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Welcome to a new post about Canada, this time a post where I explain the 30 tips for traveling to Canada that I wish I had known before going.

This is a post that can be found within our super Guide to traveling to Canada.

Here you'll find everything about what to see in Canada , a checklist of requirements before going to Canada, interesting facts about Canada , everything about driving, or even how to travel around Canada in a campervan or the best plans in Canada with children.

Now let's take a look at this super article that I've tried to write to help you plan your trip to Canada. Let's look at these 30 tips for traveling to Canada:

TIP: If you want to do this road trip through Canada in a campervan like we did, we recommend renting one. We suggest doing so in Calgary or Vancouver with Roadsurfer , a company we would definitely use again. Roadsurfer gave us a $ 150 discount that you, as readers, can also take advantage of by applying the DISCOUNT CODE: KUCAVANAAMERICA

1 Essential requirement: good travel medical insurance. The first good tip for travelling to Canada

AN IMPORTANT TIP: Don't travel to Canada without a good travel insurance, avoid big problems. It is one of the first requirements that they tell you on the Canadian government website along with the processing of the And so.
We recommend you the Iati Star We hired this insurance after a good comparison and study of the different ones on the market. It is the only one that exceeds one million euros of coverage. Without a doubt, it is the best for North America, where breaking a leg costs you €150.000, as happened to a friend of ours in the USA. Another positive thing is that Iati has an app for virtual visits.
I leave you here a link where you have a 5% off for any Iati travel insurance.

2 Check that you have all the bureaucratic requirements to travel to Canada in order before traveling, avoid surprises at the airport

Make sure you've completed the checklist of requirements for traveling to Canada before you travel. Check the post I made and don't wait any longer to do it.

You wouldn't be the first to arrive at the airport without an up-to-date passport or an eTA application, so check everything carefully!

3 Bring good binoculars to observe wildlife in Canada

You will appreciate having a good pair of binoculars, not too heavy, but with good lenses when you are traveling in Canada.

Before we left, we bought two of these binoculars, and their quality and price made them incredibly useful for the whole family during our trip. We were able to spot animals very close up with them. Packing them in our suitcases was a great decision.

4 Pack light suitcases and use laundry facilities in Canadian laundries, a good tip for travelling comfortably to Canada

Something we have learned during all these years of traveling as a family is that less is more. The lighter you go, the simpler and easier your route will be. For 21 days in August, we basically had one small cabin suitcase each, 4 small cabin suitcases. We had room for everything and you know what? We even had clothes left over that we didn't wear, hehe, imagine! Bring comfortable clothes and few changes of clothes, use the washing machines and dryers in the laundromats that there are many, and go light.

We carried the following in our suitcases:

Clothes per person (we will wash by hand during the route what is necessary, it is better to travel light based on experience):

• 3 complete changes of long technical summer mountain trousers + short-sleeved T-shirt 
• 2 changes of shorts + short t-shirts 
• 5 changes of underwear and socks
• 2 fleece or long-sleeved sweatshirt-type jackets
• 1 light down jacket, the kind that folds into a Decathlon bag 
• 1 cap
• 1 raincoat
• 1 flip flops
• 1 swimsuit
• 1 microfiber bathrobe
• 1 Gore-tex trekking shoes
• Toiletry bag with solid soap and bamboo toothbrush to be sustainable

Things we carry apart from clothing that are the result of experience and very useful on our trips:

• Canada plug adapter
• Small Italian coffee maker + a packet of ground coffee, if you are a coffee drinker like us and you are going to campsites, bungalows or apartments like us.
• Foldable memory foam travel pillow, if you have trouble sleeping on those thin pillows from Ikea, which is what they will give you in the rental motorhome. Also, it is useful for the plane, which low-cost airlines do not provide.
• A couple of small travel blankets, for the cold-blooded people in the house and for the plane, which low-cost airlines don't provide. 
• 2 extendable skewers for barbecues and making marshmallows 
• 2 binoculars
• 1 multi-purpose knife with a whistle for the mountains and a compass if possible
• 1 lighter to light the barbecues
• Relec Strong Mosquito Repellent, otherwise it won't work there
• Sunscreen

Above all, keep in mind that the following items are not allowed in your luggage on the plane to Canada: Fresh foods such as fruits, cold cuts, meats or fish, and also dangerous products such as antibacterial sprays, which you cannot take back with you if you buy one.

5 Get internet in Canada, but learn to disconnect

TIP FOR GETTING INTERNET IN CANADA: Internet is essential in Canada, although coverage outside of towns leaves much to be desired—I'll tell you that right now! We used a Holafly SIM card with unlimited data and it worked great. You can buy it with a 5% DISCOUNT through this link.

