Canada is witnessing a significant surge in popularity among British holidaymakers, with geopolitical shifts potentially influencing travel decisions. The country has recorded a 13 per cent increase in arrivals this year compared to the same period in 2024.
Industry observers suggest this trend is partly driven by travellers seeking alternatives to the United States following Donald Trump's return to office. This indicates a new generation of tourists is discovering Canada, attracted by both its natural splendour and the evolving global landscape.
Why Toronto is the Star Attraction
While Canada's timeless appeal has always rested on its majestic wilderness—from mountains and glaciers to vast forests and lakes—it's the urban centres that are now capturing significant attention. Leading this urban charge is Toronto, Canada's largest city, home to approximately three million people in Ontario.
The city has become more accessible than ever for UK travellers thanks to a new Virgin Atlantic service from London Heathrow. This marks the airline's return to Canada after more than a decade, having suspended its Vancouver route in 2014.
Toronto offers a distinctly North American feel with long avenues flanked by gleaming skyscrapers reminiscent of Manhattan. Visitors can enjoy five-star hotels and a world-class culinary scene, all set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Ontario. As an added bonus, the mighty Niagara Falls is conveniently located just 80 miles away.
Experiencing the Best of Toronto
For an ethical and stylish stay, the 1 Hotel comes highly recommended. With a firm commitment to sustainability, it features furniture crafted from reclaimed materials and offers a complimentary electric car fleet for short journeys. Its central location means the iconic CN Tower is just a stone's throw away. The hotel's contemporary design, accented by over 3,000 plants, includes a rooftop pool with breathtaking city views. Doubles start from £239.
Dining options are equally impressive. KOST, perched on the 44th floor of the Bisha Hotel, provides spectacular panoramas alongside a menu inspired by California. This trendy spot serves everything from braised beef tacos at brunch to seared Atlantic salmon in the evening.
To truly immerse yourself in Toronto's world-renowned food scene, a tour of the historic St. Lawrence Market is essential. Dating back to 1803 and once crowned the world's best food market by National Geographic, it houses 120 vendors selling everything from artisan cheeses to the city's famous Peameal bacon sandwich.
Adventures Beyond the City Core
For a change of pace, a bicycle tour with Toronto Bicycle Tours offers an ideal way to explore Downtown before catching a ferry to the Toronto Islands. This car-free archipelago of 15 interconnected islands features quaint cottages, historic lighthouses, and peaceful beaches with epic skyline views.
No trip is complete without witnessing Niagara Falls. For a truly memorable experience, a scenic helicopter flight with Niagara Helicopters provides a 12-minute aerial spectacle, following the Niagara River before sweeping over the magnificent Horseshoe Falls.
As a delightful surprise, the region near Niagara is also home to acclaimed wineries. A visit to Two Sisters Vineyard offers a guided 'Vine to Wine' tour through 130 acres of picturesque grounds, showcasing Canada's burgeoning and impressive wine production.
Virgin Atlantic operates daily flights from London Heathrow to Toronto, with return fares starting from £391.
