hi

ive read that you do not need a visa to visit canada if from uk, how long can i stay as was hoping to stay 8-9 mths?

Also ive read the trick is what to say at the airport? any suggestions on the best thing to say?

thanks

You can usually stay up to 6 months. It's either the expiry date they stamp on your passport at time of entry, or 6 months from entry date. After that point you have to apply for an extension. (http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/applications/visitor.html)