Canada

Canada is the world’s second-largest country, spanning nearly 10 million square kilometers. This northern nation boasts incredible diversity, from the cosmopolitan streets of Toronto to the snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies, as well as pristine forests, endless prairies, and the Arctic tundra.

Key Highlights

• Canadian Rockies – Nature’s Gem: Experience the turquoise waters of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, take advantage of Parks Canada shuttles (booking starts in April), explore the Athabasca Glacier with walking tours starting at $97 CAD, and travel along the scenic Icefields Parkway, which stretches 230 km.
• Niagara Falls and CN Tower – Tourism Classics: Enjoy free access to Niagara Falls 24/7, take the Journey Behind the Falls for $30 CAD, and visit the CN Tower in Toronto for $40-50 CAD, with timed entry and the option to stay until the end of the day.
• Convenient Flights and Transportation: Major airports are located in Calgary, Vancouver, and Toronto, offering advance security slot booking. Domestic flights range from $150 to $400 CAD, and there’s a special VIA Rail promotion available on Tuesdays, providing a 10% discount with the code TUESDAY.
• Seasonal Planning Features: Visit during the summer (June-August) for access to mountain parks; parking often fills before dawn. Autumn showcases golden foliage, while winter offers skiing in Whistler ($139-179 CAD per day) and the Rideau Canal skating rink, which stretches 7.8 km.
• Maritime Provinces and Unique Attractions: Discover the Bay of Fundy, where tides reach up to 16 meters, visit the Anne of Green Gables house on Prince Edward Island ($18 CAD), and explore Halifax, known for its Titanic artifact collection and delicious lobster rolls priced at $25-35 CAD.
• Practical Safety Tips: Bear spray is mandatory in mountain areas ($40 CAD). Maintain a distance of 30 meters from large animals and 100 meters from bears. Make noise on trails and store food in bear-proof containers.

Article Overview

This comprehensive Canada travel guide provides essential information for planning a trip to the world’s second-largest country. The article addresses all aspects of travel, from the best times to visit to detailed itineraries through major regions, complete with accurate prices and operating hours for attractions.

What the Guide Covers:

• Transportation: flights, transfer specifics, car rentals, and public transport with pricing.
• Regional Overview: Western, Central, Eastern Canada, and the Maritime provinces, including key cities.
• Canada Attractions: the top 10 must-see places with detailed practical information.
• Active Recreation: hiking, water sports, winter entertainment, and tour prices.
• Practical Aspects: cuisine, shopping, a ready-made 7-day itinerary, and answers to frequently asked questions.

When to Travel to Canada

Summer Season (June-August) – The Best Period for Most Regions

The summer months are ideal for a Canada vacation. Lake Louise and Moraine Lake typically thaw by late May, and the alpine tourism season begins in late June. Expect comfortable temperatures of about +20°C in Vancouver, up to +25°C in Toronto, and +15-18°C in the Rockies during the day.

Important Note: Parking at popular locations fills up before dawn and remains full until sunset. Advance booking of Parks Canada shuttles is mandatory — this is the only guarantee to reach the famous lakes.

Autumn – Golden Foliage Time

September and October are especially beautiful in Eastern Canada, as leaves turn vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red. In the Rockies, larches turn a stunning gold.

Winter – Skiing and Winter Entertainment

From December to March, the weather can be harsh, but it offers unique recreational opportunities in Canada. Enjoy skiing in Whistler, ice skating on the 7.8-km Rideau Canal in Ottawa, or viewing the northern lights.

Spring – Cherry Blossom Season in Vancouver

April and May are ideal for visiting the west coast. Vancouver is renowned for its cherry blossom season, although snow may still linger in the mountains.

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Transportation and Flights to Canada

International Airports

The main entry points are Calgary (YYC), Vancouver (YVR), Toronto Pearson (YYZ), and Montreal Pierre Trudeau (YUL). When planning your routes, remember the vast distances; for example, a flight from Vancouver to Toronto takes about 4.5 hours, while to Halifax it takes around 6.5 hours.

Many Canadian airports offer advance time slot booking for security screening, allowing you to essentially skip lines and save significant time.

Domestic Aviation

Canada’s aviation market is primarily served by two major airlines: WestJet and Air Canada. Ticket costs range from 150 to 400 Canadian dollars, depending on the route.

