Overview
Everything you need to know before visiting Canada. From visa requirements to local customs, we've compiled the essential information to help you travel confidently and avoid common pitfalls.
Currency
Canadian Dollar ($)
Best SIM Provider
Rogers
Main Ride App
Uber
Payment
Cards accepted
⚠️ Important Entry Restrictions
- Cannabis border rules: Cannabis is legal in Canada but it is ILLEGAL to bring it across ANY international border, including...
View full entry requirements
Visa & Entry Requirements
Visa requirements vary based on your passport country. For the most accurate information, always check with your country's embassy or the official immigration website.
Want personalized visa info?
Generate a custom guide based on your passport and travel dates.
Medication Restrictions
Prescription medications
Carry medications in original containers with prescription. Personal supply for trip duration is acceptable. Cannabis is legal in Canada but CANNOT be brought across international borders.
Controlled substances
Some medications may require documentation. Contact Health Canada if unsure about specific medications.
Apply for approvalEssential Apps
Uber
LyftToronto, Vancouver, Montreal
Notes for Visitors
- Uber and Lyft work with international cards
- Tim Hortons (coffee chain) is a cultural institution - try it at least once
- Most apps work with international phone numbers
SIM Cards & Internet
Canadian mobile data is expensive. Get an eSIM or prepaid SIM from Koodo, Public Mobile, or Lucky Mobile for cheaper rates. Rogers, Bell, and Telus are major carriers but pricey.
- eSIM works with Airalo, Saily
- Data plans are among the most expensive in the world
- Free WiFi widely available in cafes, libraries, and public spaces
WiFi Reliability
Excellent WiFi in most cafes, hotels, and public spaces. Speeds typically 50-100 Mbps.
eSIM Options
Skip the airport SIM queue with an eSIM
We may earn a commission from partner links at no extra cost to you.
Money & Banking
Cards vs Cash
Canada is very card-friendly. Visa, Mastercard, and contactless/tap payments accepted almost everywhere. Cash is rarely needed except at small markets and some food trucks.
ATM Tips
ATMs are widespread. Use bank ATMs (RBC, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, CIBC) for best rates. Interac is the dominant debit network. Foreign card fees vary, typically $2-5 CAD per withdrawal.
Tipping Culture
Tipping 15-20% is expected at restaurants and is very important culturally. Not tipping is considered extremely rude. Bars: $1-2 per drink. Hotels: $2-5 per bag, $5-10/day housekeeping. Taxi: 15-20%.
- Tax (GST/HST/PST) is added at checkout - displayed prices never include tax
- Prices shown with '#x27; are in Canadian dollars, not USD
Recommended Travel Cards
Avoid foreign transaction fees with these travel-friendly cards
We may earn a commission from partner links at no extra cost to you.
Track your trip prep
Get a personalized checklist you can tick off as you go — free to set up.
Getting Around
From the Airport
Express train from Pearson Airport to Union Station (25 min)
Canada Line from YVR to downtown (25 min)
Available at major airports
Local Transport
Subway, streetcar, and bus network
SkyTrain, bus, and SeaBus
Metro and bus system
Available in all major cities
Driving & Rental Cars
International Driving Permit not required
Most visitors can drive in Canada on their home license alone. If your license isn't in the Latin script, carry a certified translation just in case.
Side of road
Right
Speed limit (km/h)
50 city / 100 hwy
Alcohol limit
0.08%
Right on red
Allowed
Min rental age
21
Renting a car in Canada
- Book early for busy seasons, and book an automatic ahead of time if you need one (manual is the default in many countries)
- Choose a "full to full" fuel policy so you only pay for the fuel you use
- Use a credit card in the driver's name, since the desk will hold a deposit on it
- Photograph or film the car at pickup, including every existing scratch
- Ask about tolls, cross-border fees and extra drivers before you sign
- Minimum rental age here is 21, and drivers under 25 often pay a young-driver fee
EconomyBookings
Compare rental car prices in Canada across hundreds of agencies — often cheaper than booking direct.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Safety & Accessibility
For Women Travelers
- Canada is very safe for solo female travelers
- Standard precautions in large cities at night
- Transit is safe and well-monitored
LGBTQ+ Friendliness
Canada is one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly countries in the world. Same-sex marriage legal since 2005. Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal have vibrant LGBTQ+ scenes.
- Toronto Pride is one of the world's largest
- Vancouver's Davie Village is an iconic LGBTQ+ neighborhood
In Partnership With
Everywhere Is Queer
Want to check out local queer businesses on your trip? Everywhere Is Queer maps queer-owned bars, cafés, restaurants, and shops so you can spend your money where it matters. Not every city is on the map yet, but coverage is growing fast — check if your destination is live.
