travel canada advice

What Americans Need to Know Before Visiting Canada

Most important: You must have a passport or equivalent

In many ways, Canada is much like the United States, and historically, the two countries have been casual about crossing back and forth over the border, almost like we are one big happy family. 

But even though the U.S. and Canada maintain a healthy friendship, certain restrictions and differences in laws can affect a U.S. citizen visiting Canada. 

Before you head north , check out the nine things you should know about visiting Canada. In addition, get the lowdown on  Canada's top attractions , the cost of traveling , and common  myths and misconceptions .

You Must Have a Passport

All U.S. citizens arriving in Canada must have a valid passport or passport equivalent, such as a passport card or NEXUS card . Gone are the days of casual cross-border visits with only a driver's license; those disappeared after 9/11. There's some leniency when it comes to children coming to Canada. Travelers 15 years of age, or younger, need only present a birth certificate or certified copy to the border patrol.

You Can Bring Fido but Not Fresh Fruit

Be sure to educate yourself on what can and can't be brought over the border to Canada when you visit. For example, you can bring your pet (with proper documentation), but fresh fruit is a no-no. Take advantage of shopping for duty-free liquor and cigarettes at the duty-free stores, but you can only buy  limited amounts .

Canada is a popular hunting destination but be sure to read up on the country's laws regarding prohibited, restricted, and non-restricted guns and be sure you have all the proper paperwork.

You can take gifts into Canada, but anything valued at over $60 CAD is subject to duty and taxes.

Your U.S. Driver's License Is Valid

At first glance, driving in Canada looks the same as it does in the U.S., but dig a little deeper and you'll notice some differences.

The good news is, your U.S. driver's license is perfectly transferable to driving in Canada. However, you'll need to learn some of the other laws and conditions.

Speed limits are different in Canada and posted in metric, so kilometers, not miles, are used to indicate maximum speeds in any given area. Distracted driving laws are in effect in all Canadian provinces and territories , which means cell phones must be used hands-free when driving. Canada also makes it a no-no to smoke in a car if you have a minor (under 16 years old).​

Driving conditions in winter can be extremely hazardous. Have a charged cell phone and an emergency kit when you head out in snowy weather. If your car is not ready for winter driving, consider renting a car that is better equipped. 

U.S. Currency Is Not Accepted Everywhere

Though many border towns and large metropolitan areas will accept U.S. currency , it is not widely accepted in other parts of Canada, like smaller or more remote towns, where they only deal in Canadian currency. Tourist attractions and major malls will probably give you a reasonable exchange rate, while other businesses may just accept U.S. currency at par.

You Could Get Dinged With Cellphone Roaming Charges

Scott McLean

Your U.S. cellphone will work in Canada, but the charges will be astronomical if you don't let your carrier know you are heading out of the country and have them work out a texting and calling package for you while you're away. If you don't set up a special plan, turn off your cellular data in settings and only download email when you're hooked up to WiFi.

You Could Be Denied Entry

Canadians love their neighbors to the south and are a friendly lot, but they don't let just anyone across the border. Canadian Border Services Agency guards can get sticky when it comes to criminal records or suspicious behavior. You should be aware of what can get you denied entry ; that includes DUIs and improper identification or papers if you're traveling with minors who are not your own.

You'll Still Need Health Insurance

Canada does have an excellent universal health care system, but only for Canadians. If you are visiting Canada, you might want to purchase travel health insurance coverage for your stay, unless your health insurance provider covers you outside the U.S.

Legal Drinking Age Is 18 or 19

You may have to wait until 21 years old in the U.S.A., but make your way north and the legal drinking age goes down to 18 or 19-years-old in Canada , depending on the province. The drinking age also applies to the ability to buy liquor and beer, which in most parts of Canada is at specially designated liquor and beer stores, not in grocery or convenience stores. 

The Taxes Might Surprise You

Your restaurant or hotel bill might surprise you if you don't know that Canada adds a federal sales tax on all goods and services. Most other provinces also have their own tax, which means, depending on where you are in Canada, your bill could have up to an additional 15 percent tacked on. The tax refund program for visitors to Canada was dropped in 2007 , so the taxes you pay while you're in Canada stay in Canada.

What to Know About French Customs Regulations

Do Children Need a Passport to Visit Canada?

What You Need to Know About Visiting Canada From the U.S.

Reasons You May Be Denied Entry at the Canada Border

Before You Travel to Canada

Passport Requirements for Driving to Canada

Tijuana, Mexico Visitor's Guide

Is U.S. Currency Accepted in Canada?

Vancouver to Seattle Border Crossing: Which Travel Documents do I Need?

What Is an International Driving Permit?

Travel Documents You Need to Visit Mexico

Visa Requirements for Canada

Driving in Mexico: What You Need to Know

How to Apply for a NEXUS Card

What Travel Documents Are Needed for Your Caribbean Vacation?

Driving in Cancun

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Warnings and insurance

Before you travel.

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide and any specific travel advice that applies to you:  

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Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and  get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

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TRAVEL to CANADA – Tips and Information Guide (2024 Edition)

Everything you need to know about travel to Canada in our comprehensive 2024 Canada travel guide.

Have you ever wanted to see the Northern Lights? Or to explore the beautiful cities of Vancouver, Quebec or Calgary? What about venturing out into the world-renown national parks of British Columbia?

Unspoiled nature and incredibly vibrant urban areas create the perfect mixture of reasons to travel to Canada.

“The Great White North,” is a vast country that offers virtually unlimited opportunities for visitors of all kinds.

Whether searching for wildlife, landscapes, adventure activities or the culture of city life, travelling in Canada will give you a variety of experiences you are sure to remember.

There really is so much to do it can be overwhelming to plan to visit Canada. But getting started is not that difficult.

Read on to learn everything you need to plan for travel to Canada!

TRAVELLING IN CANADA: AT A GLANCE

Here are the basics of travel to Canada.

TOP 5 TRAVEL EXPERIENCES IN CANADA

With so much to see and do in Canada, it really is hard to pick the top experiences. We have written a comprehensive guide on the best things to do in Canada here.

However, we think that to truly appreciate Canada you need to plan to do these 5 activities during your visit.

Check out Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is one of the world’s most famous waterfalls and well worth a visit. Find yourself in awe watching the water tumble over the top of the falls. Or hop on a boat and cruise up to the falls from the river!

Read about all our favourite Niagara Falls attractions .

Explore the Canadian Rockies

From picturesque mountain peaks to stunningly blue glacial lakes, the Canadian Rockies in British Columbia have so much exploration to offer! This part of Canada could be a trip in itself!

Check out our ultimate guide to Hiking in Banff

View The Northern Lights

Witnessing northern lights is one of the most amazing natural phenomena. The city of Whitehorse in the Yukon territory might be a perfect place for it! Your chances are highest between September and April since the nights aren’t dark enough during the summer.

Check out the Northern Lights in Whitehorse , Yukon Territory.

See Polar Bears

Churchill in northern Manitoba is known as the ‘Polar Bear Capital of the World’, making it an obvious choice to visit for travellers wanting to get close to the planet’s largest apex land predator.

See polar bears in Churchill, one of Canada’s best wildlife experiences .

Drink the Sourtoe Cocktail

Taking a shot of alcohol with a frostbitten toe may not be on everyone’s bucket list. But if it’s on yours, you absolutely must try to Sourtoe Cocktail in Dawson City. It’s a strange, yet unique experience when you visit Canada.

Read more about the Sourtoe Cocktail and lots of other great things to do in Dawson City .

Other Things to do in Canada

Scale the CN Tower in Toronto. If you’re unafraid of heights, strap into a safety harness and walk around the top or just check out the views.

Visit Stanley Park in Vancouver. The world’s happiest city has much to offer . But most visitors start at this famous park downtown.

Take a drive on the Icefield Parkway. This incredible stretch of highway connects Banff and Jasper National Parks and is full of amazing landscapes and stunning wildlife!

Hang out with Polar Bears in Manitoba. View these dangerous, but remarkable, animals as they waltz around Churchill like they own the place.

Take a gondola ride in Banff. Situated in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff boasts unrivaled beauty best seen by way of the gondola.

Eat poutine . A strictly Canadian plate, poutine is french fries and cheese curds covered in gravy. Try varieties all across the country!

Take a flight over glaciers in Kluane National Park. The only way to beat the spectacular views of driving or hiking the Canadian Rockies is to check them out from above !

Tour La Citadelle de Québec in Quebec City . One of the most visited cathedrals in Canada, you will feel lost in the grandeur of this sacred place.

Ride the Rocky Mountaineer train . The most relaxing way to enjoy the Canadian Rockies is touring them on this train ride from Vancouver to Banff .

Eat lobster in the Maritimes. Lobster doesn’t get much fresher than that caught and served up in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

Go dog sledding in the Yukon. Yes, there are humane ways to enjoy this absolutely incredible experience . Dress warm and enjoy the ride!

BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN CANADA

There are plenty of amazing places to visit in Canada. Depending on your interests, trip duration and time of year you will find plenty of things to do during any length of stay. 

Toronto is not only the largest city in Canada but also truly one of the most stunning cities in the world. It’s famous for its diversity and travelling here will be a great chance to learn about different cultures! The people are incredibly nice, the sights are beautiful.

Check out our Toronto City Guide.

Montréal is a fascinating mix of Europe and North America. It’s a definition of a vibrant city – full of festivals, museums and must-visit restaurants. There’s an abundance of things to do there. Brush up on your French before your trip!

Check out our Montreal City Guide.

Vancouver is consistently ranked as one of the top places to live in the world. With picturesque scenery all around, tons of outdoor activities, numerous opportunities for wildlife encounters and many great day trips you absolutely have to add Vancouver to your Canada itinerary.

Check out our Vancouver City Guide.

Banff / Lake Louise

Lake Louise is one of Banff National Park ’s most famous sights. The extraordinarily turquoise water is a real feast for the eyes. Plus there is spectacular hiking, biking and even kayaking that you can do to further enjoy the beauty of the nature around. You can visit during the summer or spend your winter vacation here!

Check out our Banff City Guide .

For more information on specific things to do in the top places to visit in Canada, reference our following city travel guides: 

BEST CANADA TRAVEL ITINERARY

Canada is huge and there are so many amazing things to do there that planning an itinerary for your travel can be a little overwhelming. 

We’ve divided these itineraries into Eastern Canada and Western Canada options for both 1 or 2 weeks. Having at least 1 month to road trip across the entire country would be ideal.

But short of this, your best option will be to plan to visit each side of the country separately.

Of course, no one-size-fits-all plan will suffice. But if we were to head back to Canada these are the top places and things that we would want to do! 

1-Week Canada Travel Itinerary Highlights

Eastern canada 1-week itinerary.

• Fly into Toronto (2 days) / day trip to Niagara Falls
• Go to Ottawa (1 day)
• Go to Montreal (2 days)
• Go to Quebec City (2 days)
• Fly from Quebec City

Western Canada 1-week Itinerary (Road Trip)

• Fly into Calgary (1 day)
• Tour Canadian Rockies – Banff/Jasper/Yoho National Parks (3-4 days)
• Vancouver (3-4 days)
• Fly from Vancouver

2-Week Canada Travel Itinerary Highlights

This is an idea of how we’d spend 2 weeks in Canada. 

Eastern Canada Itinerary

• Fly into Toronto (3 days)
• Day trip to Niagara Falls
• Go to Ottawa (2 days)
• Go to Quebec City (3 days)
• Return to Toronto

Western Canada Itinerary (Road Trip)

• Fly into Calgary (1-2 days)
• Banff National Park (1-2 days)
• Jasper National Park (1-2 days)
• Yoho National Park / Glacier National Park (1 day)
• Revelstoke National Park (1 day)
• Stop in Revelstoke (1-2 days)
• Drive to Vancouver (4 days)
• Day trip (ferry) to Victoria on Vancouver Island
• Fly out of Vancouver

CANADA TRIP PLANNING

Best time to visit canada.

Since the country is so vast and diverse, there really isn’t a time of year unsuitable for travel to Canada.

Depending on what you want to do, you should pick the month of your trip accordingly.

Summer Travel (June – August)

The warmer summer months, such as July and August, are the most common times to visit Canada.

As in many countries in the northern hemisphere, summer in Canada is an ideal time of travel and adventure for many tourists. Expect to come across more tourists and higher prices during this time.

But don’t worry about the crowds and expense. Canada is beautiful during the summer!

It’s summer temperatures tend to not be as extreme as other summer destinations. Some parts of the country, particularly those further north and at higher elevations, will still see the snow melting well into June and July.

This is a great time to explore Canadian cities. But it is also the ideal time to visit any of the stunning national parks.

Winter Travel (December – February)

Winters in Canada can be very cold. But this is also a great time of year for winter activities, such as dog sledding , snowboarding/skiing and ice climbing.

But, keep in mind that some parts of the country deal with extremely uncomfortable temperatures.

For example, Winnipeg is Canada’s coldest city. Temperatures there can drop to -40°C at times!

Many of the places that are popular during the summer months are not as popular during the winter.

So if you would like to see parts of the country with fewer crowds than winter may be a great option for you.

Shoulder Season

The shoulder season in Canada is similar to other parts of the world. Spring and Fall tend to see less tourist traffic than the summer and winter months.

The months that are not very popular are April and November. They are often neither cold nor hot enough to enjoy certain activities.

However, the prices are much lower during this part of the year. So if you factor this into your planning, maybe this isn’t such a bad time to travel to Canada.

CANADA TRAVEL BUDGET GUIDELINE

Budgets for travelling in Canada can vary greatly. This depends on where you want to go, what you want to see and do, how you want to travel and the level of comfort you expect in your accommodations.

Canada is a highly developed country. As such many day-to-day expenses such as meals and accommodation can range in price greatly.

Here are a few ideas of what to expect in planning your budget to travel to Canada.

Budgeting Tips:

To make your money go further here are a few budgeting tips: 

• Take public transportation or walk whenever you can.
• For longer trips, look for rideshare options on places like Craigs List and travel forums and groups.
• Buy food at local markets and cook your own meals as often as possible.
• Look for free events and festivals to attend in the cities you visit
• Consider couch surfing from time to time. And camping should be on your list of things to do anyway
• Look for last-minute deals on accommodation, travel and activities.

But there are a few things you should know about the different budgets at which you can choose to travel.

Note: Budgets shown as Single Traveller / Couples per day. 

Budget Traveller ($40-75 Single / $100+ Couples)

If you are a budget traveller visiting Canada on your own you will have quite a challenge to keep yourself within budget.

The most affordable accommodation, besides Couchsurfing, are hostels and Airbnb. But not all places you’ll want to travel will have these options.

If you’re on a tight budget then you probably won’t eat at restaurants on a regular basis.

Your best options might be fast-food restaurants and buying your own groceries and cooking when that is an option.

Canada has open-air markets and lots of chain grocery stores where you can buy groceries at affordable prices.

When it comes to public transportation, the prices are different in each area. But they’re not exactly cheap anywhere.

Daily city transportation can cost around USD$10 and single tickets are around USD$3.

Additionally, you will need to budget separately for the various activities that you would like to do.

For example, ski passes in winter can be pricey. And daily entrance fees to national parks are reasonable but will add up.

Mid-Range Traveller ($125 Single / $175 Couple)

If you are travelling to Canada with a mid-range budget then you have some flexibility in your plans that you wouldn’t have on a tighter budget.

The biggest changes will be in accommodation and meals. You’ll be able to stay in moderately priced hotels and eat most of your meals in proper restaurants (even if it’s only fast food).

You might also choose to rent a car from time to time or to upgrade on tour options to do an activity that might otherwise not be in the backpacker budget.

Couples travelling at this budget will save considerable expense by staying in hotels and Airbnb options instead of hostels. Transportation costs could also be reduced for couples choosing to rent a vehicle.

Luxury Traveller ($350+ Single / $450+ Couple)

If you can afford to travel with a little more luxury you’ll find plenty of options to enjoy yourself in Canada.

Large cities, as well as certain vacation destinations, have top-notch hotels and resorts. And you’ll find great stays in boutique lodging all throughout Canada.

You will also be able to afford to eat at the best restaurants and indulge in local delicacies and staples across the country.

Aside from more luxurious meals and accommodations, there are tons of things you can do when travelling in Canada with a more substantial budget.

You will be able to rent a vehicle or hire transportation around town. When travelling across the country you will be able to save time by flying.

Additionally, your choice in activities will expand to more unique experiences. From riding the Rocky Mountaineer train to flights through glacial ice fields , there is no shortage of experiences well worth the higher costs.

GETTING TO AND AROUND CANADA

Entry requirements.

Canada is relatively accessible for travel. Passport holders in 54 countries can visit Canada without obtaining a visa.

Canada will permit these travellers to stay in the country for up to six months.

Click here to see if your country is on that list. Others must obtain a temporary resident visa.

Travellers must also have an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA).

When applying for the eTA , visitors have to provide certain biographical details and passport information. Also, you’ll be asked about your employment information, available funds and your health and immigration history.

Getting to Canada

Since it is one of the most developed Western countries, there are multiple ways to travel to Canada.

The choice is yours depending on your needs and origins.

But you may want to consider comfort, prices, duration of trip and preferred method of travel as you plan how to get to Canada.

Canada has around 20 major international airports. This makes flying to Canada the quickest, most convenient way to enter the country.

The biggest and busiest airport is the Toronto Pearson International Airport. Direct flights to Toronto are available from a lot of cities across the world.

But you will also find international flights in and out of most major cities across the country.

Regardless of whether you put a lot of time into planning your trip or make a last-minute decision to visit Canada, there are almost always reasonable flight options available.

Sometimes it might also be cheaper to fly into the USA and then drive to Canada. So take that option into consideration.

Personal/Rental Vehicle

Many people travel to Canada as part of a North American exploration. Or you may find a better flight deal into a major US city like Boston, New York City, Chicago or Seattle.

As such you may find yourself driving to Canada from the United States.

In many places, it is very easy to pass between the Canadian/US border to visit nearby places in both countries.

Popular places include the Seattle/Vancouver area, Niagara Falls and Montreal/Vermont.

Roads between the US and Canada are generally in excellent condition. They are also marked well so navigation between the two should not be difficult.

Depending on your country of origin, time of stay and purpose for visit, passing through border security by vehicle is often less of a hassle than when arriving by plane.

If crossing into Canada from the United States, do check with your car rental company to make sure that you are able to do so without violating the terms of your agreement.

You will also want to make sure that the vehicle is insured in both countries.

If you’re going to travel to Canada from the United States, you can also travel by bus. Certain cities, like Seattle, Boston, Albany, Detroit or New York, have direct routes and inexpensive fares.

Some well-known bus companies that make trips between the US and Canada include Greyhound, Megabus and Quick Coach.

If you like to travel by train, then travelling to Canada from the US on a train is a great option. This combines relatively low costs, reasonable duration and incredible scenery.

In travelling from the US into Canada train you have two company options. VIA Rail Canada and Amtrak each have three routes that cross various borders between the US and Canada.

Further, all routes start and end in major cities so you can quickly orient yourself to other transportation options upon arrival.

Ferries can be a unique way to see parts of both Canada and the US that are not usually explored by most travellers.

At the moment, there are five ferries that travel to Canada from the United States.

Two depart from Maine and go to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia and Deer Island, New Brunswick (Bay Ferries Limited, East Coast Ferries).

Another two travel from Alaska to Port Hardy and Prince Rupert, both in British Columbia (Alaska Marine Highway System, BC Ferries).

Finally, you can get to Victoria, British Columbia from Seattle (Victoria Clipper).

Getting Around Canada

It is pretty easy to get around when you are travelling in Canada. Expect to pay quite a bit more in Canada to travel between cities than in many less developed parts of the world.

And with higher costs, also expect longer durations in between destinations as distances in Canada can be great.

Travelling by Air

Travelling within Canada by air is the best way to cover ground quickly.

The county has many international and domestic airports. Sometimes, especially if you’re short on time, your best option is flying across the country.

In certain remote areas, there aren’t any other options besides air travel. When it comes to domestic flights, Air Canada has the best network of flights.

A few other companies include Air Creebec, Air St-Pierre, Pacific Coastal Airlines among others.

Travelling by Car

Rental cars are accessible and typically reasonably priced in more populated cities.

Much of Canada is best seen by rental car. There are many trips you can take to explore places considered off the beaten path for most.

Keep in mind that fuel prices can be high, particularly in less-trafficked regions of the country.

But a rental car would be a great way to explore the various cities in eastern Canada. It would also be the best way to get around the various national parks and other natural beauty in western Canada.

Travelling by Bus

In most cities, buses are the main form of public transportation. Toronto has the largest system, with around 140 bus lines.

Travelling by Taxi & Rideshare

Taxis are available everywhere in Canada. However, they are a very expensive way to travel.

You should ask the driver in advance what the price is going to be.

The prices are based on mileage and can’t be negotiated and are usually around USD$2 per kilometre.

In many of the larger cities you can also find rideshares such as Uber and Lyft.

These are often substantially more affordable than taxi. But note they are not always available outside of urban areas.

Travelling by Subway

Subway systems exist only in Toronto and Montréal. These systems cover the cities quite well. In Montréal, the subway network has 4 lines.

The daily tourist card costs USD$9 and a three-day pass costs USD$17. In Toronto, there are 3 subway lines available, and the daily pass costs USD$8.50.

In Vancouver they have the Skytrain network, which now connects the airport with downtown, making it very convenient to get around.

APPS AND TECHNOLOGY

Here are a few apps we think you should definitely acquaint yourself with prior to your travels:

• XE Currency – Transfer, monitor and calculate currency as the need arises. This app may not be totally necessary as you are typically tied into rates the banks charge for services. But it is handy to have around. 
• Express VPN – This will protect your sensitive information wherever you travel – not just in Canada. Be sure to have this to keep your online information secure as you travel. 
• iOverlander – iOverlander is any Canadian road trip enthusiast’s best friend. Find every resource you need on the road – from free or cheap campgrounds to places to eat or refill RV supplies if travelling by campervan or RV.
• Gas Buddy – This app will help you find the most up-to-date fuel locations and prices when driving nearly anywhere in Canada. This is especially important to have when covering large distances or across remote parts of Canada.

