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3 trips

Destination
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Australasia
  • Central & South America
  • Europe
  • Middle East & Central Asia
  • North America
  • Polar Regions
  • Travel Around the World
Trip Style
  • Adventure Trips
  • Paid Work
  • Volunteering
  • Learn & Develop
  • Short Trips
  • Close to Home
  • Round The World
  • Perfect for...
  • Independent Adventures
Departure date

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Canada Gap Years & Group Tours

View of Moraine Lake in Canada Banff
Download Canada Key Facts

Canada is the essential gap year destination for any traveller wanting to wander in the wilderness or catch a cool, cultural vibe in cosmopolitan cities. Be awed by the majestic splendour of the Rocky Mountains, head off the beaten track in Banff, or spot polar or grizzly bears in trekking heaven. Nothing beats Niagara Falls for its sheer force of nature, and the winter sports scene in Canada is second to none. Skiing, sledding, skating, snow sculptures - our Canada group tours are perfect for exploring this winter wonderland. The scenery is stunning all year round, and its friendly, laid-back vibe will keep you coming back for more.

Read more in our Canada Travel Guide.

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Canada Facts

Capital City

Ottawa

Currency

Canadian Dollar (CAD)

Language

English and French

Dialling Code

+1

Plug Type

A and B

Canada Highlights

Nature viewpoint with pine trees and bright turquoise lake with canoe boat in the centre, backed by grey mountains

Banff National Park

When you think of Canada, you picture Banff. This is where you go to experience the country’s awe-inspiring wilderness in all its glory, from epic expanses of jade forest to the rugged peaks of the Canadian Rockies and bright turquoise pools like Lake Louise. Canada’s first-ever national park is calling you into adventure paradise…

City skyline from lake with lots of modern skyscrapers and some green shrubbery with light sunset haze in blue sky

Toronto

Home to a global melting pot of cultures and one of the most LGBTQIA+ friendly scenes in the world, Toronto welcomes all travellers with open arms. Discover the best of Canada’s vibrant nightlife and take a foodie adventure around the globe all in one place. Of course, who could forget about the Hockey Hall of Fame?

Autumn foliage with forest and red grass with rocks by the river and towering mountains under cloudy grey skies

Jasper National Park

Towering mountains meet enchanting lakeside views in Jasper, the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies territory. Between kayaking across crystal-clear waters, hiking through jaw-dropping canyons and chasing adrenaline rushes with whitewater rafting, a wealth of activities awaits in Jasper National Park.

Boat floating through the waters of epic waterfall surrounded by green shrubbery and some modern city buildings

Niagara Falls

North America’s largest waterfall is a mighty force of nature split between Canada and the USA. Discover the beauty of this epic natural wonder up close on a cruise, or marvel at it from above as you zipline or take a helicopter ride over the waters. If there is one thing you have to see here, it has to be the mesmerising Horseshoe Falls!

City with modern skyscrapers and sailing harbour with green park stretches

Vancouver

Backed by mountains and facing out to the sea, the landscapes of Vancouver make it a strong contender for one of our favourite cities in the world. From the stunning harbour to secret beaches, treetop trails and giant stretches of greenery inside Stanley Park, nature is never far away while discovering Vancouver on our Canada group tours.

Sunny winter morning in mountains covered with snow and two people outside dressed for skiing

Whistler

Just when you think you have seen it all on our Canada group tours, Whistler beckons. Picture yourself hiking through blossoming meadows with snowy mountain peaks in the background, or gliding from peak to peak on a scenic gondola ride. From ziplining to canoe adventures, Whistler is just as magical beyond its legendary ski season.

Ancient forest stretches by the coast with grey beaches and dark ocean waves with little islets in the distance

Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island is one of those destinations that you could spend a lifetime exploring and still find something new at every corner. Escape to the sleepy surfer town of Tofino, where golden sand greets you, or wander the ancient rainforest trails along rugged shores. Canada's gorgeous wildlife thrives here, including whales!

Quiet river stream with rocks and sloped green hills surrounded by pine forest with rugged grey mountain and blue cloudy sky

Yoho National Park

Adventure calls in Yoho National Park, one of Canada’s greatest kept secrets. Inside this enchanted haven, you can expect to find glacial waterfalls that cascade from astonishing heights and secluded hiking trails along the sapphire lakes. Soak in its breathtaking atmosphere as you dive deeper into the Canadian Rockies' stunning hidden gems.

Person sat on rock looking out at Lake Louise

Canadian Working Holiday

So you’ve fallen in love with Canada and are asking yourself the question, “Should I move here?” The answer is yes! Although places on this working holiday programme can be competitive, choosing Canada for a gap year is immensely rewarding. Experience the best of both worlds, paid work and travel, and find your second home today.

Canada Travel Advice

Baby grown grizzly bear cub facing the side with mother blurred in the background

Climate & Weather

Canada’s climate is pretty varied, with the Pacific Coast experiencing milder weather compared to the stunning contrasts elsewhere in the country. While Canada has four seasons, it is characterised by its snowy winters and refreshing summers.

