15 Things To Know Before Traveling To Canada

Thinking about going to Canada in the near future?

With bustling cities and wondrous national parks, why wouldn’t anyone want to take in everything this country has to offer!

Canada might share a border with the USA but in many ways Canada is very different from its neighbor.

So, before you plan your trip to Canada there are a few things you should know.

15 Things to Know Before Traveling to Canada

1. Canada is a Big Country!

In fact, Canada is the second-largest country in the world, right after Russia.

Therefore, when you do go to Canada, don’t expect to be able to cover most of the country in just a few weeks. Canada is huge, and traveling from one city to the next means traveling long distances.

If you only have a limited amount of time you’re better off choosing one or two provinces of Canada and focusing on all the things there are to see there.

Also, keep in mind that Canadian cities are very spread out.

So when you are booking a hotel or other accommodation that seems to be close to the main sights or a bus or train station, double-check the distances.

And yes, a hotel in one of the suburbs might be much cheaper, but keep in mind that those suburbs often feel like a separate city with their own shopping malls, parks, supermarkets, etc.

Commuting from a suburb to the main sights can be a pain. And no, you definitely won’t be able to walk everywhere like you might have gotten used to in many European cities.

Just to emphasize how big Canada really is: the country spans 6 time zones!

Canada is made up of 10 provinces and three territories, and if you want to see a good chunk of it during your trip, I recommend renting a car. There are some scenic train routes or you can go on an organized tour, but in general, a car will get you the furthest.

Canada Fun Fact: Canada has the largest coastline in the world!

2. Be Prepared for Canada’s Weather

The most important packing tip for Canada: bring layers!

One of the important things to know before going to Canada is that even if you are visiting Canada in summer, it can get chilly at night in the mountains.

And the weather just varies a lot from place to place.

The British Columbia Coast (Canada’s western coastline) has milder temperatures in winter, but if you are anywhere else in Canada in winter, expect it to get cold… Very cold! Bring a warm woolen hat (Canadians call it a toque), thick gloves, and a scarf to wrap around your face.

Canada’s lowest recorded temperature was -81.4 degrees Fahrenheit (-63 C) in 1947!

Canada Fun Fact: In Newfoundland, Canada, the Atlantic Ocean sometimes freezes so people play hockey on it!

3. Canada Has Two Official Languages

A majority of Canadians speak English as their first language. But French, Canada’s second official language, is the mother tongue of about 20% of the Canadian population.

And with Canada being such a multicultural society you’ll find different levels of proficiency in those languages, many different accents, and numerous other languages spoken.

French is the dominant language in the province of Quebec. But, the Quebecois twang and slang is a world away from the Parisian French you may have learnt in school.

4. Tipping in Canada

Tipping in Canada is similar to tipping in the USA.

When you receive services from waiters, hairdressers, cab drivers, hotel employees, and others, you are expected to give a tip.

Although tipping isn’t mandatory, in most cases a tip in the range of 15% to 20% is the standard.

5. Be Prepared to Have Sales Tax Added to Your Bills

Canada adds a federal sales tax to all goods and services. And on top of that, most provinces also have their own tax.

This means that, depending on where you are in Canada, your bill could come with up to about 15% taxes.

So when you buy something in a store, the price you see on the label is not the final price. But also expect these taxes to be added to your restaurant bills, hotel bills, etc.

Just like the Americans, Canadians love their promotions, sales, and special offers. Therefore, always compare prices before you buy!

For example, gas prices can vary significantly from station to station, and they change almost daily.

Note: There once was a tax refund program for visitors. This program, however, was dropped in 2007, so the taxes you pay while you’re in Canada stay in Canada.

6. Canadians are Polite

Canadians have a reputation for being polite. They generally behave very well in public, and anything considered “disruptive” or “offensive” is frowned upon.

Cutting in line, making a scene, catcalling, loitering, littering, being drunk in public… just don’t do it anywhere, but definitely not in Canada!

Canadians are known for their tolerance and are very nonconfrontational. To some, they might come across as somewhat reserved, and they will say sorry even if there is absolutely no need to apologize for anything!

7. You Can Expect Good Customer Service in Canada

Similar to the USA, Canada is a consumer society and that means the customer is normally king.

Most stores open seven days a week and close late at night. Restaurants cater to every possible diet, and waiters tend to be friendly and attentive.

There are toll-free numbers to talk to customer service representatives, and whatever service you need will usually work just fine.

8. Driving in Canada

Especially when you drive to Canada from the USA it’s good to know that speed limits are different in Canada. So before you start driving, check what the local speed limits are!

Like in most countries mobile phones must be used hands-free when driving, and in Canada it is also illegal to smoke in a car if you are with a minor.