BEST THINGS TO EAT IN CANADA

Some Canadian specialities are worldwide famous. While some require some research to discover!

Here are some of the most popular dishes in Canada:

• Poutine : Probably the most well-known Canadian staple consisting of french fries and cheese curds topped with light-brown gravy
• Lobster Rolls : a sandwich made with lobster meat, lemon, and seasoning best served fresh in Nova Scotia or New Brunswick
• Butter Tarts : crumbly crust filled with a butter, sugar and egg cream
• Nanaimo Bars : a sweet, crispy and crunchy dessert bar with layers of chocolate and custard
• Montreal Smoked Meat : Delicious pastrami or brisket smoked and seasoned in a way particular Montreal
• Bannock : delicious native bread either baked or fried and similar to nan. Bannock is served in a variety of ways and included in almost every meal.
• Yellow Split Pea Soup : soup made with dried peas, veggies and salt pork
• Montreal Bagels : smaller and denser than its famous NY bagel, but usually with the typical everything seasoning
• All-dressed Potato Chips : a name given to some of the fanciest and most interesting flavours you can imagine for potato chips
• Maple Syrup : The maple leaf is iconic of Canada and the syrup from the maple tree is just as famous and delicious and well worth a try as often as possible

PLACES TO STAY IN CANADA

Canada is not exactly known for cheap accommodation. A highly developed country, rates can be relatively similar to those in Europe and the United States.

However, the prices vary and with advanced planning, you should be able to find a reasonably priced room.

Types of Accommodations

There are over 100 hostels spread out through dozens of cities across Canada. Staying in hostels is not only accepted, it is expected among budget travellers.

You can expect prices and amenities to be comparable to those in Europe. But remember many of the smaller towns and villages will not have hostels as an option.

Canada offers an abundance of hotels. These are typically the best option for travelers in a mid-range budget and are available in most cities and small towns and villages across the country.

Of course, prices range by location and amenities. And if you are travelling during the busier summer season be sure to book in advance.

Another good option for budget accommodation in Canada is Airbnb. In recent years Airbnb has been growing and there are more and more amazing places popping up in Canada to stay for very affordable prices every day.

As is typical in many destinations where Airbnb accommodations are available, you’ll likely find great value and a little more personal space with an Airbnb stay. 

CANADA TRAVEL TIPS

Travel to Canada is more or less the same as travel to any country. But there are some subtle tips and tricks that will help make your visit safe, pleasant and more affordable.

GENERAL CANADA TRAVEL TIPS 

While there are many basic travel tips we suggest you use when travelling to Canada, there are also plenty of Canada-specific tips that will make your visit the best it can be. 

Here are a few we recommend you consider as you plan your trip to visit Canada: 

• Pack (and dress) according to the weather. Depending on where and when you travel to Canada the weather can catch you off guard. From extreme heat to mind-boggling cold and everything in between, be sure to pack and wear what will keep you comfortable and safe.
• Have travel insurance. Canada has a fantastic health care system. But having travel insurance is always the best way to protect yourself financially from any mishaps on the road. Not sure you need it? Read this post .
• Be aware (and warned) of wildlife. Bear and moose look cute in pictures and videos. But they can be deadly in person. Canada abounds in wildlife so be mindful when you are out exploring.
• Know the emergency number. 911 is the same call for help in Canada as it is in the US. In some areas, 311 is also helpful for non-emergency situations.
• Tax and tipping are not included in meal prices. Know that tax will be added at the end of the meal and, while not required, tipping is customary at the 15-20% level.
• Pick up a little French. Depending on where you travel, it might be necessary. But you’ll find French is almost everywhere on signs and sometimes it will help to make local friends who can assist you in making the most of your trip to Canada.

CANADA PACKING LIST

We always travel with a core packing list wherever we go. And when it comes to Canada, many factors will affect what else you need to bring along with you. 

Check out our travel essentials and be sure to add any of the other additional items listed below. 

Important Note! Before you book any international trip, we honestly recommend getting travel insurance. You never know when things will go wrong, and medical bills can add up quickly if you get sick or injure yourself overseas.

Our personal recommendation based on our own experience is World Nomads.

STAYING SAFE IN CANADA

Canada is a very safe country to visit. It has a very low crime rate and Canadian people are known for their hospitality and seem to always be willing to help someone in need.

Violent crime is basically non-existent in popular tourist spots.

Just like anywhere else in the world, there are some areas in big cities should be avoided. Ask the locals about those neighbourhoods so you can enjoy your trip in peace.

Also, take care of your personal belongings, since tourists are often victims of petty thefts.

Canada is also one of the safest countries for female travellers.

You shouldn’t have any problems if you’re travelling solo. Just keep in mind the same general safety tips you would use anywhere else in the world.

If you’re visiting the Canadian wilderness, watch out for the wild animals.

Every year tourists are attacked by bears, moose and bison. But this is usually due to not respecting the space of the animals and approaching too close to them.

Please mind the wildlife when you see it!

Your best option is to explore and area with someone familiar with it. But if that’s not possible, just be careful and study your maps, have bear spray, whistles and bells and know any regional laws or warnings when it comes to wildlife.

Check out our best travel tips to help you navigate around safely.

STAYING CONNECTED IN CANADA

Canada is a developed nation and staying connected while travelling in Canada is not very difficult. Of course, there are more remote places you can travel where cellular service will be limited.

And if you drive across the country you’ll experience long stretches of highway where you may have hit-or-miss cellular service.

In general, you can expect to connect to WiFi in a few ways for little to no cost. But we feel like your money will go a lot further if you consider a few other options. 

Purchase a SIM Card

Purchasing a SIM card is one of the best ways to access local wireless networks in most countries.

In Canada, you can purchase a SIM card in any of the country’s 3 major carrier stores and at convenience stores and kiosks in major cities. Apply funds for prepaid service and purchase data as you need.

Then throw up a hot spot from your mobile device if you’d like to get online with your computer or tablet.

Rent a Portable WiFi Device

Portable WiFi devices are also readily available across Canada. Roam Mobile, WiFi Cube and MyWebspot Mi-Fi are just a few of the handful of options to look into if you don’t have a qualifying portable WiFi device of your own.

Access Free WiFI

Of course, the easiest and cheapest option to stay connected in Canada is to access free WiFi at a variety of places across the country.

Most hotels, hostels and Airbnb accommodations offer free WiFi.

And if you are out and about you can expect fast food and coffee restaurants such as Tim Hortons, McDonald’s and Starbucks to provide free WiFi as well.

BE A RESPONSIBLE TRAVELER IN CANADA

As is the case whenever you choose to visit and interact with people and places in a foreign land, Canada offers you the opportunity to be responsible in your journey.

Here are a few things to consider as you plan to travel to Canada:

• Leave the natural environment better than you found it. Pretty standard stuff here: pack out your trash, stick to the trails, pick up after yourself.
• Leave wild animals alone. Canada is full of wildlife encounters sure to change your life. But don’t touch, feed or otherwise harass wildlife.
• Be your own transportation as often as possible. Adding a bit of walking or biking to your travel plans reduces the impact of taking vehicles that contribute negatively to the environment.
• Support locals as often as possible. Sure the bigger cities will be full of big brands and mega shopping centres. But as you wander into more remote parts of the Great White North be sure to support smaller, independent businesses as often as possible – including merchants and tour operators.

BOOKS TO READ ABOUT CANADA

Maybe you already know everything about Canada. Chances are you don’t!

But even if you are well-read, here are a few suggestions that might be worth your time while you’re on the plane to Canada. 

Canada (Mike Meyers) – Yes, Mike Meyers the comedian and actor has written a book that shows his take on his homeland from his hilarious, if not entirely quirky, perspective.

Alone Against the North (Adam Shoalt) – In a wild adventure that crowned him the “Canada’s Indiana Jones,” Shoalt embarks to explore the Again River in a way that shows that there are still parts of the world unexplored.

Why I Hate Canadians (Will Ferguson) – A humorous, satirical account of Canadian culture and history that sets out to show that opinions on Canada are best expressed through personal experience.

An Inconvenient Indian (Thomas King) – A serious, albeit darkly humorous, look at the Native American – White relationship that has taken place in Canada and throughout North America in search for ways for the collective culture to move forward in meaningful ways.

Read Our Canada Posts

The perfect banff itinerary you can’t miss (2024 guide), 25 awesome things to do in banff, canada, the ultimate guide to yoho national park in canada, the golden circle route – an epic yukon road trip itinerary, 17 awesome things to do in dawson city, yukon, the perfect 3 days in vancouver itinerary (2024 guide), 7 awesome day trips from montreal (2024 guide), the perfect 3 days in montreal itinerary, the 10 best day trips from toronto, 21 awesome things to do in toronto, canada [2024 guide], 11 fun things to do in hamilton, ontario, the 20 best things to do in calgary (2024 guide).

Canada Travel Guide

Your ultimate canada travel guide, with tips, ideas on things to do, and best things to see in canada. great for first-time and returning travelers..

Why Canada ? Full of natural beauty and plenty of activities for fans of the outdoors, Canada is a great vacation spot.

From skiing and snowboarding to kayaking and canoeing, to spotting grizzly bears and the Northern Lights, there are many things to see and do in Canada.

Add in metropolitan cities like Montreal with its shops and exciting nightlife, and Canada has something for everyone.

This Canada travel guide will help you plan your next vacation.

To browse all our articles about Canada click here.

Popular City Guides

• Quebec City

Our Highlight

Table of contents

Table of Contents

Fast Facts about Canada

• Currency: The official currency is the Canadian Dollar and 1 Canadian Dollar is equal to 0.79 USD. American dollars are accepted in Canada, though change will be in Canadian Dollars.
• Power: Power voltage is 120V at 60 Hz.
• Entry:  To enter, you will need a U.S. passport valid for at least 6 months after your departure date.
• Getting Around : The best way to get around is by public transport or renting a car but beware, Italians are hairy drivers!
• Sales tax : The provincial sales tax for goods and services is set at 7 – 8%, plus GST which is set at 5% which can bring the tax up to 15% depending on the provinces. For more information click here
• The Capital City of Canada is Ottawa – See the Best Things to do in Ottawa.

Things to See and Do in Canada

• Whistler, BC  – Largest Ski Resort in the World, Hiking and Downhill Mountain biking,  Bobsledding ,  snowmobiling , outdoor fun.
• Our particular favourite is  snowboarding in Whistler or Lake Louise  
• Walking with Polar Bears in Manitoba.
• Kayaking the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick or Nova Scotia.
• Quebec City  is Canada’s most European destination and one of the oldest cities in North America established way back in 1608
• Aboriginal Experience – Canada’s First Nations People are welcoming and are a fascinating culture to visit. There are many chances to immerse in aboriginal culture in Canada.
• Niagara Falls – The Canadian side of Niagara Falls is an amazing destination with magnificent views, nightlife and lots of things to do.
• Icefields Parkway – One of the world’s most beautiful drives is from Banff to Jasper and not to be missed.
• Cabot Trail – Incredible scenic drive on the East Coast with whale watching, lobster fishing and awesome views.

Canada Travel Guides

• Best Things to do in Toronto
• Best Things to do in Alberta
• Epic Things to do in Ontario
• Beautiful Places in Alberta
• Nova Scotia Road Trip
• Drive the Dempster Highway
• Best British Columbia Road Trip
• Things to do in Winnipeg
• Best of New Brunswick
• Things to do in Prince Edward Island (PEI)

Accommodation

Budget: You can find a number of budget hotels and hostels for around 20-65 Canadian Dollars. Enjoy dorm-styled or private rooms, common areas, shared kitchens, free Wi-Fi, and easy access to city or scenic locations. 

Mid Range: For mid-range hotels, expect to pay 100 to 200 Canadian Dollars per night. Stay in hotels with private rooms, free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, complimentary breakfast, and a restaurant and bar.

High End: Upscale hotels will range from 230 to 500 Canadian Dollars, with the top hotels going up to over 1,000 Canadian Dollars per night. Take in the best with top-of-the-line hospitality and room service, upscale private guest rooms, spa services, indoor and outdoor pools, fitness centers, fine dining, and more. Certain hotels near the water also provide kayak services.

• If you are starting your trip in Toronto check out our suggestions for where to stay in Toronto
• Read: Where to Stay in Vancouver and Where to Stay in Montreal
• Check out our favorite booking platforms Booking.com , Tripadvisor and VRBO for the best deals on accommodation.

The food in Canada has a wide variety of influences, including French, English, Scottish, and First Nations cuisine.

Poutine (fries, gravy, and cheese curds) is a popular dish here, while Nova Scotian lobster rolls are another. If you’re looking for some snacks or desserts, try a Montreal bagel (a sweeter version of a New York bagel, usually topped with sesame or poppy seeds) or a butter tart (eggs, butter, and sugar baked in a pastry shell).

Canada has many great restaurants and cafes where you can try some Canadian food. Expect to pay around 65 Canadian Dollars for a day of food.

Canada’s national drink is the Bloody Caesar, it’s like a Bloody Mary but it is made with Clamato juice. Give it a try, you’ll love it.

The Best Ways to Get Around Canada

Getting to canada:.

The Toronto Pearson International Airport is the busiest airport in Canada and is just a 30-minute taxi ride to downtown or you can take the UpExpress leaving the airport every 15 minutes to downtown.

The Vancouver International Airport and the Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airports are two alternative options, especially when traveling to those cities.

You can check for the best flights to Canada on Skyscanner .

Transportation:

Canada is a massive country and if you want to get around from Province to Province, the best bet is to fly.

Trains are a fast way to get around, especially in larger cities but trains are more expensive in Canada compared to places like Europe and Asia.

If you want to go from Toronto to Vancouver at a more leisurely pace, take The Canadian, an 86-hour trip where you can enjoy beautiful scenic views, dine and sleep in a bed in your private cabin, and enjoy stops at Winnipeg, Edmonton , and Jasper.

Buses : Buses are a good way to get around. You can take the Greyhound or the Megabus and it is a cheap option to get from city to city.

Major cities have rapid transit and light rail systems to get you where you need to go quickly. A typical fare is 3.64 Canadian Dollars.

Taxis:   Taxis are an alternative way to get around. Prices typically start at 3.50- 4 Canadian Dollars and increase 2 Canadian Dollars per kilometer traveled. Uber and Lyft are widely used in major Canadian cities.

Car Rental:   To rent a car, you must be at least 21 years old and have a valid driver’s license. Check for prices and availability here.

When to go To Canada

• Canada has four seasons and there is no bad time to visit Canada if you are prepared for the weather.
• Summer (June to August) is a good time for road trips , canoeing, hiking, and exploring cities.
• Winter (November to February) is great for skiing, ice skating, and winter carnivals .
• Spring (late March to May) can be unpredictable with a mix of snow, rain and warm sunshine and the same can be said for Autumn (September/October) although Autumn is usually dry.
• September through November is considered the best time to go to Canada, as peak tourism has ended (meaning fewer crowds and lower hotel prices) and there are many beautiful autumn leaves to see. However, for those going to Canada for winter sports, January to March is when the snow conditions are at their peak and is a great time for skiing or snowboarding. 

Where to Stay in Canada

Fairmont Lake Louise : Fairmont Lake Louise. I don’t know if there is another hotel in the world with a view like this. It’s worth the spurge to spend a night here when visiting Banff.

Ritz Carlton Toronto: The Ritz Carlton Toronto is in the heart of it all near the Entertainment District, Harborfront, and CN Tower. Pure Luxury in Canada’s Largest City

Prince George Hotel Halifax : Located in the heart of Halifax this grand hotel is pure luxury and within walking distance of everything.

Check out our favorite booking platforms Booking.com , Tripadvisor , and VRBO for the best deals on accommodation.

Canada Accommodation Guides

• Where to Stay in Toronto
• Where to Stay in Niagara Falls
• 24 Fantastic Things to do in Saint John New Brunswick
• Where to Stay in Vancouver – Best Hotels & Vacation Rentals By Area
• Things to do in Calgary, Alberta
• Where to Stay in Montreal
• Where to Stay in Nova Scotia
• 15 Best Things to do in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
• Where to Stay in Banff
• Things to do in Jasper
• 14 Things to do in Winnipeg – Plus Other Hidden Gems
• The Best Things to do in Toronto – A Guide to the Top Attractions

What to Pack for Canada

If you travel to cities like Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal in the summer, it’s hot and you can dress as you would in any major metropolis around the world. For winter travel in Canada, expect extremely cold weather. Canada has winter, period.

If you are going to the Rocky Mountains, the North or East Coasts, it can be cool any time of year so pack in layers. Nights can get cool even in the middle of summer in all provinces.

• Hiking Boots: Keep your feet comfortable with a sturdy pair of hiking boots.
• Layers: Be prepared no matter the weather by bringing clothes with layers.
• Waterproof Coat: As it can rain, a waterproof coat is a good item to bring.
• For winter travel to Canada, check out our tips for how to survive the winter deep freeze.
• Dress in layers and be prepared for cool nights, (even in the summer and especially in the mountains.
• How to Pack for a winter vacation read – Travel Tips for Winter Packing

Canada Travel Guide: Best Booking Resources

Whenever we travel to we make sure to start with these companies. We have tried a lot of different ones over the years and all of these have consistently proven to be the best when it comes to offering great prices.

We have used every one of these personally and continue to do so.

• Booking.com : This is our go site to when comparing prices for accommodation. It usually has the cheapest prices, especially in Europe and we love their interface. Not to mention you get free cancellation and you are guaranteed the best price.
• Trip Advisor :  What we like about Trip Advisor is that we can look at all the reviews and then book our accommodation. TripAdvisor is where we go when we want to compare prices with multiple accommodation providers.
• VRBO : is the main search engine we use when we are looking for a home or apartment rental. It can sometimes be cheaper than hotels and it is the best way to stay in areas that offer a more local feel.
• Hostelworld :  With one of the largest databases of hostels in the world, Hostelworld is the go-to site when you are looking for budget accommodation.
• Skyscanner : This is the first place we check for flights. It consistently comes back with the cheapest and best options. It allows us to compare a lot of airlines to get the best price.
• Rome 2 Rio :  If you want to see how to get somewhere by plane, train, bus, ferry or car Rome2Rio lays it all out for you as well as related costs.I love how they show it all to you on a Google Map and it works offline.
• Get Your Guide:  For all your day trip and city guide needs, we use Get Your Guide. It has the world’s largest collection of things to do with more than 30,000 activities in 7500 destinations.
• World Nomads Insurance:  When traveling to Italy you should always have travel insurance. We have found the best bang for your buck is by far World Nomads.

Canada Travel Guide: Related Articles

To browse all our articles and guides about Canada click here.

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20 Best Things To Do in Windsor, Canada in 2024

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Canada Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines.

• Non-Vaccine-Preventable Diseases

Stay Healthy and Safe

• Packing List

After Your Trip

There are no notices currently in effect for Canada.

⇧ Top

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Consider hepatitis A vaccination for most travelers. It is recommended for travelers who will be doing higher risk activities, such as visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where a traveler might get infected through food or water. It is recommended for travelers who plan on eating street food.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Canada. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Canada.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Canada is free of dog rabies. However, rabies may still be present in wildlife species, particularly bats. CDC recommends rabies vaccination before travel only for people working directly with wildlife. These people may include veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers working with specimens from mammalian species.

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Canada, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the  Department of State Country Information Pages  for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Although Canada is an industrialized country, bug bites here can still spread diseases. Just as you would in the United States, try to avoid bug bites while spending time outside or in wooded areas.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Consider using permethrin-treated clothing and gear if spending a lot of time outside. Do not use permethrin directly on skin.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Canada include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip:

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in the heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if you are driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately.  Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance for things your regular insurance will not cover.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medicines you take.
• Bring copies of your prescriptions for medicine and for eye glasses and contact lenses.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Canada’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Make sure there are seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Canada, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Canada for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

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Canada Travel Guide

Last Updated: November 21, 2023

Canada is often skipped over on many round-the-world trips owing to its proximity to the US, poor flight connections, and few budget cross-country travel options.

But those people miss out on so much! Canada is one of the best countries in the world for RVing and road trips and it’s brimming with outdoor activities for all levels. Backpacking Canada is an amazing experience.

I love my friendly neighbor to the north and believe Canada is a really underrated destination. There’s a reason everyone around the world loves Canadians after all.

To top it all off, it’s also easy to get a working holiday visa here so you can stay longer and make money while you explore (there are huge seasonal industries across the country).

This travel guide to Canada can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your visit to this friendly natural wonderland!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Canada

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in canada.

1. Tour Toronto

Toronto is often considered the most multicultural city in the world, as over half of the city’s population is foreign-born. It’s an awesome, hip, artsy city. Don’t miss Kensington Market for good eats and cool shops, and there are plenty of tasty eats to be found in the city’s massive Chinatown as well. If you want to play tourist, head up the CN Tower for the best views of the city. For a bit of swimming in the summer, check out some of Canada’s easily accessible beaches on Lake Ontario where you can go kayaking, windsurfing, stand-up paddle boarding, and more. And if you’re traveling with kids, don’t miss the nearby amusement park Wonderland.

2. Explore Jasper and the Columbia Icefield

The Icefields Parkway connects Banff and Jasper in Western Canada and is one of the most scenic drives in the country (if not the world). Stop along the way at the Columbia Icefield, an enormous icefield that feeds into eight glaciers. You can travel onto the 10,000-year-old Athabasca Glacier where you can hike around and even drink from the crystal-clear icy glacial water. If you’re not squeamish about heights, walk out to the cliff-top glass-floored Skywalk to get a spectacular panorama of the entire area. It’s easy to reach via an enormous bus or opt for a hiking tour where you can walk the glacier. There’s even a restaurant at the top that’s a bit expensive but worth at least a coffee for the view.

