Insider Travel Tips

How do I plan a trip to Canada?

Everyone has their own style of travel, and we have the expertise to plan a trip to Canada that caters to you. Want to walk the picturesque trails along the Atlantic Ocean of Cape Breton Highlands National Park in Nova Scotia or gaze upon the turquoise glacier fed Lake Louise at Banff National Park in Alberta? Discover tailor-made travel and explore Canada with the help of a Goway Destination Specialist.

How much does it typically cost for a trip to Canada?

Given the size of Canada, vacation budgets of all sizes can be accommodated. Peak summer months in popular spots tend to be higher in cost for accommodation, but with the help of a Goway Destination Specialist, you can create a tailor-made itinerary to suit your budget. It’s recommended to allocate $400 per day, per individual traveller, not including international airfare for higher end vacation, while a mid range trip should budget $250 per day, per traveller.

What documentation is required to visit Canada?

Visitors from the United States are able to visit Canada using a valid passport, or if a member of Nexus, a valid membership card can alternatively be presented. Visits to Canada can last up to 180 days. If you are able to take advantage of a long vacation, be sure to consider visiting as many provinces and territories as you can. For those visiting from countries other than the United States, be sure to check the government of Canada website, as an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) will likely be required.

What wildlife will you find in Canada?

Canada boasts unique wildlife, from beavers to polar bears, and hulking grizzlies. The chance to see wildlife in their natural environment can be captivating, but respecting them is paramount. It’s important to stay informed about local wildlife safety, as you’re sure to encounter wildlife in national and provincial parks throughout the country.

How do you get around while in Canada?

Canada has a good and vast public transportation system that can connect you from coast to coast. Getting from one end of Canada to the other typically involves an airplane flight, as there are limited national train services available. That said, many of the service providers vary by region, so be sure to engage your Goway Destination Specialist to arrange your transportation diligently.

What currency does Canada use?

Canada uses the Canadian dollar, which trades around $0.70 CAD to $1 USD, but be sure to check exchange rates before travelling, as rates fluctuate. It can be exchanged just about anywhere. Canada is a near cashless destination, with most businesses accepting credit cards. It is easy to take out cash at ATMs which are widely available. If you do happen to use any cash, the Canadian $1 and $2 dollar coins are often referred to as a loonie and toonie, respectively. Vendors do not typically accept EUR or USD cash.

What is the tipping culture in Canada?

Tipping is not mandatory but customary. It's appreciated and expected in most cases in restaurants, bars, cabs, and especially for exceptional service. In general, around 15-18% is acceptable while dining at a full service restaurant. It's common for restaurants to automatically add a gratuity charge of 15-18% for groups of 8 or larger, where no additional tip is required.

How many provinces and territories are in Canada?

Canada has 10 provinces (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Québec, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia) and three territories (Nunavut, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories).

How many time zones are in Canada?

Canada has six different time zones, so be prepared for differences in time when travelling between provinces and territories. The time zones are as follows, from west to east: Pacific, Mountain, Central, Eastern, Atlantic and Newfoundland.

Is Canada LGBTQ+ friendly?

Canada is widely known to be a LGBTQ+ friendly travel destination. Canada was one of the first countries in the world to declare equal marriage rights, and progressive legal protections are in place against the discrimination of the LGBTQ+ community. Travellers will not struggle to find LGBTQ+ friendly restaurants and bars in all large cities. Consider traveling to Canada in the summer months when Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal, all respectively, recognize the LGBTQ+ community with large Pride celebrations.