Cheat Sheet: Canada
Some quick Canada travel tips for your next adventure!
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<3 Dominique
Since I have lived in Canada for over two decades, this was the toughest Cheat Sheet to create! The country is so diverse and with my insider knowledge, I had a hard time focusing on just the highlights. As the second largest country in the world, there is so much to discover! From rich, Indigenous cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and sprawling metropolises, there is something for every explorer.
I have consolidated my top Canada travel tips in a graphic. In this post, I expand on all the items listed on my Cheat Sheet.
Language
English is the dominant language in Canada. French is the other official language of Canada which is spoken fluently by 20% of the population.
The province of Quebec made French its official language. About 82% of French-speaking Canadians live in Quebec. French-speaking communities also exist in New Brunswick, Alberta, Manitoba, and Ontario. New Brunswick is the only (officially) bilingual province in the country.
Currency
The currency of Canada is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). ATMs are widely available even in the more remote towns. Credit cards are widely accepted.
Time Zones
There are six time zones throughout the country. Going east to west, these time zones are NST (UTC -3:30), AST (UTC -4), EST (UTC -5), CST (UTC -6), MST (UTC -7) and PST (UTC -8).
Most of Canada observes Daylight Savings Time (DST) with exceptions being the Yukon Territory, most of Saskatchewan, and some parts of Quebec.
Travel tip: when booking flights between provinces/territories, keep DST in consideration!
Electric Outlets
Type B plugs are used in Canada. The standard voltage is 110 – 120V and the standard frequency is 60Hz.
I recommend bringing a Universal Adapter with surge protection for your travels.
Tipping Etiquette
As with the rest of North America, tipping service providers is customary in Canada.
Restaurants may add a Service Charge or Gratuity of 15% to your bill, especially for larger parties. In these cases, you do not need to provide an additional tip.
I have summarized my tipping suggestions in the table below.
For all other service providers such as hairdressers, estheticians, and massage therapists, it is customary to leave a tip between 10-20% of the bill.
Canada Travel: Points of Interest
Canada is the largest country in North America. It therefore has more breathtaking and remote pockets than you could ever count or visit. This section highlights some of the more famous places to visit in Canada.
Banff National Park
As Canada’s oldest national park, Banff is truly an icon of Canada travel. Located in the Canadian Rockies in the province of Alberta, it offers visitors the chance to take in the majestic mountains, alpine forests, and glacial lakes. For instance, the iconic Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are both located in Banff. Additionally, popular activities at Banff National Park include hiking, skiing, and camping. Nature lovers can also marvel at the diverse wildlife found in the most famous Canadian national park.
Icefields Parkway
A drive on the Icefields Parkway is considered one of the most beautiful in the world and is therefore worth adding to your Canada travel itinerary! The Icefields Parkway is a scenic highway connecting Banff National Park and Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rockies. When driving along this 230 kilometer/143 mile highway, you can expect to see glacial lakes, mountain peaks, and of course, icefields.
Calgary
This is the closest major city to Banff National Park. In fact, it is the primary gateway for visitors to the Park since Alberta’s busiest airport is located near Calgary. Due to its proximity to the Canadian Rockies, Calgary is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. Every year, the city hosts the Calgary Stampede, one of the largest rodeos and Western culture exhibitions in the world. As the largest city in Alberta and the gateway to Banff, Calgary is undeniably deserving of a spot on your itinerary.
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls consists of three massive waterfalls located right at the border between Canada and the United States. You can find it specifically in the province of Ontario (on the Canadian side) and the state of New York (on the American side). The Falls are famous for their size and beauty, which attracts millions of visitors every year. There are boat tours that bring visitors up close to the Falls, observation points that offer panoramic views, and nearby hiking trails that wind beside the mighty Niagara River. In addition, the City of Niagara Falls developed around the Falls and offers kitschy attractions for explorers of all ages.
Travel tip: Niagara Falls is about an hour and a half away from Toronto so expect to allocate at least a day for an excursion to the Falls. You can also enjoy the Falls from a different perspective on the American side.
