Canada
When we think of a real winter adventure, Canada comes to mind! As the final stop on our world trip, we set off to explore this snowy wonderland in search of fresh powder and the Northern Lights. While the auroras eluded us, we definitely weren’t disappointed when it came to snow! Here, you’ll find all our (winter) travel information for Canada.
Travel Information Canada
De Best Travel Route for Canada
Our travel route through Canada was through the western part of the country. We traveled from Vancouver throught British Columbia and Alberta all the way to Calgary. Although the country is quite large and there are many routes to follow, many tourists choose for this side of Canada to explore the beautiful landscapes of the national parks Jasper and Banff.
Our Winter Road Trip Itinerary Canada West
Canada is best visited with a rental car, especially the side we explored! For our roadtrip through the south-west of the country, we rented a car through Sunnycars. They provide an all-in price with full insurance and the option to cancel up up to one hour before departure for free!
Visa and Entry Requirements
As visitors from the Netherlands, we needed a valid eTA (and of course our passports). Since an eTA is limited to only a list of countries and entry requirements may change over time, always check which requirements hold for you for entering the country. We did apply directly through the official website of the Canadian government.
Travel Budget and Currency
Traveling through Canada can be quite expensive. We travelled in winter period and in contrast to the low season in the USA in January, it was quite busy in Canada in February with winter tourism. Besides rental car, relatively expensive accommodations and food we also had to pay for skipass, gear and the fees for national park entrance! Especially day tickets for ski resorts are extremely overpriced for tourists, so keep in mind that you’ll need budget for that. If you travel in summer, of course hiking is a lot more affordable. Still, Canada remains an expensive county to visit.
What are the Costs of Traveling through Canada in Winter?
Canadian Dollar Exchange Rate (CAD) | Revolut
Climate and Weather in Canada
Canada is located high up the northern hemisphere, so colder climate may be expected. There is a difference between the coastal areas, where temperatures are more moderate and the inland, where temperatures differs quite extreme from summer to winter.
Peak and Low Season
Peak season is mainly in the summer months from June to August, however the country is becoming more and more popular for winter tourism as well.
Popular Attractions
Travelling to (western) Canada is mainly done for the stunning nature that the Canadian Rockies have to offer. Both in summer and winter the areas around Jasper and Banff national park are simply breathtaking!
Winter Activities in Lake Louise: 6 Things to Do!
Health and Safety
We did not experience any problems with both health and safety when visiting Canada. However, keep in mind that you should keep yourself safe by simply by thinking straightforward, especially in major cities. As we did not have any health problems, we did not visit local health care ourselves. Obviously, it is advisable to always consider good insurance and check with medical specialists if anything holds for you in particular.
Culture and Traditions in Canada
Main thing that we noticed were the friendly locals in Canada. We experienced really helpful people in accommodations, in restaurants and during activities. In contrast to what we are used to in Europe, there are many locals open to conversation. For instance, it seems quite normal to do some ski runs together after sharing a lift!
Internet and connectivity
We used an Esim during our travel period and were quite happy with it. Although you could also use a local sim-card at the airport of arrival, Esim is just easier as you are connected the moment you land!
Looking for a data package? We mostly use the Esim plan from Airalo for connectivity in foreign countries. Use the code MEIKE4854 for a €3,- discount on your first purchase!
