CANADA
Canada, the world’s second-largest country by land area, occupies the northern part of North America. A vast and diverse nation, it evolved from French and British colonial roots to become an independent parliamentary democracy. Its immense landscapes range from Arctic tundra to majestic mountain ranges and sprawling forests, embracing a multicultural population and a strong commitment to peace and natural preservation.
Region: North America
Capital: Ottawa
Official Language: English, French
Level of Travel Safety: Exercise normal precautions. Canada is generally very safe, but be aware of typical urban crime in larger cities and exercise caution in remote wilderness areas.
Why Visit Canada?
Nature at Its Peak: From Banff’s turquoise lakes to the cliffs of Cape Breton, outdoor wonders are everywhere.
Multicultural Cities: Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal buzz with global culture, languages, and food.
Northern Lights: Head to Yukon or Northern Alberta for unforgettable views of the aurora borealis.
French-Canadian Flair: Québec City feels like a European village with cobbled streets and French patisseries.
Wildlife Encounters: Spot grizzlies in BC, moose in Newfoundland, or polar bears in Manitoba.
Festivals and Events: Experience Montreal Jazz Fest, Toronto International Film Festival, and Calgary Stampede.
Essential Trip Information
Visa and Entry Requirements
Canada has varying entry requirements depending on your nationality. Many travelers need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a visitor visa.
Check your eligibility and apply through the official Government of Canada website: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada.html
Passports must be valid for the entire duration of your planned stay.
Immigration officers may ask for proof of onward travel, accommodation bookings, and sufficient funds to cover your expenses.
An eTA costs CAN$7 and is typically valid for five years or until your passport expires. It is recommended to obtain it before booking your flights.
Currency
Canada uses the Canadian Dollar (CA$). Common bills: CA$5–100; coins: 5¢–2 (no 1¢ coin).
Best Ways to Handle Currency
Before Your Trip: Exchange a small amount; Canadian ATMs typically offer better rates than airport kiosks.
During Your Trip: Use ATMs from major banks (e.g., RBC, TD, Scotiabank). Visa/Mastercard are widely accepted.
What to Avoid: Dynamic currency conversion—always choose to pay in CAD, not USD.
Language
English and French are official languages. French is dominant in Québec and parts of New Brunswick.
Common phrases: “Bonjour” (Hello), “Merci” (Thank you), “Excuse me” (Pardon).
Safety & Security
Canada is considered very safe.
In cities, exercise basic caution, especially at night in less busy areas.
Emergency number: 911 (for police, fire, ambulance).
Health & Insurance
No vaccinations are required.
Travel insurance is highly recommended—healthcare is excellent but not free for visitors.
Pharmacies (e.g., Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall) are common. Tap water is clean and drinkable.
Transportation
Public Transit: Efficient in major cities. Subway and bus systems operate on reloadable cards.
Intercity Travel: VIA Rail and regional airlines serve most of the country. Bus lines (e.g., FlixBus, Megabus) are cheaper.
Car Rental: Best for exploring national parks or rural areas—drive on the right.
Winter Travel: Prepare for snow tires and slower transit.
Price Level
Canada is moderately priced, though Toronto and Vancouver can be expensive.
Accommodation
Budget: Hostels/motels (US$50–90/night)
Mid-range: 3-star hotels (US$120–200/night)
Luxury: High-end hotels/resorts (US$250+/night)
Food
Quick bites: Poutine, sandwiches (US$8–15)
Sit-down casual: US$20–35/person
Fine dining: US$60+ per person
Drinks
Beer: US$5–9 (bars), US$2–4 (liquor stores)
Cocktails: US$10–16
Transportation
Public transit (bus/subway): US$2–4/ride, day passes US$8–12
Taxi/Ride-share: US$10–25 for short distances
Intercity trains/flights: Can be pricey—book in advance for VIA Rail deals.
Money-Saving Tips
Use Presto/Opus/Compass cards for city transport discounts.
Many museums (e.g., in Ottawa, Montreal) have free entry evenings.
Consider city passes (e.g., Toronto CityPASS) for bundled attraction discounts.
Explore Canada
Nestled in the Canadian Rockies, Banff offers breathtaking mountain vistas, turquoise lakes like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, and abundant wildlife. It’s a haven for hiking, skiing, and scenic drives. Located in southwestern Alberta.
A vibrant coastal city renowned for its stunning natural setting, with mountains and ocean at its doorstep. Explore Stanley Park, Granville Island, and diverse culinary scenes. Located on the southwest coast of British Columbia.
Canada’s largest city, a dynamic metropolis with iconic landmarks like the CN Tower, world-class museums, and diverse neighborhoods offering rich cultural experiences. Located in southeastern Ontario, on the shore of Lake Ontario.