Toronto
As Canada’s largest city and main transportation hub, Toronto deserves a spot on any Canada travel list. Toronto is a major financial, cultural, and technological hub. In addition, it is renowned for its world-class shopping, cuisine, and arts scene. Visitors can marvel at iconic landmarks such as the CN Tower or catch a concert or game at the Scotiabank Arena or Rogers Centre. Known as a multicultural metropolis, Toronto consists of vibrant neighbourhoods; each offering its own distinct charm and character. Also, the urban oases of the Toronto Islands and High Park offer a sanctuary for those needing a short break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Whistler
Whistler, a resort town known for its world-class ski slopes, sits 125 kilometres (75 miles) north of Vancouver. While Whistler is a popular destination for winter sports, it also offers opportunities for hiking through scenic trails, golf, and ziplining during the warmer seasons.
Vancouver
Vancouver is one of the most beautiful, Canadian cities. Bordering the Pacific Ocean and surrounded by mountains and forest, this picturesque city is also a hub for outdoor activities. As one of the most multicultural cities in the country, Vancouver boasts a diverse culinary and art scene in its vibrant neighbourhoods.
Haida Gwaii
Nicknamed the ‘Galapagos of the North’, Haida Gwaii is an archipelago off the northern coast of British Columbia. It is the traditional homeland of the Haida Nation – an Indigenous culture with deep connections to the land and sea. Significant historic Haida villages and ancient totem poles dot the archipelago. Haida Gwaii is renowned for its rich cultural history, diverse wildlife, microclimates, and picturesque landscapes. Due to its ecological and cultural significance, UNESCO designated Haida Gwaii as a World Heritage Site.
Ottawa
As the nation’s capital, I don’t think any Canada travel list is complete without this city. In fact, Ottawa is historically and culturally significant in understanding the country as a whole. It is here you will find Parliament Hill and several national museums. Ottawa is also home to the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that transforms into one of the world’s longest skating rinks during the winter.
Montreal
This is the largest city in the province of Quebec. Moreover, Montreal is revered for its rich cultural diversity with a unique blend of European and North American influences. I particularly love visiting Montreal for its gastronomy which is an interesting fusion of French, Jewish and multicultural extraction. Like Toronto and Vancouver, the diversity within the city gives way to vibrant neighbourhoods, culinary and art scene but with a bilingual twist as the only province with French as its official language.
Quebec City
Quebec City is unlike any other city in Canada. It received UNESCO World Heritage Site designation for its well-preserved architectural heritage and historic significance. Founded in 1608, it is one of the oldest cities in North America. Quebec City offers its visitors a glimpse into what life was like in New France while maintaining its living culture. Besides being a historical and cultural gem, the area around Quebec City is also blessed with natural beauty.
Bay of Fundy
This is a natural wonder located between the provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. The Bay of Fundy is famous for having the highest tides in the world! But besides the high tides, it is also known for its extreme tides which have a 12-hour cycle. At low tide, it is possible to walk the ocean floor at the bay. At high tide, tidal ranges can reach up to 16 meters (53 feet). During high tide, nearby Saint John River (on the New Brunswick side) actually flows in reverse creating the Reversing Falls.
Halifax
For a taste of Canada’s rich maritime heritage on the Atlantic coast, Halifax is the perfect destination. It is the capital of the province of Nova Scotia but gives a small-town feel. If you’re looking to spend some time on the east coast of Canada, Halifax offers a little bit of everything – history, nature and gastronomy.
L’Anse Aux Meadows
Located on the northern tip of Newfoundland, L’Anse Aux Meadows is the only known Viking settlement in North America. Archaeologists date the site to 1000 AD, proving the Vikings reached the Americas long before Columbus. Today, L’Anse Aux Meadows is a national park and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Besides its historical significance, the area is also breathtakingly scenic. Rugged coastlines and the vast beauty of Newfoundland’s wilderness surround L’Anse Aux Meadows .