Driving conditions can get extremely hazardous in winter. Make sure you have a charged mobile phone and an emergency kit when you head out in snowy weather.

And if your car isn’t ready for winter driving, consider renting a car that is better equipped.

Canada Fun fact: Canada has fewer people in its entire country than Tokyo has in its metropolitan area!

9. You Will Need Health Insurance

Canada might be well known for its excellent healthcare system, but that’s only for Canadians.

If you get injured while visiting Canada and don’t have adequate health insurance, you could be presented with huge medical bills.

So before you travel to Canada make sure you have travel insurance that covers any medical expenses in Canada!

10. The Legal Drinking Age in Canada is 18 or 19

Depending on the province, the legal drinking age in Canada is either 18 or 19.

The drinking age also applies to buying liquor and beer, which in most parts of Canada is at specially designated liquor and beer stores, not in grocery or convenience stores.

Because the legal drinking age in Canada is lower than in the USA you will find a lot of young Americans just across the border looking for a party.

11. Make Sure You Have The Right Travel Documents

Unless you are a US citizen, you’ll normally need either a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter Canada. What you need depends on what passport you hold, so make sure to check this long before your travel date.

The ETA is mandatory for all visa-free nationals except Americans. You’ll need to get this before you board your flight to Canada.

Getting your ETA is a simple online process though that takes only a few minutes to complete.

12. Emergency Information

Hopefully you won’t need this, but it’s definitely one of the things to know before going to Canada.

The phone number for contacting emergency services, including the police, medical services, and firefighters in Canada is 911.

13. Kilometers, Celsius, and Liters

Unlike neighboring USA, Canadians use the metric system. Well, in theory.

In practice, it’s a bit of a mix. Distance and speed you’ll see posted in kilometers, but if you ask a Canadian how tall he is, he’ll answer in feet and inches. And his weight, if he’ll tell you, will be in pounds.

For the weather, Canadians use Celsius, but when it comes to baking they tend to switch to Fahrenheit.

And if you are driving and need to stop for gas, keep in mind that the prices are per liter, not per gallon.

Also Read: Tips for Driving Abroad for the First Time

14. Tim Hortons Is a Must-Visit

Tim Hortons is an institution in Canada and you simply can’t miss it. That is, because it’s everywhere!

Nearly every town in Canada has a Tim Hortons. It’s a coffee, sandwich and donut shop chain, named after a hockey player.

If you are looking for a cheap coffee or a snack, go to your nearest ‘Timmies’ and skip the Starbucks!

Canadians either love or hate Tim Hortons, but as a traveler stop there at least once to form your own opinion.

15. Explore Canada’s Nature!

Yes, Canada has cool, modern and popular cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. With lots of culture, good food and plenty of things to do they make for good destinations, but Canada’s true beauty is outside of its cities.

Because of Canada’s size and relatively small population, most of the country is wild and unspoilt.

Canada Fun fact: Canada has more lakes than the rest of the world’s lakes combined.

There are huge areas of pristine, unspoiled wilderness waiting to be explored when you go to Canada.

Whether it is tramping across a glacier in the Rocky Mountains, hiking through coastal rainforests on Vancouver Island, or canoeing through Ontario’s lakes, Canada’s great outdoors can’t be missed!

If you love outdoor sports such as hiking, camping, canoeing, skiing, fishing, bird watching, etc. you will be in your element in Canada.

Also Read: The Best Outdoor Activities in Toronto

Canada has so many national parks that offer great activities and incredible views. So at least try to fit in one or two of them when traveling to Canada!

Also Read: Places to See in Banff National Park, Canada’s Oldest National Park

Last-Minute Tips Before You Go

Before you head off on your Canadian adventure, here are a few quick tips to make life easier:

• Download a local transit app if you’re sticking to the cities.
• Carry a refillable water bottle. Most tap water sources are safe and delicious.
• Pack a small first-aid kit, especially if you plan to hike or explore the outdoors.
• Be ready for spotty internet and limited cell service if you’re heading to remote areas.
• Keep an eye on local health and safety warnings, like wildfires in British Columbia, mosquitoes and ticks in summer, or the occasional bear encounter in the wilderness.
• Check out local events or festivals. They’re a great way to experience Canadian culture firsthand.
• Take a moment to learn about Indigenous communities and protected lands, and respect local traditions to make your trip more meaningful.

And don’t stress about seeing everything: Canada is huge, so enjoy your trip, take in the scenery, and let yourself be surprised by the little things along the way.

Also Read:

• What Not to Miss When Visiting Nova Scotia, Canada
• 2 Days in Quebec City – A Complete Itinerary
• Things to Do Outdoors in Toronto
• The Ultimate Bucket List – 14 Once in a Lifetime Destinations

 
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