How to get there

Getting to Canada For most of the major Canadian resorts, access to Canada is via the international airports of Vancouver or Calgary. For some of the resorts such as Big White or Silver Star, flights into Kelowna airport may be via major Canadian airports, or from the USA.

Needless to say, when choosing a flight one of the important determinants may be the travel times to Canada, as these vary significantly between flights and airlines. Use one of recommended flight search engines to help you compare travel times and prices for flights.

Flights from Australia to Vancouver:
Cathay Pacific provides many flights into Vancouver, but the travel times vary from 23 hours up to about 30 hours because they fly via Hong Kong. They operate from various international airports within Australia. Air New Zealand also fly out of various Australian airports, but flight times are a minimum of 27 hours, as the flights stop in Auckland and San Francisco.

Air Canada offer a very speedy service with travel times of about 14-15 hours, via Honolulu. They only operate out of Sydney, so you need to catch a domestic flight if you live elsewhere. Qantas is also fairly speedy with a stop in Los Angeles, and a flight time of about 19 hours from Sydney or slightly less from Brisbane. Qantas is typically a little more expensive than Air Canada, but they provide more flexibility with the city of origin.

Other carriers include Philippine Airlines (stopping in Manilla) and United (stopping in San Francisco).
Flights from Australia to Kelowna:
A lot of flight options to Kelowna are via Vancouver, Los Angeles or Seattle. A degree of code sharing may occur, with airlines such as Air Canada, Alaska Airlines and Westjet providing the second leg of the trip. Air Canada provides flights via Vancouver or Los Angeles, and the flight times from Australia are approximately 18-24 hours on the outbound flight, and up to 25 on the inbound flights. Qantas also offer another option via Tokyo and Seattle, but this will potentially be much more expensive.

Flights from Australia to Calgary:
For accessing resorts around Banff or Kicking Horse, you will need to fly into Calgary International airport. Some flights go via Vancouver, Los Angeles or Denver.

Air Canada offers flights via Vancouver with a minimum travel time of 17 hours outbound, and 19 hours on the way home. This can be up to 27 hours on some schedules. Air New Zealand fly via Auckland and Los Angeles, and have long flight times of approximately 25-31 hours of travel time. Qantas fly via Los Angeles, but the transit time in Los Angeles can be prohibitive. On the plus side is an opportunity for a day shopping in Los Angeles on the way there and the way home. Bliss!

Visas Requirements No visa is required for holidays up to three months, but a valid passport for at least 3 months beyond the date you intend to leave Canada is required.

If you are travelling through the USA, even if it’s just a transit in Honolulu, you are required to meet the USA entry requirements, and inconveniently need to go through the whole immigration process. Check the smart traveller website for the latest information.

Getting Around in Canada Due to the long distances within Canada, internal flights are sometimes required. Regularly scheduled flights are offered by a number of airlines with Air Canada serving the most cities.

VIA Rail offers train transport between most major Canadian cities. There are also rail tours such as the Rocky Moutaineer tour, to enjoy the picturesque views in style, but unfortunately this rail service only runs during summer.

Canada has various car hire companies including Hertz, Budget, Enterprise, Thrifty and Discount. During winter, a small vehicle may be available for about $30 per day. The minimum age to rent a vehicle varies from 21-25 years old. Driver’s licenses from other countries are valid in Canada for up to 3 months, and proof of insurance must be carried at all times.

All highway signs in Canada provide distances and speed limits in kilometres, but keep in mind that these speed limits are for dry conditions. Needless to say, drive on the right side of the road, and heavy snowfalls and ice in the winter can make driving dangerous. You can get tips for winter driving from the Canadian Automobile Association.

Greyhound is one bus company that serves many areas throughout Canada. Greyhound’s Discovery Passes are a cost effective way to travel.

Transport Services

	International Rail - Canada Rail Passes International Rail provides rail tickets and passes for travel throughout Canada. Trains are a great way to access the ski areas. Travel in comfort and enjoy the scenery along the way.