This is a collaborative post
There are so many things to know before visiting Canada. Canada is a place I have dreamt of visiting for many years. We are currently in the saving and planning stages for an amazing Canada adventure at some point in the future.
As it’s our first time travelling to Canada, there are some essential pieces of information we need to know. From getting our eTA travel permit to our must see places when we book our trip.
Canada is the second biggest country in the World, second to Russia. It’s largest city of Toronto isn’t the capital of Canada, despite many people thinking it is. Ottawa is in fact the county’s capital city.
When people think of Canada, they often think of ice hockey and maple syrup. Ice hockey is actually just known as hockey to Canadians.
One of the first things I remember reading about Canada when I was younger was that West Edmonton Mall in Alberta, Canada is one of the largest malls in the world. This will definitely be a place I would hope to see.
eTA Travel Permit
Don’t forget to get your visa sorted! The eTA Canada is a mandatory travel permit for anyone wishing to visit Canada without a Visa. It stands for “electronic travel authorisation”. The current cost for UK guests applying is £19.95 per person, and is valid for five years as long as your linked passport is also in date.
An eTA travel permit for Canada is quick and easy to apply for online, with a decision being made within around half an hour.
Travel Insurance
As with travelling anywhere, it’s important to have adequate travel insurance. Outside of the UK, there is no free National Health Service, and should the unfortunate happen, it’s important to be protected.
Related post – Top tips for taking children abroad for the first time
Canada Is Bilingual
English and French are the two official languages of Canada. The majority of Canadians speak both English and French, with the exception of the Province of Quebec having French as their official language. Road signs in Canada will generally have instructions in both French and English.
Tipping In Canada
During your trip to Canada, it’s important to remember tipping customs. It is customary to tip 15-20% in Canada. Whilst it’s not mandatory to tip, it is expected due to the low base pay in the country.
Driving In Canada
Canada has a minimum driving age of 21, and if you are under 25 years old, there may be a young driver surcharge.
To hire a car in Canada, you will also need access to a credit card in the name of the driver, otherwise you may find you are unable to self drive on your Canadian adventure.
Related Post – Know before you go – Driving in Canada
Legal Drinking Age In Canada
The legal drinking age for selected Provinces in Canada is 18, however a lot of Provinces state 19 is the minimum age for drinking and buying alcohol.
Decide Which Month To Travel In
Canada has such varied weather. In Alberta during the Winter months, it’s not uncommon to see temperatures reach -12 degrees. However during the Summer months, Alberta can reach 25 degrees.
Other Provinces can also vary greatly. For example Quebec temperatures reach around 25 degrees during June, July and August, yet can go as low as -7 degrees during the Winter.
Depending on which time of year you decide to visit Canada, will ultimately be governed by what you are hoping to do during your visit.
Our Canada Bucket List
Currently in our planning stages, we know that we want to visit Western Canada, and explore the Rocky Mountains. We are currently deciding whether to factor in an experience on the Rocky Mountaineer train, or whether to hire a car and see everything at our own pace.
Lake Louise is high on my list of must see places in Canada, as well as visiting a hockey game. As the Canadian hockey season is between October and April, this determines the time of year we will visit. I am toying towards the Spring so the temperatures will have started to thaw and rise a little bit.
There is so much that I would love to see in Canada, and how much we actually achieve will of course be governed by time and finances available to us. I’d also love to finish off our Canada trip with an Alaskian cruise.
Of course the first thing we will do is secure our eTA travel permits.
If you’re considering moving abroad, then check out this moving abroad checklist and step by step guide.
