Travel tips
Practical, helpful tips for a trip to Canada
Travel tips
Before you board a plane to embark on your dream trip through Canada, it's essential to be well prepared.
On this page you'll find everything you need to know to travel to Canada worry-free!
Financial matters
Currency
In Canada, the currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD). The Canadian dollar is pegged to the US dollar, making it a relatively strong currency. For the current exchange rate, you can visit currency calculator to use.
Pay
A credit card is the most common payment method in Canada and is practically indispensable during your trip. Credit cards are used the same way we use our debit cards. You can't pay with a debit card in stores, but you can withdraw cash from ATMs. Don't forget to expand your debit card to "worldwide." You can pay with cash everywhere.
Tip
Tipping is standard practice in Canada and usually not included in prices. However, if a bill says "gratuity," it is already included.
The amount of the tip obviously depends on your budget, but 15-20% is customary in restaurants, cafes and taxis.
To travel
Public transport
In major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, public transportation (buses, metro, and trams) is readily available. Outside of the cities, a car or campervan is often necessary.
International driving license
You can drive in Canada with a European driving license. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended. You can obtain the IDP at an ANWB sales point. to request.
Traffic rules
Traffic rules are fairly similar to those we know in Europe. In Canada, they also drive on the right side of the road, and the speed limit is displayed in kilometers. The following speed limits apply:
- On highways: 100 km/h
- On highways: 80 km/h
- Within built-up areas: 30 to 50 km/h
There are a number of rules you should pay attention to:
- At a stop sign or stop sign you are obliged to stop, if you continue driving at a walking pace you risk a hefty fine
- The traffic lights are on the other side of the road. Make sure you stop at the right spot and not in the middle of an intersection.
- Turning right is permitted in most provinces, regardless of a red light
- At an intersection with a stop sign that says '4 way' or 'All way' below it, the rule is that the car that stops first at the intersection is allowed to leave first.
Fuel
Fuel prices are considerably lower than in the Netherlands, but keep regional price differences in mind. Prices are approximately $1.50 per liter of gasoline and $1.70 per liter of diesel. When filling up, you pay beforehand with cash or a credit card, and then you can fill up.
Technical
Internet
In Canada, internet costs from your standard data plan are very high. It's recommended to get a SIM card or e-SIM locally. An e-SIM works the same as a physical card, but you buy this data plan online. You can easily install the e-SIM on your smartphone using a QR code.
Most hotels, bars, and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi. Even supermarkets, gas stations, and many campsites have Wi-Fi.
Reach
Canada is a large country, so coverage isn't always consistent. In larger towns and along major roads and highways, there's good coverage; outside of these areas, it can be poor or even nonexistent. In national parks and remote areas, there's no coverage. Even with a local SIM card or Wi-Fi hotspot, you won't get any coverage in these areas.
Electricity
The mains voltage in Canada is slightly different from that in Europe, namely 110 volts. Check whether your electrical appliances operate on variable voltages. The appliance should then say: 110/220V 50/60Hz. If this isn't the case, you'll need an adapter to convert the mains voltage to 110V.
Days and time
Time difference
Canada has six different time zones, below are the time differences with the Netherlands:
- Newfoundland (including St. John's): 4.5 hours earlier
- Nova Scotia (including Halifax): 5 hours earlier
- Ontario and Québec (including Toronto and Montréal): 6 hours earlier
- Manitoba (including Winnipeg): 7 hours earlier
- Alberta and a small part of British Columbia with Mountain Standard Time (including Calgary and Edmonton): 8 hours earlier
- British Columbia and Yukon (including Vancouver and Whitehorse): 9 hours earlier
Public holidays
In addition to general holidays, Canada observes several specific holidays. Many schools, businesses, museums, and government institutions are closed on the following days:
- January 1: New Year's Day
- Third Monday in February: Family Day (Ontario, Alberta, and Saskatchewan)
- Friday before Easter: Good Friday
- In March or April: Easter
- Monday before May 25: Victoria Day
- July 1: Canada Day
- First Monday in August: Civic Holiday
- First Monday in September: Labor Day
- Second Monday in October: Thanksgiving
- November 11: Remembrance Day
- December 25: Christmas
- December 26: Boxing Day
Medical assistance
Concern
Canada has a good healthcare system, but as a tourist, healthcare isn't free. You can go to all hospitals and clinics for medical care, but be aware that costs can be very high and you often have to pay locally, as clinics don't always accept foreign insurance. You can reclaim these costs later from your travel insurance.
In remote areas (such as the Rocky Mountains), medical help may be difficult to reach and may take longer to arrive.
Pharmacists in Canada can sometimes prescribe medications for common complaints such as sore throats or allergies.
The emergency number in Canada is 911.
In addition, it is good to know that tap water is of high quality and safe to drink in most cities.
Language
Both French and English are spoken in Canada. French is particularly prevalent in the Atlantic coast provinces and in Quebec. Therefore, road signs may be in French.
In general, you can get by everywhere with English.
Packing list
Additional things to keep in mind while packing your suitcase or backpack:
- World plug with three-pin plug
- Distribution block so you only need one world plug
- Voltage adapter, if your device does not work with variable voltages
- Credit card with PIN code
- Layering: Canada's vastness creates diverse climates
- Cream: The dry air can dry out your skin
- Copy of travel insurance
- Health insurance card
- (International) driving license
- Declaration of medication from GP
