Find out all you need to know and more with my ultimate Canada travel guide where you can get important tips for the best places to go, not-to-be-missed events and the do’s and don’ts, plus the not so essential but still very handy stuff like how much a bottle of maple syrup costs.
Canada Travel Booking Resources
These are my favourite companies to use when I travel.
• Search cheap flights with Skyscanner.
• Find the best deals on hotels on Booking.com.
Canada Tours
• Browse small group adventure tours with G Adventures or Contiki.
Canada Facts
Population
32,700,000
Languages Spoken
English, French, Aboriginal languages including Ojibwe, Cree, Inuktitut and Mi’kmaq.
Currency
$CAD Dollar
Electricity
Canadian appliances operate on 110 volts and the cycle is 60Hz, which is identical to the US voltage. Main wall sockets and plugs are two parallel flat prongs, making a universal adaptor necessary for overseas electrical devices.
Time Zones
Six of the worlds 24 time zones cover Canada and in fact some provinces and territories encompass two or even three time zones within their borders. From east to west, they are:
• Newfoundland Time Zone (GMT – 3:30)
• Atlantic Time Zone (GMT- 4)
• Eastern Time Zone (GMT – 5)
• Central Time Zone (GMT – 6), Mountain Time Zone (GMT – 7)
• Pacific Time Zone (GMT – 8)
Daylight Saving Time begins in Canada from the second Sunday of March, when the clocks go forward one hour, and ends on the first Sunday of November (clocks then go back one hour).
Country Dialling Code
+1
Measurements and Weights
Metric
Weather
The Canadian climate is not as cold all year round as you might think. Winter temperatures fall below freezing in most of Canada but the South Western coast is relatively mild. Along the Arctic Circle is where it is coldest, the temperatures fall below freezing for around seven months of the year.
During the summer the Southern provinces often have temperatures of over 30oC and high levels of humidity. In terms of rainfall, Western and South-Eastern Canada has the most, while the Prairies are dry and only get 250 – 500 mm per year.
When to Go
The bulk of Canada’s visitors turn up in winter with skis or snowboard in hand, ready to tackle the slopes. The ski season runs from December until late March in the East, and extends to late May (and sometimes even June) in the ski hills of the West.
With temperatures throughout most of Canada falling below freezing, the best thing to do is to embrace winter and get yourself along to a winter festival or ice carnival, or you could show off your skills at the world’s longest skating rink, the Rideau Canal.
If summer is more your style, then you’ll enjoy the hot weather from late May to late September. Summer starts officially in June and carries on through August, with July often being the hottest summer month. Be at one with nature and go hiking or to the lakes for a spot of fishing.
Canada’s Visa Requirements
Get all your Canada work & tourist visa info right here! Whether you’re wanting to go on holiday or you’re keen to work you’ll find all you need to know before you go about Canada visa requirements.
Tourism Visa
Most international visitors (including those from the UK) don’t require a visa and can stay in Canada for up to six months with a valid passport. Visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website for a complete listing of countries whose citizens require visas to enter Canada.
Working holiday Visa
Want to soak up the true Canadian way of life? How about working there! If you’re 18-30 you can apply for a working holiday visa allowing you to work and play in Canada for up to 12 months. You’ll need CAD$4,000 proof of funds before you apply, so start saving! View jobs in Canada.
Getting to Canada
Direct flights connect the major cities of the globe with the larger Canadian airports, and frequent connecting flights will help you get to any Canadian destination efficiently.
Flying from London to Calgary is 9 hours, to Halifax is 7 hours, to Montréal is 7 hours 20 minutes, to Toronto is 8 hours and to Vancouver is 9 hours 45 minutes.
Airports
Canada has 13 international airports. All have full banking and catering facilities, duty-free shops and car hire. Airport-to-city bus and taxi services and, in some cases, rail links, are available.
Transport & How to Get Around
Train
Canada is well serviced by road and rail – take the train to sit back, relax and enjoy the sites. You could buy a rail pass (which have a bonus student/youth rate) that let you be flexible with your time.
