Essential Travel Information for Canada

Here is the Essential Travel Information you will need to make any trip to Canada a success!

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Canada largely depends on the activities you're interested in and the experiences you want to have.

Summer (June to August): This is widely considered the best time to visit for warm weather and outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and enjoying the great outdoors. Summer is also when you can visit the national parks and partake in various festivals and events across the country​​​​.

Shoulder Season (May, September, and October): Traveling during the shoulder season can offer cheaper deals. September, after the Labour Day weekend, is particularly savvy for travelers as the prices drop and crowds disperse, yet the weather often remains good enough for high-altitude hiking, kayaking, and beach visits​​. In the fall, particularly September and October, the weather is pleasant, crowds are thinner, and accommodation prices are more affordable compared to the summer months​​.

Fall (September to November): If you're attracted to the natural beauty of fall foliage, the months of September to November showcase Canada in vibrant colors, with cooler weather and beautiful autumn leaves. This is also a time when you can experience the country's natural beauty in a more serene environment​​.

Peak Summer (July and August): These months are the warmest throughout the country, even in the far north. However, these are also the busiest and often the most expensive times to visit, especially in the south​​.

Top 10 Festivals to check out in Canada

Here are some of the biggest yearly festivals in Canada that you may want to attend:

1. Vancouver International Wine Festival (March, Vancouver): A premier event for wine enthusiasts, featuring a vast assortment of wines and a variety of tastings and seminars​​.

2. Canadian Music Week (April, Toronto): A diverse music festival spanning genres and including a music industry conference, offering networking opportunities for artists and industry professionals​​.

3. Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival (April, Vancouver): Celebrates the beauty of cherry blossoms with picnics, poetry, and music, transforming the city into a floral artwork​​.

4. Canadian Tulip Festival (May, Ottawa): A historical event featuring millions of tulips, symbolizing the friendship between Canada and the Netherlands, accompanied by cultural events​​.

5. Luminato Festival (June, Toronto): An arts festival showcasing creative works across a variety of artistic disciplines, reflecting Toronto’s cultural diversity​​.

6. Calgary Stampede (July, Calgary): Known as “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” this festival celebrates Western Canadian heritage with rodeos, music, and a carnival atmosphere​​.

7. Montreal International Jazz Festival (July, Montreal): The world’s largest jazz festival, offering performances by legendary musicians as well as emerging artists across genres​​.

8. Edmonton Folk Music Festival (August, Edmonton): A celebration of folk and roots music, featuring artists from around the world and fostering a sense of community​​.

9. Great Canadian Beer Festival (September, Victoria): A tribute to craft beer, with a wide variety of artisan brews, food pairings, and a communal vibe​​.

10. Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) (September, Toronto): A major film festival showcasing diverse cinematic works from established and upcoming filmmakers​​.

    
    

Climate

Canada offers a climate kaleidoscope, from the mild breezes of the coastal cities to the crisp Arctic chill up north. If you're heading to coastal spots like Vancouver, pack for gentle winters and pleasant summers — it's great for year-round visits! Inland calls for a warm coat; the further you go, the more you'll experience Canada's famous cold winters, perfect for skiing or snowshoeing under the aurora borealis.

Summer inland is when the heat turns up, offering sun-soaked days ideal for wilderness explorations. And if you're a fan of autumn hues, the central regions offer a picturesque fall palette.

Rain lovers will enjoy the west coast's lush, rainy season, while the east coast, with its milder rain, offers refreshing sea breezes. Ontario and Quebec balance the scales with rainfall that nurtures vibrant green summers and snowy winters — ensuring postcard-perfect scenes year-round.

So whether you're packing sunglasses or snow boots, Canada's climate has a little something for every kind of explorer. Just remember to check local weather as you pack, and you'll be set for an unforgettable Canadian adventure!

Packing Tips

When packing for Canada, consider the following tips to ensure you're prepared for its diverse climates:

• Layer Up: Weather can be unpredictable, so bring layers you can add or remove easily. Include a mix of short and long sleeves, sweaters, and a waterproof jacket.

• Footwear: Durable, comfortable shoes for walking, and waterproof boots if you’re venturing into nature or visiting during wet or snowy seasons.

• Accessories: Don't forget hats, gloves, and scarves for the colder regions, and a sunhat and sunglasses for sunnier spots.

• Sun Protection: Even in winter, the sun can be strong, especially in the snow. Pack sunscreen and lip balm with SPF.

