How Things Work in Canada
Everything Tourists Need to Know
Tipping 15–20% is expected at restaurants in Canada, as it is a core part of service-industry compensation.
Updated 2025-06
Each major city has its own transit system and card — Toronto uses PRESTO, Vancouver uses Compass, and Montreal uses STM cards.
Updated 2025-06
Canada's public healthcare does not cover tourists — even a short ER visit costs $1,000+ CAD, so travel insurance is absolutely mandatory.
Updated 2025-06
Cannabis is legal federally but rules vary by province — driving under its influence is illegal and strictly enforced.
Updated 2025-06
Call 911 for all emergencies — police, fire, and ambulance — anywhere in Canada.
Updated 2025-06
Canada is very casual — practical, weather-appropriate clothing is the priority, and there are no formal dress requirements for tourists.
Updated 2025-06
The drinking age is 19 in most provinces (18 in Alberta, Quebec, and Manitoba), and alcohol is sold at government-run liquor stores, not general supermarkets.
Updated 2025-06
Bargaining is not part of Canadian retail culture — prices are fixed, though car dealerships and major appliance purchases are exceptions.
Updated 2025-06
Photography is generally unrestricted in public spaces, but always ask permission at Indigenous sacred sites and avoid military installations.
Updated 2025-06
Most retail is open 7 days a week, but statutory holidays cause significant closures — Boxing Day (December 26) is a major shopping event.
Updated 2025-06
Uber and Lyft operate in all major Canadian cities and are the most convenient option — taxis are available but often more expensive.
Updated 2025-06
Tap water is safe and excellent quality throughout Canada's cities and towns — no need to buy bottled water.
Updated 2025-06
ATMs are widely available and cards are accepted almost everywhere — Interac debit is the dominant payment method and foreign cards work at all major bank ATMs.
Updated 2025-06
Canadian mobile plans are among the world's most expensive — consider an Airalo eSIM or budget carrier like Freedom Mobile for better value.
Updated 2025-06
Canada uses Type A and Type B plugs (same as the USA) at 120V/60Hz — North American devices work perfectly; European and UK devices need an adapter and possibly a voltage converter.
Updated 2025-06
Canada is a low-scam destination for tourists, but phone and email scams impersonating the Canada Revenue Agency are rampant — hang up immediately.
Updated 2025-06
Canada is very safe by international standards — violent crime affecting tourists is rare, though some downtown areas and wildlife encounters require awareness.
Updated 2025-06
Canadians are famously polite — say 'sorry' liberally, respect personal space, and in Quebec, always attempt a greeting in French first.
Updated 2025-06
English is spoken everywhere; French is the primary language in Quebec and parts of New Brunswick — knowing a few French phrases goes a long way in Montreal.
Updated 2025-06
Canada has beautiful beaches but most ocean and lake water is cold — the Great Lakes offer the warmest summer swimming while glacier-fed lakes are stunningly blue but frigid.
Updated 2025-06
Drive on the right, use metric speed limits in km/h, and know that winter tires are mandatory in Quebec from December to March.
Updated 2025-06
Canada's food scene is diverse and multicultural — try poutine in Quebec, butter tarts in Ontario, and note that tax is always added to menu prices at the till.
Updated 2025-06
Canada's religious sites are generally welcoming to visitors — dress modestly, remove shoes where indicated, and always ask before photographing.
Updated 2025-06
The best time to visit most of Canada is June through September — winters are genuinely extreme in most regions, though Vancouver stays mild year-round.
Updated 2025-06
Canada is expensive, but free museum days in Ottawa, Tim Hortons for cheap meals, and shoulder-season travel (May or September) can significantly reduce costs.
Updated 2025-06