Overview
Canada is enormous, orderly and more expensive than many visitors expect once tax and tips are added. Plan for distance (Toronto to Vancouver is a four-to-five-hour flight), weather, and an entry system that's strict about paperwork.
Entry requirements
Depending on your nationality and how you arrive, you'll need either a visitor visa or, for visa-exempt nationals flying in, an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
- Visa-exempt nationals flying in need an eTA. It costs CAN$7, you apply online at canada.ca, and it's linked to your passport. US citizens don't need one.
- Everyone else needs a visitor visa: CAN$100 per person (CAN$500 family maximum), plus biometrics at CAN$85 (CAN$170 per family). That includes Nigeria, Zimbabwe, South Africa and most African passports. Processing times vary a lot by country, so check IRCC's current estimate before booking.
- Border officers decide how long you can stay, usually up to 6 months.
Visa information
Apply only through canada.ca (opens in a new tab). Visa applicants may need to give biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a visa application centre — factor that appointment into your timeline.
Best time to visit
Summer (June–September) for cities, national parks and road trips; winter for skiing and northern lights. Shoulder seasons are cheaper but some attractions and mountain roads have limited hours.
Currency
The Canadian dollar (CAD). Cards are accepted almost everywhere, including for small amounts.
Typical daily budget
Per person per day in CAD (2026). Tax and tips come on top of most listed prices: sales tax runs from 5% to 15% by province, and restaurant tips are usually 15–20%.
| Style | Per day | What it looks like |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | C$90–180 | Hostel dorms (C$35–75; Montreal cheapest, Banff priciest), groceries, public transit |
| Mid-range | C$200–300 | Mid-range hotels (C$170–260 a night in summer), casual dinners (C$35–60), some car hire |
| Comfort | C$300–450+ | Branded hotels, restaurants, domestic flights, guided tours |
Reference prices:
- Coffee: C$5–7.
- Car hire: about C$60–100 a day.
- Parks Canada Discovery Pass (individual, annual): about C$75.
Cards vs cash
Canada is heavily card-and-contactless. Carry a little cash for small vendors or tips, but you can go days without it.
ATMs
Bank-owned ATMs are generally cheaper than standalone machines in convenience stores. Your home bank's foreign fees still apply.
Mobile data & eSIMs
Canadian mobile data has a reputation for being pricey. Many travellers use a travel eSIM or a prepaid local plan.
Curious about banking longer term? See Can tourists open a bank account in Canada?
Transportation
Big cities have good transit (Toronto's TTC, Vancouver's SkyTrain, Montréal's Métro). Between regions, fly — or take VIA Rail if the journey is the point. Car rental is standard for national parks.
Accommodation
Hotels in major cities can be expensive in summer and during events; book early. Short-term rental rules vary by city.
Safety considerations
Canada is generally considered safe; the main risks are weather and wilderness (wildlife, cold, remote distances). Take winter driving seriously.
Travel insurance
Healthcare for visitors is not free. Medical insurance is essential — hospital bills for non-residents can be very large.
Things to do
- Banff and Jasper in the Rocky Mountains
- Niagara Falls from Toronto
- Old Montréal and Québec City
- Vancouver's seawall and nearby mountains
- The Maritime provinces' coastline
Airport information
Toronto Pearson (YYZ), Vancouver (YVR) and Montréal–Trudeau (YUL) are the main long-haul gateways. Border officers may ask about your plans, funds and accommodation — keep bookings accessible.
Useful apps
Transit apps for your city, an offline map for parks (mobile coverage disappears quickly outside towns), a weather app, and your airline's app.
Local customs
Tipping is expected (commonly 15–20% at restaurants). Queuing is taken seriously. In Québec, French is the main language — a "bonjour" goes a long way.
Emergency information
Dial 911 for police, fire or ambulance anywhere in Canada.