7 Tips to Know Before Traveling to Canada

Planning a trip to Canada? Before you embark on your adventure, it’s important to familiarize yourself with some essential tips to make your journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible. This vast land can be quite overwhelming, it’s the second-largest country in the world, and there’s so much to see and do you won’t have time for everything.

Whether you’re exploring the bustling cityscapes, immersing yourself in the stunning natural landscapes, or experiencing the unique Canadian culture, these tips will ensure you have a memorable and hassle-free experience in the Great White North. So, let’s dive into the essential tips to know before traveling to Canada.

First and foremost, you need to prepare for your journey. Did you know you can see the Northern Lights in Canada too? While making your itinerary of all the beautiful things you want to do, you must make sure you know a few things.

It’s a whole different world in the Great White North, and the rules and regulations, as well as customs and traditions, are different. Here are seven things for you to consider.

The Weather is Bizarre

Canada is known for having some crazy weather. It may be so hot during the day that you need the AC just to breathe, but at night it’s so cold you need to turn on the heat.

The Province you go to dictates everything, so makes sure you know the weather patterns for the area. Check the local forecast and ensure that you pack appropriately for the weather.

There's Two Official Languages

Most countries have one official language, but Canada has English and French, which are both widely spoken. While these are the main dialects, there are over 200 different languages spoken here.

A 20 Percent Tip is Standard

Don’t insult the wait staff by leaving a tip of 10-15 percent. The standard in Canada is 20 percent, and these people depend on this as part of their working wage. The cost of living in Canada is quite a bit higher than most of the US, so not tipping a worker can be detrimental to their paycheck.

The Mounty Loves to Enforce Traffic Laws

You don’t want to get on the wrong side of law enforcement by not obeying the traffic laws. Canadians are passionate about following traffic rules and want their highways to remain safe. Here are some things that will get you an automatic fine in this country:

Not wearing a seatbelt
Using your cell phone without a hands-free device
Smoking with children under 18 in the vehicle
Not signaling when turning

The fines can be pretty hefty depending on the Province, so you should follow the laws.

You Might Need Private Medical Insurance

National Healthcare is a big thing in Canada, but it only applies to the residents. Your American insurance won’t cover you if you get hurt. You might need purchase private medical insurance for your trip, just to avoid paying out of pocket if you have any incidents.

There are 48 National Parks

You’ve come to the right place if you’re a nature buff. Did you know that Canada has 48 national parks they take pride in? Each park has unique features that distinguish it from the next.

Banff National Park is the crown jewel, as it has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its specular views of the lake.

You Must Use the Electronic Travel Authorization System

In 2016, Canada changed the way it handled its visitor visas. The eTA system helps you get the documents you need to enter the country through pre-screening. You can visit this country for up to six months, but you should know that the pass is valid for five years.

Now, should you love it so much that you want to stay, then help from the best Canada immigration consultants might be in order. However, you must go through the eTA to legally enter the country, or you will have problems getting through customs.

It’s a world of wonder and land of intrigue, but if you don’t know all the little ins and outs of traveling to Canada, you could get into some trouble. Thankfully, by following these tips and tricks for your journey, everything should be an adventure and memorable trip.