer everyone.

Canada’s beautiful nature and Great Lakes Region are just a few of the reasons you should explore its culture, history, and heritage. Take a look at the Francophone area of Quebec, Vancouver’s skyscrapers or East Asian culture pockets. Also, take a look at Toronto’s graceful Victorian architecture. Don’t forget Canada’s grand railway hotels and neo gothic public buildings in Ottawa.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a collection of three stunning waterfalls at the border between New York, USA and Canada. Horseshoe Falls in Ontario is the most beautiful and popular side of the Falls. The area immediately surrounding the Falls makes for a great tourist spot. There are many restaurants, souvenir shops, High-rise hotels and observation towers.

New York, the sister city of this city, is known to be the “honeymoon country of the world” and one of only a few places where you can apply for a marriage licence without waiting. There are plenty of exciting things to do, and romance is possible here.

Queen Victoria Park is the ideal spot to view Niagara Falls from the Ontario Side. In summer, the Falls are illuminated with fireworks and are visible nightly. These falls can be seen from above, below or both – there are many options: helicopter tours, plane boat tours, observation decks near Skylon Tower, and elevators to take you down behind them.

Banff National Park

Banff National Park, tucked away in Canada’s Rockies is Canada’s oldest national park and also one of its largest. A remote and vastly large park, many visitors are attracted to it for its isolation and beauty.

There are two main routes to the park. But it doesn’t matter which one you choose. Each route is filled with breathtaking scenery. These include stunning multi-coloured lakes, dramatic canyons and beautiful viewpoints. There are shuttles that serve all the important sites in the park, so it doesn’t really matter if your car is rented.

You can snowshoe/paddle the lake and be active while wildlife watchers have their own adventure. Banff National Park hosts many animals. The most popular sighting of them all is the grizzly bear.

Banff is Banff’s principal settlement. Here you will find the best variety of lodgings, shopping and restaurants. Lake Louise is easily accessible by the Icefields Parkway. The stunning setting of turquoise lakes, majestic mountains, and luxurious accommodation makes it a wonderful choice for luxury accommodations. Sunshine Meadows and Lake Minnewanka are also small villages.

Vancouver

Vancouver is Canada’s largest city. It’s located in south-western British Columbia. It’s a well-known foodie hub, particularly for seafood such as its fresh-caught prawns. Due to its multicultural mix, there’s no shortage of varied cuisines. It makes dining out one of the city’s best but simple pleasures.

Stanley Park is Vancouver’s most famous attraction. It covers over 1,000 acres of forests, gardens, and green spaces. The park also includes an aquarium and water park. Granville Island’s outstanding food market, Chinatown’s lively array of shops, restaurants, and stunning gardens are just a few other highlights of Vancouver. Canada Place houses the Vancouver Convention Centre.

Vancouver is known as the “Hollywood of the North” due to its massive TV and film industries. It also has the fourth-largest global cruise terminal. It is home to approximately 900,000 passengers each year. Many cruises travel onwards towards Alaska.

Vancouver has been voted one of the top cities to live in because it is near both beaches, ski slopes, and other amenities. Vancouver is the ideal destination for outdoor sports. You will find happy, active, and well-tanned people here who go rollerblading and jogging on the Seawall, as well as dog walking along Kitsilano Beach or playing volleyball. The longest pool in Canada is three times bigger than the regular Olympic pool.

What are the conditions for returning from Canada to Britain?

All passengers aged 12 and above who are travelling to the UK from abroad must fill out an online tourist locator form before departing. Adults may complete the form for minors travelling with them.

If you can be deemed fully vaccinated and are able to travel to the UK without any quarantine or testing, then you don’t need any further tests. For those under 18, the same rules will apply.

If you are 18 years or older and not fully vaccinated:

• A negative Covid-19 screening will be required. This must be done within two days of your arrival in the UK.
• You will need to book and pay for the PCR test. The test must be performed within two business days of your arrival to the UK. This must be booked with an independent provider before you travel.
• If your PCR is positive, you do not need quarantine.