Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Canada. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as you do not stay in the country more than 180 days.
US Embassy/Consulate
[1] (613) 688-5335; US Embassy in Ottawa, 490 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 1G8 Canada; https://ca.usembassy.gov/; OttawaNIV@state.gov
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
Telephone Code
1
Local Emergency Phone
911
Vaccinations
See WHO recommendations
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Varies from temperate in south to subarctic and arctic in north
Currency (Code)
Canadian dollar (CAD)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
120 V / 60 Hz / plug types(s): A, B
Major Languages
English, French, Punjabi, Italian, Spanish, German, Cantonese, Tagalog, Arabic
Major Religions
Catholic 39%, Protestant 20.3%, Orthodox 1.6%, other Christian 6.3%, Muslim 3.2%, Hindu 1.5%, Sikh 1.4%, Buddhist 1.1%, Jewish 1%
Time Difference
UTC -7, -6, -5, -4, -3 going from West to East
Potable Water
Yes
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Niagara Falls; Banff National Park & Rocky Mountains; Toronto's CN Tower; Old Quebec (Vieux-Quebec); Whistler; Ottawa's Parliament Hill; Bay of Fundy; Peggy's Cove; Green Gables; Vancouver; Butchart Gardens; Aisinai'pi/Writing-on-Stone Park
Major Sports
Ice hockey, lacrosse
Cultural Practices
Canadians are friendly, polite and respectful to both friends and strangers alike. They follow standard western cultural traditions in regards to things like greetings, rude gestures, and gift-giving. The most taboo subjects of conversation in Canada are politics, religion, and sex.
Tipping Guidelines
Tipping 15-20% is expected at restaurants. Round up to the nearest $5 (CAD) whenever you take a taxi and $1-2 (CAD) per bag is expected for bellhops. A housekeeping tip may be included in hotel bills. If not, leave $5 (CAD) a day or a lump sum at the end of your stay.
Souvenirs
Maple syrup products, maple leaf and loon figurine handicrafts, Canadian Mountie "Moose" items, stuffed toy polar bears, native artwork and wood carvings
Traditional Cuisine
Poutine — French fries topped with a mildly spicy chicken or turkey gravy and fresh cheese curds
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Wednesday, September 06, 2023
