Essential Tips: What You Should Know Before Traveling to Canada

Canada has been a major tourist destination for decades. Apart from being the second largest country in the world after Russia and the largest country in North America, it is also one of the wealthiest countries in the world. So, the cost of living in Canada is also quite high. There is so much to explore in this beautiful country whether it is their unique fusion of cultures, rich and variable history, pristine and marvelous landscapes, or delicious Canadian cuisine. Blessed with amazingly gorgeous natural beauty and vast land, Canada resembles and differs from her southern neighbor, the United States of America. The Canadian culture and heritage have been greatly influenced by the European immigrants, mostly from two countries – Britain and France. Many residents and citizens of Canada are very proud of this fact and accept this rich European culture with great enthusiasm.

Canada has been acknowledged on the world stage primarily due to its peacekeeping efforts, mature diplomatic skills, and immense respect for human rights. Although the population is very minute compared to its area, Canadians, in general, enjoys a high quality of life and are very friendly and helpful if approached for any help.

A widely urban-based country where you will find people from different cultures and ethnic backgrounds interacting and working together on a daily basis. There are just so many reasons to visit this fabulous and vast country on the Pacific coast.

A fascinating fact about Canada is that it has the longest coastline of any country in the world. Unique facts about Canada include its status as the second-largest country by total area. Canada is also home to the world’s longest street, Yonge Street, stretching 1,896 km (1,178 miles).

Important Pre-Travel Tips and Insights

1. Check the Visa & Entry Requirements

Checking the visa and entry requirements is one of the crucial steps to visit Canada. While some countries. While some countries can obtain visas on arrival, other countries must go through an extensive documentation process to obtain a Canada visit visa.

The visa process for Canada is quite tedious and requires you to follow each and every guideline. Your Canada visa requirements change depending on the visa type and nationality and you will have to meet these requirements as mentioned on the official website of Canada. Follow all the specifications and apply for a visa beforehand to avoid rejection or last-minute delays. For most nationalities, an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is needed to enter Canada.

The Canada ETA validity is typically five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. This electronic authorization allows multiple entries for short stays. It’s important to note that an approved ETA doesn’t guarantee entry into Canada.

2. Time Zones

Canadians use both the 12-hour and the 24-hour clock depending on the provinces you are in. The French-dominated areas use the 24-hour clock system especially in the areas of Quebec and New Brunswick. Avoid confusions and ambiguity in referring to train, bus, or airline schedules as they are generally mentioned in the clock systems of that particular area. So, ensure that you know the clock system followed in the area you explore. Also, Canada uses Daylight saving time – here clocks are moved ahead by one hour and is keenly observed in major parts of the country from the second Sunday from the month of March till the second Sunday of November each year.

3. Tourist Attractions

Home to the iconic Niagara Falls and the imposing Rocky Mountains, Canada has been a popular tourist destination for decades. The diverse culture, friendly people, multi-cultural cuisine, and picturesque natural landscapes are just some of the reasons why people visit this country time and time again.

Some of the popular Canada tourist attractions to check out are Haida Gwaii, Vancouver, Vancouver Island, Niagara Falls in Ontario, Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia, Nahanni National Park Reserve in the Northwest Territories, Quebec, Montreal Jazz Festival held in Quebec, Charlevoix in Quebec, Manitoulin Island in Ontario, The Prairies, Bay of Fundy, Northern Lights, Viking Trail in New Foundland, Drumheller, Banff and Jasper National Parks in Alberta, Green Gables in Prince Edward Island, Churchill in Manitoba, Toronto, Baffin Island, Rideau Canal, and Fall Foliage – the list would just go on.

You can explore and get a new experience in every location you visit. Some of the popular places to visit in Canada are Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, Louisbourg National Historic Site, Athabasca Glacier, Royal Ontario Museum, CN Tower, Auyuittuq National Park, Inglis Grain Elevators National Historic Site, Oratoire St-Joseph, and Roosevelt Campobello International Park.

4. Best Time to visit

The winters in major locations in Canada are very harsh. The southern part of Canada – Ontario faces a comparatively less severe winter. The coastline of British Columbia freezes for most of the winter season. The summer season is generally very hot and short. The months between Novembers to April are a dull season to visit as most of the ski resorts and places outside the major cities close down due to extreme cold and darkness. But if you wish to travel on a budget, you can consider this season.

The months between June to August are a great season to visit Canada, as the weather is warm and pleasant. The tourist population is the maximum in Canada during this season and you can be sure to pay a premium of at least 20% on every expense in Canada you plan to undertake. The months of May, September, and October is the season where the tourist population and season prices drop off. The climate is cool and perfect to enjoy outdoors. The tourist attractions are also open for shorter duration this season.

5. Shopping in Canada

Shopping in Canada is not only about buying and bargaining; it is a fun experience loved by customers. From low-end traditional market to high-end malls, Canada has a huge variety of places to indulge in shopping. Some of the popular shopping destinations preferred by tourists worldwide are Yorkville in Toronto, West Edmonton Mall in Alta, ByWard Market in Ottawa, The Forks – Winnipeg in Man, Pacific Mall in Ontario, Old Quebec City, St. Jacob’s Farmers Market, Yaletown in Vancouver, and Granville Island.

