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The Amazing Tourist Guide – Visiting Canada

Any bucket list would be incomplete without a trip to Canada, the Maple Country. And for the perfect trip, you’ll require a complete tourist guide. Some lists mention what you must know about going to Canada, what you can do there and what you must see.

But well, let’s be honest, who has the time for it all? So here is the Ultimate Tourist Guide for Visiting Canada. That will tell you all there is to know.

It is located in the northern part of North America. You’d be surprised to know that Canada is the second-largest country in the world.

The country has an extensive domestic and foreign travel industry, from beautiful beaches to never-ending lush forests to big Colonial cities. The Country has it all.

Canada has so much to see and so much to do. Rich in culture, diversity, national parks, and a lot of intriguing history. It is also often referred to as ‘the patchwork of thriving cities and majestic wilderness.’ Once you get there, you wouldn’t want to leave.

Doesn’t it seem like the perfect vacation destination? In the right weather, you’d find chilly, cosy mornings, bright and breezy days, and cold comfy nights at the right time. It’s impossible not to fall in love.

Canada is also home to many immigrants who’ve started new colourful lives there and immigrant students who’re planning on settling there. Further proving the statement – Once you get there, you wouldn’t want to leave.

And even with all the information available on the internet these days, there hasn’t been a perfect tour guide for a trip to Canada. One that will tell you what you can do there and what you should know about the country beforehand.

It isn’t just all maple syrup, hockey, and poutine, you know. The beautiful country has so much more to offer! So, check out  The Ultimate Tourist Guide – Visiting Canada.

The Ultimate Tourist Guide – Visiting Canada

What you should know

Before travelling to any new place, let alone a new country, you must do your research. Essential things like their languages, beliefs, currency, time zones, weather conditions, commute, cuisine, and culture.

When you get there, you want to ensure that you do not come off as a helpless, clueless tourist, which is why you must have a tourist guide that will keep you covered.

1. Language

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It won’t be easy finding a tourist guide that will even cover topics like language. English is the mother tongue of a whopping 56.0% of the population in Canada. In comparison, French is the mother tongue of 21.4% of Canadians. Around 86.2% have a working knowledge of English, and 29.8% have a working knowledge of French.

Since it is home to many immigrants, around 20% of the country reportedly speaks other languages. About 0.6% of Canadians also speak indigenous languages. There are 12 indigenous language groups in total.

Because the country is so diverse in languages, if you’re not fluent in English and lucky enough, you might find somebody who speaks your native language and can help you out.

2. Currency

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If you’re visiting another country, a tourist guide that will tell you about its currency will be very helpful.

The entire country uses the Canadian Dollar – CA$ or CAD. It is said that the Canadian Dollar is the closest example of a pure floating currency. And that is all thanks to the limited interference of the country’s central bank.

For those of you who are new to the term – floating currency. The exchange rate is a regime where the forex market sets the currency price of a nation based on supply and demand relative to other currencies.

The 1$ and 2$ coins in the country are known as loonies and toonies. Currency can be exchanged at airport kiosks, border crossings, banks, and even large malls or such. And there are some places near the US border in Canada that might also accept US dollars.

It isn’t necessary to travel with lots of hard cash in significant cities in Canada. Most places will accept debit cards, credit cards, and forex cards. But it is ideal to have some cold hard cash on you at all times as well. It is useful in tipping and emergencies.

An important reminder is that the exchange rates for purchases by card will vary. ATM’s in Canada will also charge you a service fee of around 2$ to 5$. And even the exchange rates for cash at retailers will differ from one bank rates.

3. Time Zone

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Time is of the essence in our Ultimate Tourist Guide for visiting Canada. We also talk about the time zones in the country.

Canada has a total of 6 time zones with six corresponding daylight-saving time (DST) time zones. These six-time zones cover four and a half hours. From west to east, the time zones are – Pacific, Mountain, Central, Eastern, Atlantic, and Newfoundland.

4. Weather

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Canada is a country with extremes, and this tourist guide will tell you all about it.

In summers, you’ll find it boiling at 80-degree Fahrenheit to a slight chillier 70-degree Fahrenheit (20-27 degrees Celsius). So, don’t forget to pack all those cute sundresses, hats, those cool new shades and lots of sunscreens!

Autumns are cooler with beautiful fall foliage and lesser crowds. The temperature goes from an average low of 27-degree Fahrenheit to an average high of 66-degree Fahrenheit (-3 degrees Celsius to 19 degrees Celsius). Those hot knee-high boots and those long coats will make for the perfect Outfit of the Day. Some even say that it is the best time to visit Canada.

And finally, brave the winters where the temperature can go as low as freezing -40-degree Fahrenheit (-40-degree Celsius). Be ready to bundle up with this kind of weather. It is perfect for those who love winter and snow activities.

5. Culture and beliefs

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It is an essential part of every ultimate tourist guide to talking about the country’s culture. Canadian Culture is primarily influenced by various European cultures, cultures, and traditions of its constituent nationalities.

Some of the core Canadian values that are even evident with the country’s approach to governance are – fairness, equality, inclusiveness, and social justice. The country offers public health care, higher taxation to promote the redistribution of wealth, the legalization of same-sex marriage, the abolition of capital punishment, and the suppression of far-right politics.

The Maple country also has a generally very open and accepting attitude towards other cultures and religions. This is why so many people love travelling too, studying, working, and finally settling there.