Budget carriers include Flair Air and Porter Airlines, with Porter being particularly popular due to their economy tickets, which often include complimentary drinks, snacks, and Wi-Fi.

When considering budget airlines, be aware of additional fees. Prices often do not include carry-on or checked baggage, and some flights may operate from airports located farther from city centers.

Transfer Specifics at Canadian Airports

A common frustration with Canadian aviation is that when transferring from international to domestic flights, you may need to go to the baggage claim area, retrieve your luggage, check it in again, and pass through security once more. This can be very stressful on tight connections, so always clarify this before booking short layovers.

Flight Alternatives

Unfortunately, alternatives to flying are not very robust.

Bus Connections: Intercity bus options are limited since Greyhound ceased operations nationwide in 2021. For shorter distances, there are several companies, such as Flixbus, which offers routes like Niagara Falls to Toronto for about $25 CAD.

Railway Connections: VIA Rail is the only national passenger railway company in Canada, but it is known for delays, especially on long-distance routes.

Money-Saving Tip for Trains: The best day to book is Tuesday, as VIA Rail frequently runs specials on that day, offering a 10% discount on tickets with the code TUESDAY.

Urban Transportation

Major Canadian cities offer excellent public transport options, including buses, streetcars, ferries, and rapid transit systems like SkyTrain in Vancouver, TTC in Toronto, and the metro in Montreal. You won’t need to rent a car while traveling within these cities.

However, if you plan to venture into nature or explore areas outside of city centers, a car becomes necessary in Canada.

Car Rentals and Bicycles

When comparing car rental options, using aggregators like Discover Cars can be beneficial as they allow you to search for offers from multiple companies simultaneously.

Most major Canadian cities have Bike Share programs, making cycling a great way to get around for those who enjoy it.

Major Regions of Canada

Western Canada (British Columbia and Alberta)

Vancouver: A Metropolis Between Ocean and Mountains

As Canada’s third-largest city, Vancouver blends urban culture with breathtaking natural scenery. Stanley Park, spanning over 400 hectares, is a must-visit, featuring walking trails and bike paths. The Capilano Suspension Bridge, which stretches 137 meters at a height of 70 meters, offers thrilling views among ancient fir trees.

Practical Information:

• Stanley Park entry: Free.
• Capilano Bridge ticket: $80 CAD for adults.
• Operating hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (summer until 8:00 PM).

Whistler: A Renowned Ski Resort

Located 120 km from Vancouver along the picturesque Sea to Sky Highway, Whistler offers skiing in winter and hiking in summer across its two mountains—Whistler and Blackcomb.

Costs:

• Daily ski pass in winter: $150-330 CAD.
• Summer lift: $49 CAD for adults.

Vancouver Island and Victoria City

North America’s largest west coast island is renowned for its mild climate and vibrant artistic community. Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, is famous for its Butchart Gardens.

Calgary: Gateway to the Rockies

Calgary is just a 1.5-hour drive from Banff, making it an ideal starting point for exploring Canada’s national parks.

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Canadian Rockies

Banff National Park: Home to Lake Louise and Banff Town

Lake Louise is the park’s signature attraction, named after Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, the fourth daughter of Queen Victoria.

Important Visiting Information:

• Parks Canada shuttles operate from May through October.
• Booking opens in April.
• 40% of seats are available at the time of booking, with the remainder released 48 hours before the trip.
• Lake Moraine is closed to private vehicles year-round; access is only via Parks Canada shuttles or licensed commercial operators from June to mid-October.

Popular Hikes:

• Lake Agnes Tea House trail: 5.5 km, 3-4 hours.
• Sentinel Pass hike: 7 km, 800m elevation gain, suitable for experienced hikers.
• Lake Louise loop: 5.3 km, an easy route.

Jasper National Park: Less Crowded but Equally Stunning

The largest park in the Canadian Rockies (over 11,000 km²) attracts half the visitors of Banff. The main town of Jasper feels more local and tranquil.

Activities:

• Athabasca River Rafting: $89 CAD, class 2 (suitable for beginners).
• Maligne Canyon: Easy 2 km hike with canyon views.
• Athabasca Glacier: Ice walking tours starting at $97 CAD.

Icefields Parkway – One of the World’s Most Scenic Roads

The 230-kilometer route between Lake Louise and Jasper features massive ice fields and over 100 glaciers. Note that there is only one gas station along the way, so be sure to fuel up in advance.