6. Food and Cuisine

People may have never heard of Canadian food. Well, the reason is because the cuisine and diet of the Canadians are mostly English with the remaining being influenced by the French. The English Canadian cuisines vary with every region. Major specialties in the cuisine include maple syrup, butter tarts, Nanaimo bars, fiddleheads, beaver tails, Halifax donairs, poutine, and Peameal bacon. Maple syrup is a major ingredient in the Canadian cuisine. It is a breakfast staple but is used for baked goods, as an appetizer with warm milk and other sauces. The French Canadian cuisine deals with specialties such as Plorine, Tourtiere, Cretons, Cipaille, Oreilles de Christ, Croquignoles, Tarte a la farlouche, Tarte au sucre.

7. Medical Health

Canada boasts of one of the best medical services but it is costly. Hence, it is important to buy a good travel insurance when visiting the country. Major health issues occur due to environmental hazards such as cold exposure and heat exhaustion. Apart from these, infectious diseases such as Giardiasis, Lyme disease, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), and West Nile Virus is quite common.

8. Be Prepared for the Weather

Doing your research on the weather is one of the important things to check before travelling to Canada. However, the weather here isn’t freezing cold all year round, as many of the months in the country experience scorching hot summers. It mainly depends on what region and at what time of the year you want to explore Canada.

Canada features seven different climatic zones, temperatures, and weather norms that vary and will seemingly decide your best time to visit.  Canada weather in November-February is generally characterised by heavy snowfall and avalanches. If you want to visit Canada during winter, make sure you do your research on the weather conditions every day including the operational hours of attractions.

9. Travel Insurance for Canada

Travel insurance for Canada is something you may want to consider when applying for a Canada visa. Yes, as mentioned before, Canada does have one of the great healthcare systems, but it is costly and only applies to Canadians. This means a trip to the hospital in Canada will cost you a pretty fortune without travel insurance. The insurance will cover all medical emergencies and will ensure to have a safe trip to Canada.

10. Research Transportation

Canada is a huge country and this can make your travel quite difficult. Therefore it is essential to learn and understand transportation facilities in the country. There are many different public transportation options available that are well-maintained and connected for your convenience. The bus system in Canada is the most popular means of transport which is both affordable and easy to access.

Beyond the major cities, buses and trains may be less frequent but still there. All you have to do is do some research or ask locals about the operational hours. Wherever you end up travelling to in the country, you will find several modes of transport including subway and trams.

11. Learn Some French

Canada is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the world and not all here speak English. French and English are both the official languages of Canada, but there are many regions where people only speak one of the two languages. There are even some regions where you can find neither language is spoken. Quebec is one such province where French is the sole official language. Visiting this province will reward you with numerous unique things to do in Quebec City and learning some French will come in handy. You dont have to be proficient with the language, but understanding some words of common usage will help you a lot on your trip.

12. Be prepared for tipping

Just like in the United States, tipping is common in Canada in the restaurant, tourism, hospitality, and other service industries. On average 18 percent of the total bill is as a tip for a mean or service received. It is not mandatory, but customary to leave a tip after receiving service from waiters, cab drivers, hotel workers, and hairdressers who were helpful and attentive. Not tipping is considered rude, and people here often tip above the average if they find the service extremely attentive and polite.

13. Plan your stay

One of the biggest disappointments that comes along with your travel plan to Canada is the lack of affordable accommodation. If you are visiting Canada during peak seasons, this trip can actually burn a hole in your wallet. Canada is one of the top-rated tourist destinations and attracts an influx of tourists from across the world. So, you are advised to make advance bookings on hotels, activities, and sightseeing. This will ensure to not pay extra making your Canada travel budget-friendly.

You can also do Couchsurfing to save on your budget offering you a unique way to explore different parts of Canada. It gives you a perfect opportunity to meet the locals, learn about their culture, and have some fun and adventure.

14. Travel Safety

No country in the world is completely safe. While exploring Canada, one might lose important documents or money. This can be a really fun spoiler and lead to serious inconvenience. Before exploring:

• Pack your things in a carry-on bag or suitcase
• Do not carry any valuables when sightseeing on food. If it is not possible to leave them in the room, keep them discreetly while travelling around.
• Beware of common tourist scams such as adding a voluntary tax on your visit, offering a ‘foreigner menu’ with inflated prices, and others.

15. Canada Transit Visa

Travelers passing through Canadian airports may require a Canada transit visa depending on their nationality and destination. This visa allows for a short stopover in Canada while en route to another country. It’s essential to check if you need a transit visa before booking connecting flights through Canada.

Conclusion

So what are you waiting for? Embark on your Canadian journey with a touch of convenience by applying for an Electronic Transfer Authorization (ETA) or a Canada tourist visa, enabling seamless travel and transit experiences across the mesmerizing landscapes of the country. Plan a holiday to this delightful country soon and enjoy a memorable trip with your entire family.