Essential Canada travel tips

LANGUAGE: over 80% of residents speak English, but French is also widely spoken.

MONEY/ATM: the currency is the Canadian Dollar. There are plenty of ATMs around but it’s normally easier to use card for purchases.

ELECTRONIC APPLIANCES: like the US, the plug type is B with a standard voltage of 110-120V and 60Hz frequency. As usual, take your universal travel adapter with you.

VISA: most travelers will need a Visa to enter Canada. This will either be ‘visitor visa’ or ‘temporary resident visa,’ an official document stuck in your passport. more information

Canada offers a hugely diverse selection of foods and cuisines. Because of its colonial past, the indigenous culinary traditions had been neglected. That is, until recently, when Canadians have begun to embrace these traditions thanks to indigenous-owned restaurants.

On top of that, you can find restaurants and street food from all over the world because of its multi-ethnic habitants. Keep reading to find out what to eat in Canada.

Poutine:

This is Canada’s national dish and only has three key ingredients. A hot, saucy dish of fries, cheese curds, and gravy. This delicious tummy-warming dish was created in Quebec in the 1950s and is still popular and found everywhere today. You can keep it simple with the basic but well-loved version, or mix it up with lobster, foie gras, pulled pork.

Butter tarts:

This little treat is simple but so tasty. It’s a small butter pastry with sugar, syrup, and eggs. The flaky pastry goes crunchy after baking and stays sticky and sweet in the center. Some people think it’s a cross between America’s pecan pies and Quebec’s sugar pies, though no one’s certain of its origin. No dessert tops this sweet and delicious tart.

Maple syrup:

Indigenous people were the first to discover this sweet syrup, from maple trees which are still found in every province, coast to coast. They harvest the syrup by making a hole in the tree and draining it every day. Canada produces almost 75% of the world’s maple syrup. A small bottle makes a great gift to bring back.

Georgian Bay

Often known as the sixth Great Lake, it features over 30,000 small islands spanning 5,792 square miles along a pink/grey granite shoreline. Here you can discover the rich marine history and hop between lighthouses that dot the coastline. Activities are available, such as fishing, boating, and kayaking. Sail along turquoise waters and take advantage of idyllic photo opportunities with these ethereal landscapes. Views are so impressive they’ve been used for artistic inspiration by well-known painters worldwide. Therefore, you must include Georgian Bay in your itinerary. For more information read Georgian Bay Ontario: Canada’s Best Kept Secret

Niagara Falls

This natural wonder of the world remains one of the most impressive. These three phenomenal waterfalls formed 12,000 years ago thanks to the water flowing from the North American Great Lakes.

Niagara consists of two cities, of the same name, separated by the Canada and United States border. Their function is to accommodate the influx of tourists to the area. Here you can find cheap accommodation, restaurants, and general infrastructures.

Old Quebec City

This city is the heart and soul of the province. It makes an ideal location for history-loving travelers. Here you can enjoy incredible views of the Saint-Lawrence river and wander around the city’s boutiques and cafes.

Sightseeing in Montreal

This characteristic city is a beautiful sprinkle of Europe in North America with an exciting culture and arts scene. It hosts vibrant festivals and some of the most delicious restaurants in Canada. Brunch in cute cafes between unique boutique browsing. 

Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia

This is one of the most visited and popular sightseeing attractions in North America. It’s a 300km road circling the Cape Breton coast and Cape Breton Highlands National Park along cliffs, viewpoints, mountains, and beaches. The occasional community along the twisting roads hosts unique shops, cafes, and local artisans.

The West

Modern Vancouver

Although one of the most expensive cities in the world, it’s one of the most exciting. Here you can go shopping, skiing in the mountains, hiking and surfing along blue waters… all on the same day. It’s an international multicultural city, which means most locals are friendly and welcoming. Therefore, make sure you include Vancouver in your itinerary.

The Canadian Rocky Mountains

Here you will discover some of the most impressive scenery in the world – mountains covered by glaciers, lakes, waterfalls, and rivers. The southern part is the most popular, you will find a breath-taking picture opportunity at every corner. Depending on the season, there are several activities available. For instance, cycling, hiking, skiing, fossil hunting, fishing, and canoeing in luscious turquoise waters. For more information read Best Things to do in the Canadian Rockies

Dinosaur Provincial Park

Mystery and magic await you in this unusual photogenic place. It’s situated in south-eastern Alberta along the Red Deer River. The Dinosaur Provincial Park has deep canyons, multi-colored layers of sediment, and intricate rock formations. A photographer paradise.

The North

This area offers fewer touristic activities and more hidden, traditional spots. Therefore, it’s great for the outdoorsy and adventurous types as it offers activities such as skiing, dog sledding, hiking, and more. Rent a car to drive along the ice roads, sleep in a traditional cabin, and hike the Dempster Highway. The north of Canada is home to some of North America’s best National Parks and wildlife preserves. The climate and weather conditions can be dangerous so make sure you prepare yourself accordantly.