Wheelchair Accessibility
Excellent accessibility standards enforced by law. Most public spaces, transit, and buildings are wheelchair accessible.
- All major transit systems fully accessible
- National accessibility standards (AODA in Ontario)
- Most attractions offer accessibility features
Pickpocket Hotspots
- Tourist areas in downtown Toronto
- Old Montreal during summer festivals
- Vancouver's Granville Street at night
Travel Insurance
Don't travel without coverage
We may earn a commission from partner links at no extra cost to you.
Scams to Watch Out For
Tourist pricing at Niagara Falls
Shops and restaurants near tourist attractions charge significantly inflated prices.
Prevention: Walk a few blocks away from major tourist sites for better prices.
Unlicensed airport taxis
Unlicensed drivers may approach in arrivals offering rides at inflated rates.
Prevention: Use the official taxi queue or Uber/Lyft.
Traveler Safety Essentials
Traveler Safety Essentials
These safety tips apply everywhere you travel. Small habits can prevent the most common security problems travelers face — from phone theft to home break-ins.
Don't forget anything
Turn these tips into a trackable checklist so nothing slips through the cracks.
Weather & Climate
Canada's climate varies by region. Here's a seasonal overview to help you plan.
Dec – Feb
-14 to -4°C (7-25°F)
Medium (snow) rainfall
Coldest month in many regions
Mar – May
0-12°C (32-54°F)
Medium rainfall
Spring arriving, mud season
Jun – Aug
16-28°C (61-82°F)
Low rainfall
Warmest month, festival season
Sep – Nov
4-12°C (39-54°F)
Medium rainfall
Peak fall colors
Packing Tip
Check the specific month you're traveling for detailed packing suggestions. Weather can vary significantly by region and elevation.
Some links are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend things we'd suggest to a friend.
Tap Water
Tap water is safe to drink.
Taste can differ from home, and some people prefer filtered or bottled water anyway. A refillable bottle saves money and plastic.
Power & Electricity
Voltage
120V
Frequency
60Hz
Plug Types
A, B
Same as US. All US electronics work without any adapter or converter.
What You May Need
- •From US/Canada/Japan: Likely need adapter and possibly converter for non-dual-voltage devices
- •From UK: Likely need adapter, voltage usually compatible
- •From Europe/Australia: Check plug type, voltage usually compatible
EPICKA 70W GaN travel adapter
3 USB-C + 2 USB-A ports with 70W GaN fast charging, so the whole family's devices charge off one plug. Not a voltage converter.
Shop on AmazonAnker power bank
A dead phone is as useless as a stolen one. Compact fast-charging backup power.
Shop on AmazonSome links are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend things we'd suggest to a friend.
Most modern phone chargers and laptops work with 100-240V. Check your device's power adapter for compatibility before traveling.
Language & Communication
Languages Spoken
Official Language(s)
English Proficiency
English spoken everywhere except parts of Quebec where French dominates. Montreal is bilingual. All federal signage is bilingual.
Essential Phrases
Bonjour
Hello (French)
bon-ZHOOR
Merci
Thank you (French)
mair-SEE
S'il vous plaît
Please (French)
seel voo PLAY
Eh
Right? / Isn't it?
ay
Double-double
Coffee with 2 cream, 2 sugar
DUH-bul DUH-bul
Toque
Beanie / knit hat
TOOK
Dietary Options
🌱 Vegan Friendly
Major cities have thriving vegan scenes, especially Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. Many restaurants offer clearly labeled vegan options.
🥗 Vegetarian Friendly
Vegetarian options widely available everywhere. Multicultural food scene means endless variety.
🌾 Gluten-Free Friendly
Strong awareness. Most restaurants accommodate gluten-free requests. Supermarkets have large gluten-free sections.
Traveling with a Pet
Requires standard international export certificates and localized agricultural agency validation desk check-ins.
Timeline
10-15 days before travel
Quarantine Risk
None
Regulatory Framework
Local agency signoff (ICA, SENASA, AGROCALIDAD, SAG).
Key Constraints
Requires external parasite treatment (ticks/fleas) within 10-15 days of departure. Vaccination logs must show clear serial numbers.
Pet Culture
Exploding urban nomad support. Major rental hubs packed with local pet culture, leash laws, and pet fashion.
Some links are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend things we'd suggest to a friend.
