Just back from Vancouver area (the Island). I'm jealous of someone going there for a year and getting to fly!
The option I used was a temporary certificate, it might not be of any use to you in your circumstances but it might be worthwhile considering.
I pitched up at the local (Victoria International) Transport Canada office; no appointment necessary. They copied licence and medical and then for $40 issued me with the 3 month certificate. Obviously it's only valid for three months but what wasn't obvious at first is that you can't apply for another one within a year.
Apparently (according to the lady behind the desk) it also allowed me to use my ratings too; I couldn't quite believe that - certainly with respect to my FI(A), but also with regards to my MEP and IR. But that's what I was told anyway.
I was there to do a seaplane rating so did no solo flying other than the 5 splash-and-goes to get it added to my Canadian licence but from what I saw and heard your UK training will more than adequately equip you for Canada, subject to checkout on local procedures, CAS and R/T (it took me a week to figure out what 'on the slide' meant!)
It is stunning stunning stunning - good luck!