Bus
For the most economical mode of Canada transportation, jump on a bus – you’ll find that Canada’s system of intercity bus routes spans the entire country and is very efficient. Some cities also offer flexible transit passes so you can enjoy unlimited all-day, multi-day or monthly travel within that city.
Sea Transport
Catch a ferry to discover beautiful island retreats and coastal paradises, or just get from A to B on a convenient inland ferry service.
Organised Tours
If you really want to get out and explore rather than stick in one place then there are adventure tours which cover the country east to west. Organised tours are a great way to see the sites – especially if you’re travelling alone or are a first-time traveller. Check out some options for recommended tours companies.
Car/Campervan
Alternatively, if you’re travelling with mates you might want to consider hiring a car or campervan so you can wake up with a new bit of Canada’s scenery on your doorstep each morning!
Attractions in Canada
Check out our list of places to see/visit in Canada, including tourist attractions and all the best places to go sightseeing. This is just a taste of what this great country has to offer!
Vancouver prides itself on its laid back and natural lifestyle. You’ll find amazing scenery encompassing both mountains and sea, and enjoy the various outdoor adventures like sea kayaking, in-line skating, mountain biking, snowboarding, skiing and winter camping.
Host to the 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games, there are plenty of transport and civic projects underway to make this already tourist-friendly city even more geared towards visitors.
Visit Toronto for museums, galleries, theatres, great food, bars and clubs. Don’t miss the Hockey Hall of Fame, the Ontario Science Centre, the Metro Zoo and Ontario Place, a fantastic leisure and entertainment complex on Lake Ontario. Outside of town is Paramount Canada’s Wonderland, a large theme park.
Montreal is a city of festivals and these occur throughout the year – some of the ones not to be missed include the Fête de Neiges (Festival of Snow) in January, the International Fireworks Festival in early summer, the Canadian Grand Prix in June, the Montreal Jazz Festival in June/July, the Just-For-Laughs comedy festival, and the Montreal World Film Festival to name just a few.
Banff and Jasper
The Canadian Rockies are home to the Banff and Jasper national parks; behold the snow-capped peaks and glistening glaciers! Experience this amazing scenery or check out the rare wildlife – grizzly bears, moose, caribou and wolves. These are some of the most popular places to visit in western Canada.
Niagara Falls
On the border of America and Canada you’ll find the mighty Niagara Falls. Find your sea legs on one of the tour boats and watch while 168,000 m2 of water pounds over a drop of 51 m every minute, making Niagara Falls one of the most amazing natural wonders of the world.
Calgary
If you’re a fan of the old ‘Wild West’ you won’t want to miss the Calgary Stampede, the city’s main attraction. This event, featuring a large parade and world-class rodeo, draws more than a million people each year. Other attractions, including the Glenbow Museum, Calgary Tower and Eau Claire Market are great places to visit year-round.
Winnipeg
Winnipeg is at the geographical centre of Canada and is home to some of the largest arts festivals in the world. Despite the long winters, Winnipeg also has some great beaches including Grand Beach which is sizzling during the summer months. Take a tour of the Royal Canadian Mint to see where the coins of Canada and a number of other foreign countries are made, or browse the funky market and gathering place, ‘The Forks’.
Ottawa
The events calendar in Canada’s beautiful capital will keep you busy – especially during the summer when the tulip and jazz festivals are on, among others. While you’re in Ottawa head along to the Rideau Canal – used for boating in summer, and for ice sculpting and skating in winter.
Halifax
Coastal Halifax is home to over 400 km of coastline and hence life here revolves around the sea. Not many people know that the bodies recovered from the sinking of the Titanic are buried in Halifax, with the majority at Fairview Cemetery. You’ll even find a J. Dawson (James Dawson who was a 23 year old crew member) resting there. Check out the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic to see some of the items recovered from the Titanic.
Quebec City
Quebec is the second-oldest existing European settlement in Canada so there are plenty of historic sites to see. Don’t miss the old quarter – the only walled city in North America and is also a UNESCO world heritage site. Quebec is predominantly French-speaking so if you took French during your school days, here is the place to practise it!