3. Road trip the Maritimes

Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick make up Canada’s east coast. If you want to spend your days hiking, relaxing by the ocean, and whale watching, this is the place to do it. Nova Scotia is sometimes considered the most beautiful province with rolling hills leading to lush green coastal cliffs over frothy shores. There are colorful little fishing villages like Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site considered one of the “Prettiest Painted Places in Canada.” It boasts delicious fresh seafood and friendly locals to chat with. Be sure to set aside a few days for an incredible road trip on the 298-kilometer (185-mile) Cabot Trail around Cape Breton and spend in the Highlands National Park where you can hike, camp, or fish. The east coast is stunning and sees very few tourists compared to other areas of the country.

4. Hang out in Montreal

Montreal offers a look at the French side of the country. Old Montreal is thriving with culture and a mix of old and new architecture within its European-style cobblestone streets, the Notre Dame Cathedral, museums, and river cruises. The other side of Montreal is extremely modern with an underground city and mall, funky jazz clubs, and amazing cuisine, which make this the hippest and most romantic city in the country. It’s also cheaper than most of the other large cities in Canada. Don’t forget to try the poutine and bagels when you visit!

5. Have fun in Vancouver

Other things to see and do in canada, 1. celebrate the calgary stampede.

During July, over 1 million people descend on Calgary for this multi-day rodeo, drinking festival, and carnival where everyone gets to be a cowboy. It’s a lot of fun, and you’ll meet tons of people from around the world. It’s one of Canada’s premier events so book early — prices rise and accommodation disappears fast! Also, wear cowboy boots and a hat if you want to fit in.

2. Hit the slopes

The mountains in Canada offer great skiing and snowboarding during the winter. Banff is a popular mountain town known for its excellent trails. It’s quite busy during the winter as locals and visitors alike hit the slopes, but it’s popular for a reason. While Banff is the most popular place to go, there are tons of other great skiing destinations in the country. Sunshine Village, Whistler Blackcomb, Lake Louise, Kicking Horse, and Mont Tremblant are just a few to check out (they stretch from British Columbia to Quebec so you’ve got lots of choices).

3. Discover Vancouver Island

Take a few days off from Vancouver to explore nearby Vancouver Island . Eat delicious seafood, hike, spot some whales (lots of orcas live near here), shop, and lounge on the beach. This is a place to just sit and relax. Since it is so close to Vancouver, it’s a popular getaway with the locals during the summer. Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, is located on the island. It’s a quiet but gorgeous little city worth a couple days of exploring. From here you can also visit places like Tofino, where the bustling surf community has evolved into a fun hippie town. If you’d rather hike an incredible yet challenging trail, the West Coast Trail is famous for its rugged beach and rainforest trails, man-made ladders through the trees, and rare wildlife.

4. Hike the rainforest

Hike the Pacific Rim National Park for a wonderful look at some temperate rainforests on Vancouver Island. It’s one of the most popular parks in Canada, home to Western Red Cedars, Pacific Silver Firs, and tons of wildlife including deer, wolves, bears, and cougars. The Long Beach area is one of the most accessible places for hiking, but the sand dunes behind Wickaninnish Beach on the South Beach Trail are also worth the trek.

5. Explore Calgary

Often skipped over by travelers since it’s not on the coast, Calgary actually has a lot to offer when it comes to free and low-cost activities. Have a picnic in one of its many parks, go rollerblading, watch a hockey game, or head up to the top of the surrounding peaks. There’s great hiking, kayaking, skiing, water rafting, and camping here and you can easily rent a bike and explore the city via its many bike paths. Although it’s been long dismissed as an oil town, it’s one of the liveliest cities in Canada.

6. Visit the galleries of Toronto

Toronto has some of the best museums and galleries in the country, so take a day or two to admire the art of the city. The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) and the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) are the two most famous art museums, but there are a plethora of smaller, specialty galleries too, like the Textiles Museum of Canada and the Museum of Contemporary Art. Galleries often offer discounts on certain days of the week, so check before you go to save some cash.

7. Take a road trip

This huge country is best explored by car or RV. It’s the ideal way to find yourself in tiny little towns, majestic mountains, amazing countryside, and plenty of off-the-beaten-track places. If you have a lot of time, this is your best and cheapest option to see the country. The Trans-Canada Highway stretches from coast to coast, making a road trip relatively easy to plan. Just keep in mind that the weather can be unpredictable (especially in the winter). Of course, you’ll have to keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and you’ll want to be prepared for long stretches of driving without any rest stops or gas stations. However, it’s worth it — the changing landscapes and scenic vistas are out of this world! you could easily spend weeks or months touring the country and still barely scratch the surface. For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

8. Stroll the nation’s capital

Ottawa is a very easy city to explore on foot. Home to museums, art galleries, and plenty of shops, it’s a charming city worth visiting for a couple days. You can take a tour of Parliament Hill (the historic buildings where the Canadian government operates) or cross the Ottawa River and visit Quebec (the great Museum of Civilization is just across the bridge). The Canadian War Museum and the National Gallery of Canada are two must-visit museums in Ottawa. Also, don’t miss the busy Byward Market, and be sure to check out the craft breweries in Westboro. Try a beavertail (a sweet pastry with sugary toppings) when you’re here!

9. Get off the beaten path in Nova Scotia

The locals boast that Nova Scotia is home to the friendliest people in Canada. They might be right. That, combined with over 100 beaches, picturesque lighthouses, great sailing, mouth-watering seafood (this area of Canada is the main fishing region), and a marvelous coastline, makes Nova Scotia an amazing place to visit in Canada. Plus, the province doesn’t see lots of tourists so it’s far less crowded and unspoiled compared to other regions. It’s perfect for road trips and camping.

10. Admire Quebec City

Quebec City’s Old Town offers cobblestone walkways, well-preserved 17th-century architecture, and the only North American fortress, the Citadel. The historical Quartier Petit Champlain is stunning and gives you an authentic French feeling with little cheese shops, bistros, creperies, and boutiques. It’s especially magical in December as it’s fully decorated with twinkling lights, snow-covered canopies, and lined with beautiful Christmas trees. In the warm weather, you can easily lose track of time wandering the streets admiring the flowers everywhere and colorful window shutters and storefronts. Don’t forget to sample the local ice ciders, head out for drinks on Grande Allée, and explore the streets below the stunning Château Frontenac.

11. Visit Kelowna

Warm in the summer and mild in the winter, this glacial valley has some of the best weather in the entire country. It’s no wonder that this is where many Canadians spend their vacations. There’s a marina and a few golf courses, not to mention that the Okanagan Valley is home to Canada’s best vineyards and wineries (a four-hour wine tour costs around 125 CAD). In the summer, Canadians rent fancy houseboats complete with waterslides to vacation on nearby Okanagan Lake. Overall, this is just a gorgeous slice of the country that shouldn’t be missed.

12. Head north to Churchill, Manitoba

This might be a small town in the middle of nowhere, but it also happens to be the Polar Bear Capital of the World, the Beluga Whale Capital of the World, and one of the best places to view the Aurora Borealis. You can ride in a tundra buggy (a special bus raised on giant wheels to keep you out of reach from polar bears) and head out on the open plains to see polar bears in their natural habitats. Mother nature is alive and thriving here. Day tours in a tundra buggy during the summer start at around 250 CAD, including lunch.

13. See the iconic Niagara Falls

This is one of the most visited attractions on the entire continent. You can never imagine how big it is until you see it up close (you never envision so much mist either). To see it up close, on a boat tour and head out into the waterfalls (be prepared to get soaked). Walks runs a daily boat tour that has exclusive access to the best spots and includes access to behind the falls (tours are 107 CAD). The town itself is touristy and cheesy so don’t spend more than a day or two (it’s fun for kids though).

14. Get lost in the Yukon

The Yukon is the perfect place to get your nature fix. The chances of seeing a bear, elk, or deer are incredibly high (or you can tour the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, where you’re guaranteed to see them). Go hiking in Tombstone Territorial Park, soak in a mineral hot pool at the Takhini Hot Springs, or swing by the Sign Post Forest with its unique collection of over 77,000 signposts. Hardly anyone ever visits the Yukon as visitors tend to stick to the major cities in the south of the country. Because of that, you’ll find yourself surrounded by unspoiled nature.

  For more information on specific cities in Canada, check out these guides:

• Calgary Travel Guide
• Montreal Travel Guide
• Nova Scotia Travel Guide
• Ottawa Travel Guide
• Quebec City Travel Guide
• Toronto Travel Guide
• Vancouver Travel Guide
• Vancouver Island Travel Guide

Canada Travel Costs

Accommodation – Rates vary a lot depending on what city you’re staying in. On average, you’ll end up paying 35-45 CAD per night for a dorm room at a hostel. Expect to pay at least 90-120 CAD for a budget hotel room. Prices rise drastically in larger cities (notably Vancouver, Toronto, and Ottawa).

Airbnb is available across the country, rivaling budget hotels for price and convenience. Expect to pay an average of 60-90 CAD per night for a private room, while entire homes/apartments start around 100 CAD. Keep in mind that many smaller towns won’t have many options. However, there are usually locally owned hotels or motels that are generally quite cheap. Also, Airbnb prices can double (or triple) when not booked in advance so book early.

If camping is your thing, you’ll have plenty of options across the country. Prices vary depending on the grounds but expect to pay between 25-35 CAD per night for a basic pitch for two people. Many of the major national and provincial campgrounds sell out early in the summer, so be sure to book in advance during the peak season (June-August).

Food – Overall, the food here is a collage of dishes from other cultures, owing to the country’s diverse history of immigration. On the coasts, seafood is king while the prairies have more of a meat and potatoes diet. Be sure to sample some of Canada’s famous staples like poutine (fries with gravy and cheese curds), beaver tails (fried dough with maple syrup), Canadian bacon, and the oddly tasty ketchup chips.

Overall, food can be inexpensive if you stick to cooking for yourself, eating street food, and dining at cheap fast-food places. Cheap sandwich shops and fast food are your best bet, usually costing less than 13 CAD per meal.

Pizzas cost 15-20 CAD while Asian food is usually 10-15 CAD for a main dish.

A meal out at a casual restaurant costs 20-35 CAD for a main dish and a drink. Casual fine dining costs double that.

Beer is around 7 CAD while a latte/cappuccino is around 4.60 CAD. Bottled water costs 2 CAD.

If you cook your own food, expect to pay 50-75 CAD per week for groceries. This gets you basic staples like rice, pasta, veggies, and some meat or fish.

Backpacking Canada Suggested Budgets

How much does it cost to visit Canada? Well, it’s complicated. How much you spend largely depends on where in Canada you’re going to visit. For example, Canada’s biggest cities like Toronto, Ottawa, and Vancouver are considerably more expensive than the smaller ones (like Halifax, St. John’s, and Quebec City). The rural areas are even cheaper but getting around costs more as you may need to rent a car or take expensive buses.

On a backpacking budget, you should plan to spend around 70 CAD per day. This assumes you’re staying in a hostel dorm, cooking all your meals, using public transportation, limiting your drinking, and sticking to free activities like hiking and enjoying nature.

On a mid-range budget of 185 CAD per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb, take buses between destinations, eat out for most meals, enjoy a few drinks, and do more paid activities like visiting museums or taking a food or wine tour.

On a “luxury” budget of 310 CAD per day or more, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink more, rent a car to get around, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though, the sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in CAD.

Canada Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Given the size of Canada, there are plenty of ways to save money when you travel, but it varies by region (as I’ve been repeating). The general tips below can help but for specific tips visit our city guides!

• Stay with a local – As Canada is not the most budget-friendly destination owing to its inconvenient size, you’ll be able to cut down on your costs by using Couchsurfing . While not huge in smaller towns, you won’t have a hard time finding a host in the major cities. Just be sure to plan ahead during the summer as that is prime tourist season and it’s much harder to find a host then.
• Enjoy outdoor summer festivals – Since Canadians are stuck indoors all winter, they love to make the most of hot days by packing in lots of festivals into the short summer. Many of these, like Heritage Days (Edmonton), Kits Days (Vancouver), and Caribana (Toronto), are free. Check out upcoming events online by visiting the local tourism board’s website.
• Embrace the outdoors – A vast country with a relatively minuscule population leaves lots of potential for outdoor activities. Rent a pair of cross-country skis or snowshoes in the winter and enjoy the free use of many trails (versus expensive downhill lift passes). In the summer, you can bike, hike, kayak, or canoe. The cost of most equipment rentals is around 25-100 CAD for a day, and you can explore many areas at no further cost.
• Take the bus – Megabus runs in Ontario and Quebec (with connections into the U.S., including NYC). You can find tickets for as little as 1 CAD if booked in advance. This is the most affordable way to get between Toronto and Montreal (or into the U.S.).
• Use ride-sharing services – If you are going to be traveling between cities or provinces, keep an eye out for people sharing their vehicles. Craigslist, Couchsurfing, Kangaride, and Facebook all have ride-share pages for most major cities. If you can find someone traveling in your direction you can tag along and share the cost of gas.
• Eat street food – Every major Canadian city has plenty of street vendors selling hot dogs, sausages, and veggie dogs for as little as 3 CAD. You won’t find a cheaper lunch!
• Take a free walking tour – Most major cities in Canada offer free walking tours. They are a great way to explore and get a feel for each location and its history. Most last a couple of hours and don’t need to be booked in advance. Just remember to tip your guide at the end!
• Buy gas on native reserves – If you are driving around the country, keep your eyes peeled for native reserves — they are the cheapest places to buy gas in Canada. With lower taxes, you’ll find gas prices significantly cheaper than anywhere else. They are also great places to stop and experience the vibrant cultures of Canada’s First People.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money. LifeStraw makes a reusable bottle with a built-in filter to ensure your water is always safe and clean.

Where to Stay in Canada

Hostels are not that plentiful across Canada, but generally, they’re high quality and clean. Here are my suggested places to stay in Canada:

• The Only Backpacker’s Inn (Toronto)
• The Parkdale Hostellerie (Toronto)
• Cambie Hostel Gastown (Vancouver)
• Samesun Vancouver (Vancouver)
• HI Calgary City Centre (Calgary)
• HI Lake Louise (Banff)
• HI Montreal Hostel (Montreal)
• Alexandrie-Montréal (Montreal)

How to Get Around Canada

Public transportation – Within city limits you’ll find great public transportation networks. Toronto and Montreal are the only two cities in Canada with subway systems (although Vancouver has SkyTrain), but even the smallest Canadian cities have extensive bus routes. It usually costs about 3.25 CAD for a one-way ticket.

Larger cities have passes designed for tourists to make the most of the metro system. For example, Toronto has a daily pass for unlimited travel for 13.50 CAD.

Bus – There’s no singular country-wide bus system here. Instead, regional operators vary per location. Megabus is the cheapest option when it comes to traveling between cities in Ontario and Quebec. Fares can be as low as 1 CAD if booked in advance. Red Arrow is primarily an Alberta coach line. On the east coast, Maritime Bus is the main coach company (except in Newfoundland where it’s DRL Group).

Toronto to Ottawa costs about 30-50 CAD with Flixbus, while Ottawa to Montreal is around 35-50 CAD. A longer ride — like the 13-hour drive from Calgary to Vancouver — costs around 125-165 CAD.

To find bus routes and prices, use BusBud .

Train – There is a train service (VIA Rail) that runs from coast to coast and is very scenic, albeit not cheap. Many train routes are currently suspended or running with limited space due to COVID-19, meaning that journeys take even longer. It takes over 24 hours to get from Halifax to Ottawa, costing about 150-170 CAD. On the other hand, shorter routes like between Montreal and Quebec City (a 3.5-hour journey) are more affordable and start at 36 CAD.

Flying – As your last alternative, you can fly, but since the country has only two major airlines (WestJet and Air Canada) prices are often high. Round-trip flights from Toronto to Vancouver usually start at around 200 CAD when booked early but they can easily cost triple that price. Round-trip from Ottawa to Calgary is around 270 CAD, but again, this is when booked in advance. Expect to pay at least double that price if you don’t book early.

Overall, flying is worthwhile only if you want to see specific cities and have limited time. For shorter routes (like Montreal to Ottawa) you’ll save a lot of money if you just take the bus or train.

Car Rental – If you’re going between provinces or staying a while in the country, consider renting a car for 35-50 CAD per day. This is one of the best, most convenient ways to get around the country — especially if you’re interested in getting out of the cities and into Canada’s wilderness (ideally if you have someone to share the cost with too).

For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

Ridesharing – If you are traveling between cities or provinces, keep an eye out for people sharing their vehicle. Check these websites for rides:

• Couchsurfing

When to Go to Canada

Since Canada is such a large country, climate and temperature vary drastically from coast to coast. Canada has very defined seasons, and winter can be harsh and long in some places. For example, winters in the Northern Territories begin early and end late, and places like Newfoundland and Labrador can experience snow until late May.

On the other hand, winter in the Canadian Rockies is epic and people from all over the world flock to British Columbia and Alberta to hit the slopes around Whistler, Banff, and Revelstoke. Prepare for cold temperatures, though. In some places, like on the prairies, it can get as cold as -40°C (-40°F). In short, only visit in the winter if you’re planning to do winter sports.

Summer in Canada is beautiful, but it’s also the busiest time of year. June to the end of September is the main tourist season, with inflated prices and large crowds. On the other hand, the temperatures are lovely during this time, often in the high 20s°C (70s°F). There are music festivals galore and it’s a great time to hike, bike, and explore the Great Lakes.

Shoulder season is also a fantastic time to visit Canada, although spring (March-June) can be quite wet. Fall (September-October) is highly recommended, as temperatures are still warm enough and the autumn foliage is really something special. Quebec and the Atlantic Provinces are well worth an autumn trek.

How to Stay Safe in Canada

Canada is a safe place to backpack and travel — even if you’re traveling solo, and even as a solo female traveler. Violent attacks are rare and tend to be confined to certain areas (generally where drug and gang violence are a problem). You may encounter petty crime, like theft, around popular tourist landmarks, though that isn’t super common. Nevertheless, always keep an eye on your belongings, especially while taking public transportation, just to be safe.

Solo female travelers should feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

If visiting in the winter, dress warmly. It gets so cold here that people literally freeze to death so take precautions and always keep an eye on the forecast.

If you’re going out hiking, always check the weather beforehand and ensure you have enough water. Bring sunscreen and a hat too. It can get humid here!

Canada’s cannabis legalization has a whole lot of rules and restrictions. The CBC has a great outline on everything you need to know if you’re thinking of consuming cannabis while in Canada.

Scams here are rare, but it never hurts to be prepared. Read about common travel scams to avoid here if you’re worried about getting ripped off.

If you experience an emergency, dial 911 for assistance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Canada Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Canada Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Canada travel and continue planning your trip:

Where to Stay in Quebec City: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

Where to Stay in Vancouver: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

Where to Stay in Toronto: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

Canada Road Trip: A One Month Suggested Itinerary

How to Road Trip the Yukon on a Budget

How to See Alberta: A 10-Day Suggested Driving Itinerary

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• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

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Travel Advisory July 17, 2023

Canada - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise normal precautions in Canada.

Read the Country Information page for additional information on travel to Canada.

If you decide to travel to Canada: 

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the Country Security Report for Canada.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.  Review the Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.  Exercise normal precautions in Canada.

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Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy Ottawa

490 Sussex Drive Ottawa, Ontario K1N 1G8 Canada Telephone:  +1 (613) 688-5335 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +1 (613) 238-5335 Fax:  +1 (613) 688-3082 Email:   [email protected]

The Ottawa consular district includes the counties of Kingston, Lanark, Leeds, Prescott, Refrew, Russell, and Stormont in Eastern Ontario, and those parts of the Québec regions of Outaouais and Abitibi-Témiscamingue near Ottawa.

U.S. Consulate General Montreal

1134 Rue Ste- Catherine West Montréal, Quebec H3B 1H4 Canada Telephone:  +1 (514) 398-9695 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +1 (416) 645-9124 Fax:  +1 (514) 398-9748 Email:  [email protected]

The Montreal consular district includes Greater Montreal and the regions of Southern Quebec Province (Laurentides, Lanaudiere, Laval, Montreal, Montregie, Estrie, and the southern parts of Centre-du-Quebec), including Joliete, Drummondville, and Sherbrooke.

U.S. Consulate General Toronto

360 University Ave Toronto, Ontario M5G 1S4 Canada Telephone:  +1 (416) 595-1700 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +1 (416) 201-4056 Fax:  +1 (416) 595-5466 Email:  [email protected]

The consular district includes the province of Ontario except for the counties of Kingston, Lanark, Leeds, Prescott, Refrew, Russell, and Stormont, which are served by the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa.

U.S. Consulate General Vancouver

1075 West Pender Street Vancouver, British Columbia V6E 2M6 Canada Telephone:  +1 (604) 685-4311 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +1 (604) 685-4311 Fax:  +1 (604) 685-7175 Email:  [email protected]

The consular district includes British Columbia and the Yukon Territory.

U.S. Consulate General Halifax

Purdy's Wharf Tower II 1969 Upper Water Street, Suite 904 Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 3R7 Canada Telephone:  +1 (902) 429-2480 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +1 (902) 429-2480, Press 1 Email:  [email protected]

The Halifax consular district includes New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and the French islands of Saint Pierre and Miquelon.

U.S. Consulate Winnipeg

201 Portage Avenue, Suite 860 Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 3K6 Canada Telephone:  +1 (204) 940-1800 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +1 (403) 266-8962 and press "0" for assistance (Consulate General Calgary) Fax:  +1 (204) 940-1809

The Consulate in Winnipeg provides only emergency services for U.S. citizens. Routine services such as visas, passports and notarials are handled at other U.S. Consulates General, primarily Calgary.

