There’s no doubt that Canada is one of the most stunning countries on the planet with plenty to offer eager travelers. However, if you are planning to visit the country for the first time, you likely have a few questions about the experience that awaits you. Below, we’ve sought to answer the most common questions first-time visitors tend to ask, so you can be fully prepared to embrace all the wonders the country has to offer when you finally set foot on Canadian soil.
“Do I need a visa to visit Canada?”
As with most visa questions, the only way to answer this is by saying… it depends. Some passport holders – such as those from the USA – do not need a visa to travel to Canada, but the vast majority will need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) in order to enter the country. Thankfully, you can go through the Canada visa application process online, so you should have no problem ensuring you have your eTA in place by the time you’re ready to travel. If you want to go to Canada in order to start a business, you need to consult with a local lawyer about the requirements in this case.
“What should I expect from the weather in Canada?”
Canada is a famously cold country, though you should be able to avoid the worst of this if visiting during the (Canadian) spring or summer. However, even in the warmer months of the year, even relatively warm areas rarely see temperatures above 27C, and temperatures can dip in the evenings so pack with this in mind. If you’re visiting in autumn or winter, then pack a lot of cold-weather options; even major cities can become bitterly cold, while temperatures in more remote areas will plummet even further.
“Will I need to understand French?”
Canada has two national languages; English, of course, and French – so it’s no surprise that visitors occasionally wonder if they’ll need to understand French to navigate around the country. However, this is unlikely to be the case; even in parts of the country where French is the main language, such as Quebec, English is still spoken and included in road signs, so there’s no need to specifically pick up a few Quebecois phrases before your visit.
“What side of the road do they drive on in Canada?”
If you’re accustomed to driving in New Zealand, then hiring a car and driving in Canada will be a very different proposition; Canadians drive on the right-hand side of the road. In addition, you’ll need to be particularly cautious if driving in cold weather conditions; Canadian roads can, unsurprisingly, become rather treacherous, so it might be best to stick to the public transport system during your stay.
“Do I have to pay for any medical treatment I might need in Canada?”
Yes, so you’ll need to ensure you have good travel insurance that will cover any healthcare costs you may experience while visiting the country – hopefully you won’t need to use it, but it’s always best to err on the side of caution.
With the above questions answered, you should be ready to enjoy the wonders that your Canadian vacation is sure to bring – enjoy!