If you’re planning a trip to Canada, then you’re in for quite the ride! From the vast areas of sprawling natural beauty to the bustling, cosmopolitan cities, there’s a whole world of experiences to be had in this incredible country. While your first trip to Canada is something you’ll never forget, like anywhere, you need to be well prepared to make the most of your big adventure. Here are a few things every first-time traveler should know:

The Seasons Are Very Different

 Canada: What Every First-Time Traveller Should Know

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The weather in Canada fluctuates massively from season to season, and from place to place. In southern Ontario, it can get as hot and humid as parts of Greece in the peak of summer, whereas the winter can be almost as cold as the Himalayas! On the opposite coast, in BC, the weather is damp and mild pretty much all year round. Summer and late Spring is generally a great time to visit Canada. The weather’s warm and hospitable enough to enjoy all the outdoor activities it has to offer, such as hiking, boating, fishing and camping. This is also the peak season for events and attractions in major cities. The winter, on the other hand, is a good time to go if you’re planning on doing a lot of skiing, as this is the off-season for resorts, where they’ll cut prices down significantly.

You’ll Probably Need Some Paperwork

 Canada: What Every First-Time Traveller Should Know

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Unless you’re visiting Canada from the US, you’re probably going to need some kind of travel documentation to enter the country legally, whether it’s for business or pleasure. There are certain benefits for people who are visiting family in Canada, and for citizens of the UK, India, and other commonwealth countries. With Canada becoming more and more popular as an international tourist destination, you can make things easier for yourself through various online channels. Visit the Canadian ETA site, the government’s official website, or any other platform that will make things easier for you. Whatever the legal requirements for people visiting from your country, make sure you’re providing every requested piece of information, and taking every recommended step exactly as it’s outlined by official information. You don’t want to get all excited for your trip only to hear that your Visa can’t be processed!

Canada Is Huge

 Canada: What Every First-Time Traveller Should Know

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Canada is the second largest country on earth after Russia. Remarkably, Toronto is closer to London, England than it is to Vancouver! If you’re planning a long-term trip where you’ll see a lot of the country, it’s important to keep the distances you’ll be travelling in mind, and how much the climate can vary. It can also pay to read up on the unique cultural landscape. Canada is one of the most multicultural nations in the world, especially in the larger cities.

While English is widely spoken, it’s not wholly uncommon to find a street vendor in Toronto or Vancouver where you’ll need to rely on the power of charades to get your point across!

Furthermore, French is the main language in Quebec, and you may be hard-pressed to find a fluent English speaker in some parts.

If you’re planning to travel to Canada anytime soon, I hope these quick tips help. Let me know if you have any questions, DM me on Instagram or Tweet me: @chelinumerable