Average temperatures can vary significantly throughout the year. January and February are Canada’s coldest months, with temperatures dropping to around −15°C. Meanwhile, July is typically the warmest month with averages of around 22°C. In the mountains, temperatures tend to dip at night.

Ski blades with husky wolf painted on top propped up in blanket of snow surrounded by more snowy hills under clear blue skies

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Canada comes down to preference. One of the most popular times of year for visiting is between the months of May to October, as the summer temperatures create perfect conditions for hiking, camping and adventure sports. Canada’s public independence day is celebrated on the 1st July with carnival parades!

Just as popular is Canada’s ski season, typically falling from November to April. During this time, Canada transforms into a winter wonderland, and if you’re lucky, you may even be able to spot the northern lights!

Traditional Totem Pole painted with faces and surrounded by forest trees

Customs & Culture

Canadian culture is famously polite, friendly and welcoming. This country, particularly within the cities, can be considered a diverse melting pot with communities from all over the globe. It is also officially bilingual, with French as its second language and integral to Quebec culture. Tipping and punctuality are highly valued throughout Canada.

Known best for its stunning natural beauty, Canada shares a love for the outdoors. Ice hockey is one of the country’s national sports!

Red and blue british passports

Passports & Visas

British passport holders will need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) to enter Canada for tourism purposes, and this can be applied for online. Please ensure that your passport is valid for the proposed duration of your stay. At border control, you may be asked to present either proof of onward or return travel or proof of sufficient funds.

We recommend staying up to date with FCDO advice before you go travelling, as entry requirements and visa rules can be subject to change.

Stunning clear blue skies and bright aqua lake with forest stretches at the sides and snowy rocky mountains in distance

Health & Safety

At Gap 360, your safety and well-being are our top priorities. From the moment your trip is confirmed until you arrive back home, you'll have access to a 24/7 emergency contact number for any urgent issues. For anything non-urgent, our friendly team is also available during office hours to help.

We strongly recommend checking the FCDO advice for Canada, as it's regularly updated with the latest safety and travel information and you can even sign up for email alerts to stay informed of any changes. In addition, you can check the FCDO general travel advice for British nationals abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! If you decide on a Canada gap year, you can enjoy some of the world’s most beautiful scenery, like snowy mountains, bright turquoise lakes and emerald meadows. The culture here is super friendly and welcoming; with similar customs to the UK, it’ll feel like a second home!

British nationals will need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) to enter Canada, which can be applied for online. Your passport must be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. At border control, you may be asked to present either proof of onward or return travel, or proof of sufficient funds.

Canada is known best for its breathtaking natural landscapes, including the Canadian Rockies and Niagara Falls. This destination is home to beautiful wildlife like grizzly bears and whales. Canada is also famous for ice hockey, maple syrup and the northern lights!

Yes, tipping is customary in Canada. For restaurants and taxi services, you should typically tip around 15-20%.

Canada’s official languages are English and French, with English being the main language everywhere in Canada except in Quebec and Nunavut.

Flights to Canada from the UK typically take around 10 hours, with direct flights available from London to major cities like Toronto or Vancouver.

The legal drinking age in Canada varies depending on where you travel. While 19 is the legal drinking age in most provinces, the legal drinking age in Alberta, Quebec and Manitoba is 18.

Canada drives on the right side of the road.

Canada Trip Reviews

4.8
Rating
15
Reviews

Stephanie Burke

Unforgettable!

Sarah

Really enjoy the trip Sofia our trip leader went beyond expectations and made life long friends.

Imogen Steele

Everything well organised, takes the stress out of travel. Good way to meet people.

Matilda Bigg

The trip was amazing I loved every single minute we did a range of activities and saw and learnt a lot about the country! As well as having a great group and guide made the difference and experience even better. Would highly…

Munro

The freedom to do your own thing is great. Our tour guide Ellie was fun and professional at the same time. Would love to go on another trip with her guiding! Ellie's knowledge of each area was impressive. Our bus driver Sammy was…

Olivia Tyas

Helpful and knowledgeable, also quick to reply to emails. I loved the trip! I look forward to going back to Canada in 2017 and using Gap360 for future adventures. Thanks!

Sophie

The best tour I have been on! Amazing! The helicopter trip and hiking up to the Big Beehive at Lake Louise were highlights.

Taylor-Jane Lewis

The trip was great from start to finish. Well organised, food was good. Enjoyed the accommodation. Activities and optional activities were amazing and very accommodating for all fitness levels. Hosts were incredible and very…

Kirsten Harman

It was an excellent trip, good sights to see & lots of fun was had by the group. We had a really good group of people who all chipped in & played their part which made it easier.

Amy

This trip was amazing, the itinerary was perfect, a great choice of add ons (of which I did most) - they were all really fun and fitted the itinerary perfectly. The locations we visited were all really beautiful, there were a…

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