Stops Along the Way:

• Bow Lake: Short walk to the water.
• Peyto Lake: 10-minute easy walk to a viewpoint.
• Columbia Icefield Center: Glacier excursions available.

Athabasca Glacier and Ice Walk

Athabasca is one of the six main glaciers in the Columbia Icefield and has lost half its volume over the past 125 years.

Visiting Options:

• Ice Explorer Bus: $63 CAD for a short glacier trip.
• Guided Walking Tour: $126 CAD for a full ice walk with equipment included.

Central Canada (Ontario)

Toronto: The Country’s Largest City

Toronto, Canada’s largest city with 2.7 million residents, is home to over 200 ethnic groups speaking more than 140 languages.

CN Tower – the iconic symbol of the city at 553 meters:

• Tickets sold a maximum of 30 days in advance.
• Main observation deck (346m): $40-50 CAD.
• SkyPod (highest deck): Additional $12 CAD.
• Entry time is linked to your ticket, but you can stay until the end of the day.

Other Attractions in Toronto:

• Toronto Islands: Beaches and amusement parks.
• Casa Loma: $30 CAD for adults.
• Royal Ontario Museum: $25 CAD.
• St. Lawrence Market: Free entry.

Ottawa: Capital with Many Museums

As the political and cultural center of Canada, Ottawa attracts tourists with its diverse array of museums. Notable museums include:

• Canadian Museum of History: The country’s largest and most visited museum.
• National Gallery of Canada: Features an impressive collection of Canadian and world art.
• Canadian War Museum: Chronicles military history from colonial times to the present.
• Canadian Museum of Nature: Natural history exhibits set in a castle.
• Canadian Museum of Science and Technology: Offers interactive exhibitions.

In winter, the Rideau Canal transforms into the world’s largest skating rink at 7.8 km long. Summer tour boats also operate on the canal.

Niagara Falls – Must-See Attraction

This group of three waterfalls is located on the Canada-US border, with the Canadian side offering better views.

Important Information:

• Falls entry is free and available 24/7.
• Journey Behind the Falls: $30 CAD for adults.
• Boat Ride: $25-30 CAD.
• Whirlpool Aero Car: $20 CAD for adults.

Rideau Canal and Its History

The 200-kilometer canal connects Ottawa and Kingston and is UNESCO-listed. In winter, the Ottawa section becomes a 7.8 km skating rink.

Eastern Canada (Quebec)

Montreal: French Canada in the Modern World

Montreal, the second-largest city with 1.7 million residents, serves as a cultural center and fashion capital of Canada.

Key Districts:

• Old Montreal: Explore cobblestone streets and historic architecture.
• Plateau Mont-Royal: A bohemian neighborhood filled with cafés and boutiques.
• Underground City: A vast network of shopping galleries spanning 32 km.

Quebec City: The Only Fortified City in North America

Old Quebec is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Main Attractions:

• Château Frontenac: A castle hotel and iconic symbol of the city. Tours are available for $20 CAD.
• Terrasse Dufferin: A scenic promenade featuring street performers.
• Petit-Champlain: A charming pedestrian street lined with boutiques.
• Quebec Citadel: A star-shaped fortress that hosts a changing of the guard ceremony.

Quebec French has notable differences in accent and vocabulary compared to European French. In tourist areas, staff members usually speak English, but knowing some basic French phrases is appreciated.

Maritime Provinces of Canada

Nova Scotia and Halifax

Halifax, the largest city on Canada’s Atlantic coast, is renowned for its rich maritime history and connection to the Titanic. The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic features the world’s largest collection of Titanic artifacts, including wreckage and personal items belonging to passengers. The city’s historic district is filled with charming Victorian architecture and cozy pubs.

The star-shaped Halifax Citadel offers panoramic views of the harbor. During the summer, visitors can enjoy changing of the guard ceremonies performed in historical costumes. Just an hour’s drive from the city, Peggy’s Cove is one of Canada’s most photographed fishing villages, famous for its iconic red-and-white lighthouse.

Practical Information:

• Maritime Museum of the Atlantic: $15 CAD for adults, daily from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Citadel: $12 CAD, open May to October from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
• Best Visiting Time: June to September.

New Brunswick and the Bay of Fundy

New Brunswick is Canada’s only officially bilingual province, blending Acadian and English cultures. The Bay of Fundy is renowned for having the world’s highest tides, with up to 16 meters of water moving in and out twice daily, displacing 160 billion tons of seawater.

