From the breathtaking peaks of the Yukon to the coarse, white sandy beaches of Nova Scotia, Canada’s alpine tundra and endless forests offer unparalleled beauty from coast to coast.
No-one can truly experience all of Canada’s majesty in one lifetime, but even one trek across this exquisite and multifarious landscape can offer a trip you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
Canada - from snow peaks in the Yukon, to the white sandy beaches in Nova Scotia
From big city, Michelin-star dining to observing the turquoise, blue waterfalls of Niagara Falls - there is so much to see and do in Canada. If you’re traveling from the US to Canada, be sure to check out our guide below so that you’re prepared for your next Canada vacation.
Peace Arch Border Crossing near Surrey / Vancouver BC
Canada Entry Requirements
First, before you plan your vacation to Canada, you need be sure you have all necessary documents together before crossing through the Customs and Immigration border.
What Documents Do I Need to Bring Into Canada?
U.S. citizens are required to have a valid passport or an enhanced driver’s license in order to enter Canada. You can apply for a passport by downloading the forms from online, acquiring a valid ID, and submitting your application to a registered agency. Many libraries and post offices should be designated acceptance locations in your area.
Children under 15 don’t require a passport - only a certified copy of their birth certificate - when crossing the border. Be sure to get your passport in advance, as application times can range from weeks to months.
Is My Driver’s License a Valid Form of ID?
A U.S. driver's license is an accepted form of ID in Canada and will allow you to drive on the roads legally. Be sure to educate yourself on different traffic laws, including alternate speed limits and Canadian units of measurement!
What Currency is Accepted in Canada?
Depending on which province you visit, the vendor, and so on, U.S. currency may be accepted. Generally, most cities provide exchanges for U.S. currency into Canadian currency. Familiarize yourself with exchange rates beforehand, so you know how much you should expect to receive for your US dollars in Canadian currency.
U.S. Driver's License and colorful Canadian dollar bills
Other Things to Be Aware of
Certain items are barred from entering Canada, such as fresh fruit, tobacco, and certain firearms. Be aware that Canadian officials may deny you entry if you act suspiciously or have a criminal history. Generally, you shouldn’t stress crossing the Canadian border - as long as you do your research you should be fine.
Some Facts About Canada
- Canada is comprised of ten provinces (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia) and three territories (Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon).
- The Capital of Canada is Ottawa, located in the central Ontario Province.
- Canada has a population of 36 million, less than the population of California
- Canada is the second largest country in the world, in terms of land area (3.855 Million sq ft)
- Canada is the most educated country in the world and maybe the friendliest! - Canada has two official languages, English and French, although most French speakers reside in Quebec
- 90% of Canada is uninhabitable
- Canada has the second most number of trees in the world (318 billion)
- Canada has the largest population of wild bears
- The Moose, Wolverine, Beaver, Polar Bear, Bighorn Sheep, and Beluga Whale are all indigenous to Canada.
Ottawa is Canada's capital, located on the Ottawa River in the province Ontario
Best Times to Visit Canada
Depending on your travel destination or adventure, the best time to visit Canada will differ drastically. For example, if you’re traveling to Canada for winter sports or a trek up the alpine, then your best months will be from December to February.
Those looking to take a trip to the big cities or more urban areas of Canada should aim for late spring (April-May) to early fall (September-October). These seasons will provide the best weather and conditions for travel.
For a tour of British Columbia, Nova Scotia, or any of the lower provinces, the summer months of June to August will be the best. The summers are very temperate and driving conditions are ideal. Of course, if you’re looking to see the leaves change, the early fall will be one of the most beautiful sights you’ve ever seen.
Fact: Canada has the second-most number of trees in the world: 318 billion
Taking a trip to Canada during the winter months is not impossible by any stretch - the main roads are generally clear and well-maintained. However, be sure to research weather conditions in your travel area before you set out to avoid the snow or any hazardous conditions during the winter months. Rving in the winter months is a unique experience and CanaDream offers a custom-built RV for Guests to travel in, complete with the ability to use all water (shower, toilet and sink) in temperatures as low as -30C.
Where to Go in Canada?
Who would go to a beach in Canada anyway? Well, Canada actually has some of the top-rated beaches in the world. Check our some of the destinations listed below if you’re looking for a Canadian beach vacation.
Best Beaches in Canada
-Ingonish Beach, Nova Scotia
One of Nova Scotia’s most popular beaches, Ingonish is a warm-water paradise offering a thrilling nightlife scene and family-friendly Nova Scotia beaches.
-Long Beach, British Columbia
Surf’s up at Long Beach on beautiful Vancouver Island. Known for its white, sandy beaches and hidden coves, Long Beach is perfect for a day of sun-soaked fun, as much as it is a day of contemplation and serenity.
-Grand Beach, Manitoba
Grand Beach could rightfully be called paradise, as much as it is ‘grand.’ Known to many for its white sandy shores and tropical climate, this is the perfect summer Winnipeg getaway.
-Wasaga Beach, Ontario
This family-friendly, touristed beach offers one of the longest continuous shores in the world and is perhaps the most popular and well-known beach in Ontario, Canada.
Two great beaches: Long Beach near Tofino on Vancouver Island BC and Ingonish Beach along the Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia
Best Campgrounds in Canada
Canada offers great camping sites and hiking trails for the outdoorsmen. In fact, you could say virtually anywhere you go in Canada offers some sort of outdoor adventure amidst its great untapped wilderness.
Pacific Rim National Park in British Columbia is one of the most famous in the world. Between surfing on Long Beach or trekking the great West Coast Trail, this vast forested landscape bordering the coast is filled with some of the best sights in all of North America.
Other campgrounds in Canada to check out are Ovens National Park in Nova Scotia on the east coast or Pelican Shores RV Park in Eastern Manitoba.
Best Cities for a Night
Many tourists are drawn to cities like Toronto and Montreal for a weekend stay, a concert, international festival, etc. Vancouver is a vibrant coastal city not more than few hours from Seattle. Along the same lines, Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal are no more than an eight-hour drive from New York City or anywhere in the northeast. Be sure to plan your trip accordingly beforehand, as cities like Ottawa and Montreal speak mainly French and rely primarily on Canadian currency to conduct business.
Planning Your Canada Vacation
With so much to do in Canada, one of the best ways to experience its vast landscape is with an RV or camper. You’ll never have to wonder where to go, as you can take a week or a month to take a trip all the way from the sparkling shores of British Columbia to the beautiful and clean streets of Toronto in the east.
Along the way you can take in the sights and sounds of the beautiful forested landscape of Canada's interior provinces in your RV, stopping at campgrounds and different national parks along your way.
Looking to take your next Canadian vacation with an RV? CanaDream offers an extensive selection of Maxi Travel Campers and Midi Motorhomes to let you experience the beauty of Canada with the ones you love.
Fact: Canada has the largest population of wild bears. These brown bears were spotted in Kananaskis Country, Alberta (between Calgary and Banff)