• Tech Prep: A power adapter if you’re coming from outside North America, and consider a portable charger for long days out.

• Health & Safety: Travel insurance is a must, along with a basic first-aid kit and any personal medications.

Remember, packing is all about the season and your itinerary, so tailor your suitcase to the activities you've planned and the time of year you're visiting.

Currency

The currency in Canada is the Canadian Dollar (CAD), symbolized by "$" or "C$" to distinguish it from other dollar-denominated currencies. It's divided into 100 smaller units known as cents. Notes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 dollars, which are color-coded and feature notable Canadian figures and symbols. Coins come in denominations of 5 cents (nickel), 10 cents (dime), 25 cents (quarter), one dollar (loonie), and two dollars (toonie).

For tourists, it's useful to have a mix of cash and cards. Most places accept credit and debit cards, but having some cash on hand is good for smaller purchases. It's also recommended to exchange currency at banks or official currency exchange outlets for the best rates. ATMs are widely available for cash withdrawals. Keep in mind that sales taxes are added at the time of purchase and are not included in the listed price.

Time Zone

Canada spans six primary time zones from east to west:

• Pacific Standard Time (PST): Used in British Columbia and the Yukon.

• Mountain Standard Time (MST): Used in Alberta, parts of the Northwest Territories, and some areas of British Columbia.

• Central Standard Time (CST): Used in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and parts of Nunavut.

• Eastern Standard Time (EST): Used in Ontario and Quebec.

• Atlantic Standard Time (AST): Used in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Labrador.

• Newfoundland Standard Time (NST): Used exclusively in Newfoundland and parts of Labrador.

Additionally, during daylight saving time, regions that observe it turn their clocks forward by one hour. Newfoundland Standard Time is unique as it is 30 minutes ahead of Atlantic Standard Time. Keep in mind the time zone differences if you're planning a cross-country trip!

Communication

Language: Canada is officially bilingual in English and French, reflecting the country's history and the presence of a large Francophone population, particularly in Quebec. English is the most widely spoken language, but French is prevalent in Quebec and parts of New Brunswick and Ontario. Government services, packaging, and public signs are often in both languages.

WiFi: Canada offers widespread WiFi access, especially in urban areas. Coffee shops, libraries, hotels, airports, and even some public spaces like parks offer free WiFi. It's generally reliable and easy to connect to.

Phone Service: Canada has a well-developed telecommunications network, with multiple mobile service providers offering various plans. For tourists, prepaid SIM cards are available, and international plans can be purchased from most providers. Roaming charges can be high, so it’s advisable to check options before traveling.

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is a common practice in Canada, and it's considered a part of the culture, especially in the service industry. Here's a general guideline:

• Restaurants: 15-20% of the pre-tax bill is standard for sit-down service, with 20% for exceptional service.

• Bars: $1-2 per drink or 15-20% of the tab.

• Taxis: 10-15% of the fare.

• Food Delivery: 10-20%, depending on the difficulty of the order and delivery conditions.

• Hairdressers and barbers: 10-20%.

• Hotel staff: Bellhops typically receive $1-2 per bag, and housekeeping $2-5 per night.

Tipping is discretionary and should reflect the quality of service received. It's worth noting that service workers in Canada often rely on tips as a significant part of their income.

Electric Plugs

In Canada, the standard voltage is 120 V, and the frequency is 60 Hz. The electrical outlets used are Type A and Type B, which are the same as those found in the United States. Type A outlets have two flat parallel pins, and Type B outlets have two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin. Travelers from countries with different outlet types will need an adapter for their electronic devices.

Sustainable Travel Tips

Here are some sustainable travel tips for visiting Canada:

• Use Public Transport: Take advantage of Canada's extensive public transportation networks, especially in urban areas.

• Support Local: Eat at local restaurants, shop from local markets, and stay at locally-owned accommodations.

• Eco-Friendly Tours: Choose tours and activities that have a low environmental impact and contribute to conservation efforts.

• Reduce Plastic: Carry a reusable water bottle, bags, and containers.

• Stay on Trails: When hiking or exploring natural areas, stick to marked trails to protect wildlife and plant ecosystems.

• Leave No Trace: Dispose of waste properly and recycle when possible.

• Offset Carbon Emissions: Consider offsetting your flight's carbon emissions through various programs that invest in renewable energy or reforestation.