Everything you need to know before booking a flight to London! The timeless city is your next stop on your European adventure. Read the London Travel Guide, the first part of the Europe Unlocked: A Canadian’s Guide to Europe series.
Afternoon tea with a scone and some Lady Whistledown gossip, or a martini – shaken, not stirred – with a few olives? A magical visit to the Harry Potter world, an adventure with Paddington Bear, or a sweet rom-com moment in Notting Hill? Perhaps a stroll through Borough Market, channeling Bridget Jones vibes? A little rain, lush green hills, and a city full of history and charm – London has it all.
Europe Unlocked: Trip to London, United Kingdom
The Travellers Team at Onside Media is making travel to Europe easier for Canadians. Read on for all the essential things to know before your next London getaway!
Language, Currency, Time Zone Difference
- Language: English
- Currency: British Pound (£)
- Time Zone Difference: +5 hours ahead of Toronto (Eastern Time)
How to Get There
Traveling from Canada to London is not difficult, with multiple direct flights available from major Canadian cities. These are top three airlines offering non-stop flights to London:
- Air Canada – Direct flights from Toronto (YYZ), Vancouver (YVR), Montreal (YUL), and Calgary (YYC) to London Heathrow (LHR).
- British Airways – Non-stop service from Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal to London Heathrow.
- WestJet – Direct flights from Calgary and Toronto to London Gatwick (LGW).
Most flights from Canada take 6–10 hours, depending on your departure city. London Heathrow (LHR) is the busiest international airport, while Gatwick (LGW) is another popular choice for Canadian travelers.
Top Tourist Attractions & Landmarks in London
London is home to some of the world’s most famous sights, blending history, culture, and stunning architecture. Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the British monarch, is a must-see, while The British Museum houses treasures like the Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies. The Tower of London, a historic fortress, holds centuries of royal history and the Crown Jewels. Iconic city landmarks include Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, a symbol of London’s heritage, Tower Bridge, a striking Victorian-era bridge offering breathtaking views, and The Shard, the tallest building in the UK with an observation deck overlooking the city skyline.
Popular Tourist Season: Spring (March–May) and Summer (June–August) for the best weather
Must-Try Food, Fun Activities & Souvenirs
No trip to London is complete without indulging in its classic dishes. Enjoy fish and chips at a traditional pub, start your day with a hearty full English breakfast, and don’t miss a Sunday roast with Yorkshire pudding. For a more elegant experience, treat yourself to a classic afternoon tea with mini sandwiches, canapes, scones and clotted cream.
For fun, catch a West End play in London’s famous theater district – The Lion King, The Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, or Titanique. Step into the magic of Harry Potter at the Warner Bros. Studios, or take in the city from the water with a cruise on the Thames River.
When it comes to souvenirs, bring home a taste of London with tea in a tin, a luxury treat from iconic shopping stores, or a bottle of premium British gin. Fans of the wizarding world will love picking up Harry Potter-themed memorabilia from the official stores.
Public Transport in London
London’s Tube (Underground, Metro, Subway) has 11 lines and is the fastest way to travel around the city. The famous red double-deckers – buses – run 24/7. Overground trains and trams serve outer boroughs. The Oyster card or contactless payments make travel easier. Be ready for steps at the older subway stations and traffic jams during on-peak times.
Insider Tip: The best free view of the London skyline is from the top of Primrose Hill. Located just north of Regent’s Park, this elevated spot offers stunning panoramic views of the city—perfect for a sunrise or sunset visit!
A classic Londoner phrase(s)
- “Mind the gap!” – This announcement warns passengers to be cautious of the space between the train and platform on the London Underground. You will also see it on multiple souvenirs from London. Iconic.
- “You alright?” – A casual way of saying “How are you?”, not an actual question if you are okay.
- “It’s proper busy!” – This means that it is very crowded or hectic.
Fun Fact: London’s Underground (Tube) is the oldest metro system in the world, opening in 1863.
Travel Requirements for Canadians
- Visa: Not required for stays up to 6 months.
- Passport: Must be valid for the entire duration of your stay.
- New Requirement: Effective January 8, 2025, Canadian citizens must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before traveling to or transiting through the UK. Applications can be submitted online or via the official UK ETA app. Fee: £10. Validity: 2 years or until your passport expires (whichever comes first), allowing multiple entries.
Source of Travel Requirements: aircanada.com
