How to plan a future holiday to Canada

Does a holiday to Canada sound appealing? Would you like to book a trip to Canada sometime in the future? We can’t blame you. Canada has so much to offer, with something different for every kind of visitor. But how do you plan a holiday to Canada? What’s the best way to go about making this dream trip happen? In this guide, we offer some tips and advice for planning your getaway.

Research your holiday to Canada

Research will be a key part of planning your holiday to Canada, especially if you haven’t visited before. Canada is such a massive country, with so much diversity and different places to visit, that spending a good amount of time looking into what Canada is like will pay off.

You can spend some time researching Canada’s most popular destinations, its various provinces, cities, and towns. Perhaps some will jump out to you quickly as places you would love to see for yourself.

For example, West Canada is known for its rugged beauty like the Canadian Rockies, as well as the capital cities of Victoria in British Columbia, Edmonton in Alberta, Regina in Saskatchewan, and Winnipeg in Manitoba. Eastern Canada boasts iconic cities such as Toronto and Montréal as well as delights like Prince Edward Island which makes for a beautiful seaside holiday.

Alaska is yet another immensely popular destination for those bound for Canada, with its incredible natural scenery, unique wildlife encounters, and spectacular cruise opportunities. The best part is that Alaska can easily be enjoyed with all of Canada’s incredible offerings in one single holiday.

From Niagara Falls to the Rocky Mountains, Canada boasts a collection of magnificent attractions. Whether you are seeking to enjoy the country’s immense outdoor beauty or uncover a bit of history, there’s plenty of options to add to your list. Highlight some of your favourites and make a note of where they are for future reference.

READ ALSO: What is your favourite attraction in Canada?

What about accommodation? It’s a good idea to look into the various types of hotels that Canada has to offer as this might play a key part in determining what type of holiday you want and where you would like to visit. From family-friendly hotels in the city to cosy lodges in the wilderness, it’s all possible in Canada.

It’s also worth researching the various cultures of Canada so you know what to expect. With such a large country, there are some major differences depending on where you travel to. For example, in parts of the country French is the main language which is spoken and there is also a much-cherished indigenous population with their own vibrant culture.

READ ALSO: Insight into Canada’s First Nations

Brits might also benefit from reading our guide Canada vs the UK, which details some of the key differences between the two nations.

Decide the type of holiday

Once you have had fun doing all your research, familiarising yourself with all that Canada has to offer, then it will be time to decide what type of holiday you would like to book. There are so many different ways to experience Canada with a wide range of different Canada holidays available.

For example, you might be looking for a family holiday to Canada, featuring activities and destinations that both you and your children can enjoy.

In Canada, you can go skiing in the mountains, embark on an exciting railway trip through the Rockies, enjoy a city break, or even go on a cruise.

Or perhaps you will want to go on an epic road trip as part of a car hire holiday and see as much of Canada as possible. Mollie, from the travel blog Where’s Mollie, took a road trip through British Columbia and she described the amazing experience: “You just cannot get better than this. You have to almost kick yourself back into touch after a couple of days because the insane views become so ‘normal’. One thing the views in Canada are not is normal.”

Remember, however, that you don’t have to be constrained to one type of holiday. We can make the arrangements so you can enjoy a bit of everything. Why choose when you can have it all?

The key thing is to talk to those who are going on holiday with you, find out their preferences, and pick a type of holiday that will allow you to have the best time possible.

Types of Canada holidays to choose from

– Rail holidays

– Cruise holidays

– Fly drive holidays

– City breaks

– Wildlife holidays

– Motorhome holidays

– Escorted tours

– Ski holidays

– Winter holidays

– Adventure holidays

– Car hire holidays

Decide when you want to visit

Next, you will want to decide when you would like to visit Canada. This is an important part of the planning process as Canada can change rapidly between the seasons. In the winter, there can be incredible snow coverage – perfect for skiing. In the summer, you can enjoy lovely warm temperatures – ideal for relaxing on the coast.

So, if you are planning a road trip, for example, visiting between spring and autumn might be a good idea but the winter will be your desired choice for hitting the slopes.

It really is all about what you want to get out of your holiday. Canada is stunning all year-round and at the end of the day, the timing of your holiday should be based on what type of experience you want and what you would like to see. Each of Canada’s seasons has its own virtues, celebrations, cuisine, and natural delights.

READ ALSO: Canada through the seasons

Speak to the experts

With all the above information in hand, the next step is to speak to the experts so you can start creating the perfect holiday for your unique needs. Canada has such endless possibilities that it certainly pays to speak to those with expertise on the country, who can make arrangements and offer their advice.

