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Visas & entry
U.S. citizens do not need an eTA; U.S. permanent residents are also eTA-exempt but need a passport and valid proof of permanent-resident status. Visa-exempt visitors—including many UK, EU, Australian, New Zealand, Japanese and South Korean passport holders—normally need an eTA when flying or transiting Canada, but not when entering by land or sea; visa-required nationalities need a temporary resident visa. Verify requirements for your passport and entry mode on the official Canadian government checker before travel.
Getting in
- Toronto Pearson International Airport: Canada’s broadest international gateway and the logical arrival point for Toronto, Niagara and the Toronto–Montréal–Québec City corridor.
- Vancouver International Airport: Use it for Vancouver, Whistler, Vancouver Island and Pacific Canada; it is the country’s most useful west-coast arrival airport.
- Calgary International Airport: The efficient Rockies gateway for a rental-car trip to Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper; Banff is roughly 130 km by road.
- Montréal–Trudeau International Airport: Best for a Québec-focused trip, with straightforward access to Montréal and onward travel to Québec City.
- Halifax Stanfield International Airport: The practical hub for Nova Scotia and wider Atlantic Canada, especially for self-drive itineraries.
Getting around
Use rail only where it genuinely fits: the Toronto–Montréal corridor is easy by VIA Rail, while most of the country is not. Rent a car for the Rockies, Vancouver Island, Atlantic Canada and nearly any scenic region; public transport thins quickly outside major cities. Fly between major regions rather than wasting holiday time on cross-country transfers, and use park shuttles around Lake Louise and Moraine Lake instead of trying to park.
Money
Canada uses the Canadian dollar (CAD). Cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, but carry some cash for small rural purchases and tips; restaurant tipping around 15–20% is standard, with lower tips or no tip expected for counter service.
Book before you land
Lake Louise and Moraine Lake shuttle or licensed tour transport · Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper accommodation during summer and ski periods · Popular Parks Canada campgrounds and backcountry permits, especially in Gros Morne · Major Montréal festival-weekend accommodation and sought-after restaurants · Aurora lodges or tours in Yukon during the northern-lights season
- Do not plan on driving to Moraine Lake: its road is closed to private vehicles year-round; use a shuttle, transit or a licensed tour.
- In Québec, English works in tourist settings, but opening with even basic French is courteous and noticeably improves the experience.
- Mountain weather changes fast, even in July. Carry warm and waterproof layers rather than assuming a sunny forecast means summer conditions all day.
- Wildlife is not a roadside photo prop: keep distance, obey park closures and never feed animals.
- Distances are routinely underestimated. A map may show a simple route, but mountain roads, ferries, weather and sparse services make travel days longer than expected.
- Reserve early for peak-season park accommodation, campgrounds and shuttles; Canada’s marquee nature is heavily booked in its short summer season.
Entry rules change — verify visa requirements for your passport before booking this country.