Welcome to Canada 😊

Quick Facts About Canada

Money and Finances

The currency in Canada is the Canadian dollar (CAD). Coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 cents, as well as 1 and 2 dollar coins. Notes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 dollars.

ATM Network

ATMs are widely available throughout Canada in urban centers and smaller towns. Most major banks in Canada belong to the Interac network, which provides access to ATMs across the country.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are widely accepted in Canada, especially Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. However, some smaller establishments may only accept cash or debit cards. It's always a good idea to carry some cash with you just in case.

Internet and Phones

Canada has relatively high internet speeds, with an average download speed of 107 Mbps and an average upload speed of 14 Mbps. There are no major government restrictions on internet use in Canada.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

There are several major telco companies in Canada, including Bell, Rogers, and Telus. The cost of a mobile phone plan varies depending on the provider and the plan, but can range from $50 to $100 per month for a basic package. There are no major sim compatibility issues in Canada.

Dialling to Canada

To call Canada from another country, you will need to dial the country code +1. Within Canada, phone numbers have a three-digit area code followed by a seven-digit local number.

Transport Around Canada

Air Travel

Canada has several major international airports, including Toronto Pearson International Airport, Vancouver International Airport, and Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport.

Train Travel

Canada has an extensive inter-city train network, with VIA Rail being the main provider. Ticket prices vary based on the route and class of service, but a one-way ticket from Toronto to Vancouver in economy class can cost around $600 CAD and take approximately four days.

Metro / Local Trains

Canada has several major cities with local train systems, including Toronto's TTC subway, Montreal's STM metro, and Vancouver's SkyTrain.

Buses

Canada also has a well-developed bus network, with Greyhound and MegaBus being the main providers. A one-way ticket from Toronto to Montreal can cost around $50 CAD and take approximately six hours.

Rideshare

Popular rideshare companies in Canada include Uber and Lyft, with average prices varying based on the city and time of day.

Driving by Car

Driving in Canada is relatively easy, with well-maintained roads and highways. The speed limit varies based on the province, but is generally around 100 km/h. Canada uses right-hand drive.

Local Customs

In Canada, tipping is a common practice, with 15-20% of the bill being the general amount for restaurants, taxis and hairdressers. Locals commonly greet each other with a handshake, and bowing is not a common custom. When speaking with strangers, Canadians are generally friendly and polite, but not overly familiar. Men and women address each other by their first names, unless a more formal title is being used.

Health and Diseases

Medical System

Canada has a publicly funded healthcare system called Medicare, which provides coverage for most medical and hospital services. Canadians are required to have basic health insurance and can also supplement their coverage with private insurance. The cost for a visit to a general practitioner in Canada can range from $50 to $100 CAD.

COVID Situation

Canada responded to the COVID-19 pandemic with strict measures and guidelines, including quarantining individuals entering the country and implementing social distancing measures. As of September 2021, Canada has a rate of 389.6 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people.

Common Health Risks

Common health risks in Canada include insect bites and Lyme disease, especially in wooded and grassy areas in the summer. There may also be risks associated with extreme temperatures during winter months.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

In Canada, the legal drinking age is 19 in most provinces. Public intoxication and driving under the influence are strictly prohibited and heavily enforced. Alcohol can only be sold by licensed vendors, and there may be restrictions on times and locations where it can be consumed. Some areas may have local bans on alcohol sales or consumption.

Recreational Drugs

The possession, sale, and use of recreational drugs is illegal in Canada. However, the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes is legal with a prescription. In October 2018, Canada became the second country in the world to legalize the recreational use of cannabis for adults.

Pre-Marital Relationships

Canada has no laws against pre-marital relationships. Consensual sexual activity is legal as long as all parties are of legal age and give their informed consent.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

Canada has a reputation for being one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries in the world. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2005, and discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity is outlawed.

Firearms / Guns

Canada has strict gun control laws and restricts the use, ownership, and possession of firearms. A license is required to own a firearm, and guns must be registered. Handguns and assault weapons are heavily restricted, and there are strict provisions for storage and transportation of firearms.

Regions in Canada

There are many wonderful regions to visit in Canada, browse through each to see what to visit.

110 Popular Travel Destinations in Canada