For sure Canada is a fantastic land that should be on every American citizen’s list of lifetime experiences. In fact, no one in the world should be spared the chance to roam a world so remarkably different and familiar all at once, so free of prejudice, yet so eager to have a good time. However, this is a journey that should be taken with a sense of respect for the individuality of this singular nation, something that Canada has long struggled to maintain and in every right deserves.
Here we’ll discuss some basic travel information and tips for vacationing in Canada, followed by a quick province breakdown with some hotel recommendations.
Note to Readers: The following tips should be considered applicable to all of Canada unless otherwise specified within the content.
The Tips
Border Crossing: As of this writing, US citizens are not required to provide a visa or passport when entering Canada; however proof of citizenship is required in some form. If not a visa or passport, a birth certificate is a common acceptable choice. It is also advisable to bring some form of photo ID if your proof of citizenship does not have a picture. Although this has becomes less common in recent years, many border guards will not actually ask to see your proof of citizenship provided you answer the standard questions (“Where are you from”, “Where are you going”, “How long will you be staying”, etc.) adequately. Nevertheless, you should always have it with you, and gambling that you won’t be asked is a bet that’s not worth losing.
There are two primary ways to cross the Canada border, by plane or by car. Entering Canada by plane is virtually the same as anywhere else except for the passage through customs upon arrival. Unless traveling through one of the smaller local airports, customs tends to move very swiftly on the Canadian side and is typically hassle-free, although you can’t expect airport security to neglect the proof of citizenship check like the border guards will do. Entering the country by automobile is just as easy, although it can take quite awhile depending on your timing. Holiday weekends especially might create hours-long delays at the border, so plan ahead if traveling around a holiday.
It is customarily believed that border guards tend to be less trusting of unkempt persons or older vehicles, but this is much more myth than fact and is entirely avoidable with appropriate behavior. Answer the questions seriously and have your paperwork in order and there will be no problems.
Quick tip: If you’re driving an American-registered car you will need proof of liability coverage in excess of $200,000, the Canadian minimum. Be sure to double check with your insurance provider before making the trip.
Getting Around: Unless you plan to do a good deal of broad travel in Canada, or unless you are visiting a particularly remote area, it’s best not to bring your car or rent a car in Canada. This is not criticism of Canada’s road culture, which most Americans will find remarkably polite, or of its road geography, which is very clean and navigable, but rather a compliment on its public transit systems. Although the provinces, and cities within those provinces, may vary wildly in the amount of public transit available, in the big cities like Vancouver, Ontario, and Montreal, you can count on the bus and taxi services to get your around quickly and easily. For getting across the country, only air travel is reasonably reliable.
Quick tip: The nation of Canada takes drunk driving very seriously. If you fail a breathalyzer test, and the failure limits fall far beneath the US limits, you will certainly be spending several hours in jail and will most likely find yourself being escorted out of the country. The obvious solution is to never drink and drive.
Language: With the exception of Quebec, Canada is primarily English-speaking, and you shouldn’t ever have trouble finding someone to converse with in the other three provinces. In fact, the barrier you’re more likely to encounter is not the language barrier so much as the dialect barrier. The way that natives of Minnesota often speak very differently than native of Georgia despite sharing a common language, idiosyncrasies in word inflection and diction can make it difficult for you to understand some locals, and they you. Rather than get frustrated, however, you can create substantial goodwill by shrugging off these difference and embracing them with a laugh.
In Quebec, French is far and away the dominant language, although you can usually get by with simple English in the major cities. Unless you have some grasp of French, it’s not advisable to travel off the beaten path. Again, you have an easy opportunity to generate some goodwill by simply memorizing a few French phrases to use about town. Most locals will appreciate your effort.
Quick tip: Language is one area in Canada where assumption can get you in trouble. Specifically, not everybody from Quebec speaks French, and not everybody who speaks French is from Quebec. You’ll have more luck not trying to play to expectations, yours or others, and just being yourself. Most Canadians are happy to forget about a minor insult if you’re willing to appear understanding of the culture.
Purchasing: The Canadian and American dollars tend to run about even so you may want to exchange for cash if you plan to travel into rural areas, however through the cities Visa and MasterCard are widely-accepted, with American Express and Discover slightly less so. Due to possible savings on the currency exchange, you’re better off using your credit card.
Quick tip: Bargaining is extremely rare in Canada, even more so than in the United States. Attempting to haggle a price, unless for some reason making a very large purchase, will get you nowhere at a minimum, and might possibly offend the retailer.
Quick tip #2: It was previously possible for US citizens to claim back any Goods and Services taxes paid in Canada, however this is no longer possible.
Drinking: Like the US, Canadians love to drink socially and in celebration of televised events such as sports games (especially hockey). Beer and cocktails are the favorites throughout Canada. Take note however that most Canadian-brewed beers are slightly higher in alcohol than American beers, so drink responsibly (and again, driving while intoxicated is a much more severe crime in Canada than in the US).
The legal drinking age varies from province to province but is typically either 18 or 19.
Behavior/Attitude: Canada is known and perhaps even beloved by outsiders as a place of infinite understanding and patience where the perceived prejudices of American culture seem to disappear. Canadians are also known, and have even faced mockery, for their politeness and general goodwill. A rule of thumb for making a good impression and having an enjoyable time is to respect this attitude without belittling it. Be only as friendly as you would reasonably expect someone to be friendly with you. Never attempt to imitate a local’s dialect or to engage someone in a discussion of Canadian politics. The best way to respect our culture’s differences is to not bring them up unless you are expressly asked. Chances are they’ve heard it before and aren’t looking to be compared to anyone or anything.
Again, even though the country is known for its benevolence, it would be a dire assumption indeed to expect every person you meet to be friendly themselves or receptive to your friendliness. Just as you might in the US, always respect one another’s personal space.
Thesee are just some basic tips to encourage a general understanding of our neighbors to the north. Like anything else, there are no steadfast rules, and for every nine times the above advice proves true, there may be a time where it does not. In fact, only one rule is always true when traveling in Canada (or anywhere): travel respectfully. This will never do you wrong.
Note to Reader’s: The remainder of the article is dedicated to hotel recommendations.
Lodging Recommendations
Ontario: Ontario, Canada provides more diversity of experience than possibly any of the other provinces, not to mention anywhere in the US. The delightful blend of soaring outdoor vistas and cosmopolitan wonderlands make Ontario a dynamic choice for family’s and couple’s vacation.
Great Ontario hotels by Holiday Inn.
Quebec: Worth the trip regardless of the language barrier as Quebec is easily one of the world’s most historic places. Incredible architecture, charming cities, and unforgettable excursions are never more than moment away.
Relaxing Quebec hotels by Holiday Inn.
British Columbia: Among the most beautiful places in existence, British Columbia will never fail to take your breath away with one stunning surprise after another. The excellence of the lush golf courses, fascinating wine tours, and bustling festivals is outdone only by the hospitality.
Rewarding British Columbia hotels by Holiday Inn.
Atlantic Canada: The surprising warmth and personality of Atlantic Canada must be experience to be truly believed. This is the least known province and territory of Canada, but not for long.
Fine Halifax, Nova Scotia hotels by Holiday Inn.
So get out there and discover Canada the right way today.