Canada is the second-largest country in the world, stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific and up into the Arctic. Its diversity of geography, culture, and climate makes it both exciting and challenging for travelers.
🛂 Entry & Documentation
- Do: Check visa requirements. Many visitors need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a tourist visa.
- Don’t: Assume entry is automatic—border officials may ask detailed questions about your stay.
🚆 Transportation
- Do: Plan for long distances. Canada is vast, and traveling between provinces often requires flights.
- Don’t: Expect to cover the whole country in one trip—it’s better to focus on regions.
💵 Money & Payments
- Do: Use credit/debit cards. Contactless payments are widely accepted.
- Don’t: Rely only on cash—many businesses prefer cards.
🏨 Accommodation
- Do: Book hotels or lodges early, especially near national parks or during festivals.
- Don’t: Assume availability in remote areas—options may be limited.
🍁 Food & Dining
- Do: Try local specialties like poutine, butter tarts, and fresh seafood in coastal provinces.
- Don’t: Forget tipping—15–20% is standard in restaurants.
🛡️ Safety & Health
- Do: Get travel insurance. Healthcare is excellent but not free for visitors.
- Don’t: Ignore wildlife warnings—Canada’s wilderness is home to bears, moose, and other large animals.
🎭 Culture & Etiquette
- Do: Respect Canada’s bilingual nature—English and French are both official languages.
- Don’t: Assume everyone speaks English fluently, especially in Quebec.
- Do: Be polite—Canadians value courtesy and respect.
📱 Connectivity
- Do: Buy a local SIM card or roaming plan. Coverage is good in cities but limited in remote areas.
- Don’t: Depend only on free Wi-Fi—it’s not always available outside urban centers.
✅ Dos and ❌ Don’ts Summary Table
| ✅ Dos | ❌ Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Check visa/eTA requirements | Assume automatic entry |
| Plan for long distances | Try to cover all provinces |
| Use credit/debit cards | Rely only on cash |
| Book accommodation early | Expect availability everywhere |
| Tip 15–20% | Skip tipping |
| Buy travel insurance | Ignore wildlife warnings |
| Respect bilingual culture | Assume English everywhere |
| Get local SIM | Depend only on free Wi-Fi |
⚠️ Risks & Challenges
- Weather extremes: Winters can be harsh, especially in northern provinces—pack accordingly.
- Wildlife encounters: Bears and moose are common in rural areas—follow park guidelines.
- High costs: Major cities like Toronto and Vancouver can be expensive—budget wisely.
- Distance fatigue: Canada’s size makes travel time-consuming—focus on fewer regions for deeper experiences.
✨ Final Thoughts
Travelling across Canada is about embracing vast landscapes, multicultural cities, and warm hospitality. Preparation, respect for local customs, and awareness of practical dos and don’ts will make your journey smoother and more rewarding.
