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Enter into a paradise of diversity as you visit Canada, the second-largest country in the world. Behold varying landscapes, including striking peaks, pristine blue lakes, jagged coastlines, and lively cities. Sign up for a unique experience promised by the country’s fickle seasons, locals with diverse linguistic backgrounds, and cuisines influenced by its multicultural heritage.
However, there are some things you need to know before visiting Canada to help you get the most out of your visit, and we are here to help with that.
Photo credit: Adriana Macias
Canada, a country occupying 9.98 million square kilometres (3.85 million square miles), is a destination that offers endless memorable experiences. Canada spans six time zones, ten provinces, and three territories and is the second-largest country after Russia. It includes various landscapes, mountains, and the world’s largest coastline.
The bottom line is that Canada is huge. So, exploring everywhere in Canada will take a few months. However, if you have limited time, you can explore one or two provinces before wrapping it up.
To have a great time exploring Canada, renting a car is best because moving from one city to another translates to travelling long distances. Renting a car may also be necessary if you get accommodation in the suburbs because commuting can be arduous—you can easily drive to cities with sights you want to visit.
Photo credit: ILLIYEEN
Canada, also known as the Land of Lakes, houses over 60% of the world’s lakes, with 879,800 out of about 1.4 million freshwater resources. The best part is that many of these lakes are accessible to the masses so that you can enjoy an abundance of outdoor activities.
If you visit the Alberta province, you can see the breathtaking Lake Louise and savour the gorgeous scenery of radiant turquoise waters and the Canadian Rockies. You can also check out the sixth-largest freshwater lake in Canada if you visit Manitoba and have a relaxing time at the beach.
Most Canadians speak English, French, or even both. However, it doesn’t end there. With the country’s multicultural nature, you’ll encounter different language proficiencies and various other languages.
The English and French languages are recognized federally, with institutions and services of the government available in both languages.
For more than half of Canada’s population, English is their mother tongue, while about 20% are French native speakers. Only a tiny percentage of Canadians speak neither English nor French. So, depending on the areas you explore, you may encounter people with diverse linguistic backgrounds.
Photo credit: Joyce M
Canada has diverse climates resulting from its size and geographical qualities. So, be prepared to experience varying weather conditions in different and even within regions. To be safe, come with layers.
If you’re planning a trip to Canada, consider the places you want to visit and the time of the year. For instance, when visiting cities like Vancouver in Western Canada, you can expect a coastal climate with mild winters and delightful summers. However, when visiting cities like Quebec in Eastern Canada, prepare for cold winters announced by snow and humid summers.
You must ensure your travel documents are in order before visiting Canada. Depending on your country, you may need a visitor visa, ETA, or free access to Canada.
US citizens or Green Card holders do not require a visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to visit Canada. However, you’ll need either of the two if you don’t fall into any of those categories.
Getting an ETA is a simple online process that only takes a few minutes, and it is necessary for visa-free nationals with the exemption of Americans.
You can find out which of these documents you need on the official website of the Government of Canada.
A single unforeseen event can disrupt your amazing Canada adventure, and one way to guard yourself against that is to have travel insurance.
Depending on insurance policies and conditions, travel insurance can protect you from various inconveniences. It can cover medical expenses, shortened trips, stolen goods, travel delays, and assistance.
Canada indeed has an impressive healthcare standard, but medical services for visitors are pretty expensive. So, to avoid expenses that may ruin the rest of your trip, it’s better to go prepared.
Tipping is customary in Canada as it shows that you enjoyed a service. So, when you receive good service, you are encouraged to tip the provider.
You can tip at restaurants, hotels, taxis and rideshares, bars, and even coffee shops. The standard restaurant practice is to tip about 15-20% of the bill before taxes and about $1-$2 at bars.
Canada has all the ingredients to make an unforgettable experience and help you have the trip of a lifetime. So, ensure that nothing gets in the way by making all necessary preparations like packing layers and getting travel insurance.
Discover Canada Holidays
With snow-capped mountain peaks reflected in turquoise lakes, exploring the picture-postcard sights of Banff National Park is a must when visiting the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Take in those iconic views, paddle the lakes, and breathe in the fresh mountain air. Just taking a walk or hiking among the alpine surroundings is an experience here, but there’s so much more to do. Here’s a list of beest things to do when visiting Banff and Lake Louise.
Churchill in Manitoba is iconic of three wonders of nature: beluga whales, polar bears and the aurora borealis. While it is possible to see the phenomenon of all three in the same trip, each spectacle is distinguished during one or two seasons of Churchill’s three distinct seasons. Your trip of what you want to see in the north will help you decide when you should visit. Read more as we share with you the seasons of Churchill and when to see what.
A Daniel McMahon is the Moorilla Brand Ambassador for Mona. Wine was never his primary passion, and, even now, he is quick to modestly downplay the extent of his wine knowledge.
A truly moving train journey, the Rocky Mountaineer is a majesty of the Canadian Rockies meets the comfort of luxury train travel. All Rocky Mountaineer routes offer two levels of luxury for you to choose from. With either service, enjoy warm hospitality, sophisticated comforts, gourmet dining and spectacular scenery that comes with a Rocky Mountaineer journey. Here you'll find the key differences and similarities for both service levels.
Are you more of a history buff, or a wildlife watcher? Do you yearn to follow the route 19th century gold-seekers, or is spotting a soaring eagle or handsome black bear top of your list? Canada’s luxury train company, Rocky Mountaineer, offers three distinctive rail routes connecting the Pacific city of Vancouver with the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Your Rocky Mountaineer Train journey awaits. Here is a complete guide in helping you choose which one is for you. Discover three distinct rail r
The world famous Tundra Buggy Lodge is a truly unique property and experience located on the tundra in the heart of polar bear country near Churchill. Parked out on the open tundra during polar bear season, wake up to the site of polar bears wandering past your window day and night and immerse yourself in the arctic wildlife on your doorstep. Pair that with warm accommodation and home cooked meals! Not only a polar bear phenomenon but the lodge also offers an optimal position for northern lights