The lure of the vast, scenic landscapes, multicultural cities, and friendly locals makes Canada a top choice for many travellers worldwide. A journey to the Great White North is an exciting adventure that many travellers aspire to undertake because this country, the second-largest in the world by land area, boasts a wealth of natural beauty and vibrant cities brimming with cultural richness. Residents of northern US states often like to hop over the border for a change of scenery.
However, prospective travellers must equip themselves with key knowledge about the nation before embarking on this journey. As with any international trip, proper preparation is key to enjoying a hassle-free experience. This blog post will explore some essential tips one should remember before embarking on their journey. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list but rather an overview of tips to help you plan your trip.
Learn About the Canadian Geography
Canada boasts diverse landscapes, including mountains, forests, prairies, and Arctic tundra. Understanding geography helps you plan transportation options, such as flights, trains, or road trips, to navigate between cities and attractions efficiently. It allows you to estimate travel times, identify scenic routes, and make informed decisions about the best modes of transportation for your itinerary.
Obtain The Right Documentation
As an international traveller visiting Canada, you must possess valid travel documents. These typically include a passport valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date from Canada. Additionally, citizens from certain countries may require an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) or a visitor visa to enter Canada.
If you plan to stay in Canada for an extended period or a specific purpose, such as work, study, or visiting family, you may require additional documentation. For instance, depending on the nature of your visit, you might need a work permit, study permit, or visitor record.
Keep all your travel documents together. For instance, even though it seems trivial, have copies of your arrival and departure travel tickets and accommodation reservations. Digital copies of these records will suffice. You don’t need to print these records out – Download a PDF to your phone to access them in airplane mode.
Start Adapting To Weather Conditions
Canadian weather can be unpredictable and varies significantly across regions. While summers are warm in most areas of the country, winters can be harsh, especially in the northern regions where temperatures drop below freezing point. Therefore travellers must pack appropriate clothing based on the season and region they plan on visiting. Being overplanned for a trip up north is fine, especially during the winter months.
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Get Familiar With Local Customs And Etiquette
Canadians are known for politeness and friendliness, reflecting their customs and etiquette. A firm handshake is common when meeting someone for the first time while frequently saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ in everyday conversation. While touring Canada, you should check out the local cuisine like poutine, beavertails, maple taffy, and others. It is best to check out the foods near where you are travelling. Also, inform your hotel/host about any food allergies you may have. Seafood is abundant in restaurants near the coast, and beef is a staple in the prairies. Each region boasts its own locally sourced fresh foods for you to enjoy. Ask locals for restaurant recommendations to be sure to find great local cuisine..
Take Health and Safety Precautions
Travel insurance before travelling internationally is advisable as medical care can be expensive when traveling without it. If you travel during the winter, getting your flu shots before heading out is advisable. While COVID vaccines are not currently required to enter Canada, an up-to-date COVID vaccine is advised.
Gather Currency and Figure Out Payment Methods
Ensure you get enough Canadian Dollars (CAD) to last your trip. However, stay under the limit as outlined by Canadian immigration. Otherwise, it might create issues at the port of entry. International credit cards are widely accepted, but carrying some cash might be helpful, especially in remote areas or small establishments where card payment might not be available.
Learn About Ways To Travel Within Canada
Given its size, getting around within Canada requires careful planning. Various parts of the country have internal rail networks, and the Canadian National Railway connects different provinces. Whether you travel by car, train or bus, the scenic beauty of the country is a big part of what draws visitors. A popular vacation choice is to go RV-ing to enjoy all that Canadian nature has to offer. In any case, flights connect every part of the country where tourists would want to go. Wherever you want to go, you must do some groundwork and plan in advance. Long-distance travel should be prioritized first in the itinerary. Travelling internally within a city can be impromptu, given the proliferation of ridesharing apps, public transit, and options to walk and cycle within city centers.
