Articles

10 Tips for Your First Trip to Canada

by Nishita Khanwani Travel Consultant

Canada is an incredibly beautiful country. This destination leaves most wanderlusts enchanted with its mesmerizing natural beauty. Leisure travellers, adventure enthusiasts, and nature lovers have found the country over the last decade to be the perfect place for getting away from the everyday grind. The dramatic Canadian landscapes are unbelievably rejuvenating to the senses. In addition to its cultural diversity, Canada is a country in which you can meet new people and make new friends. It is a favourite among UAE citizens and residents wishing to experience a more natural environment away from deserts and concrete jungles.  However, if it is your first time travelling to Canada, then you might feel a bit nervous among all the excitement about visiting a new destination. Before you plan your first trip to Canada, keep these few Canada travel tips for UAE travellers in mind so that all goes smoothly and without hiccups.

Canada is huge! 

The country occupies nearly two-fifths of North America's land area, making it the second-largest country in the world. Even travelling from one city to the next can result in long journeys.  If you want to go on a short holiday, you might want to stick to one of its 10 provinces or three territories. For a truly satisfying experience to quench your wanderlust, you need at least 10 days to explore and experience the destination.

Check the distance and duration to visit from one place to another. 

When looking up hotels, towns, or any type of service in Canada, you need to know how far it is, since some of these services may appear nearby your location but are in fact quite far away.

Prepare a concrete travel schedule.

One should decide what kind of experience one would like to have and where to visit in Canada first time. Canada's national parks are a good choice for an unforgettable scenic experience. The Canadian Rockies and Banff National Park are favorites among first-time Canada visitors.

Get your Canada visa from Dubai approved. 

Even though it takes 10-12 working days for a Canada visa to be approved, it's best to apply for the visa at least a month before your departure to Canada, as this allows you to deal with any unnecessary delays that may derail your Canada holiday plans. In the wake of the COVID - 19 pandemic, unvaccinated visitors from Dubai are not allowed to enter Canada.

Know about bear safety. 

Canada is a safe country but the same cannot be vouched for the wildlife. It is known that Canada is home to several bear species, including grizzly bears and black bears. During your visit to a National Park, you can take a tour to see them in their natural habitat up close while catching fish upstream or strolling through the wilderness. It is always important, however, to maintain caution when in the wild. Follow the guidelines provided by the wildlife authority and do not venture into unknown places on forest trails. Keep yourself updated with some knowledge about bear safety if you are visiting the Canadian National Parks on your trip.

Carry winter clothing.

While UAE has only different versions of summer, Canada has varying versions of winter. The weather in Canada is very cold and can go from mildly chilly to freezing cold in no time even in summers. In short, you will always feel chilly in Canada, no matter what the season is. Also, winters vary considerably from province to province. Therefore, consider the weather and pack accordingly. Your luggage should include layers of good quality winter apparel, woolen toques, gloves, and snow boots. Be sure to bring a waterproof jacket as well. You should always be aware of weather forecast-related news, as blizzards or snowfall can block out roadways and cause your holiday plans to not go as smoothly as you hoped.

Canada Currency and tipping.

The Canadian dollar is the currency of Canada. Tipping for services is not mandatory but is highly expected. The standard tipping amount is 15% of the bill. Having cash on hand is recommended, and know that if you pay in cash, the bill will be rounded up.

English and French are official languages in Canada.
There is a large English-speaking population in Canada, but most provinces speak French, especially Quebec. When travelling to Canada, it will be handy to learn a few common phrases of French language.

Make safety a priority.
It is essential that your passport, valuables, and other travel documents are kept in order and safely. Make sure you have all the emergency numbers of Canada just in case you need any help during your trip. Ensure you have travel and health insurance covering the duration of your stay in Canada.

Awareness and common sense  is essential 

Lastly, trust your instincts. Do not venture into a situation that does not feel safe or welcoming. For instance, Canada has the largest coastline in the world. Consequently, you'll make sure to include some waterfront, beach, and lakeshore attractions in your itinerary. the ocean currents can be strong, the beach shore waters can have jagged rocks, and the lakes can seem calm but can be quite deep. It is unwise to wade into waters given that you never know how uneven or deep it can be. Always follow the safety guidelines and do not wade into the water if you aren’t a confident swimmer. If you are travelling with young children, always supervise them. The same applies to skiing and snowboarding. If you are looking forward to a winter adventure as a first-timer, it is best to select ski resorts that have instructors to guide you through your skiing experience.

And there you have it! As a novice traveller, these few points are enough to prepare you for your Canadian adventure.


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About Nishita Khanwani Junior   Travel Consultant

0 connections, 0 recommendations, 13 honor points.
Joined APSense since, December 30th, 2021, From Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Created on Feb 25th 2022 05:18. Viewed 251 times.

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