Nobody knows Canada like we do at Canadian Affair. We would love to hear all about your desires for a Canada holiday and then help make that a reality. Come and speak to us about what you want to see, when and where, and what type of holiday interests you. As the Canadian holiday experts, we can take all of your wishes onboard, advise on the best options for you and put together a holiday and itinerary that includes everything you want to see and do.

From the smallest possible details such as which restaurants to visit to the big picture stuff such as what type of holiday is right for you. For example, you might be equally interested in both an Alaska cruise and a rail holiday. We can make an itinerary for you to see the best highlights of Alaska and West Canada in one holiday.  Or if you are wanting to drive around Canada and freely explore, we can advise on if you would be better off hiring a car or an RV. We can discuss both of these two options with you so you can easily decide.

You don’t need to worry about where to fly from or where you might spend the night on a road trip, every conceivable detail can be taken care off so you can relax and enjoy Canada to the fullest. So don’t spend time agonising about itineraries, how to see everything, and what to cut from your list. Speak to us and we can create that perfect itinerary for you, taking into consideration all that you want to see and do.

READ ALSO: Why choose us

Of course, you don’t want to be too rigid on your holiday and we can craft a tailor-made package that will leave room for discovery and adventure. Canada will surprise you every day and there are bound to be some unexpected delights to uncover during your stay. Jen Avery, from the travel blog Thrifty Nomads, spoke to us about her advice for planning a Canada holiday and shared that adaptability and a flexible mindset will go a long way:

“When planning a visit to the Great White North, a simple list of indoor and outdoor activities and a flexible mindset is always helpful. For instance, you may wish to hike a scenic trail, but bookmarking a cosy café or scenic restaurant is wise should your plans be squandered by the weather.

“Dressing in layers is also ideal so that you can readily adjust to the temperature, which can change by the hour. Rugged landscapes and a variable climate are key components of Canada’s natural beauty. Embracing this diversity with a bit of research and adaptability will ensure your trip is an enjoyable one, rain or shine.”

There is truly a destination for everyone in Canada. From Banff with its incredible skiing to a vibrant and exciting city like Vancouver. When making your itinerary, the hard part isn’t finding things to see and do, it’s deciding between all the amazing options.

READ ALSO: 5 days in Vancouver – Unmissable itinerary ideas for your holiday

Book your package

You have done your research, you know where you want to go and what you want to see, you have spoken to the experts, and now you are ready to book your package, including accommodation and flights.

Getting to Canada is easy and if you choose Canadian Affair, all of these arrangements will be made for you to suit your schedule and preferences. Flights to Canada from the UK depart from a selection of major UK airports such as Heathrow and London Gatwick and touch down in a number of Canadian cities, such as Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver, Montréal and Québec City.

Speaking of flights, Molly, from the travel blog Piccavey, believes from her own experience that flying between destinations within Canada can be really helpful for those who want to explore a lot of the country, due to the nation’s massive size. Speaking with us, she advised the following for those who are planning a holiday:

“Don’t underestimate the size of Canada. It’s the second biggest country in the world after Russia. This huge country is often referred to as the Great White North. If you plan to travel to Canada and want to see different cities or regions, the best way to get around could be by plane.”

Flying between locations can indeed make a lot of sense in Canada but for some, rail or car will offer them the adventure they have been craving. If you are unsure about what’s right for you, speak to us at Canadian Affair and we will make all the arrangements so you can see as much of the country as possible in the most convenient and enjoyable fashion.

READ ALSO: The best tips and tricks for flying to Canada

Think carefully about what to pack

Deciding what to pack for your holiday to Canada shouldn’t be a task left to the last minute. Packing should play a proper role in the planning process. With a country as big as Canada and with variable weather, thinking through carefully what will go into your suitcase will be advised.

For example, if you are planning a more rural adventure, taking appropriate footwear for walking through woods and rocky environments would make sense. If you are visiting one of the major cities for a cultural break, your suitcase might look a bit simpler. You will also need to take the weather into account; if you are visiting outside of summer, warm clothes, coats, hats, gloves, and scarves should all be on your list. But if you are visiting the coast in the summer, you can probably leave your mittens at home and bring your beach attire instead.

READ ALSO: Four seasons in one suitcase

Tips for planning a holiday to Canada

– Research your holiday to Canada

– Decide the type of holiday

– Decide when you want to visit

– Speak to the experts

– Book your package

– Think carefully about what to pack

We hope the above tips and advice have proved useful and will help you to plan an amazing Canada holiday. There is so much to look forward to once you arrive and with a bit of careful planning and expert advice, you can create a truly special occasion.

For more tips, guides, and advice, make sure to visit our blog.