CANADA

Canada is one of the most underrated and yet beautiful countries in the world. When a lot of us hear the word "Canada", we think "Niagara Falls", "hockey".... maybe even "maple syrup". But what about Banff National Park? What about the hiking trails and turquoise water? To me, those definitely deserve a spot on your vacation list. Read below to learn more about why you should visit Canada.

FACTS ABOUT ...

LANGUAGE

There are two official languages that Canadian residents usually speak on a day-to-day basis: English and French.

CURRENCY

Canada's currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD), which comes in notes of 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100. They do not universally accept the USD.

TIME DIFFERENCE

The time difference depends on where you are in Canada. Compared to EST, they can be anywhere from 2 hours ahead to 3 hours behind.

FOOD

A few foods Canada is known for include Poutine, Bannock, Butter tarts, and Montréal-style bagels. Make sure to try these on your trip!

Banff National Park, Niagara Falls & More

experience the beauty of canada

Lake Agnes Tea House view

Lake agnes tea house view

The Big Beehive Hike at Lake Louise

the big beehive hike at lake louise

Ok, I'll tell you the truth- Canada was not always at the top of my bucket list. Being a US citizen and feeling so close to Canada, I never really felt compelled to visit. I thought it was pretty much the same as where I was from, where there are definitely some differences from state to state but nothing overwhelming, shocking, or exciting (aka all the things I like to feel when visiting a country). But BOY, was I so wrong.


Banff National Park made its way on my bucket list quickly. A couple of years ago, I started seeing pictures and videos on social media of the most breathtaking hiking spots I'd ever seen, and I was dying to see them for myself. Upon doing some of my own outside research, I found out that the pictures were all of Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. And with some more research and careful planning, I was on my way to this magnificent place just a couple of years later. Now, I'm here to tell you alllllll the things about my travels in Canada so you can go and experience this magical place for YOURSELF!

Learn What Canada Can Offer You

Looking for a place where you can go and experience the gorgeous outdoors, but that's outside of your typical stomping grounds? Canada can be a great place to visit, especially if you live in the USA and are looking for somewhere relatively close but still new, exciting, and out-of-country. To learn more about Canada and a few must-see things to add to your itinerary when visiting, scroll down. I've written quite a few resources to help guide you!

Subscribe

Subscribe for Travel Tips & Guides

Sign up and stay up-to-date about what's happening at our site.

You Ask & I Answer

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I need a visa to travel to Canada?

    Most foreign nationals need a visa to enter Canada. However, citizens from visa-exempt countries only require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) when flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport. It's essential to check with the official Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website to determine specific visa or eTA requirements for your nationality.


    It is likely that if you are a US citizen traveling to Canada, you will need an eTA, which can be obtained here.


    If you are not a US citizen, you will likely need a visitor visa, which can be obtained here. 

  • Do US citizens need a visa to travel to Canada?

    No, U.S. citizens do not need a visa to visit Canada for short stays (typically up to 180 days). However, when traveling by air, they do need to have a valid passport and obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before their departure to Canada. The eTA is an entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals traveling to Canada by air. You can obtain your eTA here. 

  • Can I drive into Canada from the USA? What do I need?

    Yes, you can drive into Canada from the USA. You will need a valid passport or appropriate travel document. Additionally, if you're planning to stay for an extended period or have other circumstances, there might be other documentation or requirements. Ensure that you're aware of any goods or items you're prohibited from bringing into Canada and declare any items as required by Canadian customs.

  • What is the weather like in Canada?

    Canada is a vast country with diverse climates. While winters can be cold (especially in northern regions), summers can be warm or even hot in areas. Coastal regions, like Vancouver, tend to have milder winters compared to central areas like Winnipeg. Packing depends on the time of year and region you're visiting. Always check the local forecast for the specific areas you plan to visit and pack layers to accommodate varying conditions.

  • Is Canada bilingual?

    Canada is officially bilingual at the federal level, meaning both English and French are official languages. In everyday life, English is predominantly spoken in most parts of the country, while French is the primary language in the province of Quebec and parts of New Brunswick. Tourist areas, especially in major cities, cater to both languages. Knowing some basic French phrases might be helpful if you're visiting predominantly French-speaking areas, but it's not a requirement for most travelers.