6 The emergency number in Canada is not 112, forget it, it's 911. A very important tip for travelling to Canada.

Something you should remember in case anything happens is that the equivalent of 112 in Europe is 911 in Canada. For any emergency, this is the number you should call. This is an important tip for traveling to Canada; save the number in your phone now.

7 Discovery Passes to visit Canada's National Parks

If you are going to visit a Canadian National Park for more than 7 days or are going to visit more than one park , buy the Discovery Pass , which is an annual pass that will be cheaper than buying a single entry pass.

8 Travel in June and September and save a lot

If you can, unlike us where it is difficult with children, travel outside of the high season. Only by travelling in the mid-season like June and September can you save a lot.

One example is a rental motorhome. Our motorhome rental in August cost us €5.000 for 21 days, but when we saw the prices for September, they were half price!

9 Traveling in mid or low season saves money but everything is closed

The downside to the previous tip for traveling to Canada cheaply is this. We went in August and the first few days of September. And surprise! The first few days of September were amazing! Everything had already switched to winter hours , which normally meant they were only open on weekends . National Park Visitor Centers, museums, adventure and leisure activities…

10 Save on food and gas by leaving the National Parks

Plan your route carefully, considering passing through larger towns or cities outside the National Parks so you can stock up on food and gas at much better prices . You'll save a lot if you do this; the difference is considerable.

If you can, go to Walmart supermarkets ; you'll find the best prices there.

11 Always pay by card and without currency exchange fees

A great tip for traveling to Canada and saving a lot is this one about how to pay there.

The best thing about this section is that you should know the Canadian dollar is weaker than the euro, and everything will cost you around 30-40% less right now. One Canadian dollar currently costs you around 0,66 euro cents.

In Canada, you can pay for everything with a card, so we recommend that you take out very little cash on the first day and then always pay with a card and in dollars to get the best deal possible.

We do recommend bringing cash, because in many places you'll find that you pay in cash by dropping it in a box —for honesty, as they say there. For example, to rent a canoe on a lake, there might not be anyone around or an office, just a drop box and a sign asking for cash payment.

Regarding cards, it's a whole new world, each one charges you what they want in commissions, exchange rates and cash withdrawals.

We recommend the Evo Smart Account card , which we've had since it was Nova Caixa Galicia. It has zero fees for everything worldwide, but you need to have your salary or a minimum monthly income deposited into that account. Alternatively, you could consider the Revolut card . This card can be easily activated online in minutes and allows unlimited top-ups, so you can pay at the best exchange rate with zero fees. The only downside we see is that you can only withdraw a maximum of €200 per month from ATMs without a fee. Otherwise, it's one of the best fee-free cards for traveling the world.

12 Buy a plug adapter for Canada

Before you leave, remember to bring your Canadian plug adapter ; it's the same type as the one used in the United States. It uses flat prongs , the type A and B outlets , and operates at 120V and 60Hz.

We have had this one for years, it has a lot in one and it works great.

In short, if you are going to need to plug something in in Canada (mobile, laptop, travel hairdryer...), this is one of the requirements for travelling to Canada from Spain or Europe, where we have other plugs.

13 Save on food, have picnics and fewer restaurants

In Canada, the food is generally a bit boring. Pizza and hamburgers are the norm. So, instead of eating sandwiches at restaurants, which are incredibly expensive for what they offer, I recommend buying groceries at the supermarket and having picnics. You'll save a lot of money and enjoy the fresh air.

There are thousands of picnic areas everywhere, so Canada is ideal for that.

14 Save on your trip to Canada: cheap flights, trick

When buying flights, if you want to save money, here are two tips. The first is, if you can buy them early, do so as far in advance as possible.

Second, look at all the possible options. Normally, to travel to Canada from Spain you'll have at least one layover, so explore all the possibilities. And here, especially, look at the options from London . There are more flights to Canada there, and they're cheaper than from other parts of Europe.

15 For your safety, register as a traveler to Canada to receive alerts from the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Register as a traveler so that in case of emergency or alert, the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs can locate you and inform you of emergency warnings such as hurricanes, typhoons, earthquakes, or others. It is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended. You can do so here: https://registroviajeros.exteriores.gob.es/

Additionally, check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for travel alerts regarding Canada: https://www.exteriores.gob.es/es/ServiciosAlCiudadano/Paginas/Detalle-recomendaciones-de-viaje.aspx?trc=Canad%C3%A1

If there is any warning of a hurricane, flood, earthquake or something, it will be here.

16 Never feed wild animals, a tip for traveling to Canada and not making their animals aggressive

Never feed wild animals; it only makes them more aggressive toward humans. They learn that humans have food, and this triggers aggressive behavior.

