r/canadatravel

Hello, Canadian folks!

I (F35) am planning a three-week trip to Canada next year, and I’d love to travel around BC/AB. My only problem is that I’m not an experienced driver, and I’m afraid I might get a bit anxious with the driving. I’ll practice my driving skills if I need to, but I’d like to know how easy, realistic, and expensive it is to travel around this (huge) area without a car.

I’m aware that Canada is the second-largest country in the world, and that having a car is almost a must if you live there, but as a tourist, what’s the experience of travelling by bus/train? Am I being completely delusional?

Another (possibly delusional) aspect of my trip is that I’d also like to see some less touristy destinations if possible, just to get a feel for how you guys actually live. How is public transport in those areas (for example: The Prairies, Vancouver Island, Revelstoke area?)

I’m also considering moving to Canada after I finish my studies in the UK, so I’d love to experience this part of Canadian culture and everyday life as well.

Thank you all in advance!

PS: For the past year and half I’ve been working with Canadian travellers and I must say that one of the things that makes me want to travel there is the people. As someone from South America, I find you guys warm, respectful and friendly, so thank you!

I'm preparing to take a course in Vancouver and need to practice my English and learn a bit about the local culture. I'm a 22-year-old woman, and I enjoy talking about music, recipes, history, hiking, home decor, and nature. If you'd like to learn Portuguese and a few cultural things about Brazil, say hi!

Hi.

We have Amex companion vouchers to use and have enough points to get to either Toronto or Montreal direct from London, next August. We are hoping to turn this into a 2 week road trip, 2 adults and an 8 year old. Does anyone have advice on which would be a better destination to fly in/out of please? I’m usually pretty good with researching and booking DIY holidays but due to the expiry of the vouchers we only have a few days! We love the beach, cycling, good food, wildlife. Many thanks in advance

Hi. I was wondering how to get to the airport. My dad will be dropping me to the airport. I’m leaving from Toronto and flying within Canada. I don’t want him to have the hassle of going all the way inside the departures in the airport at Terminal 1.

I was wondering what are the other options to get inside the airport? He will still drive me towards the airport.

What other ways can I get to the airport? Can my dad drop me off at a place and then I can take an airport interlink rail to get inside the airport?

hiii everyone! My boyfriend and I are planning on going to Toronto next year, possibly June 2027 as I saw that it was more cheaper to fly from St. John's Newfoundland. We are both 19 (but we turn 20 in July and august) and it's my first time planning a trip on my own, so I'm looking for any advice on what kind of accommodations/flights to be looking at and what day of the week is more cheaper to fly. Our budget is around 4k total, as we are working two jobs and saving up as much as we can, and I have been looking into package deals on Expedia.

Since renting a car is kind of out of the question (maybe? I believe its 21 to rent, or we have to pay an extra fee) I was thinking on using public transportation / TTC. So location is preferably downtown, but not sure if it would be any cheaper hahaha.

I appreciate any responses! I also want to mention that I currently do not have a credit card, but looking into getting one soon.

I have a passport and global entry. My partner unfortunately realized his passport expired earlier this year. We are going to upstate NY (Watertown) for a day for a work trip and then we will have a 2nd day entirely free to us. Wanted to try and drive over to Montreal possibly. I've read that US citizens have been able to drive over with birth certificate and NJ Real ID? Enhanced drivers licenses are not offered in our state unfortunately either.

Is this still possible in 2026? I know this question probably gets asked often so my apologies.

I'm moving to Toronto from Vancouver for work. I will be driving. I was originally planning on going through the US mostly for a change of scenery and a different atmosphere. I've done the Vancouver -> Edmonton/Calgary drive 5-6 times by now (I understand this is part is a major reason why people do the drive through Canada).

Taking into consideration our current political climate with the US, I'm looking for any advice/influencing tips on why I should do the drive either through the US or Canada. I am not planning on doing any "sightseeing stops" unless it's for example something that's just off the highway. I'm giving myself 8 days for the drive.

I am going to be taking a cruise from Vancouver and I will be driving so I will need parking for a week. I need to know the easiest way to get to the port at Canada Place. I checked and the train is full from Bellingham to Pacific Central station. I could take a bus from there as opposed to paying $500 for a hotel (plus the high cost of parking at the port) and driving in an unknown city like Vancouver. What other suggestions do you have that would be the simplest solution?