A unique blend of European charm and North American vibrancy, with historic Old Montreal, a thriving arts scene, and delicious poutine. French is widely spoken. Located in southwestern Quebec, on an island in the Saint Lawrence River.
The only walled city in North America, boasting cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and a distinct French atmosphere. Explore the charming Petit Champlain district and the iconic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. Located in southeastern Quebec, on the Saint Lawrence River.
A premier ski resort globally, offering immense terrain for all levels, and transforming into an outdoor adventure hub in summer with mountain biking and hiking. Located in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, north of Vancouver.
One of the world’s most famous waterfalls, an awe-inspiring natural wonder that can be viewed from various vantage points and attractions like boat tours. Located in southeastern Ontario, on the Niagara River, bordering the USA.
Canada’s smallest province, known for its picturesque red sand beaches, charming fishing villages, and the inspiration for “Anne of Green Gables.” Offers a relaxed pace and delicious seafood. Located in Eastern Canada, in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, this park showcases dramatic fjords, coastal lowlands, and ancient mountains, providing unique geological formations and stunning hiking opportunities. Located on the west coast of Newfoundland.
Often called the “Polar Bear Capital of the World,” this remote town offers incredible opportunities to see polar bears in their natural habitat, as well as beluga whales and the Northern Lights. Located in northern Manitoba, on the shore of Hudson Bay.
Explore North America
Smart Travel
Key Advantages:
- Lowest Prices
- Fewer Crowds
- Authentic Local Vibe
- Winter Sports (excluding peak)
- Cozy Atmosphere
Main Drawbacks:
- Cold Temperatures
- Shorter Days
- Limited Outdoor Activities (non-ski)
- Some closures
Key Regions:
- Quebec City: Enchanting old-world charm, perfect for a snowy, festive escape.
- Niagara Falls: Witness the falls in a dramatic, icy embrace, fewer crowds.
- Banff & Lake Louise (mid-week): Excellent skiing with fewer people, stunning winter scenery.
- Vancouver Island (coastal areas): Milder winter, great for storm watching and cozy retreats.
Key Advantages:
- Ideal Weather
- Manageable Crowds
- Reasonable Prices
- Festivals & Events
- Blooming Landscapes (Spring) & Autumn Colors (Autumn)
Main Drawbacks:
- Spring Mud Season
- Unpredictable Weather (Spring/Autumn)
- Autumn Crowds for Larch Season (Canadian Rockies)
Key Regions:
- Toronto: Vibrant city life, milder weather for exploring neighborhoods and attractions.
- Montreal: European flair, enjoy outdoor cafes and festivals before peak summer.
- Canadian Rockies (early Spring/late Autumn): Majestic scenery with fewer hikers, vibrant fall colors.
- Maritimes (Nova Scotia, PEI, New Brunswick): Charming coastal towns, fresh seafood, beautiful fall foliage.
- Okanagan Valley, BC: Wineries and orchards come alive in spring, stunning fall harvest.
- Mid-Summer (June-August)
- Christmas and New Year Holiday Period
- Peak Ski Season (February-March)
Planning Your Trip
Local Customs And Etiquette
Politeness: Canadians are famously polite—say “please” and “thank you” often.
Tipping: 15–20% at restaurants; US$1–2 for hotel staff per bag.
Smoking: Not allowed in public buildings or near entrances.
Greetings: A handshake is the norm; casual dress is acceptable in most settings.
Indigenous Cultures: Be respectful and open to learning—many regions highlight First Nations heritage through tours and art.
Budgeting For Your Trip
Accommodation: Hostels (US$30–60), mid-range hotels (US$150–250), luxury stays (US$400+).
Food: Street eats/food courts (US$8–15), restaurants (US$20–40), fine dining (US$70+).
Transport: City transit (US$2.50–3.50 per ride), gas (US$4–6/gallon), domestic flights (US$150–400).
Activities: National park pass (US$7–10/day), museum entry (US$10–20), adventure tours (US$50–150).
Daily Budget:
Budget: US$80–120 (hostel, public transit, casual eats).
Mid-range: US$180–300 (hotel, restaurants, parks).
Luxury: US$400+ (premium stays, guided tours, dining).
Internet & Mobile
Free Wi-Fi: Widely available in cafes, libraries, airports, and public transport hubs.
SIM Cards: Carriers like Bell, Telus, and Rogers offer prepaid SIMs (US$30–50 for 5–10GB).
eSIMs: Supported by most providers (Airalo, Ubigi) and major cities have strong 4G/LTE coverage.
Travel Insurance
Essential for all visitors: Canada’s healthcare system doesn’t cover tourists.
Coverage: Make sure your plan includes medical, trip cancellation, and extreme weather (especially in winter).
Outdoor Activities: Check for coverage on skiing, snowmobiling, and wildlife tours—some policies exclude them.