U.S. Consulate General Quebec  2, rue de la Terrasse Dufferin (Vieux Quebec, behind Chateau Frontenac) Quebec, Quebec G1R 4T9 Canada Telephone:  +1 (418) 692-2095 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +1 (418) 692-2096 Fax:  +1 (418) 692-4640 Email:   [email protected]

The consular district includes Quebec City and those regions of Quebec Province to the North and East of the Montreal and Ottawa Districts (indicated above) – to include the area around Saguenay/Lac Saint-Jean, Rimouski and the Gaspé Peninsula – as well as the Territory of Nunavut.

U.S. Consulate General Calgary  615 Macleod Trail S.E., 10th Floor Calgary, Alberta T2G 4T8 Canada Telephone:  +1 (403) 266-8962 Fax:  +1 (403) 264-6630 Email:   [email protected] The consular district includes Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and the Northwest Territories, excluding Nunavut.

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Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

For tourist visits to Canada of less than 180 days, U.S. citizens do not need visas. Other types of travel generally require visas. Visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website for current information.

If you have a criminal record, you may be unable to enter Canada. To determine whether you are criminally inadmissible and get information about how to overcome this finding, refer to the  IRCC website .  Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officials determine if you can enter Canada in accordance with Canadian law.  

Travel Programs:  Both the U.S. and Canadian governments urge frequent travelers to join the  NEXUS trusted traveler program .

Entry into Canada:  Canadian law requires that all persons entering Canada carry proof of citizenship and identity. A valid U.S. passport, passport card, or NEXUS card satisfies these requirements for U.S. citizens.

Children under 16 only need proof of U.S. citizenship.

Entry into the United States:  When traveling by air from Canada, U.S. citizens must present a U.S. passport book or other approved identification document. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website provides a full list of allowable documents.

Travel with Minors:  If you plan to travel to Canada with a minor for whom you do not have full legal custody, CBSA may require a letter of authorization from the minor’s parents or legal guardian(s). Please refer to the  CBSA website  for more details.

Private Boaters Entering Canada:  Canadian law requires all foreign private boaters, including recreational vessels, to present themselves upon their arrival in Canada to the CBSA. See the  CBSA website  for relevant reporting requirements.

Private Boaters Exiting Canada: Boaters may report their arrival to the United States or apply for a registered boater program using the CBP Reporting Offsite Arrival – Mobile (CBP ROAM) app. Please visit the  CBP ROAM webpage for more information.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to Canada. For information on restrictions for HIV positive foreign residents of Canada visit the IRCC website .

Find information on dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

Safety and Security

911 is the emergency telephone number in Canada.

Crime: Although Canada generally has a lower crime rate than the United States, violent crimes occur throughout the country, especially in urban areas. Criminals may target parked cars, especially in large cities and popular tourist destination, for opportunistic smash-and-grab thefts. Do not leave unattended possessions in a vehicle, even in the trunk. Some jurisdictions such as Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver may fine you for leaving your car doors unlocked or for leaving valuables in view. Pickpockets may target you, especially in popular tourist areas. Exercise caution. Safeguard yourself and your property.

Demonstrations  occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. 

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable, avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. 
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

While there is a very small likelihood of violence at a political gathering in Canada, we strongly encourage U.S. citizens to avoid all protests and demonstrations and maintain a high level of vigilance and practice good situational awareness when traveling abroad.

International Financial Scams:  See the  Department of State  and the  FBI   pages for information.

Victims of Crime:  U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance.  Report crimes to the local police at 911 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +1(613) 688-5335. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

•    Help you find appropriate medical care

•    Assist you in reporting a crime to the police

•    Contact relatives or friends with your written consent

•    Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion

•    Provide a list of local attorneys

•    Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.

•    Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution

•    Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home

•    Replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulates for assistance.

Tourism: The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules with regard to best practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. 

Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. If you are considering travel outside of populated areas, particularly in the northern Arctic territories, you need to know that search and rescue capabilities are limited because of extreme isolation and the harsh climate. You must be prepared for significant delays in receiving emergency assistance in these areas and plan accordingly.

U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance .  

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.  Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Controlled Substances:  Canadian law prohibits possession and trafficking of controlled substances and narcotics, including some substances that may be legal to possess under the law of certain U.S. states. Canada has legalized the personal consumption of recreational cannabis, but Canadian law prohibits taking cannabis across Canada’s national borders . Drug smugglers risk substantial fines, a permanent bar from Canada, and imprisonment.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.

Faith-Based Travelers:  See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad  

Firearms : Canada controls firearms more strictly than the United States. Violation of firearms restrictions may result in prosecution and imprisonment.

Visitors bringing any firearms or ammunition into Canada must declare the firearms in writing using a Non-Resident Firearm Declaration form. If you plan to borrow and use a firearm in Canada, you must obtain a Temporary Firearms Borrowing License in advance. You must present these forms in triplicate and sign them in front of a CBSA officer at the border. (It is not possible to make photocopies at the border). Full details and downloadable forms are available at the Canadian Firearms Program website .

Canadian law requires officials to confiscate firearms, ammunition, and other weapons from persons crossing the border who do not declare having the items in their possession. Officials will not return confiscated firearms, ammunition, and weapons and possession of any of these items may result in your arrest and imprisonment. You should inspect all belongings thoroughly before traveling to Canada to avoid the accidentally importing firearms, ammunition, or other weapons.

LGBTQI+ Travelers:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTQI+ events in Canada. See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Pornography: Canada has strict laws concerning child pornography, and in recent years there has been an increase in random checks of electronic media of travelers entering Canada.

Canadian officials may search your computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices without a warrant at the border and illegal content can result in the seizure of the device as well as detention, arrest, and prosecution of the bearer.

Tax Issues:  For information on U.S. Federal tax issues, please refer to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website for international taxpayers .

• Refer to this link for reporting requirements regarding Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) .
• Refer to this link for information on the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) .
• Refer to this link for information about the Voluntary Disclosure Practice .

Travelers with Disabilities:  The law in Canada prohibitsdiscrimination against persons with physical or mental disabilities and the law is enforced.  Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is as prevalent as in the United States. For more information, visit the Accessibility Standards Canada website .

Students:  See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for Women Travelers .

For emergency services in Canada, dial 911 . Ambulance services are widely available.

We do not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with Health Canada to ensure the medication is legal in Canada.

Healthcare in Canada : The level of public health and sanitation in Canada is high. Adequate health facilities are available throughout Canada.  Canada’s medical care is of a high standard but is government controlled. Access to ongoing medical care is difficult for temporary visitors who are not members of a Canadian province’s government-run health care plan. Many physicians will not take new patients. Specialist care is only by referral and may take months to obtain. Although trauma-care is on par with that in the United States, emergency room waits for non-life threatening problems can be very long. Some health care professionals in the Quebec may only speak French.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals . We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all CDC-recommended vaccinations .

Further health information:

World Health Organization U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Air Quality:  Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery: We strongly recommend supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.

Pharmaceuticals:  U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States. Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. Please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration websites for more information.

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy:  If you are considering traveling to Canada to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please see our ART and Surrogacy Abroad page .

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  As in the United States, all emergency assistance in Canada can be reached by dialing 911.

For detailed information on road conditions throughout Canada, as well as links to provincial government websites, please see the Transport Canada website or the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) website. The CAA honors American Automobile Association memberships. Automobile warranties of vehicles purchased in the United States may not be valid in Canada.

Winter travel can be dangerous due to heavy snowfalls and hazardous icy conditions. Some provinces require snow tires. CAA has tips for winter driving . Both winter conditions and wildfires may prompt the sudden closure of highways. Provincial ministries of transport typically post closures and other alerts about road conditions on their websites.

Traffic Laws:  Driving in Canada is similar to driving in many parts of the United States. Distances and speeds, however, are posted in kilometers per hour and some signs, particularly in Québec, may only be in French. U.S. driver’s licenses are valid for visitors in Canada. Proof of auto insurance is required. U.S. auto insurance is accepted  for tourists in Canada. For specific information concerning Canadian driving permits, mandatory insurance, and entry regulations, please contact the Canadian National Tourist Organization .

Some provinces require drivers to keep their vehicles’ headlights on during the day and some have banned driving while using a hand-held cell phone. Motorcycles cannot share a lane, and safety helmets for motorcycle riders and passengers are mandatory.

It is illegal to take automobile radar detectors into Québec, Ontario, Manitoba, the Yukon, or the Northwest Territories, regardless of whether they are used. Police may confiscate radar detectors and impose substantial fines.

Drivers approaching border crossings into the United States may encounter traffic backups. Drivers should be alert, as lane restrictions at border approaches exist for drivers in NEXUS and FAST expedited inspection programs.

Public Transportation: Public transportation options vary across Canada, but all cities and most major towns have a public transit system .

Aviation Safety Oversight:   The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Canada’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Canada’s air carrier operations.  Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Canada should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the NGA broadcast warnings .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Canada .  For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.

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Canada Travel Guide

When travelling in Canada, you can expect spectacular scenery, unique cultural experiences, and friendly locals. You might also be surprised by some things, from the weather to tipping practices. To make the most of your trip and avoid any disappointments, it’s best to be prepared!  

Our local Canadian travel experts receive many inquiries from tourists visiting here for the first time. At Canadian Train Vacations , we specialized in creating unforgettable vacations personalized to your needs and interests.   

We’ve compiled the answers to some of the most-frequently-asked questions for our special Canada travel guide: everything from top destinations, weather, time zones and geography — think big! — to Canada’s currency and tipping practices. 

Keep reading our guide to travel in Canada for our top travel tips and advice.

Canadian Travel Requirements

Travelers to Canada must have a valid passport. The passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the intended date of departure.

Visa-Exempt vs. Visa-Required Countries for Canada

Canada maintains a list of visa-exempt and visa-required countries( 1 ). This list is subject to change, and you should check the official website of the Government of Canada for the most up-to-date information. U.S citizens only require a valid passport.  

• Visitors from visa-exempt countries do require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). This includes citizens of the U.K., most European countries, Mexico, Australia, and Japan. 
• Visa-required travellers should apply for a Temporary Resident Visa. This includes citizens of China, India, and Pakistan. A full list can be found here.  

It's a great time to explore Canada. As of October 1, 2022, the Government of Canada removed of all COVID-19 entry restrictions, as well as testing, quarantine, and isolation requirements for anyone entering Canada. Any updated details can be found on the Canadian government’s website here. You can also learn how we work with our partners to keep you safe while you’re on your trip on our Safe Travels page .

Download our Brochures and Mini Guides

Top destinations in canada.

Once you cross the Canadian border there are 3.855 million square miles to explore. There’s the wild rainforests of the Pacific Northwest, the dramatic rugged peaks of the Rockies, the hypnotic expanse of the prairies; and the jagged coastline of the Atlantic — and countless landscapes in between. Discover a diversity of experiences, including scenic train rides through spectacular landscapes, exploring national parks, observing wildlife in its natural habitat, road trips through charming coastal areas, and sophisticated urban weekends.  

Your vacation advisor at Canadian Train Vacations can help you plan a trip to see many of these scenic locations.

1. Banff National Park, Alberta

• Key Features : Banff National Park, located in the Canadian Rockies , is renowned for its majestic mountain landscapes, pristine glacial lakes, and abundant wildlife. As Canada's first national park, it showcases a blend of stunning natural beauty and rich cultural history. 
• Attractions : The park is home to iconic attractions such as Lake Louise, famous for its vivid turquoise waters and stunning mountain backdrop, and Moraine Lake, with its exquisite Valley of the Ten Peaks. The charming town of Banff offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural experiences. The Columbia Icefield, the largest icefield in the Canadian Rockies, provides opportunities for glacier exploration. For history buffs, the Cave and Basin National Historic Site tells the story of the park's creation. 
• Activities : Outdoor enthusiasts can partake in hiking, with trails for all skill levels, from leisurely walks to challenging alpine routes. The park also offers opportunities for biking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing, with chances to spot grizzly bears, elk, and more. In the winter, Banff transforms into a world-class destination for skiing and snowboarding at resorts like Lake Louise and Sunshine Village.

[ Read: Best time to visit Banff ]

2. jasper national park, alberta.

• Key Features : Jasper National Park is part of the Canadian Rockies and stands out as one of the most pristine and unspoiled natural environments in the world. It offers a breathtaking mountain landscape, glacier-fed lakes, abundant wildlife, and clear night skies ideal for stargazing. 
• Attractions : The park's notable attractions include the stunning Maligne Lake with its famous Spirit Island, the iconic Athabasca Glacier, the powerful Athabasca Falls, and the scenic Icefields Parkway, often considered one of the most beautiful drives globally. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot elk, bighorn sheep, and bears, while photographers appreciate the rugged mountain peaks and turquoise lakes. 
• Activities : Jasper National Park caters to outdoor adventurers, with opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and rock climbing. During the winter, it transforms into a snowy wonderland with world-class skiing and snowshoeing. Staying in one of the park's campgrounds offers an authentic camping experience amidst the Rockies.

[ Read: Best time to visit Jasper National Park ]

3. vancouver, british columbia.

• Key Features : Vancouver is a vibrant coastal city on the Pacific Ocean, nestled between the mountains and the sea. It boasts a moderate climate, stunning natural beauty, and a diverse cultural scene. 
• Attractions : Vancouver offers an array of attractions, including Stanley Park, one of the world's most famous urban parks, Granville Island with its bustling public market, and the historic Gastown district with its iconic steam clock. The city is also known for its beautiful beaches, such as English Bay and Kitsilano Beach, and the stunning Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. 
• Activities : Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities like biking around the Seawall, hiking in the nearby North Shore Mountains, or exploring the Pacific Spirit Regional Park. The city is a food lover's paradise, with an eclectic culinary scene and fresh seafood. Don't miss the opportunity to take a day trip to Vancouver Island or the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway, leading to the picturesque town of Whistler.

[ Explore: Vancouver to Toronto Train Trip ]

4. vancouver island, british columbia.

• Key features :  Vancouver Island is conveniently accessible from Vancouver, British Columbia, with frequent ferry services connecting the city to the island. The journey is not only a transportation experience but also a scenic delight, offering views of the Pacific Ocean and coastal landscapes. Vancouver Island is a beloved summer getaway for both locals and visitors from around the world. Its moderate climate, lush landscapes, and coastal beauty make it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts, beach lovers, and those seeking relaxation in a picturesque setting. 
• Attractions : The capital city, Victoria, showcases historic architecture, beautiful gardens, and a vibrant arts and culture scene. Tofino, a fun-loving hippie town on the island, is well-known for its surfing community and pristine beaches.  
• Activities : The island is famous for its delicious seafood, with a thriving culinary scene that highlights fresh catches from the surrounding waters. Visitors can indulge in seafood feasts at charming coastal restaurants. Vancouver Island offers an array of hiking trails, from easy strolls to challenging hikes, with some of the most scenic routes located in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Whale watching is a popular activity, with opportunities to spot orcas, humpback whales, and gray whales. The West Coast Trail is a renowned hiking route, offering challenging yet incredible opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to explore the island's wild and rugged landscapes. 

5. Pacific Coast, British Columbia

• Key Features : The Pacific Coast of British Columbia — the West Coast — stretches 25,000 kilometers. It's characterized by its rugged, untamed beauty, pristine waters, and lush rainforests, with the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Coast Mountains on the other. 
• Attractions : The region is home to a plethora of natural attractions, including the Great Bear Rainforest, one of the planet's largest temperate rainforests, and Haida Gwaii, an archipelago with rich Indigenous culture and art. The coastline is dotted with charming coastal communities and fishing villages, each offering its unique charm. The Pacific Coast is also known for its abundant marine life, with opportunities for whale watching, bird watching, and even the chance to spot the elusive white Kermode bear, or "spirit bear." 
• Activities : Adventurers can explore the region's diverse landscapes through activities like kayaking in the Inside Passage, surfing off Tofino's beaches, or hiking along the rugged West Coast Trail. The area also provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife photography. The Pacific Coast is an ideal destination for nature lovers and those who seek a deeper connection with the natural world.

6. Quebec City, Quebec

• Key Features : Quebec City, the capital of the Canadian province of Quebec, is renowned for its old-world charm and rich French heritage. Its historic Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is surrounded by stone walls and overlooks the mighty St. Lawrence River. 
• Attractions : The Old Town of Quebec City is a treasure trove of cobblestone streets, 17th-century architecture, and inviting bistros. The iconic Château Frontenac, a grand hotel perched atop the city, is a must-see landmark. The Plains of Abraham, a historic battlefield, provides a picturesque setting for outdoor activities and festivals. Explore Place Royale, Montmorency Falls, and the Petit-Champlain District, all offering a glimpse into the city's storied past. 
• Activities : Quebec City is known for its vibrant cultural scene, including festivals such as the Winter Carnival, the Summer Festival, and the New France Festival. Delight in French cuisine, savoring local specialties like poutine, tourtière, and croissants. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the city's fortifications or take a scenic ferry ride across the St. Lawrence River. Winters offer opportunities for snow sports, and a visit to the Ice Hotel (Hôtel de Glace) is a unique and unforgettable experience. 

[ Read: Best Things to do in Quebec ]

7. montreal, quebec.

• Key Features : Montreal is a vibrant and culturally rich city, often referred to as the "Paris of North America." It is the largest city in Quebec and a melting pot of diverse cultures, languages, and artistic expressions. 
• Attractions : The Old Montreal district, with its cobbled streets, historic architecture, and charming boutiques, offers a European ambiance. The city's iconic Notre-Dame Basilica is a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture. The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the Montreal Botanical Garden, and the Montreal Science Centre are just a few of the many cultural attractions. Don't miss the bustling Jean-Talon Market for a taste of local cuisine and fresh produce. 
• Activities : Montreal is renowned for its festivals, including the Montreal International Jazz Festival, Just for Laughs Comedy Festival, and Montreal World Film Festival. Explore Mount Royal Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, for scenic views and outdoor activities. The city is famous for its cuisine, with an emphasis on French-inspired dishes, poutine, and bagels. In winter, enjoy activities like ice skating at Parc Lafontaine or skiing in the nearby Laurentian Mountains.

8. Halifax, Nova Scotia

• Key Features : Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia, is a coastal city with a rich maritime history. It's known for its picturesque waterfront, vibrant arts and culture scene, and welcoming atmosphere. 
• Attractions : The Halifax waterfront is a central hub with its boardwalk, historic sites, shops, and restaurants. Visitors can explore the historic Citadel Hill, a National Historic Site, to learn about Halifax's military past. The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 provides insights into the country's immigration history. Nature enthusiasts can visit Point Pleasant Park or embark on a boat tour of the picturesque harbor. 
• Activities : Halifax is a city of festivals and events, hosting various cultural celebrations and music festivals throughout the year. Seafood lovers will delight in the city's culinary scene, known for its fresh lobster and seafood. For a day trip, visit Peggy's Cove, famous for its iconic lighthouse and rugged coastal beauty. The Annapolis Valley, with its wineries and orchards, is within driving distance and offers scenic landscapes.

[Read: Best time to visit Nova Scotia ]

9. churchill, manitoba.

• Key Features : Located on the edge of the Arctic, Churchill, Manitoba, is often referred to as the "Polar Bear Capital of the World." This remote town is known for its unique position, where the subarctic tundra meets the Hudson Bay, providing incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. 
• Attractions : The most prominent attraction in Churchill is the opportunity to witness polar bears in their natural habitat. The annual polar bear migration, from July to November, is a spectacular event, and there are various tours and observation platforms for visitors to safely view these magnificent creatures. Additionally, Churchill is a prime location for Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) viewing, and the Churchill Northern Studies Centre provides educational insights into the Arctic. 
• Activities : Visitors can enjoy wildlife tours that also offer encounters with beluga whales during the summer months. Churchill is rich in indigenous culture and history, providing opportunities to learn about the traditions of the local Inuit and First Nations communities. Outdoor activities such as dog sledding and snowshoeing are available during the winter months, and the town's remote location makes it a fascinating destination for adventure seekers.

Canada’s largest municipalities are Toronto, in the province of Ontario; Montréal, in the province of Québec; and Vancouver, in the province of British Columbia. Extend your trip by spending a few days exploring these urban centres. 

• Discover why Vancouver is considered one of the world’s top culinary destinations. 
• Walk through the different neighbourhoods of Toronto — known locally as The 6ix— which is celebrated for its diversity and rich cultural experiences. 
• Or immerse yourself in the European sophistication of Old Montreal( 2 ). 

Weather in Canada

A common misconception is that Canada is the “Great White North.” Much of Canada’s weather is comparable to the U.S., with temperatures varying as you travel between seasons and across diverse regions. Bringing a selection of easily layered clothes and comfortable footwear will prepare you for all types of weather and temperature ranges.

#1 Travel Tip: Pack for the weather

If you’re travelling to Canada in winter, you’ll need to be prepared for the weather. Bring layers, including a warm coat, insulated boots, a hat that covers your ears, and gloves.

Climate and Seasons

The country experiences four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter.  

• Spring (March to May) : Spring varies by region. In the west, temperatures start to warm up, while in the east, it can still be quite chilly with the possibility of late snowfall. 
• Summer (June to August) : Summers are generally warm and pleasant. Coastal areas experience milder temperatures, while the interior can become quite hot.  
• Autumn (September to November) : Fall foliage is stunning, with vibrant colors. It starts to cool down, and the weather becomes more unpredictable. In some areas, snow can start to fall in late autumn. 
• Winter (December to February) : Winters in Canada can make for cold temperatures, often dropping well below freezing. Snowfall is common, and ice can be a hazard. Proper clothing and preparation are essential. 

Extreme weather conditions can be found in different regions —especially in Northern areas in the winter, with snowfall and ice storms. Coastal areas in Atlantic Canada (Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and PEI) can be susceptible to hurricanes, with peak months being September and October. These storms can bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and storm surges, impacting travel. Visitors planning to travel to coastal areas during this period should stay updated on weather forecasts and be prepared for potential disruptions. Cancellation insurance is highly recommended.

