Please ensure you have a valid passport with at least six months validity by the time you return home. Many destinations do require a visa which must be in place before travelling. It is essential to have travel insurance in place from time of booking.
Lumberjacks, beavers, hockey fanatics, Mounties and maple syrup spring immediately to mind. While Canada certainly provides all of these traditional associations in abundance, this awe-inspiring country has so much more to offer than a slew of cliches. With its unrivalled outdoor adventure facilities, its unforgettable natural landscapes and its exceptionally cosmopolitan and progressive cities, Canada has plenty to offer those seeking cutting-edge culture as well as adventure junkies looking for a serious adrenaline kick. Popular tourist destinations include: the magnificent Rocky Mountains around Banff and Lake Louise, high-end luxury ski resorts such as Whistler and Blackcomb, the French-speaking cities of Montreal or Quebec, or the uber-cool and perpetually bustling urban centres of Vancouver or Toronto. Whether visiting an Inuit lodge in Nunavut, taking a dog-sled ride through the Yukon to view the spectacular northern lights blaze across the night sky, or indulging in some lovely high tea on Vancouver Island, you are bound to find plenty of activities to keep you blissfully engaged in this exceptionally diverse and incomprehensibly vast nation.
Banking and Currency
Currency
Local currency: Canadian Dollar
Symbol: $
ISO code: CAD
Subunit: Cent
Banknotes: $5, $10, $20, $50, $100
Coins: 1¢, 5¢, 10¢, 25¢, $1, $2
Banking
Card Transactions: Yes
ATMs: Yes
Mastercard: Yes
Visa: Yes
American Express: Yes
Diner’s club: Yes
Banking Hours:
Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Weekends: Closed
Public Holidays: Yes
Foreign exchange services: Yes
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Air:
Main airlines: Air Canada, WestJet
International Airports: Toronto Pearson International Airport, Vancouver International Airport, Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport
Domestic Airports: Calgary International Airport, Edmonton International Airport, Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport
Road:
Driving on the: Right
Tar roads: Yes
Gravel roads: Yes
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
E-hailing services: Yes
Bus:
Inter-city bus services: Yes
Local city bus networks: Yes
Rail:
Railway system: Yes
Subway System: Yes
Water:
Ferries: Yes
Water taxis: Yes
Leisure cruises: Yes
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: Yes
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes
Ice: Yes
Meat: Yes
Street food: Yes
Local cuisine:
Canadian cuisine varies by region but often includes dishes like poutine, butter tarts, and Nanaimo bars. Indigenous influences can be found in dishes like bannock and wild game. Notable local drinks include Caesar cocktail and Ice wine.
Tipping: 15-20%
Climate and Weather
Annual rainfall: 200-1,200 mm per year- Varies by region
Average temperature: -12°C-25°C -Varies by region
Summer:
Average highs: 20-30°C (68-86°F)
Average lows: 10-18°C (50-64°F)
Winter:
Average highs: -5 to 5°C (23-41°F)
Average lows: -40 to -5°C (-40 to 23°F)
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit Canada depends on the region and activities. Generally, summer (June to August) offers pleasant weather for outdoor activities, while winter (December to February) is ideal for skiing and snowboarding.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Spring and Summer
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes
Winter and Autumn
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes
General
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes
Walking shoes: Yes
Casual: Yes
Smart-casual attire: Yes
Internet Availability
Internet cafes: No
Accommodation options: Yes
Restaurants: Yes
Cafes: Yes
Shopping malls: Yes
Public parks: Yes
Libraries: Yes
Electricity and Plug Standards
Plug Type: Type A, Type B
Voltage (V): 120V
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 60Hz
*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.
The sheer size of the US prevents any kind of all-encompassing statement about the typical American experience. From the state-of-the-art skyscrapers of New York City to the scenic country lanes of New England, the United States of America is a place of astonishing beauty and extraordinary diversity. Nothing can remotely prepare you for your first glimpse of the glorious Golden Gate Bridge, the glistening Empire State building, the neon lights of Las Vegas, or the iconic Statue of Liberty. Not to mention the natural treasures on offer - the country’s beautiful national parks are home to some of the world’s most treasured wildlife and landscapes; the west and east coasts are strewn with spectacular beaches, and the Rockies provide endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. In fact, it is a country of such epic proportions that you could easily spend a lifetime in the US and still feel like you have barely scratched the surface.
Banking and Currency
Currency
Local currency: United States Dollar
Symbol: $
ISO code: USD
Subunit: Cent
Banknotes: $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, $100
Coins: 1¢, 5¢, 10¢, 25¢
Banking
Card Transactions: Yes
ATMs: Yes
Mastercard: Yes
Visa: Yes
American Express: Yes
Diner’s club: Yes
Banking Hours:
Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Weekends: Varies by bank
Public Holidays: Yes, varies by bank
Foreign exchange services: Yes
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Air:
Main airlines: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines
International Airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Domestic Airports: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Denver International Airport (DEN)
Road:
Driving on the: Right
Tar roads: Yes
Gravel roads: Yes, in rural areas
Valid International Driver's License needed: No
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
E-hailing services: Yes
Bus:
Inter-city bus services: Yes
Local city bus networks: Yes
Rail:
Railway system: Yes
Subway System: Yes
Water:
Ferries: Yes
Water taxis: Yes
Leisure cruises: Yes
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: Yes
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes
Ice: Yes
Meat: Yes
Street food: Yes
Local cuisine:
North American cuisine varies widely, with influences from Native American, European, Asian, and African cultures. Common dishes include hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, barbecue, seafood, and various regional specialties such as Tex-Mex and New England clam chowder. Notable local drinks include cola, craft beer, bourbon, and wine.
Tipping: 15-20%
Climate and Weather
Annual Rainfall:
- Varies by region:
- Pacific Northwest (Seattle, WA): ~1,500 mm (60 inches)
- Southwest (Phoenix, AZ): ~200 mm (8 inches)
- Southeast (Miami, FL): ~1,400 mm (55 inches)
- Northeast (New York, NY): ~1,200 mm (47 inches)
Average Temperature:
- Varies by region:
- Pacific Northwest (Seattle, WA): 11°C (52°F)
- Southwest (Phoenix, AZ): 24°C (75°F)
- Southeast (Miami, FL): 24°C (75°F)
- Northeast (New York, NY): 12°C (54°F)
Summer:
- Average highs: 20-40°C (68-104°F)
- Average lows: 10-28°C (50-82°F)
Winter:
- Average highs: -1 to 25°C (30-77°F)
- Average lows: -5 to 15°C (23-59°F)
Best time to visit: The ideal time to visit North America depends on your plans. Summer is perfect for outdoor activities and warm weather, while winter is best for skiing and snow sports. Fall features stunning foliage, and spring offers pleasant weather and blooming flowers. Timing depends on the experiences you're after.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Spring and Summer
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes
Winter and Autumn
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes
General
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes
Walking shoes: Yes
Casual: Yes
Smart-casual attire: Yes
Internet Availability
Internet cafes: No
Accommodation options: Yes
Restaurants: Yes
Cafes: Yes
Shopping malls: Yes
Public parks: Yes
Libraries: Yes
Electricity and Plug Standards
Plug Type: Type A, Type B
Voltage (V): 120V
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 60Hz
*A Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.