Canada Travel Tips - Expert Advice for Your Journey

Essential Travel Tips

Everything you need to know before visiting Canada

Documentation & Entry

Valid passport required for all international visitors
eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) may be required
Check visa requirements based on your nationality
Carry travel insurance documentation
Keep copies of important documents separately

Weather & Seasons

Summer (June-August): Warm weather, peak tourist season
Fall (September-November): Beautiful foliage, cooler temperatures
Winter (December-February): Cold, snow activities available
Spring (March-May): Mild weather, fewer crowds
Always check local weather forecasts

Money & Payments

Canadian Dollar (CAD) is the official currency
Credit cards widely accepted, especially Visa/Mastercard
Tipping is customary: 15-20% at restaurants
ATMs readily available in cities and towns
Mobile payments increasingly popular

Seasonal Travel Advice

Make the most of Canada's distinct seasons

Summer Travel (June-August)

What to Pack:

Light, breathable clothing and layers
Comfortable walking shoes
Sun hat and sunglasses
Insect repellent for outdoor activities
Light rain jacket

Best Activities:

Hiking in national parks
Festival attendance
Outdoor dining and patios
Water sports and beach activities

Winter Travel (December-February)

What to Pack:

Heavy winter coat and thermal layers
Waterproof boots with good traction
Warm hat, gloves, and scarf
Moisturizer for dry winter air
Hand and foot warmers

Best Activities:

Skiing and snowboarding
Ice skating and hockey games
Winter festivals and Christmas markets
Northern Lights viewing

Cultural Etiquette

Understanding Canadian customs and social norms

Social Interactions

Canadians are generally polite and reserved
"Please," "thank you," and "excuse me" are used frequently
Apologizing is common, even for minor inconveniences
Personal space is respected - maintain arm's length
Small talk about weather is a common conversation starter

Language

English and French are official languages
French is predominantly spoken in Quebec
English is widely understood across Canada
Learning basic French phrases is appreciated in Quebec
Many Canadians are multilingual

Dining Customs

Tipping 15-20% is standard at restaurants
Wait to be seated at upscale restaurants
Keep hands visible on the table while eating
Try local specialties like poutine and maple syrup
Breakfast is often hearty, especially on weekends

Transportation Tips

Getting around Canada efficiently and safely

Air Travel

Domestic flights connect major cities efficiently. Book in advance for better prices. Porter Airlines and WestJet offer good regional service.

Train Travel

VIA Rail connects major cities with scenic routes. The Canadian crosses the country coast-to-coast. Book sleeping cars early for long journeys.

Car Rental

International driving permits recommended. Distances are vast - plan for long drives. Winter driving requires experience and proper tires.

Public Transit

Cities have efficient public transport. Toronto has subway/streetcars, Vancouver has SkyTrain. Purchase day passes for tourist convenience.

Practical Information

Useful details for a smooth Canadian experience

Emergency Numbers

Emergency Services: 911
Non-emergency Police: 311
Health Info: 811
Tourist Hotline: 1-800-CANADA

Health & Safety

Healthcare system is publicly funded
Travel insurance highly recommended
Prescription medications should be labeled
Canada is generally very safe for tourists

Technology

Type A and B electrical outlets (120V)
Free Wi-Fi available in most cafes/hotels
Canadian cell networks use GSM
Consider local SIM cards for extended stays

Shopping & Taxes

GST/HST varies by province (5-15%)
Duty-free shopping available at borders
Most stores open 9 AM - 9 PM
Sunday hours may be limited