Canada is a beautiful country, attracting tourists from around the world to enjoy its forests, seashore, and
Understand the Rules
Know that you need a passport or similar document to cross the border into Canada. For visitors from everywhere but the United States, you’ll need to secure an ETA or Electronic Travel Authorization in advance. The ETA is good for five years or until your current passport expires. You must travel with the same passport you used to secure the ETA.
For most Americans, a passport is generally sufficient. For children 15 or younger, a birth certificate or certified copy is sufficient to cross the border as long as they’re traveling with their own parents. Learn about the Canadian rules for entry to their country because they can be sticklers. For example, they can refuse entry to you if you have a criminal record or think your behavior is suspicious. Nor is it just felonies that can get you banned. If you have a history of DUIs, this could prevent you from being allowed into Canada.
The legal drinking age, depending on what province you’re in, is either 18 or 19. Just realize that your 20-year-old coming back into the U.S. with a beer in hand could face criminal penalties.
Many people come to Canada to hunt. However, the country has very different gun laws than the United States. Read up about restricted and non-restricted guns and have all the necessary paperwork in order before you show up with any type of firearm.
Know the Driving Rules
In general, your U.S. driver’s license is valid in Canada. However, the driving age varies from province to province, so some younger drivers may need an International Driver’s Permit to drive a car in Canada. If you plan on renting a car, understand that the minimum rental age varies both between car rental companies and provinces. This means that if you’re under 25, you may not be allowed to rent a car and will pay more if allowed to do so. If you’re over 25, you’re fine.
Only use cell phones in hands-free mode when driving because Canada has strict distracted driving laws. Nor are you allowed to smoke in the car if there is a minor in the vehicle with you.
Prepare Yourself for the Canadian Financial System
You can take U.S. currency into Canada but know that it won’t be accepted at most places. You’ll have to pay an exchange rate; that will be most favorable at tourist attractions and major malls.
Prices will be in Canadian currency, but they’ll add to the sticker shock with their high sales tax. There is a federal sales tax on all goods and services, and most provinces tack on their own sales tax, too. You can buy items like beer and cigarettes at duty-free stores, but there are limits on how much you can buy there. You can also buy alcohol at specially designated liquor and beer stores.
While you’re at it, plan in advance for a higher cell phone bill. You can use your American cell phone in Canada, but you’ll be hit with high roaming fees unless you work something out with the carrier to avoid this. They may charge you an incredibly high fee for every text and phone call. The only other affordable alternative is to turn off your cellular data and limit yourself to email when you’re hooked up to Wi-Fi.
Be Prepared for the Driving Conditions
Driving in the winter can be hazardous no matter where you are. And Canada is further north than the U.S., so it suffers through a long winter season. This means you need to have a car equipped for driving in these conditions. Dress in layers because you can be hit by cold winds and thunderstorms on the prairies, and temperatures dip in the mountains, especially at night.
Know that the distances can be as vast in Canada as on a cross-country trip in the United States. For that reason, you need to have charged cell phones and an emergency kit in your car at all times. Give yourself plenty of time to go from point A to point B and take extra food and fuel with you so you aren’t stranded in the middle of nowhere.
Know that you are limited in what you can bring into the country. For example, you can bring your dog but not fresh fruit. You can bring gifts but only if they’re worth less than $60. This means you’ll want to stock up on food, drinks, and essentials while in Canada.
Learn the Local Lingo
At a minimum, learn the basics of the metric system. After all, speed limits are posted in kilometers not miles. Canada is officially bilingual in both English and French. Consider picking up some basic French to help you get around, especially if you’re going to be in Quebec. If you want to learn some basic French verbs, read more here. Then you’ll be better prepared to enjoy your trip through Montreal or the province’s capital, Quebec City.
Decide on an Itinerary
Canada is vast. Realistically, you can’t plan on crisscrossing the country and seeing all the sights on one trip. Instead, choose a section of Canada to cover. Take your time enjoying the Rocky Mountains, the Pacific Coast of British Columbia, or the Maritime Provinces. Note that the farther you get from the U.S. border, the less likely they are to accept American currency.
Get Your Insurance In Order
While Canada has a universal health care system, it is only for Canadians. If you’re on a road trip to and through Canada, consider getting travel health insurance unless you’ve verified in advance your health insurer will cover you when you’re outside the United States. Canada also requires you to have valid car insurance to drive in their country.
Conclusion
Canada is welcoming of visitors from the United States, but this doesn’t mean you can just drive across the border and be ready to go. Follow our tips so that you can enjoy your road trip across Canada.