Accomodation Options
Canada offers everything from sleek urban hotels to rustic wilderness lodges.
Luxury:
- Iconic: Fairmont Banff Springs, Ritz-Carlton Toronto, Shangri-La Vancouver.
- Wilderness luxury: Fogo Island Inn (Newfoundland), Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge (British Columbia).
Mid-range:
- Boutique: Hotel Nelligan (Montreal), Hotel Arts (Calgary), Hotel le Germain (Quebec City).
- Chains: Delta, Marriott, and Hilton (~US$150–250/night).
Budget:
- Hostels: HI Canada network (~US$30–60/night), especially in Toronto, Vancouver, and Banff.
- Motels: Widely available along highways (~US$60–90).
Unique Stays:
- Cabins: In Muskoka or the Laurentians.
- Indigenous-owned lodges: Learn about First Nations culture.
Tip: Book national park lodges (Banff, Jasper) well in advance, especially for summer and ski season.
Getting Around
Canada is vast—getting around requires smart planning, especially between cities.
Trains:
- Scenic routes: VIA Rail’s The Canadian (Toronto–Vancouver) or Ocean (Montreal–Halifax) offer iconic cross-country views.
- Regional trains: Efficient between major cities in Ontario and Quebec (e.g., Toronto–Ottawa–Montreal).
Domestic Flights:
- Essential for long distances (e.g., Toronto–Calgary). Book early for savings—flights can be pricey last-minute.
Buses:
- Intercity: Greyhound has ceased most service, but FlixBus, Rider Express, and Megabus offer budget options in populated corridors.
- Local transit: Cities have efficient buses and subways (fares ~US$2.50–3.50).
Car Rentals:
- Recommended for national parks and rural regions (~US$50–90/day). Roads are well-maintained, but distances can be long.
Rideshare & Apps:
- Uber and Lyft operate in most major cities. Taxis are available but more expensive.
Bold Recommendation: Use domestic flights for long-distance travel and rent a car to explore nature-rich areas like Banff or the Cabot Trail.
Handy Tips
Canada uses the Canadian Dollar (CAD), but prices here are shown in US$ for reference. Bills come in 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 CAD denominations; coins include 1¢ (rare), nickels (5¢), dimes (10¢), quarters (25¢), and unique $1 (“loonie”) and $2 (“toonie”) coins.
Exchanging Currency: Avoid airport exchange counters—ATMs offer better rates, especially downtown or at banks.
Using Cards: Credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) are widely accepted—even at food trucks and taxis. Tap-to-pay is very common.
Tipping Etiquette: Tipping norms are similar to the U.S.
Restaurants/Bars: 15–20% of the bill (check for automatic gratuity on groups).
Taxis/Rideshares: 10–15%, or round up.
Hotel Staff: $1–2 per bag; $3–5/day for housekeeping.
Tour Guides: $5–10 per person.
English is the primary language across most of Canada, though French is co-official and dominant in Québec (especially Montréal and Québec City).
Useful phrases in French (especially for Québec):
“Où est la station de métro la plus proche?” (Where’s the nearest metro station?)
“Combien ça coûte?” (How much is it?)
“Puis-je avoir un reçu?” (Can I get a receipt?)
Pro Tip: Locals are friendly but appreciate politeness—a simple “Bonjour” or “Merci” goes a long way, especially in Québec.
Canada is very safe for travelers, though normal urban precautions apply—especially in nightlife areas and on public transit at night.
Emergency Contacts:
911: All emergencies (police, medical, fire).
811: Health advice in most provinces (non-urgent).
Your Embassy: Most are located in Ottawa, Toronto, or Vancouver—keep digital copies of documents.
Canada uses 120V/60Hz and Type A/B plugs (same as U.S.).
Travelers from Europe/Asia will need an adapter, but voltage converters are usually unnecessary for phones and laptops.
Tap water is safe, clean, and drinkable across the country. In restaurants, water is served by default—just ask for “tap water” to avoid bottled options.
Major public holidays where businesses and attractions may close or operate on reduced hours:
Jan 1: New Year’s Day
3rd Mon in Feb: Family Day (most provinces)
Mar/Apr (varies): Good Friday & Easter Monday
Jul 1: Canada Day (nationwide celebrations + fireworks!)
1st Mon in Sep: Labour Day
2nd Mon in Oct: Thanksgiving (Canadian version)
Dec 25: Christmas Day
Dec 26: Boxing Day (major shopping holiday)
Stores: Usually open 10:00–18:00 (malls until 21:00); shorter hours on Sundays.
Pharmacies: Chains like Shoppers Drug Mart and Rexall open until 22:00; some 24/7 in major cities.
Farmers’ Markets: Weekends only (e.g., Granville Island Market in Vancouver, St. Lawrence Market in Toronto).