Best time to travel in Canada

Summer and fall are the best times to explore Canada’s natural beauty, cultural festivals, and outdoor adventures. Whether you're after warm weather and outdoor activities or the picturesque landscapes of autumn, these seasons have much to offer for travelers.  

That said, the ideal time for your trip largely depends on your preferences and the experiences you seek. Many visitors love exploring Canada in winter for its snowy landscapes and winter sports.

Winter Travel 

While it can get cold, Canada's cold winters offer a host of unique outdoor activities, such as: 

• Skiing and Snowboarding : Popular destinations include Whistler in British Columbia, Banff and Jasper in Alberta, and Mont Tremblant in Quebec. 
• Ice Skating : Many cities have outdoor rinks, with Ottawa's Rideau Canal Skateway being one of the most famous. 
• Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing : Explore pristine winter landscapes in national parks like Gatineau Park (Quebec) or Algonquin Park (Ontario). 
• Dog Sledding : Experience the thrill of mushing through the snow in regions like the Yukon or Quebec.

Top Winter Destinations  

• Banff and Jasper National Parks, Alberta : A winter wonderland with opportunities for skiing, ice climbing, and scenic drives. 
• Whistler, British Columbia : A world-renowned ski resort with excellent winter sports facilities. 
• Quebec City, Quebec : The Winter Carnival, ice hotels, and European-style charm make it a must-visit. 
• Mont Tremblant, Quebec : A picturesque ski village with a European flair. 
• Ottawa, Ontario : The capital city offers ice skating on the Rideau Canal and Winterlude festivities. 

Canadian travel in the winter requires visitors to be prepared for the weather. This includes wearing warm, layered clothing, insulated boots, gloves, and hats. It's also essential to have proper winter driving skills and equipment if you plan to explore snowy areas on your own. A guided tour will provide transportation, and in Northern regions will also supply clothing rentals.

Transportation in Canada

Travel Canada using a diverse range of transportation options, allowing you to explore the country's vast and varied landscapes.  

1. Air Travel  

Canada boasts a network of international and domestic airports, with Toronto Pearson International Airport as a major hub for international flights.

Air travel in Canada is characterized by relatively expensive domestic flights, dominated by major airlines like Air Canada and WestJet. The emergence of new discount airlines, such as Porter, Swoop and Flair, has introduced more competition, potentially making air travel more affordable. In addition to Air Canada and WestJet, several regional airlines like Air Creebec, Air St-Pierre, and Pacific Coastal Airlines connect various parts of the country.

2. Train Travel 

 VIA Rail Canada serves as the primary passenger train service, offering direct routes between major cities, including the iconic journey from Vancouver to Toronto. While trains may be slower than air travel, they provide a convenient mode of transportation for shorter distances.  

That said, a train vacation is an epic way to immerse oneself in Canada’s landscapes and truly see the country, from coast to coast. Unlike the hustle required of air travel, a train trip is the ideal slow travel experience.

3. Road Trips and Car Rentals 

Car travel is a popular way to explore the vast expanse of Canada, with the iconic Trans-Canada Highway connecting the country from coast to coast. Rental cars are readily available in most regions and reasonably priced in urban centers, making it an excellent choice for venturing off the beaten path. Car rentals can be added to many of our trips, after your time on the train, allowing you to explore hidden gems across the country.

#2 Travel Tip: Focus on one region

Canada is a huge country, covering 9,976,139 square kilometres (or 3.855 million square miles). If you only have one week or less, pick one region to visit or you’ll spend all your time on the road. A train vacation is a great way to see more of the country in a condensed time.

Accommodations in Canada

Canada offers a diverse range of accommodations, each with its own unique appeal and atmosphere to cater to different preferences and travel experiences.

Hotels & Resorts

From luxurious options like the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in the heart of the Rockies to eco-lodges like the Sonora Resort, tucked away in pristine wilderness, and rustic mountain and lake lodges, there's something for everyone. Most luxury hotels and resorts feature spas, gourmet dining, and some provide spectacular views of nearby natural wonders. These types of accommodations are very popular, so it is important to book well in advance, especially for the summer. Here are some of Canada’s top hotels and resorts .  

1. Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise : Nestled in the heart of Banff National Park in Alberta, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is renowned for its breathtaking location on the shores of Lake Louise. It  provides upscale accommodations, fine dining, a world-class spa, and numerous outdoor activities, making it a top choice for those seeking a quintessential mountain retreat. This luxury hotel offers guests unparalleled views of the emerald lake and surrounding snow-capped peaks. Available activities change with the seasons – from ice skating on the frozen lake in winter to hiking and canoeing in the summer.  

2. Fairmont Banff Springs : The Banff Springs is a destination in itself, with a timeless charm that appeals to history and architecture enthusiasts. Known as the "Castle in the Rockies,"this iconic luxury resort is located in Banff National Park. It boasts a blend of Scottish baronial castle architecture and modern amenities. Its rich history and grandeur offer a sense of stepping back in time while enjoying contemporary comforts. Guests can explore the historic hallways, relax in the mineral-rich thermal springs, play a round of golf, and indulge in gourmet dining.  

3. Sonora Resort : Situated on Sonora Island in British Columbia's Discovery Islands, Sonora Resort is an exclusive eco-lodge accessible only by boat or seaplane. Surrounded by pristine wilderness, it provides an immersive natural experience. Guests can engage in wildlife viewing, including grizzly bear tours, and enjoy outdoor adventures such as kayaking, hiking, and fishing. The resort's commitment to sustainability and the environment is evident throughout, making it an excellent choice for eco-conscious travelers seeking a remote yet luxurious retreat. 

4. Hotel de Glace : Located in Quebec, Hotel de Glace is a one-of-a-kind ice hotel constructed entirely of snow and ice each winter season. The ephemeral nature of the accommodation — it is rebuilt from scratch annually — is truly unique. The hotel offers an unforgettable overnight experience in themed ice rooms with intricate ice sculptures and carvings. Guests can enjoy a winter wonderland atmosphere, complete with ice slides, an ice chapel for weddings, and a hot tub and sauna to keep warm. It's a bucket-list destination for those seeking a truly unique and memorable stay.

Hostels or Bed and Breakfasts

Looking for budget tips? In Canada, budget travelers can choose between hostels for an economical stay, while those with a mid-range budget may find B&Bs to be an excellent option for a balance of affordability and a personal touch.

Hostels are a popular choice for travellers hoping to save money. With over 100 hostels across the country, they provide affordable lodging options in cities, towns, and popular tourist destinations. These accommodations often feature dormitory-style rooms with shared facilities, making them ideal for solo travelers, backpackers, or those looking to save on lodging costs. Guests can expect basic amenities like communal kitchens, common areas, and free Wi-Fi. Prices are relatively low, making them an attractive option for those on a tight budget. However, it's essential to note that hostels may not offer the same level of privacy and comfort as hotels, making hotels a better choice for travelers with a mid-range budget.

Bed and Breakfasts offer a more intimate and personalized lodging experience. They are typically found in smaller towns, rural areas, or historic districts, and they emphasize warm hospitality and locally sourced breakfasts. B&Bs are known for their cozy rooms, often individually decorated, and the chance to interact with friendly hosts who can provide local insights. These accommodations are well-suited for travelers seeking a homely atmosphere and a chance to connect with the local culture. Prices can vary, but B&Bs are generally more affordable than hotels amd resorts, making them an attractive option for travelers who value comfort and local experiences.

Camping and RV Parks

Canada's camping and RV parks offer an opportunity to connect with the country's diverse natural landscapes. Whether you prefer coastal beachfront sites, mountainous terrain, or rugged wilderness, these parks cater to various outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking trails abound, offering adventures for all levels of hikers, from leisurely walks to demanding backcountry expeditions. 

Campgrounds in Canada typically provide a range of amenities and facilities to enhance the camping experience. While the availability of amenities can vary from one campground to another, here are some common amenities you can expect to find:

• Campsite Pads : Most campgrounds offer designated campsite pads or tent areas where you can set up your tent or park your RV. These pads may be gravel, grass, or concrete. 
• Picnic Tables : Campsites often include picnic tables, providing a convenient spot for outdoor meals and relaxation. 
• Fire Pits or Rings : Many campgrounds provide fire pits or fire rings for cooking, roasting marshmallows, and enjoying a campfire in the evening. 
• Washrooms and Showers : Campgrounds typically offer restroom facilities with toilets and sinks. Some campgrounds, especially in national parks, provide shower facilities as well. 
• Water Stations : Access to clean drinking water is essential and is usually available at various locations throughout the campground. 
• Dump Stations : RV campgrounds often have dump stations for sewage disposal, making it convenient for those traveling with recreational vehicles. 
• Electrical Hookups : RV campgrounds may offer electrical hookups, ranging from basic (15-amp) to more powerful (30-amp or 50-amp) connections for electricity. 
• Sewer Hookups : RV campgrounds with full hookups provide sewer connections for waste disposal. 
• Playgrounds : Some campgrounds have playgrounds for children to enjoy. 
• Camp Stores : Camp stores or general stores are available in some campgrounds, offering basic supplies, groceries, firewood, and camping gear. 
• Laundry Facilities : Larger campgrounds, especially those in or near towns and cities, may offer laundry facilities for longer-term campers. 
• Wi-Fi and Cell Service : While campgrounds in remote areas may lack internet connectivity, some campgrounds, particularly those near urban centers, may offer Wi-Fi access and reasonable cell phone reception. 
• Visitor Centers : National and provincial park campgrounds often have visitor centers where you can obtain maps, information, and guidance about local attractions and activities. 
• Recreation Areas : Many campgrounds have recreational areas for sports and outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and fishing. 
• Dumpsters and Recycling Bins : Proper waste disposal is essential, and campgrounds usually provide dumpsters and recycling bins. 

Keep in mind that the availability and quality of these amenities can vary widely, so it's advisable to check the specific campground's website or contact them directly to inquire about their facilities before planning your camping trip.

Many of Canada’s best campgrounds are situated within its stunning national and provincial parks, each with its unique features and outdoor experiences: 

• Pacific Rim National Park, British Columbia : Located on Vancouver Island's west coast, Pacific Rim National Park offers a unique camping experience with its proximity to the ocean. Visitors can camp on the beach, listening to the soothing sounds of the waves, and explore lush coastal rainforests. The park is also known for its excellent opportunities for storm watching during the winter months. 
• Jasper National Park, Alberta : Nestled in the Canadian Rockies, Jasper is renowned for its awe-inspiring mountain scenery and pristine wilderness. Campers can choose from a variety of campgrounds, including ones near glacier-fed turquoise lakes. Hiking trails offer a chance to explore the rugged terrain and encounter wildlife like elk, moose, and bears. 
• Banff National Park, Alberta : Another gem in the Rockies, Banff National Park provides campers with breathtaking mountain vistas and pristine lakes. Campgrounds are spread throughout the park, allowing visitors to stay amidst the natural beauty. Hiking opportunities range from easy strolls to challenging backcountry trails, with popular routes like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake offering iconic views. 
• Ontario's Provincial Parks : Ontario offers an array of provincial parks that provide camping experiences in various terrains, from serene forests to rugged Canadian Shield landscapes. The Bruce Peninsula National Park is known for its stunning cliffs and crystal-clear waters, while Algonquin Provincial Park offers a rich tapestry of lakes and forests, ideal for hiking and wildlife encounters. 
• Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland : This UNESCO World Heritage Site is celebrated for its dramatic fjords and stunning hikes, including some over challenging terrains. Camping in this park allows visitors to immerse themselves in the region's geological wonders and unique coastal landscapes.

Official Languages in Canada

When you get here, you may notice signage in both French and English. That’s because both are recognized official languages in Canada. But don’t worry about needing a translator. While French is dominant in Québec, many Québecois speak English, particularly in the service and tourist industry. Throughout the rest of Canada, English is the most common language.

Culture in Canada

Canada's culture is a rich tapestry woven from a diverse range of influences, reflecting the country's history of Indigenous heritage, European colonization, and immigration from around the world. Canadian culture celebrates multiculturalism and values inclusivity, making it a mosaic of traditions, languages, and art forms.

• Indigenous Culture : The country's Indigenous cultures, including First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, hold a significant place in Canadian culture, with their art, music, and storytelling contributing to the national identity.  
• Holidays : Major holidays and celebrations in Canada include Canada Day on July 1st, celebrated with fireworks, parades, and cultural events, and Thanksgiving in October, when Canadians gather with family and friends to give thanks and enjoy a feast. Other significant celebrations include Christmas, New Year's Day, and Victoria Day, all marked by festive traditions and cultural festivities throughout the country.
• Food : Food in Canada is a delicious blend of flavors from around the world. Poutine, butter tarts, and Nanaimo bars as just a few examples of iconic Canadian dishes.  
• Outdoor influence : Canada's culture is marked by its love for outdoor activities, from winter sports like hockey and skiing to the passion for hiking, kayaking, and camping in the country's stunning natural landscapes. 
• Arts : The arts thrive in Canada, with world-class museums, theaters, and galleries across the country. Canadian literature, music, and film have made a global impact, producing celebrated artists like Margaret Atwood, Leonard Cohen, and acclaimed filmmakers like Denis Villeneuve.

A common question is about Canadian currency, which some visitors refer to as “funny money.” In addition to nickels, dimes and quarters, Canadian coins come in $1, the “ loonie ” —which has nothing to do with being crazy about money— and $2, the “toonie.” 

Some visitors are surprised to learn that Canada no longer has pennies. When paying in cash, items will be rounded up or down to the nearest 5 cents. 

Yes! We accept credit cards. Visa and MasterCard are the most popular, while American Express may not be as widely accepted, especially in more rural areas. Many cards charge a transaction fee for foreign currency transactions, so check with your financial institution prior to your trip to determine what is best for you. 

Do note that while some businesses may accept payment in US dollars, change will always be provided in Canadian currency. The exchange rate can always be found here.

Taxes in Canada

Throughout Canada, there is a federal tax and/or a provincial tax applied to most purchases. The amount of the tax varies per province, anywhere from 5% to 15%. All provinces and some municipalities levy a supplemental hotel room or resort tax as well (your Vacation Advisor will make sure you have these details).

Tipping in Canada

As in the US, tips are often given in recognition of service excellence. In general, 15-20% of the pre-tax amount is recommended. It’s appropriate to tip servers and bar staff, taxi and limo drivers, and tour guides, as well as hotel staff and even your train crews. 

Whether you travel on VIA Rail or Rocky Mountaineer , feel free to tip your server in the dining cars and/or team members responsible for your cabin or berth in the sleeping car (VIA Rail only) and other common areas. You can speak with the Service Manager on board your train for suggested gratuities too (and your Vacation Advisor will give you these details too!).

If you’re traveling across the country, you may gain or lose an hour, depending on which direction you’re headed. Canada has six time zones, with St. John’s, NL (Newfoundland Time) being four and half hours ahead of Vancouver, BC (Pacific Time). 

Most areas also observe Daylight Savings Time. If you happen to be here on the second Sunday in March, clocks go forward by one hour (at 2:00 a.m.). After Daylight Savings, the clocks are turned back by one hour on the first Sunday in November (at 2:00 a.m.). Luckily, our phones now do this for us automatically.

Canada is One of the Safest Countries to Travel in the World 

According to the Global Peace Index( 3 ), the annual ranking done by The Institute for Economics and Peace, Canada is one of the safest countries in the world. It was also ranked as one of the safest countries during the pandemic too.

About the author: Athena McKenzie is the Content Manager at Fresh Tracks Canada. An experienced lifestyle journalist, she has written about travel, design, arts and entertainment. Her work has appeared in The Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, Zoomer Magazine, Elle Canada and...   Read more

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We advise: 

Exercise normal safety precautions in Canada.

Canada (PDF 1.89 MB)

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Local emergency contacts

Fire and rescue services, medical emergencies, advice levels.

Exercise normal safety precautions  in Canada.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and protests are occurring. Follow instructions of local authorities.
• Canada has a similar crime rate to Australia. Crime is more likely to occur in larger cities. Petty crime can occur in tourist areas and on public transport. Look after your belongings. Theft from cars is common in larger cities. Don't leave valuables in your vehicle. Credit card scams and fraud occur. Check your statements often.
• Bears and other dangerous wildlife live in forested areas. Get local advice before hiking.
• Canada can experience severe weather. This includes wildfires, tornadoes and hurricanes in summer, and extreme cold, ice and heavy snowfalls in winter. Monitor the media and official sources for weather alerts.

Full travel advice:  Safety

• Australia and Canada don't have a reciprocal health care agreement. You won't get free health care unless you're a local resident. Ensure your travel insurance covers medical costs.

Full travel advice:  Health

• The legal drinking age varies across the country. Check local laws before buying or drinking alcohol.
• Using marijuana (cannabis) in Canada is legal, subject to local restrictions. Check local laws on legal age, possession and other restrictions. It's illegal to take marijuana out of the country.
• Canada recognises dual nationality. Use your  Canadian passport  to enter and exit. Make sure both your Canadian and Australian passports are valid for your entire trip.

Full travel advice:  Local laws

• Check the latest entry, transit and exit requirements before travel.
• Get an  electronic travel authorisation (eTA)  before you travel to Canada by air. You may not be allowed into the country if you have a criminal record, including a drink driving conviction.
• Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You should contact the nearest high commission or consulate of Canada for the latest details. You may need documents to travel with children or pets or to bring goods into Canada. Check with the  Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) .
• Driving in winter can be dangerous. Use snow tires and drive to conditions. Carry food, water and blankets.
• Winter sports can be dangerous, even fatal. Some areas experience avalanches. Check that your travel insurance covers your chosen activity. Follow the advice of local officials.

Full travel advice: Travel

Local contacts

• The  Consular Services Charter  details what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
• For consular assistance, contact the nearest Australian mission. These are the  Australian High Commission in Ottawa , the Australian Consulate-General in Toronto, and the Australian Consulate in Vancouver.
• To stay up to date with local information, follow the High Commission’s social media accounts.

Full travel advice:   Local contacts

Full advice

Civil unrest and political tension, demonstrations.

Ottawa and other Canadian cities experienced significant demonstrations in February 2022 against pandemic restrictions. Canadian authorities continue to monitor for further disruptions.

Avoid areas where protests occur due to the ongoing potential for unrest and violence:

• monitor the media for information and updates
• comply with any movement restrictions or curfews set by local authorities

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

The crime rate in Canada is similar to Australia.

Crime is more likely in larger cities.

Petty crime

Petty crime, like pickpocketing and bag-snatching, can happen at tourist spots, hotels, and public transport.

Theft from unattended cars is common in larger cities.

As in Australia, credit card  scams  and fraud can happen.

To protect yourself from petty crime:

• look after your belongings in public
• regularly check your credit card account and report suspicious activity to your bank
• monitor local sources of information on crime
• Internet, email and telephone scams

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.

Cyber security when travelling overseas

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

Canada's Integrated Terrorism Assessment Centre assesses the terrorism threat in Canada to be  Medium , meaning that a violent act of terrorism could occur.

The principal terrorist threat in Canada is posed by individuals or groups inspired by violent and extremist ideologies - whether political, religious or ideological. In recent years, Canada has seen a small number of lone-actor violent incidents reportedly involving extremist ideologies.

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners and places of worship.

To reduce your risk of being involved in a terrorist incident:

• be alert to possible threats, especially in public places or near known potential targets
• report any suspicious activity or items to the police
• monitor the media for new threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the advice of local authorities

If there's an attack, leave the affected area as soon as it's safe to do so. Avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks.

Wildlife safety

Bears and other dangerous wildlife live in forested areas.

To protect yourself if you plan to travel through these areas:

• get local advice before hiking
• respect wildlife laws
• maintain a safe and legal distance from all wildlife
• use reputable and professional tour operators
• follow park regulations and wardens' advice

Winter sports and adventures

Winter sports can be dangerous, even fatal. Injuries are common.

Avalanches can happen in mountainous regions, including Alberta and British Columbia. Always follow avalanche advice. It's unsafe to ski, snowboard or ride skidoos (snowmobiles) on closed trails.

You can get weather alerts at  Weather Information - Environment Canada

If you plan to do a winter sport or activity:

• check that it's covered by your travel insurance
• don't enter closed trails
• tell friends or family where you're going and when you expect to return
• follow the advice of local authorities, including local guides or instructors
• monitor local media
• Avalanche Canada Foundation

Climate and natural disasters

Natural disasters  and  severe weather  events regularly impact Canada. These include:

• extreme temperatures - heat and cold
• winter storms (freezing rain, heavy snow, blizzards) , wildfires
• earthquakes
• landslides and avalanches
• forest fires
• hurricanes  and  tornadoes

Information, alerts and updates relating to natural disasters and significant severe weather events impacting Canada will be provided via the Australian High Commission and Smartraveller social media channels:

• Australian High Commission -  Facebook  and  Twitter
• Smartraveller -  Facebook  and  Twitter

Preparedness

In the event of a natural disaster, our ability to provide consular assistance may be limited.

Prepare yourself by 

• securing your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• keep in contact with your friends and family
• check the weather and environmental conditions
• subscribe to local emergency alert systems
• monitor the media,  Environment Canada , and the  Canadian Hurricane Centre  for information and weather alerts

Anticipate disruptions before, during and after a natural disaster(s).

• Flights into and out of affected areas may be diverted, delayed or cancelled. Other forms of travel may also be impacted.
• Adequate shelter might not be available.
• Essential services such as water, electricity, internet and mobile phone services may be disrupted.

Keep in contact with family and friends and let them know you're safe.

• Get prepared

Severe weather

Temperatures in winter (December to February) of -20 to -30°C, with a wind-chill factor 10 to 15°C lower, are common in some areas. Heavy snowfalls, rain, ice and severe cold create dangerous outdoor conditions.