Dawson City
To learn more about Canada during the Klondike Gold Rush, look no further than this small town in the Yukon Territory. Dawson City is located near the Canadian border with Alaska. At the height of the gold rush, Dawson City was bustling town thanks to the prospectors and settlers hoping to (literally) strike it rich. Today, restorations have brought many of the Gold Rush era buildings back to life, and hence give visitors a glimpse into this important time in Canadian history. Dawson City also boasts natural wonders and offers visitors the chance to see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). If you’re interested in the Gold Rush or exploring the Canadian North, then Dawson City deserves a spot on your Canada travel itinerary!
Canada Travel: Food Checklist
As one of the largest countries in the world and being multicultural to boot, it is tough to define what Canadian cuisine actually is. We can define it by its locally sourced ingredients, but we can’t isolate the influences of traditional dishes introduced by the history and culture of its people. Canadian cuisine has been shaped by the historical and ongoing influences of Indigenous nations, settlers, and immigrants.
In this section, I cover food and beverages that are uniquely Canadian.
Poutine
I would say this is the most quintessential Canadian dish. Traditionally, poutine consists of French fries topped with cheese curds that is then covered in hot gravy. However, there are many variations to the traditional dish to “elevate” it. For example – truffles, foie gras, pulled pork are all popular poutine toppings. But honestly, the traditional is delicious on its own. While poutine is associated with Quebec (where it was invented in the 1950s), this comfort food can be found anywhere in Canada.
Tourtière
Tourtière is a meat pie that is served with holiday meals like Christmas and New Year’s. It is flaky pastry stuffed with ground meat that has been seasoned with a blend of spices like cinnamon, cloves, and allspice – though the recipe can vary between regions.
Ketchup/All Dressed Chips
Ketchup flavoured chips (or crisps) and All Dressed chips are beloved snacks that are distinctly Canadian. Both flavours are bold and tangy with a hint of sweetness. Although people rarely consider potato chips/crisps as delicacies when discussing international cuisine, I would make a case for Canadian chips. I will die on that hill and challenge visitors to try our chips/crisps and tell me otherwise (preferably in the comments below =P).
Peameal Bacon
Peameal bacon is pork loin that has been cured and rolled in cornmeal. Perhaps you have heard of it as “back bacon” or “Canadian bacon”. In contrast to traditional bacon, it is leaner and meatier and is typically more mild in flavour. You can fry or grill it and serve it like traditional bacon, with eggs, toast, and beans, or, more popularly, in a sandwich.
Caesar
I’m not referring to a salad here… A “Caesar” in Canada can also refer to a popular cocktail that is similar to a Bloody Mary but with a Canadian twist. A Caesar cocktail is made with vodka, Clamato juice (a blend of clam and tomato juices), hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. The drink is usually served over ice in a glass that’s been rimmed with celery salt. In addition, a dash of black pepper can give your Caesar more of a kick. It’s savoury, spicy, and a little bit briny but surprisingly refreshing!
BeaverTail
Don’t worry, no beavers are harmed in making a BeaverTail—a deep-fried, elongated pastry that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Think of it as a doughnut shaped like a beaver’s tail. Once fried, you can choose your toppings like Nutella, whipped cream, fruits or cinnamon sugar. You can easily find BeaverTails at popular Canadian tourist spots and outdoor events.
Lobster Roll
Nova Scotia is famous for its high-quality lobster, so I had to mention lobster rolls in my post about Canada travel tips. A lobster roll is lobster meat on a bun, and while it’s typically linked to New England, the Canadian version highlights the lobster itself. The sandwich is simply prepared to let the lobster meat shine, usually dressed with just a bit of mayonnaise, sometimes with a hint of lemon or seasoning. This allows the natural flavor of the lobster to stand out. Lobster rolls are especially popular in the summer when lobsters are in season, and they are typically served with coleslaw or chips.
Montreal-Style Bagel
Between New York-style bagels and Montreal-style bagels, I have to give it to the Canadians! The key differences are in the dough, cooking method, and unique flavour. Montreal-style bagels are smaller, denser, and slightly sweeter than their New York counterparts. They are made with honey-sweetened dough, boiled in honey-sweetened water, and then baked in wood-fired ovens, which gives them a unique, slightly smoky flavor. When in Montreal, you definitely need to try Montreal-style bagels to judge for yourself!
