Welcome to Canada!
Canada is a land of diversity, renowned for its stunningly natural beautiful scenery from its large cosmopolitan cities to its frozen northern tundra; its snowy mountain peaks to its rugged coastlines; and its rich farmlands to its pioneering outposts. The vast, untouched landscape, unique blend of cultures and multifaceted history make Canada one of the most exciting travel destinations in the world. Canada boasts a wide, diverse culture, and has a French and British colonial heritage, which is reflected in its cuisine, culture and customs, mixed in with the legacy of the country’s own enigmatic aboriginal First Nations history. The Canadians take pride in their history and pleasure in the beauty of their land. As John Buchan, writer and Governor-General of Canada, said, “You have to know a man awfully well in Canada to know his surname.” So it’s important to be aware the local laws and penalties, make sure you learn the following Canada travel tips on dos and donts before you travel to ensure the most of your precious time in this vast Continent.
Canada Travel Taboo
Drinking alcohol in public is prohibited by law in all of Canada.
Canada Travel Donts
- Do not drink in public. Drinking alcohol in public is prohibited by law in all of Canada.
- Do not smoke in British Columbia, smoking is banned on all public transport, in public buildings, including restaurants and bars, and workplaces.
- Do not get into a taxi without noting the cab number and the name of the driver.
- Do not buy something from a person who offers you a great deal on the street, especially if you have to follow them somewhere.
- Do not carry parcels, gifts or luggage for other people across borders or through customs under any circumstances.
- Do not false display, sit on the Canadian flag or spill your dinner on it. The Canadians take a hearty sense of national pride on their flag which should never be shown indignity or be displayed in an inferior manner.
Canada Travel Dos
- Do bear in mind that the temperatures of Canada range from plus 40°C in summer to minus 40°C in the winter, so dress accordingly!
- Do bring an electrical converter for your electrical appliances if they operate rather on a different voltage than 110 volt electrical systems at 60 hertz as in Canada. Mains wall sockets and plugs are two parallel flat blades.
- Do tipping. Like the USA, in Canada it is customary to tip 10% to 20% for services such as restaurants, bars and pubs, taxis and hairdressers. Always check whether a service charge was included in a restaurant bill, especially if paying by credit card.
- Do respect wildlife laws and to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife.
- and visit Riding Mountain National Park for Bear Watching, Whale Watching and Wildlife Viewing.
- Do find out if your medications are legal in Canada if you under prescription drugs. Carry a note from your doctor clearly explaining the medical reasons for your prescriptions.
- Do choose your travel companions wisely. If your fellow travellers happen to be carrying, using or selling illegal drugs, you could be found guilty by association.
- Do follow the rules of etiquette for displaying the Canadian flag and give the Canadian flag prominence honour.
- Do keep your valuables in hotel safe. Petty crime such as pick pocketing and street theft can occur at tourist destinations, hotels and on public transport. Expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.
- Do excise cautions while travelling in Canada. Heavy snowfalls and ice in the winter can make driving dangerous. The wind-chill factor can also create dangerously cold outdoor conditions beyond the thermometer reading.
- Do be aware of earthquakes in Canada. The province of British Columbia in western Canada is in an active earthquake zone.
- Do be mindful of safety. Some mountainous areas of Alberta and British Columbia are subject to winter avalanches. Tornadoes can occur in some areas of Canada between May and September.
- Do make sure you have health insurance to pay your medical costs if necessary. Canada does not pay for hospital or medical services for visitors.
- Do make two photocopies of valuables such as passport, tickets, visas and travellers’ cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.
You can find more comprehensive information of Canada travel tips by visiting www.travel.gc.ca developed by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada.
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