Entry Requirements
Visa requirements for Canada depend on which passport you hold. Check the Traveller visa tool to see whether your passport needs a visa and, if so, how long you can stay.
Check if you need a visa for CanadaEmergency Numbers
- General
- 911
Currency
- Name
- Canadian Dollar
- Code
- CAD
- Symbol
- $
Power Outlets
- Outlet types
- Type A, Type B
- Voltage
- 120V
- Frequency
- 60Hz
Time Zone
ET (UTC-5/-4) · CT (UTC-6/-5) · MT (UTC-7/-6) · PT (UTC-8/-7)
Atlantic: AST (UTC-4/-3). Newfoundland: NST (UTC-3:30). Saskatchewan: CST year-round (no DST)
Best Time to Visit
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Skiing: December–April. Fall foliage: late September–October in Ontario and Quebec
Tipping Customs
| Venue | Typical | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | 15–20% | 18–20% is the norm in major cities; below 15% is seen as rude |
| Taxis / Rideshare | 15% | — |
| Hotel staff | $1–2 per bag | — |
| Coffee shops | $0.50–1 counter tip if service involves more than pouring | — |
Dress Code
- Casual in most settings
- Smart casual for nicer restaurants
- Cold-weather gear essential — Canadian winters are not mild
Social Etiquette
- Canadians apologize constantly — 'sorry' is used even when it's not your fault
- Very multicultural — inclusive and diverse; treat everyone with equal respect
- Bilingual country: French in Quebec (at minimum attempt bonjour) — English elsewhere
- Tipping culture mirrors the US — it is a cultural expectation in service industries
- Remembrance Day (11 November) is observed solemnly
Local Laws
Laws change. Verify current rules with your country's official travel advisory before departure.
- Cannabis is federally legal but CANNOT be taken across any international border
- Drinking age: 19 in most provinces, 18 in Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec
- Strict gun control laws
- Strict impaired driving laws — includes cannabis impairment, not just alcohol
- All passengers must wear seatbelts
Common Phrases
| English | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Sorry (used constantly) | Sorry / Pardon | Canadians pronounce 'sorry' as 'sore-ee' |
| Hello (Quebec French) | Bonjour / Allô | bon-ZHOOR |
| Double-double | (Tim Hortons order: 2 cream, 2 sugar) | cultural landmark — ordering one earns immediate local credibility |
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