Canada Travel Blog

Canada is a huge country located in North America. Canada is one of the most popular destinations in the world. It has something for everyone – backpackers, couples, solo travelers, luxury travelers, etc. It’s also a popular destination for working holiday makers.

Canada offers several experiences – from surfing to trekking in  beautiful national parks, from winter sports to amazing wildlife, from epic festivals to relaxing summer barbeques, from breathtaking mountain views to kayak trips – you should find something that suits your needs and interests.

If you’re planning your first trip to Canada, this guide should answer any questions you may have. We’ll talk about travel facts, the best time to visit Canada, the best destinations, travel costs, travel essentials and how to prepare for your trip.

Information Canada
Language English, French
English-friendly Yes
Currency CAD (Canadian dollar)
Internet reliability Great

 

Best Time to Visit Canada

Canada is a huge country and depending on your destination, you may be facing different types of weather conditions. Typically Canada has four seasons, but the weather in these seasons varies a bit throughout the country. We decided to split this section into four sections to help you understand the seasons:

  • British Columbia (Vancouver)
  • The Rockies (East British Columbia and Alberta)
  • Eastern Canada (Ontario, Quebec, etc.)
  • Northern Canada

 

Areas Seasons & Months Weather Conditions
British Columbia

Spring – March to May

Summer – June to August

Autumn – September to November

Winter – December to February

A year-round moderate climate, seasons are less distinct from one another
The Rockies

Spring – March to May

Summer – June to August

Autumn – September to November

Winter – December to February

Long winters with lots of snow in the mountains

Snow can last until May

Eastern Canada

Spring – March to May

Summer – June to August

Autumn – September to November

Winter – December to February

Very cold winters with -20°C (or worst)

Spring arrives early

Hot summers

Northern Canada

Spring – March to May

Summer – June to August

Autumn – September to November

Winter – December to February

Cold winters with temperatures of -25 to 30°C

Summers are cold

Top Destinations in Canada

Vancouver

Canadian Rockies

Toronto

Montreal

Ottawa

Yukon

Canada Travel Tips & Costs

 

In this section, you’ll find general information on costs and how to prepare for your trip. Finally, you will find a table that will provide an overview of cost and options depending on your travel budget.

 

Accommodation

 

In Canada, you’ll find several options when it comes to accommodation. Whether you’re a budget traveler or not, you will be able to find options. Although, note that Canada is quite expensive. You can find dorms starting at $16 per night in some places, but it also depends on where you are. The average is around $22-25 per night for a dorm.

 

Food

 

When it comes to food, you can find different types of restaurants. An average meal in a restaurant would be around CAD 10-15. Obviously, you may find elegant restaurants around the country and you can pay more if you wish to. If you’re traveling on a budget, you should cook your own food to save money.

 

Activities

 

Some activities such as hiking or beach bumming are free. Although, if you’re planning on visiting the rocky mountains, going to a hockey game, trying Canadian cuisine or going heli-skiing, you will have to pay for it. You can browse activities in Canada here to have an idea of the costs.

 

Transportation

In general, it’s really easy to get around Canada. You can either fly, take a bus or the train, or rent a car to reach your destinations.

To book your transport between destinations, you can book via Busbud.

 

 

Travel Cost Budget travel Mid-range Luxury
Accommodation $16-30 per night $30-70 per night $70+
Meal $10-15 per meal $15-25 per meal $25+
Activities Focus on free activities Mixing free activities & mid-range $30+ per day
Transport By bus, by train By bus, by car, by train By car/van, by flight

Safety in Canada

 

Overall, traveling around Canada is pretty safe. Of course, you should always lock your valuables, especially if you’re staying in a hostel.

Use common sense and avoid certain neighborhoods in certain cities (for example, in Vancouver, you should avoid some areas where drug users are present – the crime rate is higher there, and you won’t feel safe walking around these streets).

Hitchhiking across Canada is pretty popular. When I was living in the Canadian Rockies, I hitch-hiked every week. Although, if you decide to hitchhike, be careful and use common sense for a safe experience. You should only consider this option if you feel confident and comfortable since it can still be risky.

What to Pack for Canada

 

Apart from the travel essentials, here are the things you should absolutely bring along with you in Canada. Click on the images to shop on Amazon.

Visa for Canada

 

Usually, you can apply for your visa online. The process is quite quick. Note that you will also need to apply for your working holiday visa online.

You can verify your visa requirements here.

 

Preparing Your Trip to Canada

Skyscanner

Browse flights on Skyscanner to find deals.

Go To Skyscanner

SafetyWing

Book your travel insurance for as little as $42/month.

Go To SafetyWing

Booking.com

Find accommodation anywhere in the world.

Go To Booking.com

iVisa

Check the visa requirements and apply for a visa if needed.

Go To iVisa

SIM Cards

Read our guide to learn how to get a SIM card there.

Canada SIM Cards

Viator

Book transfers, tours, and activities in advance.

Go To Viator

Canada eSIM Plans

It’s hard to find a good data plan when you’re traveling. You have to research the best deals, go to a store, and hope they have a prepaid SIM card for travelers and tourists.

And if they don’t? You could be without service for the rest of your trip. Not only is that frustrating, but it can also be time-consuming.

eSIMs are the solution to your travel woes. With an eSIM plan, you can stay connected no matter where you go. Plus, there are no contracts or cancellation fees, so you can change your plan whenever you want.

If you’re looking for an eSIM plan while in Canada, then be sure to check out the providers below. They all offer great plans that will keep you connected while you’re there.

 

Airalo

$3 OFF with promo code: MELISS2943

190+ countries and regions

Go To Site

Read Review

Holafly

5% OFF with promo code: ABROKENBACKPACK

130+ countries and regions

Go To Site

Read Review

Nomad

No offer

100+ countries and regions

Go To Site

Read Review

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