Canada is the world’s second largest country and 240 times larger than Sweden. Exciting big cities like Toronto and Vancouver attract. In the summer, Canada is perfect for hiking, biking adventures, fishing, rafting and experiences in scenic and untouched nature. In winter, you can experience the most fantastic skiing in well-known places like Jasper and Banff.
On this page you will find practical information and facts about Canada.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION ABOUT TRAVELING IN CANADA
Climate and best travel time
As Canada is a large country, there are also large differences in climate and weather depending on where you travel and when. In general, it can be said that the best time to visit Canada is during our summer from June to mid-September. Along the American border, the temperature can rise to 30 degrees while you have frost and maybe some snow up in the Rocky Mountains. If you are going to ski, the best time is from mid-November to mid-March. Visit watchtutorials.org for nature culture and sports Canada.
Money
You can use credit cards almost anywhere. The prices are taxed and you pay about 5% in Goods & Services Tax (GST) or about 13% in Harmonized sales tax (HST) but this only applies in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador). The tax is levied on transport, hotels, restaurants and goods.
Visa
NOTE! The visa rules can change so we recommend that you check with the country’s embassy well in advance of travel. The information below is subject to change. Swedish citizens do not need a visa to Canada, but if you arrive by air at an international airport, you must make an electronic ETA registration. NOTE – it can take several days to get your registration approved, so do this well in advance.
Transport
Flights
Canada is a vast country, so if you want to cross or travel around and see large parts of the country in a shorter time, you should either fly domestic flights and if you want to cross the country, you can travel by train. You can book a flight pass in combination with your international flight ticket and thus reduce the cost of domestic flights.
Car
A road trip is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience Canada – freedom on four wheels! It is easy to drive a car in Canada, but be sure to read up on the local rules regarding driving to the right at a red light and where it does not apply, for example. You can also rent a camper van or an RV (recreational vehicle) and take the accommodation with you.
Bus
Canada has a very good transport network of bus traffic, both regional buses and long-distance traffic. Most famous are perhaps the Greyhound buses that link the country from east to west and you can buy bus passes from 7 days validity up to two months. You can also buy ready-made programs by bus – you get an itinerary and can then get off and get on as you wish during the trip,
Train
There are limited opportunities to travel around Canada by train – you can, however, travel with the famous line The Canadian, a classic 50’s train, which runs between Toronto and Vancouver.
Ferry
Both the eastern and western coasts have a dense ferry network that links the coast. Remember to book your ticket from / to Vancouver Island well in advance as the plastics may be sold out well in advance during the high season. In British Columbia, you can buy a Sunshine Coast Circle Pass with BC Ferries. This ferry pass allows you to take two ferries along the Sunshine Coast, the ferry from Powell River to Comox and the ferry back from Victoria Island to the mainland.
Tip
In most countries, tips are part of the salaries of employees in the service industry. Therefore, it is good practice (and sometimes directly necessary) to give tips to, for example, cleaning staff, waiters, guides, drivers, etc. depending on the country you are visiting. Therefore, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with how much is normally given in tips and to whom before you embark on your journey. Find information on tips in Lonely Planet’s guidebooks.
FACTS
CAPITAL: OTTAWA
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH AND FRENCH
CLIMATE: TEMPERATE – SUBARCTIC – ARCTIC
CURRENCY: CANADIAN DOLLAR
RELIGION: THE MAJORITY ARE CATHOLICS AND PROTESTANTS
INFORMATION CANADA
Feeling at Home in Canada
As a traveler to Canada, it does not take many days before you usually feel really at home. Canadians are usually hospitable and friendly and welcome visitors from other countries. The culture here, especially in the big cities, is exciting and multicultural – Canada is a place where you can be different.
The magnificent nature
Large parts of Canada are completely uninhabited and home to lots of wild and interesting animals and birds. In Canada’s numerous national parks, you can see – if you are lucky – grizzly bears, black bears, bison, musk oxen, moose, wolves, cougars and lots of smaller mammals and birds.
There are as many as 43 national parks that together cover an area larger than the whole of Great Britain. You can enjoy nature calmly and relaxed by hiking in the beautiful landscapes, swimming in hot springs and canoeing. For the more adventurous, there are plenty of adrenaline-filled activities such as rafting, climbing or trekking in the mountain areas. Canada also has sparkling glaciers and dizzying waterfalls – including the famous Niagara Falls on the border with the United States.
Big cities
Despite the fact that Canada is known for its fantastic nature, one should not miss the country’s major cities. From Montreal in the east to Vancouver in the west. Toronto is Canada’s largest city with an exciting ethnic mix, cool urban architecture and world-class experiences – everything from ice hockey to opera. And just 20 minutes by boat from the hustle and bustle of the big city, you will find the lovely Toronto Islands with the opportunity for sun, swimming and beach. Vancouver has a pleasantly even and mild climate where it is located between the sea and snow-capped mountains. Here you will find lots of good restaurants, cafes, shopping and beautiful parks. But one should not forget historic Montreal, green Calgary and the capital Quebec.