Canada

Canada rewards thoughtful planning: its cities, coastlines, mountains, and northern landscapes are separated by enormous distances. Start by choosing a region rather than trying to cover the whole country. A first trip might combine Toronto and Niagara Falls, Montréal and Québec City, or Vancouver with the Rockies. For wilderness-focused travel, reserve campsites, popular park shuttles, and guided activities well ahead, especially in summer.

Before flying, check the Government of Canada's official entry requirements for your nationality and route. Depending on your passport and whether you arrive by air, land, or sea, you may need a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization. Keep proof of accommodation, onward plans, and sufficient funds accessible. Canada's seasons vary sharply: pack layers and rain protection in summer, while winter travellers need proper insulated footwear and clothing. Use Hello's trip planning tools to organize flights, reservations, park permits, and day-by-day routes in one place.

Canada is easy to explore within major cities, but intercity travel requires realistic timing. Toronto, Montréal, Vancouver, and Calgary have useful public transit networks; Montréal and Québec City are particularly enjoyable on foot in their central districts. Between cities, compare flights with trains and long-distance buses. VIA Rail offers scenic routes, while the Rocky Mountaineer is a premium sightseeing experience rather than a budget transfer.

A rental car is often the most practical choice for national parks, coastal drives, and smaller communities. Distances on maps can be deceptive, and mountain roads may have limited services, so refuel when convenient and check road conditions before departure. In winter, allow extra time for snow and ice. Download offline maps, save accommodation addresses, and keep emergency supplies in remote areas. An active Hello eSIM lets you use navigation, weather alerts, and reservation apps without relying on expensive roaming charges; buy and activate it before landing.

Canadian food is regional, diverse, and best discovered beyond predictable tourist menus. In Québec, try poutine—fries topped with cheese curds and gravy—as well as Montréal-style bagels and smoked meat. Atlantic provinces are known for lobster, scallops, and other seafood, while British Columbia brings excellent salmon, oysters, and Asian-influenced dining. In the Prairies, look for hearty dishes featuring local beef, grains, and berries. Indigenous-owned restaurants and cultural food experiences offer important perspectives on Canada's many culinary traditions.

Tipping is customary in restaurants and is generally calculated on the pre-tax total; check the bill before adding anything, as some venues include a service charge. Tap-to-pay is widely accepted, but carry a small amount of Canadian currency for markets, rural stops, and transit machines. Prices on menus usually exclude sales tax, which varies by province. If travelling with friends, use Hello expense splitting to record shared meals, fuel, and activities as you go, while budget tracking keeps totals organized in Canadian dollars.

Canada's signature experiences often happen outdoors: kayaking near Vancouver Island, hiking in Banff and Jasper, spotting whales in the Atlantic provinces, or watching northern lights in Yukon and the Northwest Territories. Conditions can change quickly, so check official park advisories and weather forecasts before setting out. Tell someone your route, carry water and a charged phone, and choose trails that match your experience and equipment.

Wildlife encounters require distance and patience. Never feed animals, approach bears or moose, or leave food near a campsite; follow local guidance on bear spray and food storage. In national parks, stay on marked trails and obey closures designed to protect visitors, habitats, and nesting areas. Reserve popular parking areas or shuttle services when required, and leave no trace. Remote regions may have weak signal, so download maps and essential information in advance—even when your Hello eSIM is active.