Poutine: Fries with cheese curds and gravy (try it in Montréal or La Banquise).
Montreal-Style Bagels: Sweeter, denser than NYC-style—try Fairmount or St-Viateur.
Tourtière: Spiced meat pie traditional in Québec, especially during holidays.
Nanaimo Bars: Named after a town in British Columbia, but now found nationwide.
Butter Tarts: Gooey-centered pastry with raisins or pecans.
Smoked Meat Sandwich: Especially from Schwartz’s Deli in Montréal—served warm on rye.
Atlantic Lobster Roll: Best in Nova Scotia or Prince Edward Island—served cold or grilled.
Bannock: Indigenous pan-fried bread often served sweet or savory.
Peameal Bacon Sandwich: A Toronto staple—try it at St. Lawrence Market.
Fish & Chips: Especially on the East Coast (Newfoundland or Nova Scotia) made with fresh Atlantic cod.
Maple Syrup Desserts: From maple cookies to frozen maple taffy on snow.
BeaverTails: Fried dough topped with cinnamon sugar or Nutella—perfect winter snack.
Timbits: Mini doughnuts from Tim Hortons, a Canadian institution.
Alcoholic
Canadian Whisky: Try Crown Royal or Forty Creek.
Ice Wine: A sweet dessert wine, mostly from Niagara—tastes like frozen grapes!
Craft Beer: Sample local brews from Steam Whistle (Toronto) or Parallel 49 (Vancouver).
Caesar Cocktail: A Canadian twist on a Bloody Mary—made with Clamato juice.
BC Wines: Okanagan Valley reds and whites.
Québec Cider: Crisp, cool, and often served on patios.
Molson Canadian / Labatt Blue: Classic local lagers.
Local IPAs: Check out Bellwoods Brewery (Toronto) or Le Trou du Diable (Québec).
Maple Ale: Seasonal specialty brewed with a touch of syrup.
Craft Distilleries: Try Ungava Gin (made with Arctic botanicals).
Non-Alcoholic
Tim Hortons Coffee: A Canadian morning ritual.
Maple Water: Naturally sweet sap water, popular in health stores.
Kombucha: Widely available in big cities.
Butter Tea: Found in remote Arctic Indigenous communities.
Canadian Soft Drinks: Try Canada Dry, born in Toronto!
Hot Apple Cider: Especially cozy during the fall/winter months.
Indigenous Experiences: Visit cultural centers like Wanuskewin Heritage Park or Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre.
Historic Quebec City: Walk cobblestone streets and explore the Citadel.
Canadian Museum of History (Gatineau): Immersive exhibits spanning millennia.
Château Frontenac: Iconic hotel that defines the skyline of Old Québec.
French-English Duality: Bilingualism is part of national identity—especially rich in Montréal.
Multiculturalism in Toronto: Neighborhoods like Greektown, Little India, Chinatown.
Inuit Art: View sculptures and prints at galleries across the country.
Royal Connections: Parliament buildings, Victoria’s Empress Hotel, and RCMP heritage.
Canadian Symbols: Maple leaf, moose, beavers, Mounties—all part of cultural fabric.
Nature as Identity: National parks and rugged landscapes are deeply tied to Canadian heritage.
National Parks: Banff, Jasper, and Yoho for breathtaking hikes and glacier views.
City Festivals: Montreal Jazz Festival, Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), Calgary Stampede.
Ice Skating: Try the Rideau Canal in Ottawa (world’s largest skating rink).
Hockey Game: Catch the Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, or Montreal Canadiens.
Northern Lights Viewing: Best in Yukon or Yellowknife during winter.
Whale Watching: Off the coast of Vancouver Island (May–October).
Mountain Biking: In Whistler, a top spot for adrenaline junkies.
Theatre Scene: Stratford Festival (Ontario) for Shakespeare lovers.
Live Comedy: Try clubs in Toronto’s Entertainment District or Just for Laughs in Montreal.
Canoeing or Kayaking: Try in Algonquin Park or Lake Louise.
Bar Isabel (Toronto): Spanish-style tapas and award-winning cocktails.
Le Saint-Sulpice (Montréal): Multi-level courtyard bar—great for groups.
The Kee to Bala (Muskoka): Lakeside live music venue in summer.
The Drake Hotel (Toronto): Hip bar/venue with rooftop and gallery.
Club Unity (Montréal): LGBTQ+ friendly club with light shows and DJs.
The Commodore Ballroom (Vancouver): Iconic venue for live shows.
Steamworks Brewing (Vancouver): Pub with fresh brews and harbor views.
Distillery District (Toronto): Chic pedestrian zone full of bars and galleries.
Ice Bar at Hôtel de Glace (Québec, winter only): Entirely carved from ice.
Speakeasies: Hidden gems like Coldroom in Montréal or Civil Liberties in Toronto.