The range of religions practised in Canada is as diverse as its inhabitants, and freedom of religion is a constitutionally protected right.

Canadians also have a powerful love for their environment. This is something that most people will notice at their first glance at the country. They hold great pride in their rich and very bountiful resources. They adopt and follow many environment-friendly policies and protect their nature.

The people of Canada are also known to be some of the most polite, courteous, and peace-loving human beings on the planet. They value order, and they also preserve personal space. While you’re there, the wise thing to do is to respect their privacy and avoid any discussions about personal topics.

The beautiful country has so much to offer. Click here to read about Alluring good things about Canada.

What to see while you’re there – Your Canadian Bucket List

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A vast, beautiful country like Canada has an endless list of things to do and places to visit. So how do you shortlist the best of the best?

The ultimate tourist guide for what you must see while you’re there? Whether you’re a beach babe, a mountain lover, or a city cat. Canada indeed does have it all.

It will not leave you disappointed. You can bet on that! But if you’re unfortunately only able to travel for a shorter period. There are some things that you cannot miss out on.

Here’s a list of what you must see while you’re in Canada, without a doubt.

1. Niagara Falls, Ontario

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Rediscover yourself and enjoy the scenic view of the mystical Niagara Falls in Ontario, Canada. This one is a must on every Ultimate Tourist Guide there is in existence for Canada.

There are so many ways for one to enjoy this magical experience. Cruises, Water activities, Helicopter rides, a journey behind the falls, ziplining, and even views from the Skylon Tower. And this wonder of the world isn’t all.

Around the falls, you’ll be able to explore and enjoy loads of local experiences. The Skywheel, a fear factory, Go-carting, and even diners, eateries, cafés, and tons of accommodations. This experience is a must.

You can even see the US side of the falls. It truly is a magical experience—an action-packed vacation spot for your honeymoon, a trip with your friends, and even family.

2. Banff National Park, Alberta

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Another scenic visit in the Ultimate Tourist Guide to visit Destinations Canada.

Take a stroll through the luscious green forests, hike through rocky mountains, and Canoe through the jewel-coloured waters of Banff National Park. The perfect spot for nature lovers.

There are hiking and paddling in the summers. And skiing the slopes and soaking in hot springs in the freezing winters. You have a good selection of accommodations and restaurants around here to ensure a cosy and comfortable stay.

You can find event rent houses for retreats and long-term stays. There’s also a lot of fun snow activities. Canada is full of provincial parks

3. CN Tower, Toronto

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At the freakishly high height of 553.33m, the CN Tower, an engineering wonder, has been the Canadian city of Toronto’s must-see for over four decades.

To get on the top, you have to ride the glad fronted elevators for 58 seconds. It’s a thrilling ride. You can enjoy fantastic views as you edge to walk on the side of the building and then enjoy fine dining at a rotating 360-degree restaurant overlooking Toronto.

While you’re there, don’t forget to check out the visual displays and exhibits on the history of the CN Tower, KidZone play area, and unique Canadian artisan and souvenir shopping in the Gift Shop. Don’t miss the architectural illumination of the Tower each night from dusk to dawn.

4. Old Quebec

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This old city is charming, and you’ll instantly fall in love. That is why it is on our Ultimate Tourist Guide. There are so many things to explore in this picturesque city: local bistros, quaint hotels, street vendors, and cobblestone streets.

Walking tours, day trips, sightseeing cruises, food tours, hiking, there are also multiple ways to see the city. Have unforgettable memories with your loved ones, and fall in love with each other and the city all over again.

Quebec will give you a new perspective on Canada and the American Revolution. Visiting Quebec is ideal around fall time.

Walk the streets of Quartier Petit Champlain, take a trip on the affordable and accessible Quebec City-Lévis Ferry. Visit the Musée de la civilization à Québec. Take in the history and explore the Citadelle of Québec.

5. Okanagan Valley

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Rejuvenate in the Okanagan Valley. This is the perfect tourist destination for a road trip, and that’s why it’s on our visiting Canada – tourist guide.

Here you’ll find brilliant views at every turn. Enjoy remote luxury. Farm to table eating and drinking. Outdoor adventurous and fantastic street art. Be organic and be sustainable.

It’s a great way to connect with nature.

6. Montreal

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Go back in time to Montreal – the cultural capital of Canada.

Just walking the streets of Montreal is an experience, especially the historic centre known as Old Montreal, which provides a window into the city’s rich history with its cobblestone streets and architectural styles ranging from the 16th century to the present.

Here you can shop till you drop in the underground city. Devour local cuisine at Plateau-Mont-Royal and party it up in clubs downtown.

Canada is such a beautiful vast country. Rich in culture and history. You can never really have enough! And an endless list of places to visit, destinations to explore, and activities to experience as your travel from coast to coast.

Click here to read about more tourist attractions in Canada. Like Nova Scotia, Vancouver Island, and British Columbia – should you have the time to visit them all.

We hope that our travel to Canada travel guide helped you better understand planning your trip. We’d love to hear what you have to say! And if you have any tips or a list of places to add to our Tourist Guide, do share it with us.

Last Updated on by Priyanshi Sharma

Author

  1. Discovering Canada through this guide was really interesting! The article showed me cool cities and beautiful nature. It gave great ideas for my visit. I want to try these suggestions on my next trip. Thanks to the writer for such a helpful guide

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