Why More UK Travellers Are Choosing Canada Over Europe

For many UK skiers, the dream has long been spending a whole winter carving turns in the snow. We got the memo. You’re after lakeside chalets, fresh powder, long lifts, and après-ski under starry skies. 

For years, Europe’s Alps (France, Austria, Switzerland, Italy) have been the go-to spots. But since the 90-days-in-180 rule (Schengen) came into sharper focus post-Brexit, staying for the whole ski season in Europe has become more complicated for many.

Enter Canada. 

Vast mountain ranges, reliably long winters, and simpler entry for UK visitors make Canada an increasingly attractive alternative. With winter just around the corner, many are reassessing their ski destination plans and considering venturing to The Great White North.

Read on to discover how Canada stacks up to Europe for long ski seasons, what UK travellers need to know about visas, what insurance pitfalls to watch out for, and how Go Walkabout can help you plan safely for winter adventures beyond the Alps.

Europe vs Canada — What’s The Best Destination For Snow?

If you’re torn between the charm of the Alps and the vast powder fields of the Rockies, you’re not alone. Each destination has its own perks and pitfalls, especially when it comes to stay lengths, visas, and snow reliability. 

Let’s take a closer look at how Europe and Canada stack up.

Canada’s Visitor Trends & Stats

In recent years, Canada has seen a steady rise in UK visitors, with more travellers than ever swapping Europe’s slopes for the Rockies. According to Destination Canada, visitor numbers from the UK have now reached around 83% of pre-pandemic levels, and they’re expected to surpass 2019 figures by 2025. 

Rachel McQueen, Destination Canada’s UK Managing Director, predicts that the country will welcome over 880,000 UK visitors in 2025. This is a clear sign that interest in Canadian adventures is stronger than ever!

It’s not just holidaymakers, either. The appeal of longer ski seasons and flexible visa options has attracted working holidaymakers and digital nomads, too. 

During the 2022/23 season, Ski Canada reported 1.8 million international skier visits. 1.8 million skiers can’t be wrong! These numbers reflect how Canada’s world-class resorts are drawing snow enthusiasts from all over the globe. 

With its combination of stunning scenery, reliable snow, and generous visa rules, it’s easy to see why Canada is becoming the top choice for UK travellers planning a full winter on the slopes.

Visa & Entry Essentials for UK Ski-Season Travellers

One of the biggest advantages of choosing Canada for a ski season is how straightforward it can be to enter and stay for an extended period. UK visitors don’t need a visa for short stays — just an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). 

Applying for an eTA is super quick and easy. This visa allows you to stay in Canada for up to six months, giving you plenty of time to make the most of the snow season without worrying about the 90-day limit that applies in many European destinations.

If you’re planning to work during your time away, you’ll need to apply for an International Experience Canada (IEC) Working Holiday Visa. This popular visa allows travellers to work and earn while experiencing life in Canada, and it’s open to UK citizens aged 18 to 35. Places are limited, so it’s worth applying early through the official Government of Canada website.

Read More: Best Snow Working Holiday Jobs In Canada

Canada Travel Top Tips

Do your own research and work out what visa works best for you. 

Think about your timeframe for travel, too. Even with 6-month stays, you’ll want to account for travel time, adjustment, rest, and possibly early-season training or orientation at the resort.

But most importantly, check your cover. Insurance while out on the slopes is a must! Here’s some things to think about when searching for your travel insurance: 

• Winter sports cover, off-piste if relevant
• Medical evacuation
• Equipment cover
• Policy durations that match the full season stay
• Check whether the policy covers injuries, rescue, weather-related delays, etc.

Why UK Travellers Are Choosing Canada More

From vast snow-covered mountains to welcoming ski towns, there’s no shortage of reasons why more UK travellers are choosing Canada for their next winter adventure.

1. Longer Stays, Less Red Tape

With Europe’s 90-day rule limiting how long Brits can spend in Schengen countries, many winter sports enthusiasts are looking for destinations where they can stay the full season without complicated paperwork. 

In Canada, visitors can enjoy up to six months at a time on an eTA, giving them the freedom to see out the entire ski season, and even explore a few different resorts while they’re there.

2. Reliable Snow and Extended Seasons

Canada’s ski resorts are known for their consistent snowfall and long seasons, often running from November to April or even May. 

Whether you’re carving fresh powder in Whistler, exploring the backcountry in Banff, or cruising the slopes at Big White, Canada offers world-class conditions that rival (and often outlast) many European resorts.

3. Familiar Language, Friendly Culture

For many UK travellers, the ease of communication is a big plus. English is widely spoken, and Canadian hospitality has a reputation for being warm and welcoming. This makes settling into a new community or workplace much easier.

4. Space to Breathe

While European resorts can get crowded during peak times, Canada’s ski areas often feel more spacious and relaxed. The sheer scale of the mountains means shorter lift queues, quieter slopes, and more opportunities to find untouched snow. 

For those seeking a sense of adventure or solitude in nature, Canada’s wide-open landscapes are hard to beat.

5. A Working Holiday Dream

For younger travellers, Canada’s International Experience Canada (IEC) visa makes it possible to combine work and travel in one unforgettable season. 

Ski resorts across British Columbia and Alberta actively recruit international workers each winter for hospitality, lift operations, and guest services. A working holiday in Canada is perfect for anyone wanting to fund their travels while soaking up the mountain lifestyle.

Insurance & Safety – What to Check

A long ski season in Canada is an unforgettable experience, but it’s important to make sure you’re fully covered before you go. Winter sports bring extra risks, so having the right insurance is essential. 

Here are some key things to check before setting off:

• Winter sports cover (including skiing, snowboarding, and off-piste activities)
• Medical and emergency evacuation cover
• Protection for personal belongings and ski equipment
• Trip interruption, cancellation, or delay cover
• Full-duration insurance that matches your entire stay
• Liability cover in case of accidents or damage to property

Even the most confident skier can take a tumble, so make sure your policy includes winter sports cover as standard. Canadian resorts are incredibly well equipped, but mountain rescues and medical care can be expensive without the right protection.

If you’re travelling for several months, look for long-stay or backpacker insurance that covers your whole trip rather than a short holiday policy. Go Walkabout’s long-stay policies, for example, are designed for extended adventures like ski seasons or round-the-world travel, while the Working Holiday policy will cover you for a wide range of work roles (but not ski instructors) as well as during your free time, so you can relax knowing you’re covered from start to finish.

Don’t forget your equipment cover either. Lost luggage, stolen skis, or damaged gear can put a serious dent in your budget, especially when you’re travelling far from home. Having the right protection means you can focus on enjoying the slopes rather than worrying about what-ifs.

Planning Your Ski Season in Canada

Whether you’re chasing fresh powder, looking for seasonal work, or simply dreaming of a longer winter escape, Canada offers the space, flexibility, and snow reliability that make it a top choice for UK skiers. With the right visa, forward planning, and comprehensive winter sports travel insurance, you can enjoy every moment of your adventure with confidence.

Europe may always have its charm, but for those ready to experience something bigger and bolder, Canada’s slopes are calling.