Cultural Tips
Canadians are famously polite - say 'sorry', 'please', and 'thank you' liberally
Tipping 15-20% at restaurants is not optional - servers depend on tips
Remove shoes when entering someone's home - this is universal
French is the primary language in Quebec - basic French is appreciated in Montreal
Lining up (queuing) is taken very seriously - never cut in line
Hockey is a near-religion - showing interest earns instant goodwill
Local Quirks & Fun Facts
Tim Hortons (Timmies) is more than coffee - it's a national identity
Canadians don't say 'aboot' - but they do say 'eh' at the end of sentences
Poutine (fries, gravy, cheese curds) is the unofficial national dish
Double-double means coffee with two creams and two sugars at Tim Hortons
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not tipping 15-20% at restaurants - this is considered very rude
Assuming all of Canada is cold - summers can be very hot (35°C+)
Underestimating distances - Canada is the second-largest country in the world
Not having winter gear if visiting Nov-March - it gets extremely cold
Confusing CAD with USD - check the currency
Tours & Experiences
Book ahead — the best tours sell out fast.
Tours and experiences in Canada
Browse bookable tours, tickets and day trips on Viator, our tours partner.
Browse tours on ViatorWant the tour list shown right here?
Affiliate link: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Some links are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend things we'd suggest to a friend.
Gear to make your trip easier
Pack smart
4BAGAIL compression packing cubes
Six compression cubes plus vacuum bags and a hand pump, so you can squeeze bulky items down hard when mesh alone isn't enough. Sold as a bundle; every piece is also available on its own.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Notabag packable backpack/tote
Folds into its own pocket, then opens into a backpack or tote for market runs, day trips, and overflow on the way home.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
FYY electronics organizer
Keeps chargers, cables, and adapters untangled in one place, so you're not digging through your bag at security.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
TSA toiletry containers (3oz set)
Refillable, TSA-approved bottles so you carry your own products in a carry-on without the airport surprise.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Rest on the way
7Mavogel sleep mask
Blocks light completely for sleep on planes, in bright rooms, or across time zones — contoured so nothing presses on your eyes.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Sea to Summit Aeros neck pillow
Inflatable, so it packs down to nothing but still holds your head up on long flights and buses.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Twelve South AirFly SE
Pairs your own headphones with any 3.5mm jack — seatback screens, gym equipment, whatever doesn't have Bluetooth. Reusable, so you're not relying on (or wasting) a disposable pair every flight.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Children's EarPlanes
Reduces the pressure change in a child's ears during takeoff and landing — less pain, less crying. 3-pair value pack.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Pedialyte electrolyte powder packets
Single-serve oral rehydration packets — lightweight, no fridge needed, and often not available at your destination.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Compression socks
Keep your legs from swelling and aching on long flights and bus rides — the cheap habit frequent flyers swear by.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Loop Quiet earplugs
Reusable, low-profile earplugs that dull engine drone, snorers, and noisy streets so you actually rest.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Keep it safe
9
NordPass
Keep every login and a passport photo encrypted, so losing your phone doesn't lose your accounts. Use code TRAVELREDDI for 4 months free on a paid plan.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
NordVPN
Encrypts your connection on sketchy public and hotel WiFi. Use code TRAVELREDDI for 4 months free on a paid plan.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Apple AirTag
Slip one into a checked bag, daypack or even your wallet, then find it in Find My. For iPhone users.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Tile tracker
The same idea for Android and iPhone. Great in luggage, a daypack, or a wallet.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Pacsafe crossbody
Locking zippers and a slash-resistant strap. The bag I wish I'd had when mine got unclipped.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Peak Gear money belt
A hidden belt for cash and a backup card, out of reach of pickpockets.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Guard Dog door lock
For when you're in the room. Adds a sturdy lock to almost any hotel or rental door so no one can open it while you're inside or asleep.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
TSA locks with cable
For when you're out. Use the cable to lock your bags to each other or to a fixed piece of furniture, so they're harder to grab and more obvious if someone tries. TSA-approved, 2-pack.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
TORRAS phone lanyard
Keeps your phone on your body, much harder to snatch out of your hand.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Weather ready
3BAODINI mini umbrella
Packs into a daypack and blocks both UV and sudden downpours — a travel-day staple when the forecast can't make up its mind.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Diveblues portable fan
Rechargeable handheld fan for hot, humid days and stuffy transit — stands hands-free when you need both hands.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Some links are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend things we'd suggest to a friend.
Nearby destinations
Ready to plan your Canada trip?
Get a personalized checklist and timeline based on your travel dates and passport.