Temperatures in summer (June to August) can reach more than 30°C. Humidity can make the temperature feel 10 to 15°C higher. These conditions can generate severe storms and tornadoes, especially across the provinces of:

• Saskatchewan

Severe weather  can occur year-round in Canada and cause especially hazardous conditions.  Monitor Environment Canada for forecasts, updates and severe weather alerts and warnings.

Tornadoes and hurricanes

Tornadoes occur between April and September in many areas, including:

• southern Ontario
• south-eastern Quebec
• from southern Saskatchewan and Manitoba to Thunder Bay

Hurricanes occur in the Atlantic provinces from June to November. The direction and strength of hurricanes can change suddenly.

If there's a hurricane or severe storm:

• flights could be delayed or suspended
• adequate shelter may not be available

Severe weather may also affect access to ports.

To protect yourself if a hurricane is approaching:

• identify your local shelter
• know the evacuation plan for your hotel or cruise ship

Forest fires

Forest fires  are common and can get out of control, particularly in the warmer months from May to August. Check the latest wildfire information at Provincial and Territorial wildfire information .

To stay safe in fire season:

• check local media before visiting forested areas

Earthquakes and tsunamis

British Columbia is in an earthquake zone. Earthquakes have also happened in Quebec and Ontario.

Destructive tsunamis are rare but could happen if there's an earthquake in the Pacific Ocean.

If you're near the coast, move to the nearest high ground or as far inland as you can if you:

• feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up
• feel a weak, rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more
• see a sudden rise or fall in sea level
• hear loud and unusual noises from the sea

Don't wait for official warnings.

After a disaster

Travelling to areas affected by natural disasters and severe weather events can be dangerous. 

If you plan to travel to a region after a natural disaster, check with your transport operator that services are operating.

Contact the place you intend to stay in and check other sources for details on local conditions.

Travel insurance

Get comprehensive  travel insurance  before you leave. 

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away
• t hat your insurance covers any pre-existing medical conditions

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your  nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate  to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips  (Healthdirect Australia)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Canada. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Contact  Health Canada  for rules that may apply to medications you wish to take or that may be detectable in your body.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

Health risks

Health risks in Canada are similar to those in Australia.

• Health Canada

Medical care

Medical facilities.

The standard of health facilities in Canada is similar to Australia. You might not be able to access public health care unless you're a resident of a Canadian province. Walk-in clinics are found in major cities. Many doctors won't take new patients.

Expect to pay up-front for medical services.

Get comprehensive  travel insurance  before you leave Australia, and make sure it covers you for:

• the duration of your trip
• all activities you intend to undertake
• any pre-existing medical conditions  
• all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation

The Australian Government won't cover these costs, and Australia and Canada have no  reciprocal healthcare  agreement. This means that you aren't covered by Australian Medicare in Canada. 

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling, especially for an extended stay.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our  Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

The recreational use of marijuana (cannabis) is legal in Canada, subject to local restrictions. 

Make sure you know the local cannabis laws about:

It's illegal to transport marijuana across Canada's international borders.

If you break the law, you can receive criminal penalties, including jail time.

• Cannabis laws and regulations
• Carrying and using drugs

Check the local legal drinking age before buying or drinking alcohol. The legal age varies across the country.

Seek legal advice before entering into a surrogacy arrangement.

• Surrogacy and adoption

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Dual citizenship

Canada recognises dual nationality.

If you're a Canadian dual national, you must:

• use your  Canadian passport  to enter and exit Canada
• make sure your Canadian and  Australian passports  are valid for the duration of your trip
• use your Australian passport to enter and exit Australia

Dual nationals aren't eligible for an  electronic travel authorisation (eTA) .

Even if you're a dual national, you may not get free health care in Canada. See  Health

• Dual nationals

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. 

Australian passport holders must apply for an  electronic travel authorisation (eTA)  before travelling to Canada by air.

If you arrive by car, bus, train, or boat, you don't need an ETA or a visitor visa, but you do need to bring the correct travel documents.

If you overstay your visa, you may be detained or arrested.

You may not be allowed into Canada if you have a criminal record, including a drink-driving conviction. Check  Government of Canada  for details.

Entry and exit conditions can change. Contact a  Canadian embassy or consulate  for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

You may need documentation if you travel  with children , pets or bring goods into Canada. Check with the  Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) .

Your child should carry a  consent letter  from non-travelling parents or guardians if they're travelling:

• with only one parent or guardian
• with friends, relatives or a group

CBSA may question the child or accompanying adult about their status.

More information:  

• Travelling with children

Border measures

Check the latest entry, transit and exit requirements before you travel.

More information: 

• Government of Canada

Travel to Australia

Contact your travel provider for the latest flight options to Australia. Ensure you meet third-country transit requirements before you depart Canada.

Travel via the United States

Contact the  US Pre-clearance Office  at the Canadian airport you're departing, to confirm that you'll be permitted to board your flight in Canada and transit through the United States.

If you're travelling through the US, you must meet US entry and transit requirements. Check with an  embassy or consulate of the United States .

• Visit Canada
• Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
• Travel advice for the US

If you're entering Canada using your Australian passport, you must ensure you have a valid passport that does not expire within 6 months of your trip. Different rules may apply in countries that you plan to transit or visit on your way to Canada. Be sure to check the entry requirements of those countries. 

Some countries and airlines don't follow this rule consistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting  a new passport .

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the  Australian Passport Information Service .
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest  Australian embassy or consulate .

Passport with X gender identifier 

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the  nearest  embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination  before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.

LGBTI travellers

The local currency is the Canadian Dollar (CAD).

You can change Australian dollars at commercial banks and exchange bureaus.

Declare all amounts over $C10,000. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted.

Local travel

Local restrictions.

Various COVID-19 restrictions and public health prevention measures remain in place and vary by location. 

P rovincial Public Health Authority

Driving permit

To drive in Canada, you may need:

• an International Driving Permit (IDP) and
• a valid Australian licence

Get an IDP before you leave Australia.

You can drive for up to one year with an IDP and your Australian licence. After that, you'll need a local driver's licence. Requirements may vary in different provinces and states.

For details see  Driving in Canada .

Road travel

Heavy snowfalls, freezing rain and icy conditions make driving dangerous in winter. Car accidents happen more frequently in these conditions.

If you plan to drive in Canada:

• learn local traffic laws
• check  weather
• check road conditions
• use snow tyres, which are compulsory in many provinces
• carry water, food and blankets
• drive to conditions
• don't drink and drive

Traffic laws can differ between provinces, but across Canada:

• seat belts are compulsory for everyone
• children under 40lb (18kg) must use child car seats
• Canadian Automobile Association
• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

You need a motorcycle licence to operate a motorcycle in Canada.

Check with your travel insurer whether your policy covers you when using a motorbike, quad bike, ATV or similar vehicle, and always wear a helmet and make sure your passenger does too.

Taxis are a safe mode of transport.

Ride-sharing options are widely available.

Use the same safety precautions you would in Australia.

Many international cruise liners visit Canada.

• Going on a cruise

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check  Canada's air safety profile  with the Aviation Safety Network.

Travel to the Arctic

The Arctic is vast and remote.

Access to search and rescue, evacuation, and medical facilities may be limited. It can take several days for emergency help to arrive, especially in bad weather.

For your safety, before you book travel by ship:

• assess the on-board medical facilities
• consider any pre-existing medical conditions
• talk to cruise operators about medical arrangements
• find travel insurance that covers evacuation, medical treatment and the cost of returning home.

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

Read the  Consular Services Charter  for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

For consular help, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

Australian High Commission, Ottawa

Contact the Australian High Commission in Ottawa if you're in:

• New Brunswick
• Newfoundland and Labrador
• Nova Scotia
• Ontario (excluding the south-western corner below Kingston)
• Prince Edward Island

Australian High Commission, Ottawa Suite 1301, 50 O'Connor Street  Ottawa, Ontario K1P 6L2 CANADA  Phone: +1 613 236 0841  Fax: +1 613 786 7621  Email:  [email protected]   Website:  canada.highcommission.gov.au   Facebook:  Australia in Canada Twitter:  @AusHCCanada

Australian Consulate-General, Toronto

Contact the Australian Consulate-General in Toronto if you're in the Greater Toronto Area (the south-western corner of Ontario below Kingston).

Australian Consulate General, Toronto  Suite 1100, South Tower  175 Bloor Street East  Toronto, Ontario M4W 3R8 CANADA  Phone: +1 416 323 4280  Fax: +1 416 323 4295

Australian Consulate, Vancouver

Contact the Australian Consulate, Vancouver if you're in:

• British Columbia
• Northwest Territories
• Yukon Territory

Australian Consulate, Vancouver Suite 2050, 1075 West Georgia Street Vancouver, British Columbia V6E 3C9 CANADA  Phone: +1 604 694 6160  Fax: +1 604 684 1856

If you need other consular help:

• check the  High Commission  website for opening hours and any temporary closures at each office
• book appointments for passports and consular services in Canada by calling the Australian High Commission in Ottawa, Australian Consulate General Toronto or Australian Consulate in Vancouver.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia

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More travel information for Canada

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Canada

• Spectator sports
• Eating and drinking in Canada
• How to get to Canada
• Getting around Canada: Transportation Tips
• Best time to visit Canada

The commodity-fuelled Canadian economy is one of the world’s richest, and though most things in Canada are r easonably priced by western European standards, food and drink, even basic items and snacks, can be relatively expensive. Canada’s recession in 2014/2015 did at least make Canadian dollars cheaper, making this a good time to visit for US and European travellers. In remote areas such as Labrador and the far north, everything starts to get significantly more expensive – travel here is much harder on a budget. Accommodation, almost certainly your major outlay, can be very pricey in any of the country’s cities and towns – especially if you’re after a degree of comfort – but there are plenty of bargains to be had, not least in the burgeoning hostel and B&B market.

Crime and personal safety

Electricity, entry requirements, measurements, useful phone numbers, tourist information, useful websites, travellers with disabilities, public holidays, national holidays, provincial holidays.

On average , if you’re prepared to buy your own picnic lunch, stay in hostels and stick to the least expensive bars and restaurants, you could get by on around £30/US$50/C$65 a day. Staying in a good B&B, eating out in medium-range restaurants most nights and drinking regularly in bars, you’ll get through at least £80/US$123/C$160 a day, with the main variable being the cost of your room. On £126/US$192/C$250 a day, you’ll be limited only by your energy reserves – though if you’re planning to stay in the best hotels and make every night a big night out, this still won’t be enough.

Virtually all prices in Canada for everything from bubble gum to hotel rooms are quoted without tax , which means the price you see quoted is not the price you’ll end up paying. With the exception of Alberta, the Yukon, Nunavut and NWT, each province levies a Provincial Sales Tax (PST) of between five (Saskatchewan) and ten (PEI) percent on most goods and services, including hotel and restaurant bills; this is supplemented by the Goods and Services Tax (GST) , a five percent Federal levy applied nationwide. In New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, PEI and Newfoundland and Labrador, the two taxes are amalgamated into the so-called Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) at a rate of thirteen to fifteen percent.

All of this means Alberta (and the territories) has the lowest total sales tax of just five percent (though hotels are slapped with an additional four percent in Alberta), while Nova Scotia has the highest, at fifteen percent.

Canada is one of the safest countries in the world and although there are a few crime hot-spots, these are confined to the peripheries of the country’s three big cities – Toronto, Montréal and Vancouver. Few Canadian citizens carry arms , muggings are uncommon, and even in the cities, street crime is infrequent. Canadian officials are notorious for coming down hard if you’re found with drugs , especially on non-Canadians. Stiff penalties are imposed, even when only traces of any illegal substance are found. Police are also diligent in enforcing traffic laws .

In Canada electricity is supplied at an alternating current of 110 volts and at a frequency of 60Hz, the same as in the US. Appliances such as shavers and hair dryers from most other countries need transformers – most phones, laptops and tablets can usually handle both 220/240 and 110 volt currents. For all appliances, you’ll need a plug converter for Canada’s two-pin sockets.

As of March 2016, Canada requires all visa-exempt foreign nationals who fly to Canada to get Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) in advance. This applies to citizens of the EU, Norway, Iceland and most Commonwealth countries, including the UK, Australia and New Zealand – passport holders from South Africa must still apply for formal visas in advance. You must apply for eTA online and pay a $7 fee – most are approved within minutes and are valid for five years (multiple entry). You’ll need a valid passport, an email address and a credit card (not debit card) to complete the online form. Visit w cic.gc.ca for the latest requirements and forms. US citizens only need a passport or approved alternative to enter Canada (and can stay for up to six months without a visa). Note that eTA is also not required for anyone visiting Canada by land and sea from the US – border formalities at these entry points remain unchanged.

At the border itself the immigration officer decides the length of stay permitted – usually not more than six months. The officers rarely refuse entry, but they may delve deep, asking you for details of your schedule and enquiring as to how much money you have and what job you do; they may also ask to see a return or onward ticket.

For visits of more than six months, study trips and stints of (temporary) employment, contact the nearest Canadian embassy, consulate or high commission for authorization prior to departure. Once inside Canada, if you need an extension of your stay or want to change the basis on which you were admitted, you must apply to the nearest Canada Immigration Centre at least thirty days before the expiry of the authorized visit. Most visitors to Canada cannot work or study in the country without a special permit.

For duty-free , the standard allowance is 1.5 litres of wine or 1.14 litres of liquor or 24 355ml bottles/cans of beer, plus two hundred cigarettes, fifty cigars or cigarillos, and 200g of tobacco.

Canada has an excellent health service , but nonresidents are not entitled to free health care, and medical costs can be astronomical – get insurance before you go. If you have an accident, medical services will get to you quickly and charge you later. If you are carrying medicine prescribed by your doctor, also bring a copy of the prescription – first, to avoid problems at customs and immigration and, second, for renewing medication with Canadian doctors, if needed. Most larger towns and cities should have a 24-hour or late-opening pharmacy. For general information on public health, and a list of travel clinics across Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada is a good resource ( w phac-aspc.gc.ca ).

You are unlikely to face any special health issues in Canada, though there are certain dangers in the backcountry . Tap water is generally safe to drink, but at campgrounds water is sometimes good for washing only. You should always boil backcountry water for at least ten minutes to protect against the Giardia parasite, which thrives in warm water, so be equally careful about swimming in hot springs – if possible, keep nose, eyes and mouth above water. Symptoms are intestinal cramps, flatulence, fatigue, weight loss and vomiting, all of which can appear up to a week after infection. If left untreated, more unpleasant complications can arise.

Blackflies and mosquitoes are notorious for the problems they cause walkers and campers, and are especially bad in areas near standing water and throughout most of northern Canada. Late April to June is the blackfly season, and the mosquito season is from June until about October. If you’re planning an expedition into the wilderness, take three times the recommended daily dosage of vitamin B complex for two weeks before you go, and to take the recommended dosage while you’re in Canada; this cuts down bites by up to 75 percent.

Once you’re there, repellent creams and sprays may help: the best are those containing DEET. Don’t go anywhere near an area marked as a blackfly mating ground – although it’s very rare, people have died from bites sustained when the creatures are in heat. Also dangerous is West Nile virus (mid-April to Oct), a mosquito-borne affliction with life-threatening properties; the virus has infected people as far west as BC and has killed over forty since 2002, so pay attention to local advice.

If you develop a large rash and flu-like symptoms, you may have been bitten by a tick carrying Lyme borreliosis, or Lyme disease . This is easily curable, but if left untreated can lead to nasty complications. It’s spreading in Canada, especially in the more southerly and wooded parts of the country, so you should check on its prevalence with the local tourist authority. It also may be advisable to buy a strong tick repellent and to wear long socks, trousers and sleeved shirts when walking.

In backcountry areas, look out for poison ivy , which grows in most places, but particularly in a belt across southern Ontario and Québec. If you’re likely to be walking in affected areas, ask at tourist offices for tips on where it is and how to recognize it. The ivy causes itchy open blisters and lumpy sores up to ten days after contact. If you do come into contact with it, wash your body and clothes as soon as possible, smother yourself in calamine lotion and try not to scratch. In serious cases, hospital emergency rooms can give antihistamine or adrenalin jabs.

Prior to travelling, you should take out an insurance policy to cover against theft, loss and illness or injury. You’ll probably want to contact a specialist travel insurance company , or consider the travel insurance deal we offer. Most policies exclude so-called dangerous sports unless an extra premium is paid: in Canada this can mean whitewater rafting, mountain climbing and so on. If you need to make a claim, keep receipts for medicines and medical treatment. In the event you have anything stolen, you must obtain a crime report statement or number from the police.

Internet access is commonplace at Canadian hotels, hostels and B&Bs, and there are also plenty of cafés with free wi-fi in cities and towns. Free internet access is also available at all major libraries.

For unlimited Wi-Fi on the go whilst travelling Canada, buy a Skyroam Solis , which works in 130+ countries at one flat daily rate, paid for on a pay-as-you-go basis. You can connect up to five devices at once. Prices start from as little as $6 a day.

Every Canadian city, town and village of any significant size has its own post office , operated by Canada Post ( w canadapost.ca ). Opening hours are usually Monday to Friday 8.30am–5.30pm, though a few places open on Saturday from 9am to noon. Much more numerous are Canada Post service counters inside larger stores, especially pharmacies, and here opening hours vary considerably, though core hours are the same as those of the post offices. To check for the nearest postal outlet, call t 1 800 267 1177, or consult the website. Apart from Canada Post outlets, stamps can be purchased from automatic vending machines, the lobbies of larger hotels, airports, train stations, bus terminals and many retail outlets and newsstands. Current postal charges are 85¢ for letters and postcards up to 30g within Canada, $1.20 for the same weight to the US and $2.50 for international mail (also up to 30g).

The free maps issued by each provincial tourist office are excellent for general driving and route planning, especially as they provide the broad details of ferry connections. The best of the commercially produced maps are those published by Rand McNally ( w randmcnally.com), though Google Maps are also fairly accurate for most areas of Canada.

Canada uses the metric system , though many people still use the imperial system. Distances are in kilometres, temperatures in degrees Celsius, and foodstuffs, petrol and drink are sold in grams, kilograms or litres.

Canadian currency is the Canadian dollar ($), made up of 100 cents (¢). Coins come as 1¢ (penny), 5¢ (nickel), 10¢ (dime), 25¢ (quarter), $1 and $2. The $1 coin is known as a “loonie”, after the bird on one face; the $2 coin is known as a “toonie”. There are notes of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. US dollars are widely accepted near the border, but generally – banks, etc apart – on a one-for-one basis, which can be a very bad deal for US dollar holders. For up-to-date exchange rates, check w xe.com; at the time of writing, one Canadian dollar was worth 0.50 British pounds (£), 0.67 euros (€), 0.76 US dollars (US$), 1.08 Australian dollars (Aus$), 1.18 New Zealand dollars (NZ$) and 10.44 South African Rand (R).

Banking hours are a minimum of Monday to Friday 10am to 3pm, but many have late opening – till 6pm – on one night a week, others are open on Saturday mornings.

ATMs are commonplace. Most accept a host of debit cards , including all those carrying the Cirrus coding. All major credit and charge cards are widely accepted.

When dialling any Canadian number, either local or long-distance, you must include the area code. Long-distance calls – to numbers beyond the area code of the telephone from which you are making the call – must be prefixed with “1”.

Most mobile providers in Canada (Bell, Telus, SaskTel & MTS) have traditionally used CDMA technology compatible with their US counterparts, though most CDMA networks will be shut down by 2017 in favour of HSPA and LTE (GSM technology). Rogers Wireless and several other providers already use GSM technology, which means that mobiles bought in the UK and Europe can also be used in Canada (assuming you have a roaming option and your phone is tri-band) – in this case you’ll definitely be charged international rates for incoming calls that originate from home. UK providers that have roaming agreements with Rogers include Orange, T-Mobile, Vodafone and 3. If you have a Blackberry or iPhone these should work in Canada, but you’ll need to be extra careful about roaming charges, especially for data, which can be extortionate; even checking voicemail can result in hefty charges. Many travellers turn off voicemail and data roaming before they travel. Most phone companies will provide cheaper options for customers travelling to Canada, so check in advance. In Canada, mobile networks cover every city and town, but in rural areas you’ll struggle to get a signal.

Public telephones are becoming harder to find due to the popularity of mobile phones. The cost of a local call is usually 50¢ for three or four minutes, depending on the carrier (each phone company runs their own booths). Long-distance calls are much pricier, and you’re better off using a prepaid calling card ($5, $10 or $20), which you can buy at most grocery stores and newsstands.

Police, fire, ambulance 911.

Operator 0.

Information Within North America411; international, call the operator 0.

Canada has six time zones , but only four-and-a-half hours separate the eastern extremities of the country from the western.

Newfoundland is on Newfoundland time (3hr 30min behind the UK and 1hr 30min ahead of the eastern US).

The Maritimes and Labrador are on Atlantic (4hr behind the UK and 1hr ahead of the eastern US), though southeastern Labrador follows Newfoundland time.

Québec and most of Ontario are on Eastern (5hr behind the UK) – the same zone as New York and the eastern US.

Manitoba, the northwest corner of Ontario, and Saskatchewan are on Central (6hr behind the UK; same as US Central).

Alberta, the Northwest Territories and a slice of northeast BC are on Mountain (7hr behind the UK – same as US Mountain).

In the west, the Yukon and the remainder of BC are on Pacific (8hr behind the UK and 1hr ahead of Alaska – same as US Pacific).

Nunavut spans a number of time zones, from Mountain to Atlantic.

For daylight savings (used in all regions except Saskatchewan, parts of Québec and northeast BC), clocks go forward one hour on the first Sunday of April, and back one hour on the last Sunday in October.

All of Canada’s provinces have their own tourist website and these, along with those run by Parks Canada , covering the country’s national parks and historic sites, and Travel Canada ’s generic website ( w travelcanada.ca), are the most useful source of information before you set out. Each province and territory operates a toll-free visitor information line for use within mainland North America. In Canada itself, there are provincial and territorial tourist information centres along the main highways, especially at provincial boundaries and along the US border; information centres at every national and many provincial parks, selling fishing and backcountry permits and giving help on the specifics of hiking, canoeing, wildlife watching and so forth; and tourist offices in every city and town.

