Flights

First the good news: getting to Canada can take far less time than you might think. Direct flights are on offer from regional airports around the country, as well as from Heathrow and Gatwick. And if you are flying to the east coast you can touch down in less than six hours. It can take longer than that to get to places like Dubai.



Flying to the west coast of Canada takes less time than flying to San Francisco, Los Angeles or even Las Vegas. Well known national carriers like British Airways and Air Canada are the obvious choices for flights. But new budget airlines are springing up as well – and several charter companies now have Canada on their lists.

New flight links UK to Nova Scotia

A new flight service is to make Canada holidays more accessible for British travellers this summer.

Icelandair has introduced a new route between the UK and Halifax in Nova Scotia, Canada, that is set to run until September 24th.

Flights will operate from London Heathrow airport as well as Glasgow airport, with return tickets costing from £346 when booked over the internet.

According to the airline, the port city of Halifax is a great way to get to the countryside of Nova Scotia, making it ideal for those wanting to go on holiday in Canada.

Icelandair said: "The port city is the gateway to the countryside of Nova Scotia which boasts a rugged coastline warmed by the Gulf Stream, tiny villages dotted across wild and pristine landscapes and world-class cuisine."

Among the events taking place in Nova Scotia this year that are likely to attract tourists on holiday in Canada is the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo.

The province's 700 festivals and events also include the Celtic Colours International Festival - recognised by the American Bus Association as one of Canada's top events.

Canada flights a transatlantic first for Liverpool

Liverpool's John Lennon Airport celebrated with pecan pastries and maple syrup after its first-ever transatlantic flight - to Toronto - took off this week.

Operated by Flyglobespan, it is thought that the weekly flights will make Canadian holidays more accessible to people from the north-west of England.

The low-cost direct flights start from £99 one way including taxes and will take passengers to Toronto's Hamilton Airport, which is positioned to serve downtown Toronto and other popular destinations in the province of Ontario - with Niagra Falls under an hour's drive.

Toronto is likely to be a popular Canadian holiday destination and, according to John Lennon Airport, is a hotbed of culture and entertainment, as well as being home to the CN Tower, the tallest building in the world

The airport's managing director Neil Pakey commented: "As well as giving passengers in the north-west the opportunity to fly to Canada at some great low fares, we hope that many Canadians will take the opportunity to visit Liverpool and Merseyside, particularly in the run up to 2008 and the City's European Capital of Culture celebrations."

Among the events likely to attract visitors to Toronto this year are the Toronto Jazz Festival, taking place between June 22nd and July 1st 2007.

© See Terms and Conditions