Fundy National Park offers a unique opportunity to “walk on the ocean floor” during low tide. The Hopewell Rocks, known for their striking “flowerpot” rock formations, can be explored during low tide and kayaked around during high tide. Grand Manan Island is famous for its whale and puffin watching opportunities.

Practical Information:

• Hopewell Rocks: $12 CAD for parking, best visited two hours before low tide.
• Whale Watching Tours: $45-65 CAD, available from June to October.
• Fundy National Park: Day pass is $8 CAD.

Prince Edward Island

As Canada’s smallest province, stretching 280 km in length, Prince Edward Island is the birthplace of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s beloved character, Anne of Green Gables. The island is famous for its red sandy beaches, potato fields, and award-winning mussels. Charlottetown is known as the “Cradle of Confederation,” the site of the pivotal 1864 conference that led to the formation of Canada.

Prince Edward Island National Park spans the northern coast, featuring 60 kilometers of scenic beaches and dunes. The Anne of Green Gables house museum in Cavendish is a literary pilgrimage site, while the Point Prim Lighthouse (built in 1845) is the island’s oldest and a popular tourist attraction.

Practical Information:

• Anne of Green Gables House: $18 CAD for adults, open May to October from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Confederation Bridge: $50 CAD toll (charged only when leaving the island).
• Best Time to Visit: July to September for beaches, September for the potato fields.
• Lobster Suppers: Traditional community dinners range from $25-35 CAD.

Top 10 Must-See Attractions in Canada

1. Niagara Falls – Experience nature’s power, accessible for free 24/7.
2. Lake Louise in Banff – A turquoise lake framed by majestic peaks.
3. Lake Moraine in Banff – Iconic and depicted on the Canadian $20 bill.
4. CN Tower in Toronto – A symbol of modern Canada.
5. Old Quebec – Experience European charm in North America
6. Athabasca Glacier – Walk on 10,000-year-old ice
7. Stanley Park in Vancouver – An urban oasis by the ocean
8. Capilano Suspension Bridge – Experience adrenaline among ancient firs
9. Parliament Hill in Ottawa – The heart of Canadian politics
10. Prince Edward Island – Enjoy scenic landscapes and delicious seafood

Active Recreation and Entertainment

Hiking and Trekking

Top Trails in Canada’s National Parks

In Banff National Park:

• Lake Agnes Tea House: 5.5 km, moderate difficulty. This hike leads to a historic tea house, operating since 1905, located at an elevation of 2134 meters. The trail traverses the subalpine zone, offering breathtaking views of Lake Louise below.
• Sentinel Pass: 7 km, difficult. This trail is particularly popular in autumn when the alpine larches turn golden. The pass sits at 2611 meters, nestled between Temple and Pinnacle mountains.
• Johnston Canyon: 2.7 km to the lower falls, easy. Metal walkways provide convenient access through the canyon to two impressive waterfalls, measuring 11 and 30 meters high. In winter, the waterfalls freeze, creating stunning ice sculptures.

In Jasper National Park:

• Maligne Canyon: 4.4 km, easy access. Jasper’s deepest canyon, reaching up to 50 meters deep, was formed over thousands of years by water erosion. Six bridges cross the canyon, offering different perspectives.
• Valley of Five Lakes: 4.5 km, moderate. This trail leads to five small lakes, each with a unique water shade—ranging from turquoise to emerald—due to varying mineral concentrations.
• Skyline Trail: Multi-day hike (44 km). One of Canada’s most spectacular alpine routes, this trail runs along mountain ridges with stunning glacier views. It requires 2-3 days to complete and some mountain hiking experience.

In Yoho National Park:

• Iceline Trail: 13 km, difficult. This trail runs alongside the Emerald Glacier moraine, providing views of hanging glaciers and alpine waterfalls. The elevation gain is 690 meters.
• Takakkaw Falls: 1.5 km, easy. This trail leads to one of the highest waterfalls in Canada, standing at 373 meters, making it the second tallest in the country. Its name translates from Cree as “it is magnificent.”

Wildlife Encounter Preparation

Canada is home to black bears, grizzly bears, moose, deer, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep. Bear spray is mandatory for hiking, costing $40 CAD and being 90% effective against aggressive bear encounters. It’s recommended to make noise on trails, especially at turns—singing can literally save your life by alerting bears to your approach. Store food in bear containers or hang it at least 4 meters high.