Assembly of First Nations afn.ca. Lobbying organization of Canada’s Aboriginal peoples, with plenty to get you briefed on the latest situation.

Canadian Ice Hockey hockeycanada.ca . The official site of the amateur governing body for the national obsession.

The Globe and Mail theglobeandmail.com . Canada’s premier newspaper online.

National Atlas of Canada Online atlas.nrcan.gc.ca . Maps, stats and plenty of details on Canada’s geographic features.

National Library of Canada collectionscanada.gc.ca . Information on all things Canadian, ordered by subject. Includes Canadian arts, literature and history.

Parks Canada pc.gc.ca . Excellent website with detailed information on all of Canada’s national parks and national historic sites. Reserve space at some national parks at w pccamping.ca .

Weather – Environment Canada weatheroffice.gc.ca . Get the most accurate weather forecasts at this government site.

w weather.gc.ca . Get the most accurate weather forecasts at this government site.

At least in its cities and towns, Canada is one of the best places in the world to travel if you have limited mobility or other physical disabilities . All public buildings are required to be wheelchair-accessible and provide suitable toilet facilities, almost all street corners have dropped kerbs and public phones are specially equipped for hearing-aid users. Wheelchair users may encounter problems when travelling on urban public transport, but this is changing rapidly. Out in the wilds, things are inevitably more problematic, but almost all the national parks have accessible visitor and information centres and many have specially designed, accessible trails. In addition, VIA Rail offers a good range of services for travellers with disabilities – and the larger car-rental companies can provide vehicles with hand controls at no extra charge, though these are usually only available on their most expensive models; book one as far in advance as you can. Provincial tourist offices are the prime source of information on accessible hotels, motels and sights. To obtain a parking privilege permit, drivers with disabilities must apply to a provincial authority, though the permit itself, once issued, is valid across Canada. Useful websites include w otc-cta .gc.ca/eng/take-charge .

New Year’s Day Jan 1

Good Friday Varies; March/April

Easter Sunday Varies; March/April

Easter Monday Varies; March/April (widely observed, but not an official public holiday)

Victoria Day Third Mon in May

Canada Day July 1

Labour Day First Mon in Sept

Thanksgiving Second Mon in Oct

Remembrance Day Nov 11 (only a partial holiday; government offices and banks are closed, but most businesses are open)

Christmas Day Dec 25

Boxing Day Dec 26

Alberta Third Mon in Feb (Alberta Family Day); first Mon in Aug (Heritage Day)

British Columbia First Mon in Aug (British Columbia Day)

Manitoba First Mon in Aug (Civic Holiday)

New Brunswick First Mon in Aug (New Brunswick Day)

Newfoundland and Labrador March 17 (St Patrick’s Day); third Mon in April (St George’s Day); third Mon in June (Discovery Day); first Mon in July (Memorial Day); third Mon in July (Orangeman’s Day)

Northwest Territories First Mon in Aug (Civic Holiday)

Nova Scotia First Mon in Aug (Civic Holiday)

Nunavut April 1 (Nunavut Day)

Ontario First Mon in Aug (Civic Holiday)

Québec Jan 6 (Epiphany); Ash Wednesday; Ascension (forty days after Easter); June 24 (Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day); Nov 1 (All Saints’ Day); Dec 8 (Immaculate Conception)

Saskatchewan First Mon in Aug (Civic Holiday)

Yukon Third Mon in Aug (Discovery Day)

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Hong Kong travel advice

Latest updates: Laws and culture – updated information on national security laws

Last updated: April 11, 2024 10:29 ET

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Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, hong kong - exercise a high degree of caution.

Exercise a high degree of caution in Hong Kong due to the risk of arbitrary enforcement of local laws.

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Petty crime

Petty crime such as pickpocketing and purse snatching occurs, particularly:

• at the airport
• on public transportation
• in main shopping areas and markets
• in hotel lobbies
• on crowded streets
• at tourist attractions

Violent crime

Serious crime against foreigners is relatively rare, but incidents may occur.

While in Hong Kong:

• be vigilant in crowded locations
• don’t carry large sums of money
• ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times

Spiked food and drinks

Foreigners have been targeted in incidents of drink spiking, particularly in the Wan Chai area. Items containing drugs could put you at risk of sexual assault, robbery or credit card fraud.

• Be cautious of unsolicited requests from strangers
• Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers
• Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs. When using debit or credit cards:

• pay careful attention when others are handling your cards
• use ATMs located inside a bank or business
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Overseas fraud

Demonstrations

Demonstrations are illegal without prior approval from the local government. However, unauthorized and spontaneous demonstrations could still occur.

Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

If you participate in or are witness to a demonstration, you may be subject to scrutiny and severe legal action.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Don’t film or take pictures of demonstrations
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Cyber security

You shouldn’t expect internet privacy. Your communications may be monitored at any time, and authorities may review the content stored or consulted on your electronic devices.

Authorities will be on the lookout for material appearing to be seditious or that is critical of mainland China and local authorities

Cyber security while travelling

Journalism and research

Journalists and other media workers in Hong Kong are now facing certain restrictions in the context of their work.

You should be particularly vigilant if researching or reporting on subjects critical of or sensitive to the government. You may face censorship.

Road safety

Traffic is congested in urban areas. Roads are narrow and frequently unmarked.

Public transportation

Public transportation in Hong Kong is safe and reliable.

Public transportation in Hong Kong - Transport Department of Hong Kong

Taxis are widely available. Ride-sharing services are also available.

Most taxi drivers don’t speak English or French. If you don’t speak Chinese, you should arrange for a person to write out your destination in Chinese characters before you go.

• Use only officially marked taxis or a trusted ride-sharing app
• Negotiate fares in advance, or insist that the driver use the meter, as you may be overcharged

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Hong Kong is a special administrative region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China.

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Chinese authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid at least 1 month beyond the date you expect to leave Hong Kong.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: not required for stays of up to 90 days Business visa: not required for stays of up to 90 days Student visa: required

If you plan to visit or transit through mainland China, make sure you obtain a Chinese visa before your trip.

If you plan to travel between Hong Kong, Macao and mainland China, make sure you apply for a visa allowing multiple entries.

• Immigration, visas and residency information - Immigration Department of Hong Kong
• Applying for visas for mainland China in Hong Kong - Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China in Hong Kong
• Entry/exit requirements for mainland China

Screening of digital devices

Border officials may review the content stored or consulted on your electronic devices, particularly at border crossings between Hong Kong and mainland China.

Temperature screening

All travellers are subject to body temperature screening upon entry into Hong Kong.

Latest information for inbound travellers – Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection that can cause swelling of the brain.  It is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Risk is very low for most travellers. Travellers at relatively higher risk may want to consider vaccination for JE prior to travelling.

Travellers are at higher risk if they will be:

• travelling long term (e.g. more than 30 days)
• making multiple trips to endemic areas
• staying for extended periods in rural areas
• visiting an area suffering a JE outbreak
• engaging in activities involving high contact with mosquitos (e.g., entomologists)

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

In this destination, rabies  may be present in some wildlife species, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. 

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. 

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who will be working directly with wildlife. 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country.  The risk may vary between regions of a country.  Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever is a viral disease that can cause fever, pain and bleeding under the skin.  In some cases, it can be fatal.  It spreads to humans through contact with infected animal blood or tissues, or from the bite of an infected tick.  Risk is generally low for most travellers.  Protect yourself from tick bites and avoid animals, particularly livestock.  There is no vaccine available for Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever.

• In this country, risk of  dengue  is sporadic. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue fever.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

Medical services and facilities

Good medical care is widely available. Private hospitals may require confirmation of insurance coverage, guarantee of payment or an up-front deposit before admitting patients.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Safeguarding National Security Ordinance 2024 and National Security Law 2020

The 2024 Safeguarding National Security Ordinance and the 2020 National Security Law have broadened the range of national security offenses, which now include:

• organisation and perpetration of terrorist activities
• unlawful disclosure of state secrets
• collusion with a foreign country or with external elements that endanger national security
• support to someone accused of endangering national security

They could also include activities that are not considered illegal in Canada and that occurred outside of Hong Kong, and could include social media posts. The Hong Kong SAR Government has issued arrest warrants for individuals outside of Hong Kong they identified as criminals who committed acts endangering national security. If you are suspected of endangering national security, you could be detained without charge for up to 16 days and denied access to a legal representative for up to 48 hours.

You risk being arbitrarily detained on national security grounds, even while you are transiting through Hong Kong. You could be subject to transfer to mainland China for prosecution. Penalties are severe and include life imprisonment.

Bans and sanctions

The Chinese government may ban or sanction entities or individuals for actions, including oral or written statements, and associations with entities that are critical of:

• the Communist Party of China
• the Chinese government
• Chinese leaders and policies

The Government of the People's Republic of China does not publicize a list of banned or sanctioned entities or individuals, and the implementation of bans or sanctions remains vague. The effect on individuals associated with banned or sanctioned entities is unknown.

It could include:

• a ban on travel to mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao
• freezing of assets
• prohibition of business or association with Chinese citizens and organizations

Hong Kong authorities can enforce Chinese court orders. If you believe you may be subject of a ban or sanctions, consult a lawyer and contact the closest office of the Government of Canada.

Movement restrictions

Under the national security and immigration laws, Hong Kong authorities may prevent specific individuals from leaving the territory. In the absence of clarifying legislation, these new powers may relate to investigations into an individual, their family or an employer, and criminal and civil matters.

You may not be aware that you are the subject of movement restrictions until you try to leave Hong Kong. It may be difficult to obtain information on movement restrictions from local authorities.

If you're unable to leave Hong Kong because of restrictions on your movement, consult a lawyer and inform the Consulate General of Canada in Hong Kong.

Facial recognition and use of video surveillance (CCTV)

Law enforcement agencies may rely on facial recognition technology and video surveillance to police, monitor and control illegal or restricted activities, including participation in demonstrations.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Prohibited or controlled items

Hong Kong has strict laws regarding the use, importation or exportation of different items, including:

• firearms and live ammunition
• items that may be used as weapons, such as knuckledusters, extendable batons or stunning devices
• e-cigarettes
• powdered baby formula
• plant or animal products that could carry disease or pests

Your luggage will be scanned upon entry. You could face legal issues if you carry or try to travel with prohibited items.

Confirm the restrictions with the local authorities before travelling.

• Prohibited / Controlled Items - Customs and Excise Department of Hong Kong
• Restricted items - Hong Kong Police Force

Photography

Photography of military installations or government buildings may be restricted. Seek permission from local authorities before taking photographs.

Dual citizenship

The Nationality Law of the People's Republic of China applies in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). Under this law, dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Hong Kong.

If local authorities consider you a citizen of China, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

If you are a Canadian dual citizen born in Hong Kong or with current or previous Hong Kong residency, you need to complete a declaration of nationality in order to be treated as a Canadian citizen. Consult the Hong Kong Immigration Department regarding this process.

• Chinese nationality - Hong Kong Immigration Department
• General information for travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Hong Kong.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Hong Kong, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Hong Kong court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as quickly as you can
• contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Hong Kong to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• The Hague Convention - Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Traffic drives on the left.

As a tourist, you can use your valid Canadian driver's licence for up to 12 months. You should carry an international driving permit.

If you are a resident of Hong Kong, you can exchange your Canadian licence for a local one under certain conditions.

• Driving in Hong Kong - Transport Department of Hong Kong
• More about the International Driving Permit

The currency is the Hong Kong dollar (HKD).

Upon entering or leaving Hong Kong, you must make a declaration to customs if you travel with more than HKD 120,000 or the equivalent in other currencies. The sum can be in cash, cheques, money orders, traveller’s cheques or any other convertible assets.

Declaration of currency and bearer negotiable instruments - Customs and Excise Department of Hong Kong

Typhoons and monsoon

The rainy (or monsoon) season extends from May to October. Typhoons usually occur between April and October.

During this period, even small storm can quickly develop into typhoons. These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services.

Severe rainstorms have occasionally caused flooding and landslides, resulting in loss of life and damage to infrastructure.

The Hong Kong observatory issues alerts before a significant storm or other meteorological risk.

If you decide to travel to Hong Kong during the rainy season:

• know that you may expose yourself to safety risks
• be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
• stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
• carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
• follow the advice and instructions of local authorities
• Current weather and alerts - Hong Kong Observatory
• Information on tropical cyclone warning signals - Hong Kong Observatory
• Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons
• Large-scale emergencies abroad

Heat and humidity

Humidity and heat are most severe during the hot season, from May to October.

Know the symptoms of dehydration and heatstroke, both of which can be fatal.

Air pollution

Air pollution can be severe in Hong Kong.

During periods of high pollution:

• limit outdoor activities
• monitor local media and air pollution levels
• follow the instructions of local authorities

Air pollution in Hong Kong  - World Air Quality Index

Local services

Dial 999 for emergency assistance.

 Consular assistance

For emergency consular assistance, call the Consulate General of Canada in Hong Kong and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

Federal government tells Canadians to avoid all travel to Israel, West Bank as tensions rise

The government of Canada has upgraded its travel advisories to Israel and the West Bank, instructing Canadians to avoid all travel amid escalating tensions in the region.

Previously, the federal government had advised Canadians to "avoid non-essential travel" to Israel and certain areas of the West Bank.

• Complete coverage of the Israel-Hamas war

"With a heightened risk of attacks on Israeli territory, the regional security situation remains highly volatile & could escalate without notice," Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly said in a post Friday on X, formerly known as Twitter.

With a heightened risk of attacks on Israeli territory, the regional security situation remains highly volatile & could escalate without notice. We have increased our risk level to “avoid all travel” to Israel+West Bank. Canadians should consider leaving by commercial means. — Mélanie Joly (@melaniejoly) April 12, 2024

She added that Canadians should consider leaving by commercial means.

Countries including India, France, Poland and Russia have warned their citizens against travel to the region, already on edge over the war in Gaza, now in its seventh month. Germany on Friday called on its citizens to leave Iran.

Israel braced for an attack by Iran or its proxies on Friday as warnings grew of retaliation for an attack on Iran's embassy compound last week in Damascus, Syria, that killed a senior commander in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps' overseas Quds Force and six other officers.

In a press briefing on Friday, U.S. President Joe Biden warned that an attack on Israel could come "sooner, rather than later."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the country was preparing for scenarios in other areas besides Gaza.

Israel has stepped up military raids in the West Bank since launching its assault on Gaza, following the Hamas-led Oct. 7 attack in which 1,200 people were killed and 253 taken hostage.

• Download the CTV News App for breaking news alerts and video on all the top stories

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers shot and set houses and cars on fire in al-Mughayyir on Friday, killing a Palestinian man and wounding 25 others, Palestinian health officials say.

More than 460 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in the West Bank since the war began, and at least 33,545 have been killed in Gaza, according to its health ministry, with most of the enclave's 2.3 million people displaced.

With files from Reuters and The Associated Press

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8 tips for Canadians travelling to Mexico in 2024, from entry rules to tipping etiquette

P lanning a trip to Mexico? Whether you want to explore Mayan ruins and hidden cenotes or lounge on white-sand beaches at an a ll-inclusive resort , there are certain things you'll want to keep in mind before embarking on your trip.

Canadians booking a vacation in Mexico will want to be aware of the country's entry and exit requirements, what travel documents they'll need and the current travel advice from the Government of Canada .

To help, we've laid out a few essentials you'll want to keep in mind, whether you're jetting off to Cancun, Mazatlan, Tulum or Mexico City.

From the ideal times to visit, to regions to avoid and requirements for your Canadian passport, here are eight tips for preparing for your next Mexican holiday.

Know when to visit

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Details: Before booking that trip to Mexico, you'll want to make sure you're going at a time with good weather.

However, the best time to visit varies depending on where in the country you're visiting. According to the U.S. News & World Report, if you're travelling to Cancun , the best time to visit would be from December to April, when you'll get to enjoy "near-perfect weather."

If you're visiting Mexico City , the best time to visit is between March and May, as the city's winters can be chilly and the summers can be rainy.

According to the Government of Canada, hurricanes usually occur in Mexico from mid-May to the end of November, so keep this in mind when booking your trip.

To figure out when to go, you can use a travel platform like KAYAK's Best Time To Travel Tool , which uses your origin, destination and length of trip to determine when you should travel and when to book for a great price.

Find out more

Know the entry requirements

Details: Canadians can visit Mexico as a tourist for up to 180 days, or six months, without needing a visa. An immigration official will determine the number of days you can remain in Mexico.

Travellers must have a valid passport that will be valid for the expected duration of their stay in the country. They must also obtain and complete a tourist card to enter the country.

According to the Government of Canada, if entering Mexico by air, you are advised to download your tourist card issued by Mexican officials upon entry.

Depending on your airport of entry, the immigration official will stamp your passport and note the number of days you are allowed to spend in Mexico, or you'll go through an E-gate kiosk where you will scan your passport and self-register your entry into the country.

Once in the country, whether you entered via an E-gate or not, you will be able to access the digital tourist card online. You'll have 60 days to download it.

According to the government, travellers who don’t obtain a tourist card upon arrival may face a fine, detention or even expulsion.

Take note of Canada's travel advice

Details: The Government of Canada continues to advise that Canadians exercise a high degree of caution in Mexico due to high levels of criminal activity and kidnapping.

"Levels of crime, particularly violent crime, are high throughout Mexico. Arrest and detention rates are low and don’t deter criminal activity," says Canada's travel advisory for Mexico.

"There are high rates of violent crime, such as homicides, kidnappings, carjacking and assaults, including in popular tourist destinations such as the Mayan Riviera (Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos and Tulum), and Acapulco."

The government advises that travellers remain vigilant at all times while in the country, stay in tourist areas, be very cautious on major highways, avoid travelling at night and monitor local media closely.

Avoid drinking the tap water

Details: You may want to avoid the tap water while in Mexico.

According to Yale University's Environmental Performance Index , which scores countries based on how safe their drinking water is, Mexico's drinking water isn't as safe as that of other countries.

The index measures unsafe drinking water using the number of age-standardized disability-adjusted life-years lost per 100,000 persons in a country (also known as the DALY rate) due to exposure to unsafe drinking water.

A score of 100 indicates a country has among the lowest DALY rates in the world, while a score of 0 indicates a country is among the highest. In its most recent index , Mexico received a DALY score of 50.

The U.S. Government advises citizens that in many areas in Mexico, tap water is "not potable."

"Bottled water and beverages are safe, although you should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Be aware that ice for drinks might be made using tap water," says the government.

The Government of Canada also advises travellers to avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing or showering.

CAA Quebec recommends that travellers purchase bottled purified water to drink and brush their teeth with instead of using tap water.

Know the currency rules

Details: The official currency of Mexico is the Mexican peso. According to the Government of Canada, in some parts of Mexico, particularly tourist destinations, hotels and other service providers may advertise prices in USD.

Sunwing recommends that travellers bring USD as it is widely accepted around the island.

If you plan to bring USD, be aware that there is a limit to the amount of U.S. dollars that residents and foreigners can exchange in Mexico, depending on their immigration status.

According to the Government of Canada, when carrying more than US$10,000 or the equivalent in other currencies, cash, cheques, money orders or any other monetary instrument, you must declare the amount exceeding US$10,000.

Failure to do this is against Mexican law and often results in detention.

Know when to tip

Details: As in Canada, tipping is expected in most parts of Mexico.

According to group travel company Intrepid Travel , which operates tours to Mexico, Mexican service workers typically earn a low wage and rely on tips to earn a decent living.

The company recommends travellers leave 10 to 15 percent at restaurants (if the service charge is not already included), 5 to 10 percent of the hotel room cost for housekeepers, and a few dollars for porters, bartenders and guides.

According to Skyscanner , it's always best to tip in cash, using Mexican pesos rather than any foreign currency.

The company notes that while some all-inclusive resorts in Mexico have no-tipping policies, if an employee has excelled in their performance, a tip is a nice way to show your appreciation.

Taxi drivers and airport shuttle operations in Mexico will not expect a tip, according to the travel company. However, if your driver helps you with your luggage or the shuttle operator helps with your bags, it is courteous to tip around 10 pesos.

Avoid certain areas

Details: Canadians travelling to Mexico will want to take note of warnings to avoid certain parts of the country.

The Government of Canada continues to advise Canadians to avoid all travel to Guerrero State due to the region's precarious security situation.

The state is home to the Mexican city of Acapulco, a popular vacation spot.

According to the advisory, there is a threat of armed violence, banditry, and looting in cities and on roads in the state. The advisory excludes, however, the cities of Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo and Taxco, where travellers should "exercise a high degree of caution."

There are also regional advisories in place warning Canadians to avoid non-essential travel to several Mexican states due to high levels of violence and organized crime, including Chihuahua, Colima, Coahuila, Durango, Michoacán, Nuevo León, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas.

The Government of Canada also advises Canadians to avoid border areas, which often see higher criminal activity and violence, such as shootouts, attacks and illegal roadblocks.

The government recommends travelling to Mexico by air to avoid international land border crossings, particularly along the border with the U.S., in Ciudad Juárez, Nuevo Laredo and Reynosa.

Pay the tourism tax

Details: If travelling to the state of Quintana Roo in Mexico (including popular destinations like Cancun, Cozumel, Playa Del Carmen, Riviera Maya and Tulum), travellers will have to pay a tourist tax known as VisiTAX.

The payment of the VisiTAX is a legal requirement to leave the State of Quintana Roo, and is not included in the price of the plane tickets or any other service such as hotel reservations, vacation packages, ground transportation, or tours, according to Cancun Airport .

The tax costs US$20.99 (about CA$28.40) per person, and is to be paid online. Travellers can pay this fee prior to their arrival or during their stay, and must show their receipt at the airport before leaving Mexico.