Butter Tart
Butter tarts are pretty iconic in Canadian baking. These are flaky, buttery pastry shells filled with a sweet, gooey mixture of butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla. The filling has a rich, caramel-like flavour, and it often includes extras like pecans, walnuts, or raisins. For those who love sweets, this iconic treat is must try during your travels in Canada and particularly if you’re travelling in Ontario.
Nanaimo Bar
A Nanaimo bar is a dessert bar that consists of three layers. The base layer is a cookie-like layer made of crushed graham crackers, cocoa powder, coconut, and nuts (like walnuts) which is all held together with butter and egg. The middle layer is a subtle custard. The dessert bar is then topped with a silky, chocolate layer. Though it is named after a city in British Columbia, Nanaimo bars can be found anywhere in the country.
Montreal-Style Smoked Meat
Montreal-style smoked meat is a kosher deli meat that’s made from beef brisket. The meat is cured with a special blend of spices (usually garlic, peppercorns, and coriander) and then smoked for several hours, giving it a deep, smoky flavour. It is then steamed until it is tender and juicy. It is typically served in a sandwich using rye bread and mustard. This sandwich has become a popular symbol of the Montreal food scene and is therefore deserving of a spot on your Canada travel itinerary.
Bannock
Bannock is a type of flatbread that has deep roots in Indigenous Canadian cuisine. Traditionally, bannock is made with flour, baking powder, salt, and fat (like butter, lard, or oil). The dough is either fried, baked, or even cooked over an open fire, depending on the method and region. Bannock is typically served as a side and can be used to scoop up sauces or gravies. It can also be served with tea or served alongside stews and soups.
Candied Salmon
No Canada travel guide is complete without mentioning a salmon dish. Candied salmon is salmon that has been cured in a sweet glaze that is then smoked or baked. It has a similar texture to jerky but with a much sweeter, more flavourful twist. Candied salmon is a sweet and savoury treat. It is delicious on its own but it can be served in salads, sandwiches or with crackers. Candied salmon is a delicacy that can be found on the west coast of Canada.
Canada Travel: Slang
Since I have lived in Canada for decades, I am well versed in local lingo that is uniquely Canadian. A lot of it is related to alcohol but in this section I handpicked a few terms that you may find helpful during your travels in the country I currently call home.
Double-double
Definition: this is an order of drip coffee with two creams and two sugars from beloved coffee chain, Tim Hortons. You can use this term in any Canadian cafe and they will understand what you mean.
Oddly, if you order a “single-single”, you will get weird looks. Single-singles do not exist, we call a drip coffee with one cream and one sugar a “regular” ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ . Oh and a “triple-triple”? Totally acceptable.
Used in a sentence: Can I get a medium double-double and a small regular?
Loonie and/or Toonie
Definition: these are terms for the Canadian one dollar coin and two dollar coin, respectively.
The slang “loonie” comes from the loon featured on the one dollar coin. The loon is the provincial bird of Ontario and has a very distinct call. I’m guessing a “toonie” comes from the fact that a two dollar coin is worth two loonies ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ .
Used in a sentence: Can you break my toonie into loonies?
Pop
Definition: soda/soft drink/carbonated beverage.
In my travels, I’ve found that people refer to carbonated beverages by different names. Moreover, it always varies by region. The regional name for fizzy drinks in Canada is “pop” as in soda pop.
Used in a sentence: I would like a pop, please.
Toque
Definition: a warm, knitted hat.
It is pronounced like the first syllable in the word “toucan”.
Used in a sentence: I packed a toque for my trip to Canada, eh.
Two-four
Definition: this could refer to a case of beer or the Canadian long weekend in May.
The origin of this slang is pretty obvious. A case of beer consists of 24 bottles of beer and the May long weekend usually falls near May 24th – which is Queen Victoria’s birthday.
Used in a sentence: Should I bring a two-four when I pop by at your cottage on May two-four weekend?
Am I missing any quick facts about Canada travel that you think may be helpful? Feel free to mention them in the comment section below!
I will also try my best to answer any questions…