Water Sports

Athabasca River Rafting

Jasper offers Class 2 rafting (safe for beginners) along an 8-kilometer stretch of the Athabasca River. The Athabasca Expressway tour costs $89 CAD and lasts 2.5 hours, including wetsuits, life jackets, and transportation from Jasper’s center. Maligne Rafting Adventures provides direct pickups from hotels.

River waters are glacial-fed, so temperatures remain low even in summer—wetsuits are mandatory.

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Maritime Provinces Kayaking

The Bay of Fundy is ideal for kayaking, offering opportunities to observe whales and explore rocky shores amidst some of the world’s highest tides. Many tours include visits to the Hopewell Rocks, where, at high tide, you can paddle between the “flowerpots”—natural stone arches.

Nova Scotia provides coastal kayaking experiences where you may spot grey and humpback whales. Day tours typically cost between $85 and $120 CAD and include equipment and instruction.

Salmon Fishing

British Columbia is a fishing paradise, especially during the salmon spawning season from July to October. The Fraser, Skeena, and Stikine rivers attract anglers from around the world. A fishing license costs $36 CAD for three days or $103 CAD annually. Guides offer equipment and know the best spots, with guided day tours priced between $300 and $500 CAD.

Vancouver Island is known for excellent steelhead salmon fishing, regarded as one of the best sport fishing experiences.

Winter Entertainment

Whistler and Banff Ski Resorts

Whistler: Features two slopes, Whistler and Blackcomb, connected by the Peak 2 Peak gondola, offering over 200 runs across 3,307 hectares from November to May. Daily ski passes range from $139 to $179 CAD, depending on the season.

Lake Louise: Home to 145 runs with breathtaking views of the legendary lake and Victoria Glacier, it boasts a maximum vertical drop of 991 meters. The season runs from November to May, with day tickets priced between $109 and $134 CAD.

Sunshine Village: Known as Canada’s highest resort at 2,730 meters, it promises the best snow and the longest season from November to May. Day tickets are available for $94 to $119 CAD.

Rideau Canal Skating in Ottawa

The world’s largest natural skating rink stretches 7.8 km and operates from January through March, depending on weather conditions (below -10°C required). Entry is free, and skate rentals are available for $20 CAD per day.

A traditional rink treat is Beaver Tails, which are fried dough topped with maple syrup.

Northern Lights Viewing

Best Locations:

• Yellowknife (Northwest Territories), with a 90% chance of seeing the aurora over three nights.
• Churchill (Manitoba), where you can combine viewing the northern lights with polar bear sightings.
• Whitehorse (Yukon), which is more accessible from southern cities.

The viewing season runs from September to March, with peak activity during the equinoxes. Yellowknife tours cost between $150 and $300 CAD per night and include transport to dark zones and hot drinks. Temperatures can drop to -40°C, so winter clothing rentals are mandatory.

Canadian Cuisine and What to See in Canada

Poutine is the national dish, consisting of French fries topped with gravy and cheese curds. In Quebec, it’s pronounced “poutine,” and costs between $8 and $12 CAD. While it’s best in Quebec, it’s available nationwide.

Maple syrup and maple sweets: Canada produces 71% of the world’s maple syrup. A quality 250ml bottle typically costs between $15 and $20 CAD.

Beaver Tails are a traditional pastry shaped like a beaver’s tail, fried and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. They are a popular winter street food, priced at $8 CAD.

Tim Hortons and Canadian Coffee
Tim Hortons is a national icon in Canada. Its most popular order is the “double double,” which consists of coffee with two portions of cream and sugar.

Seafood in the Maritime Provinces:

• Lobster rolls: $25–35 CAD in Nova Scotia.
• Bay of Fundy scallops: a local delicacy.
• Prince Edward Island mussels: $18–22 CAD per serving.

Montreal Smoked Meat
This traditional Jewish dish has been adapted in Montreal, with Schwartz’s Deli being the most famous establishment to try it.

Caesar Cocktail
The Caesar is Canada’s version of the Bloody Mary, made with Clamato (tomato-clam juice). Though many foreigners dislike it, it remains the national drink.

