Where can we go for a weekend away?

Every Canadian city has lakes, mountains, wine country or coast within a few hours. Distances are bigger than in the UK, and winter changes the roads, so pick somewhere within about three hours for a two-night trip. A weekend in the USA is easy too, as long as your papers are in order for the way back.

Ideas from each city

Park passes and booking

National parks and historic sites are run by Parks Canada. A Discovery Pass gives 12 months’ entry to more than 80 places: C$83.50 for an adult, C$71.50 for a senior, and C$167.50 for a family or group of up to 7 in one vehicle. Under 18s get in free. It covers entry only, not camping, and isn’t valid in provincial parks. Check current fees with Parks Canada

• BC Parks: book frontcountry campsites up to 3 months before you arrive. New dates open at 7am Pacific Time every day
• Ontario Parks: book campsites and roofed cabins online, or call 1-888-668-7275 between 7am and 9pm Eastern Time
• Parks Canada campsites open for booking in January or February, and popular sites go within minutes. See summer in Canada
• Long weekends fill up first: Victoria Day, Canada Day, the August Civic Holiday, Labour Day and Thanksgiving. See public holidays

Driving, in summer and winter

Mountain and rural roads can be long and empty. On the Icefields Parkway there’s no mobile signal and few services, so fill up before you set off and download maps. From 1 November to 31 March, or whenever there’s snow and ice, you must have snow tyres (with the snowflake or M+S symbol) or chains on the Parkway. It isn’t heavily salted, plows run from 7am to 3:30pm, and Parks Canada recommends driving it in daylight. Check 511 Alberta before you go.

• In BC, follow winter tyre and chain signs from 1 October to 30 April, including on the Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler
• In Quebec, cars registered there need winter tyres from 1 December to 15 March
• Carry an emergency kit in winter, and tell someone your route. See winter in Canada and driving in Canada

A weekend in the USA

Several Canadian cities are close to the border. As British citizens, you travel under the US Visa Waiver Program, which allows visits of up to 90 days.

• You need an approved ESTA however you arrive, by air, sea or land. CBP has required it at land crossings since 2022. Apply as soon as you plan the trip, and at least 72 hours before
• The ESTA fee rose from US$21 to US$40 on 30 September 2025
• At a land crossing you also need an I-94 arrival record. Since 30 September 2025 it costs US$30. You can apply in the CBP One app up to 7 days before you cross, and you don’t pay again if you already hold a valid one
• If you arrive at a land crossing without an ESTA, you can be sent back to Canada to apply

US fees change each year. Check the live fees on the CBP website

Coming back into Canada

Your work permit isn’t a travel document, so it doesn’t on its own let you back in.

• Carry your passport and your work permit
• Flying back, British citizens also need an eTA. One is usually issued with your work permit, but it’s linked to your passport: if you renew your passport, apply for a new eTA before you fly
• By car, bus, train or boat, you don’t need an eTA
• Having the right documents doesn’t make entry automatic: the border officer decides, so be ready to show you meet the requirements
• If you’ve applied to extend your permit and are waiting on maintained status, leaving Canada can mean you’re readmitted as a visitor and can’t work until IRCC decides. See changing jobs