Do you want to travel to Canada anytime soon? With booming municipalities and great national playgrounds, who would not desire to embrace everything this nation offers? Despite having a border with the United States, Canada differs substantially from its neighbour in many ways. Therefore, before making plans on your journey to Canada, there are some things you are required to understand.
Things to learn before travelling to Canada
1. Canada is a great nation: Canada is the second biggest nation globally, after Russia. Therefore, when you travel to Canada, do not make plans to be able to tour most of the nation within a few weeks. Canada is big, and touring from one municipality to another implies journeying far distances. It is advisable to pick one or two Canadian provinces and concentrate on all its attractions if you just have a short time. Keep in mind that the municipalities in Canada are very spread out.
Therefore, review the distances when picking a hotel for booking or other housing close to the sightseeing. And definitely, accommodation in the suburbs is more affordable, just that they usually feel like a different municipality possessing its malls, marts, and playgrounds. Transportation from a suburb to a major sight can be stressful. And no, you will not be able to trek everywhere. Canada comprises ten provinces and three colonies. Therefore to few a good part of it during your visit, ill suggest you rent a car.
2. Be Ready for the Weather
The essential thing to know about Canada before visiting is that Canada is very cold. Only the British Columbia coast has warmer temperatures during winter, but the rest are very cold. Therefore, come with a warm woollen hat, referred to as toque in Canada, thick gloves, and a scarf to wrap around your neck.
3. Canada’s two official languages
So many Canadians speak French as their initial language. However, French is Canada’s second language. Approximately 20 per cent of the Canadian population take it as their mother tongue. Canada is a multicultural community where you will discover various levels of skills in their terminologies, several various accents, and several other languages used
The region of Quebec has French as its dominant language.
4. Tipping in Canada
Tipping in Canada and the USA are very much alike. You are expected to provide a tip When you obtain services from waitpersons, barbers, cab drivers, or more. Though this is not compulsory, a tip of about 15 to 20 per cent is the standard in most situations.
5. Sales taxes included in bills
Canada includes a federal sales tax on every goods and services, and most provinces possess their tax. This implies that depending on where you live in Canada, your charges may arrive with a 15 percent tax charge. Therefore, when you purchase an item in the mart, check the label for the last price. These taxes can also be added to your accommodation bills or restaurant bills. Compare prices before you make any purchase, as the costs of items differ between the two shops.
6. Canadians are courteous
Canadians possess the prestige of being courteous. Naturally, they act great in public; anything disruptive or abusive is unacceptable. Canada does not accept making a scene, being drunk in public, loitering, littering, etc. Canadians are very tolerant. Some are so reserved and say sorry even when it is unnecessary.
7. Good customer service in Canada
Like the USA, Canada is a consumer community, which does not imply that the customer is usually the king. A lot of shops operate seven days a week and close at night. The restaurants provide every diet required, and their waitpersons are usually cordial and focused.
8. Driving in Canada
Mostly, when driving to Canada from the United States, you have to understand the speed limits are not the same in Canada. Therefore, before you begin driving, review what the speed limits are. Just as in every other nation, mobile phones should be used hands-free when driving. Canada does not accept smoking while driving. If you are below 18, when driving in snowy weather, ensure you possess a charged mobile phone and go along with your emergency gear.
9. Health insurance
Canada might be understood for its great healthcare structure; however, this is just for Canadians. If you get wounded while staying in Canada, and you do not possess accurate health insurance, you can be billed heavily. Therefore, ensure to own travel insurance that protects any medical cost in Canada.
10. Legal drinking age in Canada
Based on the region, the legal drinking age in Canada is 18 or 19. The drinking age also includes purchasing liquor or alcoholic drinks, whereby in some regions of Canada, there are specially assigned alcohols that are not sold in the supermarket. Since the legal drinking age in the USA is Canada than the US, you will observe so many young Americans across the border seeking a party.
11. Ensure to have the accurate travel documents
Unless you are from the US, you will usually require a visa or an ETA to enter Canada. What you require is based on your passport; therefore, review this before your trip date. Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is compulsory for visa-free citizens unless they are Americans. You will be required to obtain this before you board your plane to Canada. Obtaining the ETA is a simple procedure online, although it takes a few minutes to conclude. Check the Canada-US border crossing conditions for those travelling to Canada on land from the United States of America.
12. Emergency details
We hope you will not require these; however, it is definitely among the things to be aware of before your journey to Canada. The phone number for contacting emergency services, which involves police, firefighters, or medical services, is 911 in Canada.
We hope you enjoy your stay in Canada and view this large and beautiful country in the best way possible!
