2 Weeks in Canada

What You Should Know Before Going On A Canada Tour

Covid-19 Update

The US-Canada border closures have been extended through November 21st.

At this time, Canada is not open to travelers visiting for tourism. 

Read more about Countries Reopening for Tourism »

Common Canada Tour Options

Some of the most common ways to traverse Canada’s landscape are by foot or car. In fact, many guided tours in Canada will provide travelers with vans or cars in order to facilitate travel between sites.

For travelers who wish to avoid traffic or long commute times, domestic flights between all major cities are available daily. It is important to speak with guided tour companies beforehand about flight availability, as this can impact the number of activities that are available and may require extra transportation to and from lodging locations. 

Since Canada’s population is most heavily concentrated within its southern portion, traveling by train is also a viable option for travelers. While this eliminates the need to buy tickets early on, the train system is limited and only has a few stops in northern Canada. So travelers who wish to visit Canada’s urban centers are the ones who will find rail to be a convenient mode of transport. 

Those who wish to push further into nature may consider going by car, foot, or even dog-sled in some more remote parts of the country. Travelers who wish to avoid commuting on land entirely will find an abundant number of cruise lines that make stops at major ports and also provide opportunities for birding and whale watching. No matter how you choose to travel through Canada, be sure to enjoy your surroundings!

Packing List for Canada

Since Canada is a massive country with varying climates, packing for tours may seem daunting. However, by considering the length of stay, the time spent in cities, and which outdoor guided tour activities are planned, travelers can set themselves up for comfortable exploration.

In general, Canadian summers tend to be very hot, while its winters tend to be snowy and cold. While a regular suitcase is important to have during long stays in Canada, they are difficult to carry through snowy streets. For those participating in cruises, traditional luggage will be fine as it is unlikely to leave the ship when you head to the mainland.

Not only is a passport required to travel in Canada, but also an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), which is available on the country’s website. A driver’s or international license will also be required to rent a car and travelers may consider applying for travel insurance if they are worried about unforeseen events.

To prevent the need to bring a bag full of heavy and light clothes everywhere, travelers are encouraged to dress in layers. This means that regular jeans or athletic pants will be fine, but a variety of short and long sleeve shirts are needed. A windbreaker or light-weight fleece jacket will minimize the drastic temperatures that can be found at sea or at night throughout Canada.

Similarly, quality hiking boots are not only good for hikes but also traveling by foot in some of the more remote and snowy areas of northern Canada. In summer months, hiking boots or running shoes may be easier to bring along.

Those who are visiting Niagara Falls can choose to bring a waterproof coat or use the ones that are provided in the park. Similarly, hiking or camping trips will require extra equipment that can be brought in luggage, eliminating the need to buy costly alternatives in Canada. Contacting your chosen guided tour operator is important, as they may already provide certain camping equipment for participants.