Canada travel tips

Canada is one of the safest countries in the world in which to travel and the locals are generally very welcoming and go out of their way to help tourists. Here are some basic tips and situations to be aware of.

• Much of Canada gets extremely cold in the winter and is best visited from June to September; while skiing can be enjoyed from October to April.

• Illegal drugs of any kind are not tolerated in Canada and the penalties for possession or trafficking can be harsh, usually with a fine and imprisonment.

• If you intend skiing in Alberta and British Columbia, you should be aware of the possibility of avalanches. Information on latest avalanche conditions can be obtained from the Canadian Avalanche Association.

• In view of recent reports of West Nile virus, insect repellents and other measures to prevent mosquito bites are advised after dusk in the late summer and early autumn.

• Be careful when driving along country roads in the winter, and at all other times for wandering livestock such as deer, elk and moose.

• Food prices are generally much lower than those in Western Europe, but are a little higher than those in the USA; it's considered normal to tip 15 per cent of the bill. If you stay in budget accommodation and eat in cafés, expect to spend around US$45 a day, not including long-distance transport.

• Do not make off-the-cuff or flippant remarks about bombs or terrorism, especially when passing through Canadian airports. A number of increased security measures remain in place at airports.

Useful travel tips resources

Trail Canada
The complete Canadian travel guide with photos and maps.
http://www.trailcanada.com/

Travel Library
In-depth travel information for throughout Canada.
http://www.travel-library.com/north_america/canada/

Footprint Guides
Canadian travel and tourism information with an emphasis on personal travelogues.
http://www.footprintguides.com/

More topics on this site…
Canada travel information
Canada health and safety
Canada maps and geography

Essentials

Visas: Most Western visitors don't need a visa to visit Canada
Season: June – September, skiing in winter
Money: Canadian Dollar – ATMs widely available
Language: English, French
Emergency #: 911

Canada