Canada Travel Guide
Visiting Canada is one of those trips that sticks with you. If you're using a travel guide to plan it all out, you’ll quickly realize just how much there is to see and do. I spent a few weeks exploring different parts of the country, and honestly, I barely scratched the surface. Whether you're wandering through Toronto's downtown neighborhoods or soaking up the French influence in Montreal, you’ll find plenty of personality packed into each city.
What really stands out in any good travel guide to Canada is how deeply connected everything feels to nature. Even in the cities, you’re never far from wide open spaces. I remember hiking through Banff and just standing still for a moment, surrounded by turquoise lakes and snow-capped peaks. If you’re into the outdoors, you’ll never run out of things to do in Canada. From kayaking on calm lakes to watching northern lights in the Yukon, it’s a dream for anyone who likes wild places.
Niagara Falls is probably already on your list, and yeah, it’s as dramatic as you’d expect. But your travel guide should also include smaller, lesser-known spots. I found a quiet village in Newfoundland where the cliffs dropped straight into the Atlantic and saw more wildlife in a day than I had in months back home. These are the kinds of experiences that make you realize how much variety there is when it comes to things to do in Canada.
The cultural side surprised me too. You’ll notice the mix of Indigenous heritage, British and French influence, and a blend of global communities everywhere you go. That diversity isn’t just a fact—it shows up in everyday life, from the food to festivals to street art. When I was in Vancouver, I went from eating the best sushi I’ve ever had to joining a local celebration that I just stumbled into while walking around. That mix is what makes your travel guide more than just a checklist.
Another thing I loved? How safe and easy everything felt. Even when I was on my own, whether hiking a trail or catching a ferry, it felt calm and welcoming. Everyone I met was quick to offer directions or recommend a favorite local spot. It reminded me that some of the best things to do in Canada aren't always found in guidebooks—they come from spontaneous conversations and taking a little extra time.
If you're planning your trip, let this be your travel guide to all the unforgettable places and moments waiting across Canada. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, there are always new things to do in Canada that will make you want to stay just a bit longer.
“Canada is the essence of not being. Not English, not American, it is the mathematics of not being.”
Check out our YouTube Channel for all things Canada
Canada Travel Guide
Do I need a visa? And how do I get one?
If you’re from the US, you don’t need a visa, just a valid passport. If you're flying in and you're from a visa-exempt country (like the UK or most of Europe), you’ll need an eTA, which you can apply for online. It takes a few minutes and costs a few bucks. If you’re from somewhere else, you might need a full visa, which takes longer, so check Canada’s immigration site early.
How long can I stay on a visitor visa?
Most travelers can stay up to six months. The officer at the border will sometimes stamp a shorter time, but usually you get the full six months. Just make sure you don’t overstay, because they do keep track.
What's the local currency?
You’ll be using Canadian dollars. It’s not the same as US dollars, though they look kind of similar if you squint. The bills are super colorful and the coins have nicknames like “loonies” and “toonies,” which is just very Canadian.
Should I exchange money before I go, or use ATMs?
I usually just hit an ATM when I arrive. You’ll get better rates than at currency exchange booths, especially airport ones. Just check with your bank about foreign transaction fees. If you want a bit of cash in hand before flying, it’s not a bad idea, but you don’t need much.
Do I need any vaccinations?
No special ones unless you’re coming from a region with something like yellow fever. If your regular vaccines are up to date, you’re fine. Canada has solid healthcare, and I’ve never needed anything extra to visit.
Is the tap water safe to drink?
Yes, totally safe. In fact, in most places it’s really good. You can drink straight from the tap without thinking twice. I always travel with a reusable water bottle and just refill it.
Is the country safe to visit?
Definitely. Canada’s one of the safest places you can travel. Cities are clean, people are polite, and crime rates are low. You still want to take normal precautions, like watching your stuff in busy areas, but I’ve always felt really safe there. Weather can be wild, especially in winter, so just stay updated if you’re visiting during storm season.
What’s the avg temp by month?
That depends on where you go. Canada’s huge. Winter (Dec to Feb) can be brutally cold, especially in the prairies or up north. Think -10°C to -30°C in places like Winnipeg. Spring starts warming up around April. Summers (Jun to Aug) are nice, usually 20 to 30°C in most cities. Fall (Sep to Nov) cools off fast and gets pretty colorful. If you’re visiting the coasts, like Vancouver, winters are milder but wetter.
How do I get around (transportation options)?
Cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver have decent public transit. But if you want to explore nature or smaller towns, you’ll need a car. Distances are big, and some areas don’t have much public transport. I’ve done both—trains are nice for scenic routes, but driving gives you way more freedom.
What are the local customs and etiquette regarding tipping?
Tipping is expected pretty much everywhere. At restaurants, 15 to 20 percent is standard. You tip cab drivers, hairdressers, hotel staff too. It’s part of how people earn their living. I always add it directly when I pay with a card, or leave cash on the table if I’m paying that way.
What's the local food like? Can I find vegetarian/vegan options?
Canadian food is kind of a mix of global influences with some local twists. Think poutine, maple syrup everything, and butter tarts. Bigger cities have loads of vegetarian and vegan spots. I’ve found great plant-based restaurants in Toronto and Vancouver. Even smaller towns usually have at least a couple solid options. You won’t go hungry.
Please note rules and regulations change, so always best to double check before you go.