17 Book well in advance and save money on accommodation

Book your accommodation well in advance; besides saving money, you'll avoid missing out on top spots.

I believe this already happens in all countries and tourist sites, but I would also like to emphasize how essential it is to plan your route and book accommodation as far in advance as possible.

If you're traveling to National Parks, not only is accommodation within the park scarce, but the fewer options there are, the more expensive they are. So, here's a tip: do as we did and book your accommodation well in advance with cancellation insurance , in case you need to make changes later and cancel without incurring any costs.

18 Camping and wild overnight stays are not allowed in Canada, watch out for $25.000 fines! Also for flying a drone or feeding wild animals!

In Canada, you'll see that the fine for almost anything is $25.000: flying a drone, feeding animals, camping, staying overnight, going off the path in a National Park… So watch out! Flat rate, hehehe

If you are traveling through Canada in a motorhome, campervan or tent, be sure to check the regulations; free overnight stays and wild camping are not allowed in Canada, only in designated areas.

In our post about traveling in a motorhome in Canada , you'll find all the information and designated free overnight parking spots.

19 Northern Lights in Canada already from the end of August

Starting in late August, you can see the Northern Lights in Canada, even in the south. Use the My Aurora Forecast app to see if you'll be lucky that night.

20 If you are travelling with children, you should definitely consider: Parks Canada Explorer Program. Advice for travelling to Canada with children

Parks Canada has an educational and entertaining children's program that is a must-do at any National Park or Historical Site you visit in Canada.

It's easy, just ask at the National Park Visitor Center or at the entrance to museums or historical sites and they will give you a book.

The booklet, which can be in English or French, contains very entertaining and educational activities about this place. Children will like it and you will surely like it too.

Once you have completed it, you have to take it back to where it was given to you. And here is the big surprise: you will receive a very cool little gift: a hanging badge, which you can collect during the trip. The best souvenir of the trip you will have in years.

21 Adapt your visits and plans to the weather, keep an eye on the Alertable app or website. Basic advice for traveling to Canada

In Canada, nature is just as wild as its climate. That's why you should download the Alertable app or check their website daily , where official authorities issue alerts for fires, storms, tornadoes, floods, or any other emergency.

22 Book fun and practical accommodations

Accommodation is always an important part of any trip. So, whenever possible, choose accommodations that are both practical and fun . This is a tip for traveling to Canada, but it will also be useful in many other places.

For practicality, especially if you're traveling as a family like we do, I always recommend apartments or bungalows in campsites, or motorhomes or campervans , which have kitchens and that's a big plus for saving money and spoiling the kids with meals.

As for camping bungalows , just like when traveling by RV in Canada where you have to sleep in campsites, they offer the added benefit of fun for children. Camping is outdoors, with other children, campfires with barbecues, and making marshmallows with them at night is a great activity. Furthermore, many private campsites and some public ones in Canada also have amenities for children such as playgrounds, swimming pools, animals, and even summer activities like cinemas or live music.

But don't worry, there are some resorts and lodges that also have activities, pools and really cool parks.

23 Always carry bear spray, water and food on mountain excursions. An essential tip for travelling to Canada

For your own safety, it's essential to be well-equipped when hiking in the mountains and wilderness of Canada. Canada is wild and untamed—that's part of its appeal—but that's why you need to be prepared.

Many places have signs prohibiting entry without bear spray , so it's highly recommended, especially if you're hiking the western side of the Rockies or the Trans-Canada Highway into Alaska, to buy some and carry it with you. It's sold in sporting goods stores and National Park Visitor Centers .

It can be said that it is not normal to find a bear on marked trails frequented by tourists, but just in case it is best to take it with you.

Also, from our experience with bears in the United States and here in Canada, we know that bears are not usually aggressive towards humans; on the contrary, they flee from them. They eat fish and berries, and they're not stupid; they know more harm than good. Therefore, if they hear you, they will run away and won't even come near. At all the visitor centers, they explain that the most effective thing is to speak loudly or sing, like we used to do with the children: "An elephant was balancing on a spider's web..." hehehe . Neither carrying a bell nor playing music is more effective than talking. Some rangers have even told us that a bell isn't a good idea because it can pique their curiosity if it's a goat or another animal. In any case, spray is only a last resort when the bear is less than 100 meters away.

24 Always keep your car lights on and keep these differences in mind when driving in Europe:

In Canada there are some different rules than in Europe when it comes to driving.

We have a post dedicated to everything you need to know about driving in Canada , but here's a summary of the main differences to keep in mind:

• Bringing always the lights on, both day and night. It is mandatory.
• Bringing child seats or booster seats up to 9 years or height of 145 cm.
• If the Police stops you, do not get out of the vehicle. Turn off the engine and sit patiently with your hands visible.
• You cannot overtake school buses with their lights on and they are carrying students., even if they are stopped.
• Although the traffic light is red, you can always turn right, making a yield sign.

