Canada Travel Guide
Season • Note
Are December and January good months to visit Canada?
December
Off
season
January
Off
season
Did you know?
The surface area of Canada is 3.86 mil. mi², which puts the country in position number 3 in terms of the area in the world.
How far is it?
1. The site uses the Great Circle method of calculating distances between two points on the Earth
2. To change the cities for comparison, change Your Country in settings
The distance between Ottawa (CA) and Washington D.C. (US) is 456 miles
To calculate distance between your location and Ottawa click here
TimeOttawaTimezone (6)
Safety
General travel safety level in Canada on a scale of 1 (safe) to 4 (unsafe).
Level 1 • Exercise normal safety precautions.
Update: 30 Nov -0001Currency
Canadian Dollar (CAD) - rate compared to selected currencies
EUR 
GBP 
USD Get ready for your next trip
With just a few clicks you can find the best accommodation, airline tickets, or buy insurance that provides comprehensive protection for your next journey.
Cities and Top Tourist Attractions
From historical cities to picturesque landmarks and fascinating places - don't miss out on these attractions when planning a visit to Canada
| Miles | Toronto | Montreal | Edmonton | Ottawa | Vancouver | Calgary | Banff National Park | Victoria |
| Toronto | - | 314 | 1681 | 219 | 2087 | 1684 | 1775 | 2106 |
| Montreal | 314 | - | 1847 | 103 | 2290 | 1876 | 1962 | 2315 |
| Edmonton | 1681 | 1847 | - | 1763 | 508 | 174 | 179 | 555 |
| Ottawa | 219 | 103 | 1763 | - | 2199 | 1786 | 1874 | 2222 |
| Vancouver | 2087 | 2290 | 508 | 2199 | - | 419 | 344 | 60 |
| Calgary | 1684 | 1876 | 174 | 1786 | 419 | - | 94 | 453 |
| Banff National Park | 1775 | 1962 | 179 | 1874 | 344 | 94 | - | 386 |
| Victoria | 2106 | 2315 | 555 | 2222 | 60 | 453 | 386 | - |
A Brief History of Canada
Important historical events that significantly shaped the nation's trajectory throughout the centuries
30,000 - 15,000 B.C.
The beginnings of settlementThe first people arrive in the area. They had crossed a land bridge from northeast Asia to North America.
A.D. 1000
Discoveries of VikingsThe Vikings explore what is now Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and New Brunswick.
1497
John Cabot's expeditionExplorer John Cabot sails to Canada's east coast and claims it for England.
1534
KanataExplorer Jacques Cartier claims the area now known as Quebec for France. He uses the Huron-Iroquois word for village or community - "kanata", to describe it.
1763
Treaty of ParisThe Treaty of Paris ends seven years of fighting between France and England. France gives its Canadian settlements to England.
1867
Dominion of CanadaColonies now known as Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario and Quebec join to create the Dominion of Canada. Its government is similar to Britain's and includes a governor-general, who represents Britain's royalty.
1873
North-West Mounted PoliceCanada creates the North-West Mounted Police, now known as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police or Mounties, to help keep order.
1896
Gold minesGold is discovered in the Klondike region of western Canada.
1959
St. Lawrence SeawayThe St. Lawrence Seaway opens, allowing cargo ships to travel from the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes.
1965
A new flagCanada flies its red and white maple leaf flag for the first time.
1969
Official languagesEnglish and French become Canada's official languages.
1976
Summer OlympicsMontreal hosts the Summer Olympics.
1982
Charter of Rights and FreedomsThe Charter of Rights and Freedoms becomes the law of the land. It outlines rights for all Canadians.
1988
Winter OlympicsCalgary hosts the Winter Olympics.
1994
NAFTACanada, Mexico and the U.S. sign the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Under the treaty, certain goods traded between the countries are tax-free.
1999
Inuit territoryNunavut becomes a self-governing Inuit territory. It is the first territory to have a majority native population.
2010
Winter OlympicsCanada hosts the Winter Olympics, in Vancouver.
Best Ways to Experience Canada
- Cuisine
- Art
- Animals
Practical Information for Travelers
- Budget
- Currency
- Vaccinations
- Visa
- Electricity
Determine the expenses for your travel or vacation budget, as well as the expenditures associated with residing in another country
MoreBackpacker's budget
Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel in a standard close to 1 star (hostels, public transport). When traveling alone, the cost may be slightly higher (hotel room) or the same (dormitory accommodation).from
Tourist's budget
Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel (they share the cost of a hotel room, taxis, etc.) to a standard close to 3 stars. Costs for a solo traveler will be higher.from
Currency
MoreCanadian Dollar (CAD)
- CAD
- EUR
- GBP
- USD
- CAD
- EUR
- GBP
- USD
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Vaccinations
MoreAll travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccinations may also be required in Canada.
Some travelers
Vaccinations and medications that may be recommended under certain conditions, depending on where you will be, the length of your stay and the nature of your stay.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a digestive disease caused by the hepatitis A virus and is closely related to a lack of good hygiene.It can be asymptomatic, moderate, or very severe.Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Eat and drink safely
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus.Infection occurs through contact of injured skin or mucous membranes with virus-infected blood or other secretions (e.g. during sexual contact, through contaminated needles or as a result of medical procedures).Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
With or without a visa?
Visa requirements for citizens of
- United States
visiting 
Canada for tourism
A visa is not required.
- Allowed stay: 6 months
- Anyone with a criminal record may not be able to enter Canada without first obtaining an approval for rehabilitation or a Temporary Resident Permit.
- Passport Card, NEXUS card, or Enhanced Drivers License valid for Land and Sea Travel
Electricity
120V (60 Hz)
In Canada the standard voltage is 120V and the frequency is 60 Hz. Type A, B sockets are used.
Click on the socket icon to see more information
Type A
Type BFacts and Figures
Fundamental socio-economic statistical data pertaining to the country
Population | 39 / 231 Ranking | 37 742 154 Canadian 32.2%, English 19.8%, French 15.5%, Scottish 14.4%, Irish 13.8%, German 9.8%, Italian 4.5%, Chinese 4.5%, North American Indian 4.2% |
Area | 3 / 230 Ranking | 3.86 mil. mi² It is approximately 105% of the territory of United States. |
Life expectancy | 5 / 196 Ranking | 83.6 Life expectancy expressed in years.men 81.3women 86 |
Median age | 132 / 157 Ranking | 41.8 Average age of population expressed in years.men 40.6women 42.9 |
Population growth | 102 / 172 Ranking | 0.77% The difference between live births and deaths. A negative value means natural loss. |
Literacy | 11 / 131 Ranking | 99% Ability to read, write and count.men 99%women 99% |
GDP | 23 / 194 Ranking | 48 091 INT$ GDP per capita is gross domestic product converted to international dollars (Int$) using purchasing power parity rates and divided by total population. |
United States