Last Updated on April 17, 2024 by Charmaine | The Canadian Wanderer
If you’re planning on traveling to Canada, it is worth doing some research before you visit. While the country is a Western democracy, it also has some unique and strange quirks that make it different from most other places.
Canadian Weather
The first step is to check the weather before your trip. Canada is a country of extremes. Some months it is as cold as it is possible to get in the Northern Hemisphere outside of Siberia, and other months, it is hotter than the Middle East.
Summer temperatures in Toronto can be particularly high. The inland city is prone to the urban heat island effect, forcing mercury to rise.
Driving Standards in Canada
You should also read up on the driving standards expected of you if you are traveling to the country in your car or hiring one when you get there. The country has all sorts of codes and laws that don’t apply in many other parts of the world.
For example, every year, thousands of tourists must fight distracted driving cases against them for allegedly using their phones or eating while driving. Canada’s police can be draconian and over-zealous sometimes.
You might also experience issues with lane-changing. Canada has some enormous highways and drivers don’t always check their mirrors.
Tipping Culture in Canada
Tipping culture exists in Canada and depending on where you are from, these standards may seem familiar. Most Canadians tip taxis around 10% and restaurant workers around 15 to 20%. Many professionals rely on tips for their livelihood, so providing a little extra money is normal.
The Safety
Despite being in North America, Canada’s safety levels are similar to most Western European countries. It does have the occasional eruption of violence, but it is no worse than what you might see in London or Paris.
Even so, you’ll want to take precautions in big cities. Don’t walk through unknown areas late at night far from tourist attractions. Stick to brightly lit parts of the city with plenty of people around.
If you are going into the wilderness, take all the supplies you need with you. Bring provisions for food, water, and shelter. You may also need anti-bear devices to keep you safe if you are traveling near these animals.
The Metric System
Most countries (other than the US) use the metric system, and Canada is one of them. Therefore, if you are an American, you’ll need to get used to converting kilos to pounds and litres to pints.
Another approach is to simply learn a new standard. Instead of constantly converting measurements, set a new benchmark (such as a litre bottle of water) and work from there. This way, you can use both systems while you are out there.
Travel Insurance
Finally, you’ll want to get travel insurance before you go to Canada to protect yourself against unexpected events. All sorts of things could go wrong, even if you are only planning a quick trip across the border.
For example, make sure you have insurance in place for medical emergencies. Many credit cards has travel insurance included, so it is best to check your coverage before traveling.