Hey, so five years ago, there was an altercation at my property/place of business, where I was physically attacked and I used deadly force to defend myself. The litigation dragged on for three years until ultimately the District Attorney dismissed the case without prejudice. The person that I used deadly force on was a felon with multiple convictions, who should not have been out on the streets to begin with because of his most recent robbery, 1 month prior, at a cellphone store... Well that aside, my charges were dismissed and expunged shortly after, it's been five years since the incident, and 2 years since it was dismissed. If I have the paperwork showing that it was dismissed, will I have an issue crossing into Canada? I was charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill and or inflict serious bodily injury.

Couple (M27, F26) from Aus wanting to get a little bit of the winter/snow/holiday season experience. My partner loves a cold winter (we don’t have it in Aus) so she can wear her fur coats/nice boots and visit any towns that give off the Hallmark Christmas Movie vibe. We can’t travel later in Dec as we have a few weddings to attend so this is the next best date.

Landing in Vancouver, wanting to visit Banff (and surrounding), Quebec, Montreal etc. Haven’t planned an itinerary but have a budget of $10-12k AUD for the 16 days (excluding flights).

Is the weather that bad? We’ve done winter holidays in London (Jan 24’) and Queenstown (June 26’) and they were fine - are these locations much harsher?

We also visited last year for my work conference in Banff (July) and had an amazing time, but I worry we aren’t ready for a Canadian winter.

Edit: I’m fully aware of how big Canada is (Aus is too) and very comfortable with 4 hour domestic hops 😅

I wanna go to an amethyst mine supposed to go this weekend, just found out that my DUI from five years ago will not allow me to cross the border just right over from Minnesota to thunder Bay. Is this correct? Does anybody know if I can get around this by just showing my passport. What the hell is this?

Hi everyone.
Aussie here from Brisbane, where the coldest winter temps are lowest 1-2 degrees. Doing a trip to Montreal, Quebec and Banff over Christmas and New Years. As you can imagine, I have the best part of nothing to prepare me for the cold. Can anyone give some good clothing recommendations? Especially for a good Jacket and Boots/Shoes for this time of year. Any other recommendations are much appreciated! Thanks!

First time visiting Canada and I have 6 days. I originally planned to fly into Toronto, but I’m thinking it may make more sense to fly into Montréal, explore there, take the train to Québec City, then end in Toronto and fly home.

Québec City is the place I’m most excited about, and I also really want to see the fall foliage, so I’m willing to spend less time in Toronto.

For those who have visited all three, what would you recommend for the route and how would you divide the 6 days? Is it better to fly into Montréal and out of Toronto? Should I spend more than 2 days in Québec City? And for getting between the cities, is taking the train or renting a car more cost-effective and practical?

I’m coming from the U.S. East Coast and want to make the most of the 6 days. Any advice is appreciated!

I need ideas of things to do and see while in Montreal!

Hi

We are leaving Canada on Saturday early morning so we can give you our unused bear spray on Friday 21st in Vancouver (or in Nanaimo on thursday 20th).

Cheers!

Eu apliquei um eta para poder viajar para o Canadá. Em 2023 tive um problema no Canadá sobre acusação de agressão mas ganhei o processo e fui inocente. Irrc pediu documentos sobre esse processo e também meu registo criminal do meu país entretanto envie todos os documentos certo apenas recebi que documentos foram entregues e já tou 4 semanas sem resposta.

Alguém aí que me pudesse dar uns conselhos?

Hi guys,

So it's as the title says. My grandma has always wanted to go east for a trip and is trying to figure out what she wants to do and I'm looking for some suggestions. She's a walker, could easily do hikes, likes museums and learning about culture, does like beaches but isn't really into spending a whole day at them, and is not the biggest fan of seafood, but might be willing to try some if it's tasty enough. Thinking of going in the spring or fall depending on what there is to do. Any suggestions of must see's or avoid at all cost's from people living out there? Looking at New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, PEI, and possibly also Newfoundland.

I had a direct flight with WestJet from Winnipeg to Cancún for December but it’s been changed to a 50 minute stopover in Toronto.

Wondering if anyone could speak to whether this is doable. They put us on the first flight to Toronto from Winnipeg and the last flight to Cancún from Toronto for the day. Will I have to collect my baggage? Is it in the same terminal? Customs?

Me nor my travel agent has been able to get a hold of WestJet at all. I think 12h of being on hold between me and them.