25 International Driving Permit to drive in Canada

Another thing you should know, if you are Spanish or European like us, is that in Canada if you are going to drive you will need an International Driving Permit, which you must request from the Traffic Department of your country.

For Spaniards, like us, you have to go to the DGT to pick it up once it has been processed online on the DGT's Electronic Headquarters website.

In the online process you must enter your details and pay a small fee , selecting the DGT office where you will collect the international driving license.

After 2 days you can go and collect your international driving license at the office noted in your application, bringing with you your ID, proof of application (it can be digital) and a passport-sized photograph.

It's that easy, although you know the queues at the DGT (Spanish Traffic Authority) are always enormous. In our experience, go first thing in the morning and be patient; you'll be there all morning to pick up your international driving permit so you can drive in Canada.

This license will only be valid for one year , which I think is acceptable to them. It could last as long as your license in Spain...

26 Always wear Gore-Tex shoes and a raincoat in the mountains. Advice for travelling to Canada if you are going to do trails

In Canada, the weather is a bit like in Scotland. One minute it's blazing sunshine, and the next it can pour. Never trust the weather forecast and always keep a raincoat handy . We use these easy-to-fold, long ones like this , and for the kids, we use similar raincoats with waterproof pants that also pack very little in a backpack and are incredibly useful, I guarantee it.

For footwear, the whole family always wears Salomon hiking boots, either Gore-Tex or waterproof . With them, even the children's feet have never gotten wet in heavy rain.

27 Bring reusable bottles. A tip for traveling to Canada

In Canada, tap water is generally good unless otherwise indicated . Canadian water quality is excellent, and you'll not only save money on bottled water, but you'll also be much more environmentally sustainable and reduce your impact as a traveler in Canada.

28 Before coming to Canada, watch some movies or series about Canada

I couldn't start this recommendation any other way than with Virgin River, hehe. I'm laughing because at home this series has always been a source of both controversy and laughter. Virgin River is a series that completely captivated Jose, making him its number one fan. But me... ugh, I couldn't... I'd end up falling asleep, hehe. Beautiful scenery, yes, I admit, but incredibly cheesy for me, hehe. Anyway, after visiting Virgin River locations in Canada, now maybe I'd look at it differently, and it wouldn't be so bad, hehe.

The typical Canadian children's movie is the Disney movie Pocahontas , which explains the life of the Native Americans, which has a lot to do with Canada and the United States as well.

Finally, another one for all ages is the classic Anne of Green Gables . Anne of Green Gables is a 1985 adaptation of the famous novel by Lucy Maud Montgomery, which follows the life of an orphan girl named Anne Shirley. The story begins when 11-year-old Anne is mistakenly sent to live with the Cuthbert siblings, who actually wanted to adopt a boy to help them with the chores on their farm in Green Gables, on Prince Edward Island, Canada. Despite their initial mistake, the Cuthberts decide to keep Anne.

Ana is a dreamy, creative and talkative girl with an overflowing imagination. However, her temperament gets her into problematic situations, but over time she matures and learns from her mistakes. The film deals with themes such as friendship, personal growth, forgiveness and acceptance. Very beautiful for the values ​​it imparts.

29 Plan well. Tip: variety is the key. Advice for traveling to Canada and the world

It's important to plan the route well, adapting it to everyone's tastes and ages. A route with a bit of variety is usually a safe bet . This means plans for visiting towns and places of interest, nature walks, a museum visit, some time in the park, an adventure or leisure activity, a swim or hot springs, a barbecue, and so on.

30 Spray Parks, a free plan that is a hit with the little ones in the heat

It depends on the area you go to. If you travel in the summer you may encounter some very hot days, as happened to us in the Drumheller area and in the Valley of the Dinosaurs in Alberta Provincial Park.

During those days you will discover the best plan for hot weather and children in Canada: spray parks.

There are spray parks in almost every town and city, usually right next to the regular playground. It's a super fun water play area for kids. A free activity that they'll love!

Conclusions on these 30 tips for traveling to Canada

I hope this post has been helpful and given you useful ideas for your upcoming trip to Canada. I've tried to gather the best tips for traveling to Canada that I wish I'd had before my trip. My goal is always to be helpful, since you're reading this. That's always my reason for writing.

Remember that because of the love I put into writing to you, the best thing you can do is to tell me a few things down here. Those who know me know that I value it a lot and it always gives me strength to continue writing after more than 7 years of blogging.

Have a nice trip, family!