Canada Travel Tips

CanadaCanada is a country filled with wonderfully friendly people, classy cities, diverse and beautiful landscape. From the ice in the Yukon, to beaches on the east coast, to the mountains of Calgary, and the rainforests of Vancouver, Canada is a country that is often skipped over on many trips. It doesn’t get a lot of attention but it should. It’s a tremendously beautiful country with a lot to offer. While not convenient for most RTW tickets, it’s a destination that should be included in any itinerary. Added bonus: It’s easy to get a working holiday visa here.

Typical Costs in Canada

  • Accommodation: Depending on what city you’re staying in, rates can vary a lot. On average though, you’ll wind up paying about $22-28 CAD for a room at a hostel while you should expect to pay around $60 CAD for a budget hotel room.
  • Food: Food can be inexpensive as long as you stick to cooking for yourself or the pubs. A meal out will cost you around $25 CAD. Cheap sandwich shops and fast food will cost around $8 CAD per meal. If you are going to cook your own food, expect to pay between $50 to 75 CAD per week.
  • Transportation: Canada is a big country and it’s hard to get around without a car. Within the city limits, you’ll find great public transportation networks. However, going between provinces will require a car or taking the bus. You can fly but since Canada has only two major airlines (WestJet and Air Canada) prices are often high.
  • Activities: Canada has a lot of outdoor activities. No matter what part of the country you are in, there is always something to do. Costs range from $20 CAD to $100 CAD depending what you are doing and if you need a guide.

Money Saving Tips for Canada

  • Have a Working Holiday. Running out of money? No sweat. People from other English speaking countries and the EU can get a one year working holiday visa in Canada.

Top Things to See in Canada

  • The Calgary Stampede. There are few things more ‘localized’ than this one. During July, thousands of people descend into Calgary for this multi-day rodeo, drinking event, and carnival. It’s where everyone pretends to be a cowboy for a few days.
  • Go Skiing. The mountains of Canada offer great skiing and snowboarding. Visit popular Banff for a great mountain town and excellent trails. Its quite busy during the winter months with snowbirds.
  • Visit Vancouver Island. Take a few days off from the city to explore one of the most beautiful spots in Northern America. Try their seafood, shop, and visit their beaches.
  • Walk through the rainforest. Hike through Pacific Rim National Forest for an awe-inspired glimpse at nature. You’ll find a beautiful rainforest there. If you can’t make it there, all over British Columbia are beautiful forests just waiting to be discovered.
  • Visit the art galleries of Toronto. Toronto has some of the best exhibits in the country, so take a day or two just to admire the art of the city. There may be a small entrance fee for some, but nothing to break the bank. Galleries on Wednesday’s will often give a discount.
  • Montreal. This beautiful city in Quebec offers people a look at the French side of Canada. With beautiful streets, an underground mall, jazz clubs, and amazing cuisine make this the hippest and most romantic city in all of Canada.
  • Take a Road Trip. This huge country is best explored by car. You can see tiny little towns, majestic mountains, amazing countryside, and plenty of off the beaten track places. If you have a lot of time, this is your best and cheapest option to see the country.
  • Quebec. There is more to Quebec than Montreal and Quebec City’s Old Town offers cobblestone walkways, well-preserved 17th century architecture, café culture and the only North American fortress that still exists.
  • The Maritime Provinces. Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia- these eastern islands are great for a quite escape. If you want to spend your days hiking, kayaking, and relaxing by the ocean, this is the place to do it.

Destination Guides for Canada

Calgary
Montreal
Nova Scotia
Toronto
Vancouver
Vancouver Island