Shopping and Souvenirs

Canadian Souvenirs:

• Maple syrup: $15–20 CAD for a quality bottle.
• Canadian-themed items: maple leaf, beaver, moose.
• Hockey merchandise: NHL jerseys starting at $80 CAD.
• Indigenous peoples’ crafts: artwork and jewelry.

Best Shopping Locations:

• Toronto: Eaton Centre, Queen Street West.
• Vancouver: Robson Street, Granville Island.
• Montreal: Rue Sainte-Catherine, Old Port.
• Quebec: Petit-Champlain, North America’s oldest shopping street.

Classic 7-Day Canada Itinerary

Days 1-2: Toronto

Day 1: Visit the CN Tower (2–3 hours), walk along the Harbourfront, and enjoy dinner in the Distillery District.
Day 2: Spend the morning on the Toronto Islands, the afternoon at Kensington Market, and the evening at Casa Loma.

Day 3: Niagara Falls

Depart Toronto at 8:00 AM (1.5-hour drive). Experience the Journey Behind the Falls and take a Maid of the Mist ride. Return to Toronto by evening.

Day 4: Flight to Calgary and Transfer to Banff

Morning flight to Calgary (4 hours). Pick up a rental car and transfer to Banff (1.5 hours). Enjoy an overview walk of Banff town.

Day 5: Lake Louise and Moraine Lake

Take an early shuttle to Lake Louise (8:00 AM) and hike to Lake Agnes Tea House. In the afternoon, shuttle to Moraine Lake.

Day 6: Icefields Parkway

Depart for Jasper via the scenic Icefields Parkway, stopping at Bow Lake and Peyto Lake. Enjoy an excursion to Athabasca Glacier.

Day 7: Jasper

Experience rafting on the Athabasca River in the morning, and visit Maligne Canyon in the afternoon. Take an evening flight from Edmonton to Toronto.

Expert Review on Canada Vacation

Canada surpasses expectations as a family-friendly and active tourism destination, especially with proper trip planning. Its main advantages are incredible safety and the friendliness of locals. Unlike many popular destinations, Canada allows you to travel safely with children, even in major cities like Toronto and Vancouver. Public transportation is efficient and reliable, and Canadians are genuinely willing to assist lost tourists. The quality of park infrastructure is particularly impressive—trails are well-marked, information centers are professionally managed, and restrooms and rest areas are impeccably maintained.

Practical Advice: Avoid trying to cover the entire country in one trip. Instead, focus on one or two regions and explore them in depth. For instance, the west coast, featuring Vancouver and the Rocky Mountains, is dramatically different from the eastern provinces, which boast the charming French influence of Quebec. Many travelers underestimate Canada’s food scene—Canadian cuisine has evolved far beyond the stereotypes of poutine and maple syrup. The seafood in the maritime provinces and the wine regions of Ontario are particularly noteworthy. And yes, despite its reputation for being an expensive destination, you can travel affordably with proper planning. National park campgrounds are reasonably priced, and many cities offer excellent free attractions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa for travel to Canada? 

Citizens of most visa-exempt countries need an eTA (electronic travel authorization). The cost is $7 CAD and it is valid for 5 years.

What currency is used in Canada? 

The currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD), which consists of plastic banknotes. The penny has been eliminated since 2013, and cards are accepted everywhere.

What tipping is customary in Canada? 

Tipping is generally 15-20% in restaurants and cafes, 10-15% in taxis, and 15% for hairdressers. Card terminals will offer tipping options when you pay.

Are taxes included in prices? 

No, taxes are added at the time of payment. The Goods and Services Tax (GST)/Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) ranges from 5% to 15% depending on the province.

When should I book campgrounds? 

Parks Canada campgrounds open for booking in January-February for the entire season. Popular spots can sell out within hours.

Is it safe to encounter wildlife? 

It is important to maintain a minimum distance of 30 meters from large animals and 100 meters from bears. Carry bear spray in mountainous areas.

Do they speak French in Canada? 

French is an official language alongside English, but only Quebec is predominantly French-speaking. Staff in tourist zones typically speak English.

How much does gasoline cost? 

Gasoline prices range from $1.30 to $1.60 CAD per liter, depending on the region, with higher prices in remote areas.

Does cell service work in national parks? 

Cell service is available in towns, but many trails and remote areas lack service. It’s advisable to download offline maps in advance.

Can I drink tap water? 

Yes, tap water throughout Canada is safe to drink.