Canada is a nature lovers dream that will have you in awe of its incredible landscapes, and make you want to come back, time and time again.
As the second largest country in the world, it packs a mean punch in terms of mountains, natural stunning landscapes, cosmopolitan cities, lakes, trails and everything in between.
You certainly don’t have to be an outdoorsy person to enjoy a trip here. Its people are extremely friendly and welcoming and one of the best ways to experience this fantastic country, is on a self-drive road trip. We have visited multiple times, whether for skiing (which is great), hiking or city hopping and we LOVE the whole country. With such a diversity of sights and activities, you really will be left wanting more time to stay here!
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
START EXPLORING CANADA WITH THESE POSTS
SUGGESTED SIGHTS / EXPERIENCES
DISCOVER THE ROCKIES
Consists of 5 National Parks. Self-drive along ice-packed peaks, lakes, mountains, & stunning scenery.
DRIVE ICEFIELDS PARKWAY
Drive between Lake Louise and Jasper for fantastic scenery and take a trip on Columbia Icefield.
VISIT THE ATLANTIC PROVINCES
Combine a drive through Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia.
DISCOVER VANCOUVER
A thrusting modern city with lovely parks, harbour, culture, hikes, mountains and great food.
GO SKIING
Canada has some superb ski resorts plus a plethora of outdoor activities. Or snuggle in the warm with coffee!
SEE NIAGARA FALLS
Bit touristy but a phenomenal sight which you can view on land or via a boat. Go to Niagara On The Lake too.
EXPLORE QUEBEC ON FOOT
Take a stroll around Quebec’s old town, with its cobbled streets, 17th-century architecture & restaurants.
GO WHALE WATCHING
Take a tour on either the east or west coasts and get up close to these incredible whales.
CANADA FACTS
WEATHER
Canada’s climate varies from temperate in the south to subarctic and arctic in the north of the country.
Temperatures in June-August are warm with plenty of sunshine. Foliage season is accompanied by cooler but good temperatures during September and October. Colder temperatures and darker days are seen during November to April.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Summer, March-November
LANGUAGE SPOKEN
English and French
TIME ZONE
Canada has 6 different time zones, GMT -3.30,-4,-5,-6,-7,-8 hours
CURRENCY
Canadian Dollar (100 cents). Frequently used coins come in denominations of $1, $2, 5¢, 10¢, 25¢ while notes come in denominations of $5, $10, $20, $50, $100.
Up to date currency exchange rates can be checked here.
ELECTRICAL CURRENT
Electrical supply is 120V/60 Hz and use a 2 & 3 pin plugs.
BEFORE YOU GO
VISAS
An electronic travel authorization (eTA) must be purchased ($7) for citizens from visa-exempt countries, with the exception of the USA.
Visitors from non-visa-waiver countries must apply for the appropriate visa prior to arriving in Canada.
Updates, including rules for land-border crossings can be found at Citizenship & Immigration Canada and the US State Department.
CUSTOMS
Check the official site at Canada Border Services Agency for what can and cannot be brought into the country.
HEALTH
Canada is one of the healthiest countries in the world, hence there are no health risks for concern. No vaccinations required or recommended.
ARRIVING
Although Toronto Airport is the busiest, international flights also arrive into Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, St. John’s, Vancouver and Winnipeg airports.
GETTING AROUND
Excellent road networks, reliable bus and train services and frequent internal flights, make getting around the country very easy.
PRACTICAL TIPS
CULTURE
Canadians coexist together alongside French, English, European and other ethnic groups.
INTERNET ACCESS
Internet and free wi-fi is readily available and often free, although usage time can be limited. Tourist areas have cheap internet cafes and libraries provide free wi-fi and computers for public use. Most accommodation, restaurants and bars also offer wi-fi.
Free WiFi hot spots can be found around Canada and a list can be seen here.
TIPPING
Standard practice and expected. Generally tip restaurant waitstaff 15-20%, taxis 10-15%, hotel porter $1-$2 per bag.
DAILY COSTS
Mid-range accommodation, restaurant and transport – $120-$270
USEFUL NUMBERS
Country Code 1
Emergency 911
USEFUL WEBSITES
The Canadian Tourism Commission – for all tourist information.
All Provincial tourist offices have their own websites e.g Travel Alberta
LOCAL PHRASES
“Hello” in English and “Bonjour” (bon-zhoor) in French