Canada Travel Guide
Essential travel information — emergency numbers, safety, currency, visas, customs and getting around.
Canada is generally a very safe country with low crime rates. Major cities are safe, but like anywhere, exercise caution in crowded areas and at night. Rural areas and national parks require awareness of wildlife and weather conditions.
Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Type A and Type B (two flat parallel pins or two flat parallel pins and a round grounding pin)
Tipping is customary and expected for good service in restaurants (15-20% of the bill), bars, and for services like taxi drivers, hairdressers, and hotel staff. A minimum of 15% is standard for satisfactory service.
Major mobile carriers are Rogers, Bell, and Telus. You can purchase prepaid SIM cards or eSIMs from these providers or their sub-brands (e.g., Fido, Koodo, Virgin Plus) at airports, convenience stores, or carrier stores. Coverage is generally excellent in populated areas but can be spotty in remote regions.
Visa requirements vary by nationality. Many visitors are visa-exempt but must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if arriving by air. Others require a Temporary Resident Visa. Check the official Government of Canada website for specific requirements based on your country of origin.
Right-hand side
Major cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver have extensive public transit systems including subways, buses, and streetcars/light rail. Fares are typically paid with reloadable cards or single-use tickets. Public transport is reliable and a good way to navigate urban areas.
Uber, Lyft
For intercity travel, VIA Rail Canada offers train services connecting many cities, particularly in the Quebec City-Windsor Corridor. Bus services (e.g., local operators, some Greyhound routes) are available. Domestic flights are common for longer distances, with Air Canada and WestJet being the primary carriers.
- • Canadians are generally polite and value personal space. It's common to say 'please' and 'thank you' frequently.
- • Punctuality is appreciated, especially for appointments or social gatherings.
- • It's common to hold doors open for others and to apologize, even for minor inconveniences.
- • Environmental consciousness is high; recycling and waste separation are widely practiced.
Casual dress is acceptable in most settings. For fine dining or special events, smart casual attire is appropriate. Always dress in layers, especially when exploring outdoors, to account for changing weather.
Canada is a multicultural and secular country, highly valuing religious freedom and diversity. Respect for all faiths and beliefs is expected. When visiting religious sites, it's advisable to dress modestly and follow any specific guidelines posted.
Ice Hockey — Ice hockey is Canada's national winter sport and deeply ingrained in its culture, with passionate fans and numerous professional leagues. Beyond hockey, Canadians embrace a wide range of outdoor activities including skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, hiking, camping, fishing, and kayaking, reflecting the country's vast natural landscapes.
July 1
Canada Day
A national holiday celebrating Canada's confederation. Festivities include parades, fireworks, concerts, and family-friendly events across the country.
February (various dates)
Winterlude
Held annually in Ottawa, this festival celebrates Canada's unique northern culture and climate with ice sculptures, snow playgrounds, and public skating on the Rideau Canal Skateway.
Early July (10 days)
Calgary Stampede
A world-famous annual rodeo, exhibition, and festival held in Calgary, Alberta, celebrating cowboy culture with parades, chuckwagon races, concerts, and a fairground.