According to Cancun Airport, your payment and your VisiTAX code will be synchronized with your travel documents for an easy transition through the airport checkpoints.

Payment can only be made online via the VisiTAX website , according to Air Transat .

Bon voyage!

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.

This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.

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The 11 Best Road Trips in the World

There’s nothing quite like hitting the open road on an epic adventure, especially on these incredible stretches of highway

Heading out the door? Read this article on the Outside app available now on iOS devices for members! >","name":"in-content-cta","type":"link"}}'>Download the app .

I love a good road trip, especially in the mountains of Colorado, where I live. It’s when I do some of the best creative thinking, and it feels like the possibilities for exploration are endless. Should I hike a fourteener tomorrow? Cross the border into Utah to go mountain biking?

I scoured the globe to put together this list of the most stunning drives you could imagine, from the snowcapped peaks of Chilean Patagonia to the windswept west coast of Ireland. I’ve completed a handful, driven parts of many of them, and the rest are on my bucket list. I also chose these road trips for their proximity to adventure, and include essential details like the best hikes, beaches, and accommodations along the way. Buckle up.

The Dempster Highway to the Arctic Ocean, Canada

Miles: 550 Road terrain: Mostly gravel Best time to go: The Dempster Highway is open year-round, but traditional summer festivals in the Arctic towns and the aurora borealis viewing in winter are seasonal highlights.

Truly rugged and remote, this overland expedition traverses dramatic tundra landscapes, boreal forests, and mountain ranges en route to the Arctic Sea. Begin in the gold-rush outpost of Dawson City, Yukon, and load up on supplies—the unpaved gravel road is a known tire eater, so be sure you have a spare and a four-wheel drive car. From there the Dempster Highway heads north through the historic Klondike region, crosses the Arctic Circle, and enters the Northwest Territories, where you’ll have panoramas of what’s known as the polar Serengeti, a wide-open wilderness teeming with caribou, moose, and grizzlies.

Along the way, you’ll pass through Indigenous communities such as Tsiigehtchic, reached by ferry in summer after the snow melts. If you’re traveling during August, you can watch canoe races and listen to traditional music during Tsiigehtchic’s Canoe Days celebration. By the time you arrive in Inuvik, Canada’s largest community north of the Arctic Circle, you’ll have logged 457 miles. Pitch your tent or park your teardrop at Happy Valley Territorial Park (from $28), perched on a bluff overlooking the Richardson Mountains and the nation’s largest river, the Mackenzie.

Pick up the final stretch of the trip in town, the Inuvik–Tuktoyaktuk Highway, an 86-mile gravel road that winds past the Pingo Canadian Landmark, a collection of pingo (mounds of earth-covered ice) more than 100 feet high, and ends in the Inuit shorefront hamlet of Tuktoyaktuk.

Scenic Byway 12, Utah

Miles: 122 Road terrain: Paved Best time to go: Early spring and early fall

This expanse of highway connects Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef National Parks , traveling through Dixie National Forest and the northern part of Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument. The whole thing could be completed in three hours, but given its proximity to so many perfect playgrounds for hiking, paddling, biking, and fishing, I suggest a four-day road trip. Bookended by Panguitch to the west and Torrey to the east, this designated All-American Road bisects multiple ecosystems,  from sage flats to slickrock deserts, and sleepy rural communities like Boulder, where you should stop for a meal at Hell’s Backbone Grill . The photo opps are endless, but Powell Point Vista, between the towns of Henrieville and Escalante, affords some of the best views of the area’s distinct Wasatch Limestone formations. If I could overnight in one place along the way it’d be Ofland Escalante , which has a drive-in theater, a pool, and a food truck (from $99).

The Romantic Road, Germany

Miles: 220 Road terrain: Paved Best time to go: Spring or fall

Germany’s Romantische Strasse, or Romantic Road, could be the backdrop of a Grimm’s fairy tale, with its turreted and crenelated castles, red-roofed villages, and lake-dotted countryside in the Alpine foothills. This scenic byway across Bavaria connects the baroque town of Würzburg with the pastel-hued town of Füssen. The former is home to the Unesco-designated Würzburg Residence, one of the nation’s most opulent palaces, while Füssen is five minutes from what many consider the route’s highlight, King Ludwig’s Neuschwanstein Castle , which was the inspiration for the palace in Disney’s Sleeping Beauty . If you want to stretch your legs, you can tackle the hike to Mount Tegel, located behind the castle, or take the cable car up and explore the trail network at the top.

Along the way you’ll pass plenty of beer gardens—the riverfront Lechgarten in the hamlet of Landsberg am Lech is a must-stop—the vineyards of the Franconia wine region (pick up a bottle of dry, white Silvaner), and spend a few hours rejuvenating in the historic spa town of Bad Mergentheim; at the Best Western Premier Parkhotel ($150), you can take advantage of the indoor pool, spa, and gardens.

The Explorers Way, Australia

Miles: 1,864 Road terrain: Paved (and remember, Aussies drive on the left-hand side) Best time to go: Australia’s fall, March through May The ultimate outback odyssey, the Explorers Way is a road trip through Australia’s Red Centre. Much of the drive follows the Stuart Highway, named after 19th-century explorer John McDouall Stuart, the first European to successfully traverse the continent from south to north. Stuart’s expedition took nearly a year, but two weeks is ample time to complete the journey from Adelaide in South Australia to Darwin in the Northern Territory.

I highly recommend detours to Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park to stand in awe of the 2,831-foot-high monolith sacred to Aboriginals and to Litchfield National Park, teeming with waterfalls and wildlife like dingo and wallaby. Dedicate at least a day to explore the Aboriginal art galleries of Alice Springs, the Northern Territory’s second largest city and the approximate midway point of the route. When you reach the Top End, toast your trip with a bush negroni at Willing Distillery in Darwin or celebrate with a bush safari at Bamurru Plains Eco Lodge (from $2,425, all-inclusive), just northwest of Kakadu National Park, home to more than two dozen walking trails .

Atlantic Road, Norway

Miles: 22 Road terrain: Narrow, paved Best time to go: The coast is most dramatic in September and October

Norway has 18 designated national scenic routes, but the fact that the Atlantic Road was selected as the stage for the James Bond film No Time to Die is a testament to its wow-factor beauty. Officially known as Atlanterhavsvegen , this drive links the village of Kårvåg on Averøy Island with the fishing village of Bud on the mainland via an archipelago connected by eight low-lying bridges. Few roads bring you so close to the ocean: roll down your window and you’ll likely be kissed by sea mist.

Essential detours include the coastal path at Vevang to see Jan Freuchen’s “ Columna Transatlantica ,” a sculpture scattered across the rocks and heath-covered hills, and the glass-walled viewing platform at Askevågen, which affords spectacular mountain and ocean vistas. Strømsholmen Seasport, located between the towns of Kristiansun and Molde, offers scuba diving, fishing excursions, and wildlife safaris on the water. It also has four waterfront cabins that sleep up to ten people (from $55).

The Ring Road, Iceland

Miles: 820 Road terrain: Mostly paved, with some stretches of gravel Best time to go: Late spring or early fall

Stretch after stretch of otherworldly landscapes unfold along this famed 820-mile loop , also known as Route 1. It shows off vast lava fields, tumbling waterfalls, spouting glaciers, and bubbling geysers. You’ll want at least seven days to enjoy all the attractions and adventures along the way, and if you do the drive in May, June, or July, you can take advantage of nearly 24 hours of sun.

Most road-trippers start in the capital, Reykjavík, the city closest to Keflavík International Airport. You can tackle it counterclockwise or clockwise, but if you do the latter first, the scenery crescendos from pretty to jaw-droppingly gorgeous. If there’s one thing you shouldn’t miss, it’s a detour to the northern Troll Peninsula, which loops around the headlands past the end of the Skagafjörður fjord.

On the southeastern coast of Iceland , take time to explore Jökulsárlón, a glacial lagoon studded with icebergs, and nearby Diamond Beach, named for the brilliant chunks of ice that sparkle like gems against its black sands. The geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon, just 20 minutes from the airport, are the perfect final stop. Or tack on an adventure—maybe kayak in a glacial lagoon or ride an ATV along the beach—with outfitter Icelandic Mountain Guides .

Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

Miles: 1,600 Road terrain: Narrow, winding, and paved (you’ll also driving on the left-hand side here) Best time to go: summer to take advantage of longer day-light hours

One of the longest coastal routes in the world, the Wild Atlantic Way hugs the Emerald Isle’s rugged and spectacular west coast for miles, from its northern terminus on the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal to its southern terminus in the town of Kinsale in County Cork. The route is broken into 14 stages, and you’ll want to budget a minimum of five days to complete it.

There are loads of opportunities to stretch your legs on untouched swaths of beach near soaring sea cliffs. Those at Slieve League jut up 1,972 feet at their highest point; follow the Pilgrim’s Path from Teelin village 1.5 miles to the tops, and after pop into town for lunch. You’ll have plenty of options, but I highly recommend the award-winning Rusty Mackerel pub (rooms are also available from $54). The iconic Cliffs of Moher, in the lunar-like Burren region, are one of the natural treasures of Ireland, with a five-mile (one-way) coastal walk that connects the charming villages of Liscannor and Doolin.

On Achill Island, explore Keel Beach, a nearly two-mile stretch of golden sand. When I visited, the waves were pumping and I rented a board and a thick wetsuit from Soundwave Surf School . If the water’s calm, you can rent a stand-up-paddleboard. If your final destination is County Cork, celebrate with a pint at Levis Corner House , a pub in Ballydehob that’s been run by the same family for a century.

Pacific Coast Scenic Byway, Oregon

Miles: 363 Road terrain: Paved Best time to go: Late spring, early fall, or winter

Most people associate the Pacific Coast Highway, or PCH, with California, but the storied road spans from Canada to Mexico. Some of the best lengths, in my opinion, are in Oregon, where the road skirts virgin beaches, craggy mountains, and rocky coves, through a series of quirky seaside resorts and sleepy fishing villages. You could zip along all of it in 10 to 12 hours, but five days is the better plan, stopping at the many parks and public lands along the route. Ecola State Park (sea stacks, tidepooling, wildlife-watching) and Oregon Dunes Recreation Area (whose sweeping sandy expanses are said to have been the inspiration for Dune’ s planet Arrakis) are both top of my list.

About 30 miles northwest of the city of Bandon is Cape Arago; this short detour off the byway takes you through the South Slough National Estuarine Reserve, home to more than 150 kinds of birds and many good hiking trails . In the town of Coos Bay, I like to overnight at the modern cabins at Bay Point Landing ($235). The next day, you can drive 24 miles east to the remote Golden and Silver Falls State Natural Area and hike 1.4 miles to the top of Golden Falls for an eagle’s-eye view of the cascading waterfall and old-growth firs. Schedule your journey for spring and winter and bring your binocs—you can often spot the blows from migrating gray whales as they surface off the coast.

The Garden Route, South Africa

Miles: 124 Road terrain: Paved Best time to go: June to December, when you can spot whales from shore

This ocean-hugging highway showcases the Western Cape’s outrageously beautiful beaches, lush forests, national forests, and abundant marine life. Just under two hours’ drive from Cape Town, the former fishing village of Hermanus Bay is the gateway for the Garden Route. I always stop here to take advantage of the excellent land-based whale-watching between June and December. Continue three and a half hours east on the N2 highway to the harbor town of Mossel Bay, the route’s official starting point. Spend some time trekking around before heading out on your drive; my favorite is the 2.5-mile out-and-back trail from Pinnacle Point to Oyster Bay.

Wilderness National Park , approximately midroute, is a great spot for birdwatching and kayaking and has accommodations that include campsites (from $20), cabins (from $50), and a bed-and-breakfast (from $90). A half-hour farther east is Plettenberg Bay, nicknamed the Saint Tropez of South Africa for its palatial beach homes. Just south is Robberg Nature Reserve , a nice picnic spot where you can observe seal colonies. Spend a day exploring Tsitsikamma National Park , which boasts a 50-mile-long shoreline and an interior with 500-year-old trees. Looking to burn off some energy after hours in the car? I suggest the Otter Trail. South Africa’s oldest hiking trail takes five days to complete and begins near the Garden Route’s eastern terminus at Storms River rest camp.

Queenstown to Milford Sound, New Zealand

Miles: 180 Road terrain: Paved, two-lane highway Best time to go: New Zealand’s fall, March through May, is perfect for hiking Described by Rudyard Kipling as the “eighth wonder of the world,” Milford Sound is big nature on steroids. The drive on the South Island from Queenstown along State Highway 6 (a.k.a. the Southern Scenic Highway) and then State Highway 94 (Milford Sound Highway) will get you there  in just over four hours, but slow down to marvel at the waterfalls and alpine lakes framed by mountains. Te Anau is the halfway point of the drive and an ideal place to overnight, refuel, and stock up on food as there are no services farther en route to the sound. The lakeside town is also the gateway to the glacier-carved wilderness of Fiordland National Park and the jumping-off point for the Milford Track, arguably one of New Zealand’s most famous Great Walks , so consider tacking on a few extra days.

The Carretera Austral, Chile

Miles: 770 Road terrain: Rugged, pock-marked dirt, requiring four-wheel drive Best time to go: Austral spring and summer, November to March  

Waterfalls tumbling from hanging glaciers. Forests of lengua trees and turquoise lagoons. Ancient marble caves and flamingo-filled lakes. The wild backdrop of Chile’s Southern Highway (Route 7) is an adventurer’s fantasy. Also known as the Carretera Austral , this road cuts through remote, mountainous wilderness in northern Patagonia. Set aside at least two weeks so you can take time to visit Queulat National Park and Pumalín National Park , both located along the route.

Puerto Montt, a bustling town in the Chilean Lake District, is your starting point. It’s considered Chile’s seafood capital, so attempt to score a table at Pa Mar Adentro Restaurant and try the caldo curanto , a traditional seafood stew, before starting your journey south.

Coyhaique, the capital of Chile’s Aysén region, marks the route’s midway point. Take a day here to trek the trails of Reserva Nacional Coyhaique, home to two beautiful lakes, Los Sapos and Venus. Campsites are available in the Casa Bruja section of the reserve ($5), or continue a couple hours south to General Carrera Lake and hole up at the family-run  Mallin Colorado Ecolodge ($170). The owners serve terrific farm-to-table meals and partner with local guides who lead kayak trips to the Marble Caves and treks across Exploradores Glacier.

Rumbo Sur Hotel ($190), in the isolated terminus town of Villa O’Higgins, is a comfy final base surrounded by hiking trails and glaciers. A 4×4 is recommended, as most of the road is unpaved.

Outside travel columnist Jen Murphy hates driving but will happily sit shotgun on any road trip. Last fall she navigated on a weeklong mother-daughter road trip through southwest Colorado.

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Minister Joly to travel to Italy and the Holy See for bilateral visit and G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

From: Global Affairs Canada

News release

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that she is travelling to Italy and the Holy See and will be in Rome on April 16 and in Capri from April 17 to 19.

April 15, 2024 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

While in Rome, Minister Joly will meet with her Italian counterpart Antonio Tajani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, to exchange views on ongoing global challenges, including in the Middle East, Ukraine and the Indo-Pacific region, as well as to explore opportunities for coordinated efforts to advance mutual priorities. They will also discuss opportunities to strengthen the two countries’ bilateral relationship through the Canada-Italy Roadmap for Enhanced Cooperation, announced in March by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

She will also meet with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, Holy See, and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States, Holy See, to engage on a number of shared priorities, including support for Ukraine and Haiti.

In Capri, Minister Joly will attend the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, hosted by Minister Tajani. Minister Joly and her G7 counterparts will participate in sessions focused on key foreign policy challenges, including Middle East security, the humanitarian situation in Gaza, the situation in the Red Sea, Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the Indo-Pacific region, and global economic development and democratic resilience.

Throughout her G7 meetings, Minister Joly will aim to advance Canada’s foreign policy interests and discuss the way forward on shared priorities with her counterparts. She will also reiterate that Canada strongly condemns Iran’s unprecedented attacks against Israel and will call on all parties to exercise restraint and to avoid further escalatory actions.

“Amidst an international security crisis, it is imperative that Canada works with our G7 partners to coordinate our efforts in responding to the world’s most pressing issues. I am looking forward to meeting with my counterparts from the G7 and other international partners to discuss G7 engagement with Africa, Russia’s war in Ukraine, the multidimensional crisis in Haiti, the conflict in the Middle East and other matters of international security and stability.”  - Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs

Quick facts

The G7 is an informal group of like-minded partners comprising Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union.

This year, Italy holds the G7 presidency. Canada will be next to host the G7, in 2025.

Canada and Italy are of a like mind on key global and regional issues and work closely together in a range of multilateral institutions, including the G7, the G20, the United Nations and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

Pope Francis visited Canada in July 2022 on what he referred to as a “penitential pilgrimage,” visiting Alberta, Quebec and Nunavut.

Associated links

• Canada and the G7
• Canada-Italy relations
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How to cope with restless legs while traveling

The twitchy, achy condition doesn’t just affect people during sleep.

Through the windows of an express train from Kyoto, Japan, to a whisky distillery on Mount Kaikoma, my colleagues admired the views and calmly discussed the agenda for the day. Distracted and annoyed, I punched my quads while counting down the minutes until we could get off the train. I envied anyone in a state of calm.

My decades-long problem with restless legs interrupted what should have been an unparalleled experience. Every time I traveled, I found myself squished into a confined space or restricted with prolonged stillness — both triggers for my twitchy limbs.

Eventually I was diagnosed with restless legs syndrome (RLS), but the treatment plan for mitigating symptoms while traveling was not clear. On trips, I implemented my own treatments to assuage the annoying twitching in my legs — meditation, marijuana , stretching and taking muscle relaxers. My remedies didn’t reliably work, and the struggle left me feeling distracted, frustrated and helpless.

I’m not alone in the journey to mitigate symptoms. According to Karla Dzienkowski, executive director of the Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation , nearly 12 million adults and children in the United States deal with the condition. And travel in particular is known to exacerbate RLS.

What causes restless legs syndrome?

“The hallmark symptom of RLS is the uncontrollable urge to move the legs. Individuals often describe the accompanying RLS sensations as throbbing, aching, twitching, bubbling in the legs, or insects crawling under the skin,” Dzienkowski explained in an email. It’s also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, and my doctor identified genetics as the leading cause.

RLS is notoriously difficult to treat. Andy Berkowski, a physician and founder of ReLACS Health , says that RLS is unfortunately marginalized in the medical community, as the condition lacks a diagnostic treatment protocol. Berkowski said that RLS is the third-most-common sleep disorder, “but it doesn’t get the attention it deserves.”

According to the Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation, a single unifying cause of RLS has not been identified. The group says RLS often runs in families, and it’s more common in people with Type 2 diabetes. Also, up to 25 percent of women develop the syndrome during pregnancy, but symptoms often disappear after giving birth. Many experts say RLS is neurological.

“RLS is not a leg condition; it’s a brain condition,” Berkowski said.

How can restless legs syndrome affect you while traveling?

Traveling creates conditions that make it more difficult to mitigate RLS symptoms — particularly, the inability to move freely. In a confined space with limited mobility, the legs can twitch with aggression. “People call the airplane a torture chamber for restless legs,” Berkowski says.

For me, RLS flares up in the evening, especially if I’m traveling. If I am sleep-deprived or otherwise anxious, the symptoms dominate with increased intensity. And, as someone who is on and off planes frequently for work, my symptoms are exacerbated by sleep deprivation, limited mobility, and increased alcohol and caffeine intake.

During an overnight flight from Chicago to Paris , my sleep was interrupted by jarring kicks seemingly from deep inside my legs. Unfortunately, moving around the cabin, massaging my legs and flexing my toes did not offer relief.

Experts say anxiety also plays a role when traveling with RLS. “There’s the psychological effect that makes things worse. As with any sensation condition, the more you draw your attention to RLS, the more you will notice it,” Berkowski said.

How to mitigate RLS when traveling

Brian Koo, associate professor of neurology at Yale and director of Yale Medicine’s Restless Legs Syndrome center, recommends avoiding evening or overnight travel altogether if possible. Koo explains that sleep and RLS are intrinsically linked. “Try to get a good night’s sleep in the days leading up to travel,” Koo said. “If you’re changing time zones, adjust your schedule several days before the trip.” Koo warns patients that if they don’t get quality sleep, they are likely to have a bad bout with RLS during the trip.

Koo also voices a strict warning for patients who plan to use over-the-counter sleep aids. “The OTC sleep aids that contain antihistamines will make RLS worse,” he says. He recommends managing your sleep schedule before a trip and has seen improvement in people who avoid alcohol and sugar while traveling.

Berkowski agrees: “You’re not on the same schedule. You’re up early, and may grab that high-sugar mocha latte at the airport before your flight.” He warns that caffeine, sugar and alcohol are culprits of RLS, especially when combined with sleep deprivation.

Berkowski tells his patients that while traveling, mobility is key. “Mild to moderate activity throughout a trip is essential,” he advises. “Simple choices will mitigate symptoms: choose an aisle seat on a flight, avoid the moving walkway at the airport and walk beside it instead, board the flight or train as late as possible, stay standing in the airport before your flight, and on road trips, get out and walk briskly as often as needed.”

An important accompaniment to movement is ensuring proper blood flow to the legs while traveling. Sarah Hans, a physician at United Vein and Vascular Centers , treats patients with RLS. She advises wearing compression socks or stockings while traveling to help with blood flow. She says that “simple exercises such as calf raises with your feet on the ground and pulling your knees toward your chest can help.” Hans also recommends staying well hydrated.

Over the last 20 years, I’ve learned that punching my quads and obsessing over the sensation are not productive coping mechanisms. For me, pre-adjusting my schedule to the destination, avoiding caffeine and wearing compression stockings have helped the most.

Andrea Javor is a Chicago-based writer. Follow her on X or Instagram: @AndreaEJavor.

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