Itinerary
Canada has so many places to check out, from cities like Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal, but to really see the breathtaking beauty of Canada its important to get out and explore the stunning mountains.
Canada is well known for its ski resorts, but the Rockies are also stunning in the summer time. There are some hop-on hop-off passes and adventure tours which will allow you to really explore this area. They’ll take you to the best viewpoints for turquoise blue lakes and mountain ridges while you get to make new mates along the way.
One thing you cannot miss is the Columbia Icefield. You get there by travelling along the Icefield Parkway which is simply one of the most stunning routes in the world, then you get to travel onto the glacier itself in an Ice Explorer.
If you’re an outdoors kind of person then the HI Alpine Centre in Banff is the perfect place to stay to get involved in loads of summer activities including canoeing, kayaking, hiking, biking and white water rafting! It’s a very sociable hostel so you’ll never be short of people to hang out with.
Canada Travel Tips
Have an awesome time while on your trip but remember to respect the local culture in Canada. Here are a few Canada travel tips & advice to help you with any possible culture shock!
Driving
Drive on the right hand side of the road if you’re hiring a vehicle.
Respect for the Environment
Avoid littering – make sure you put your rubbish in the bin and avoid dropping it in the street or out of car windows. If you can’t find a rubbish bin Canadians will expect you to hold on to your rubbish until you can find one.
Bargaining
Bargaining for a better price is not common in Canada.
Tax
Be aware that GST (tax) is added at the cash register, and not to the price tag of the goods you are buying!
Money & Budget
Canada’s Currency
The Canadians use the dollar, and the exchange rate is approximately $2.02 = £1. To find the most up to the minute Canadian currency exchange rates, go to XE.com currency converter.
Sample Prices
It is always a good idea to budget for a trip so you don’t run out of money. Here are a few sample prices in Canada money to help you budget:
• Poutine (chips, cheese and lots of gravy!) = $5
• 1 Molson’s beer = $5
• 1 bottle of Maple syrup = $6
• 1 ski day pass = $50 – $90
• 1 Ticket to a hockey game = $25 – $90
• Average room prices = you’ll pay around $40 for cheap accommodation, $70-$125 for something mid-range, and $125 and upward if you’re going all out.
• Average meal prices = $5 for a cheap dish, $15 at a mid-range restaurant, and $20 and upwards if you go somewhere swanky.
These prices are in Canadian dollars and are subject to change.
Tipping
The salaries of the poor wait staff are usually based on the assumption that they’ll receive a good proportion of their income in tips. So tip up! Generally, you should reward good service by tipping 15-20 percent of the total amount.
The same applies for a taxi driver, while the staff at hotels, airports and railway stations will usually be tipped $1-$2 per item carried. While out on the town remember that it’s also common to tip the server both at the bar and at the table.
Banking
Standard banking hours are Monday to Thursday from 9.30 am until 4 pm, while many banks stay open till 6 pm on a Friday. Some banks and specific branches will stay open later on weeknights and on Saturdays.
All major credit cards are accepted in Canada and it’s good to know that most hotels, stores and restaurants will also accept US dollars, though sometimes at a lower rate than banks or airports. It’s usually best to convert some of your money to Canadian currency before leaving
Health & Safety
If you have any mishaps in Canada you’ll find the hospitals and clinics will provide an excellent standard of care. Make sure you get travel insurance before you go though, as hospital care for non-residents is expensive, and can range from $1,000 – $2,000 per day!
Hospital emergency rooms are open 24 hours for emergency care and most cities have walk-in clinics where non-emergency treatment or consultation is available without an appointment. Costs vary by clinic and medical attention required. For medical services you can dial 911.
Travel insurance – don’t leave home without it! Accidents happen – and they can happen in the strangest places at the strangest times, like on the side of a mountain while snowboarding or in an alley in Toronto at 3 am. Travel insurance can cover you for all sorts of mishaps during your travel, and even before you leave.