
London, United Kingdom
Royal palaces, world-class museums & West End theatre · Flights from Canada
City Break · Flights Included
Vacation Packages to London
Flight + hotel city breaks with return flights from Canada
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Handpicked · Central location
Hotels in London
Well-connected city stays close to the sights and the Underground
At a glance
Everything you need to know about London
Britain's capital is one of the world's great walking cities — from the medieval Tower of London and Westminster Abbey to the free galleries of the British Museum and Tate Modern, and the theatres of the West End, its landmarks cluster along both banks of the Thames. Royal Westminster, buzzing Soho and Covent Garden, historic Southbank, and the reinvented City and Shoreditch are all linked by the fast, iconic Underground, making London an easy, endlessly rewarding city break in any season.
Climate
Temperate maritime · mild, changeable, showery
Warm 23°C summers, crisp autumns, and cool, damp winters — pack a light rain jacket year-round.
Currency
Pound sterling (GBP)
1 CAD ≈ 0.58 GBP · cards accepted everywhere
Entry
ETA required
UK Electronic Travel Authorisation for Canadians
Top Experiences in London
Westminster, the Abbey & Buckingham Palace
See Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, tour coronation-site Westminster Abbey, then watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace.
The British Museum & Riverside Galleries
Meet the Rosetta Stone at the British Museum, then cross the Thames to Tate Modern and the National Gallery — all free to enter.
West End Theatre, Soho & Borough Market
Catch a hit musical in the West End, graze the food stalls of Borough Market, and bar-hop through Soho and Covent Garden after dark.
Essential info for Canadian travellers
Passport: A Canadian passport valid for the full duration of your stay is required — the UK is not in the Schengen Area, so there is no three-month buffer rule.
ETA (visa waiver): Canadians must obtain a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling. Apply online via the official UK ETA app or website ahead of your flight.
Travel insurance: Provincial health plans don't cover care in the UK. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Power & plugs: The UK uses 230V/50Hz with Type G three-pin plugs — bring a UK plug adapter and check that devices are dual-voltage.
Time zone: London runs on GMT (BST in summer) — five hours ahead of Toronto.
Best time to visit London
Spring blossom in the royal parks, mild days and thinner crowds — great value.
Warmest, longest days and festival season. Busiest and priciest — book early.
Crisp, golden weather and easing crowds — arguably the best time to explore.
Christmas lights, markets and pantomimes light up the city — cold but magical.
Where to stay
London neighbourhoods & districts
London's neighbourhoods each have their own character, and the Underground makes any of them a quick ride to the sights. Here's how to choose your base.
Westminster & the West End
Central London
The heart of tourist London — Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, Soho, Covent Garden and the theatre district all on your doorstep.
- First-timers
- Theatre
- Sightseeing
Kensington & Chelsea
West London
Leafy, upscale streets home to the great free museums of South Kensington, Hyde Park, and smart shopping around Knightsbridge.
- Museums
- Families
- Couples
South Bank & Waterloo
South of the Thames
A walkable riverside strip linking the London Eye, Tate Modern and the Southbank Centre, with quick transit across the bridges.
- Value
- River walks
- Culture
Shoreditch & the City
East London
The historic financial district meets creative East End — street art, markets, rooftop bars and a buzzing nightlife scene.
- Foodies
- Nightlife
- Markets
Beyond the city
Day trips & excursions from London
London is a superb base for exploring England's castles, university towns and coast. Every excursion below can be booked through ShopTravel or your hotel concierge.
Windsor Castle & Eton
Tour the world's oldest occupied castle and the royal State Apartments, then stroll across the river to historic Eton.
- Trains run from Waterloo & Paddington
- Pre-book to skip the ticket queue
Oxford & the Cotswolds
Explore Oxford's historic colleges, then wander the honey-stone villages and rolling hills of the Cotswolds countryside.
- Fast trains run from Paddington
- Combine with a Cotswolds coach tour
Stonehenge & Bath
Stand before the prehistoric stone circle at Stonehenge, then tour the Roman Baths and honey-coloured Georgian city of Bath.
- Best done as a guided coach day trip
- Wear comfortable walking shoes
Brighton & the South Coast
Ride the pebble-beach promenade, browse the boutique Lanes, and see the exotic Royal Pavilion in England's liveliest seaside city.
- Direct trains run from Victoria
- Great for a sunny-day escape
Your London city break awaits
Flight + hotel packages from Canada, starting at
Good to know
London travel FAQ
Everything Canadian travellers ask before booking
Do Canadians need a visa for the United Kingdom?
No visa is required for short visits, but Canadians now need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling. Apply online through the official UK ETA app or website ahead of your flight.
How long is the flight from Canada to London?
Direct flights from Toronto to London Gatwick (LGW) take about 7 hours. Direct and one-stop options are also available from other Canadian cities.
When is the best time to visit London?
Late spring (April–May) and early autumn (September–October) offer mild weather and thinner crowds. Summer is warmest and busiest, while December brings festive lights and markets.
Is London safe for tourists?
Yes. London is a safe, welcoming city for visitors. Use normal big-city precautions — watch for pickpockets in crowds and on the Underground.
What currency does London use?
The pound sterling (GBP). Contactless cards and phones are accepted almost everywhere, including on buses and the Tube — you rarely need cash.
Do I need travel insurance?
It's strongly recommended. Provincial health plans don't cover medical care in the UK, and private treatment can be costly.
How easy is it to get around London?
Very easy. The Underground, buses, and Overground are fast and frequent — just tap a contactless card or phone to pay. Central London is also very walkable.
Can I book day trips through ShopTravel?
Yes. You can add excursions like Windsor Castle, Oxford & the Cotswolds, or Stonehenge & Bath to your booking at checkout.




