Cannabis — legal, but follow the rules

Canada legalized cannabis nationwide in 2018 — as the second country in the world after Uruguay. For travelers, this means: Purchase: From age 19 (in Alberta and Québec from 18/21, depending on the province) in licensed cannabis stores (identified by the green cross or the provincial brand like OCS

German citizens do not need a visa for Canada, but an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) for air travel. When entering by car or boat from the USA, no eTA is required. Apply for eTA Where: Exclusively on canada.ca/eta — beware of third-party sites! Cost: 7 CAD (~5 €) Validity: 5 years or until t

The currency is the Canadian Dollar (CAD), colloquially known as "Loonie" (1-dollar coin with a loon motif) and "Toonie" (2-dollar coin). Exchange rate: 1 EUR ≈ 1.45–1.50 CAD (as of 2025/26). Cash or Card? Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere — even for small amounts. C

Canada has an excellent healthcare system — but only for residents. For tourists, doctor visits and hospital stays are extremely expensive. Travel Health Insurance — MANDATORY! A travel health insurance is absolutely essential for Canada. A hospital stay can quickly cost 5,000–10,000 CAD per day. A

Canada is one of the safest travel countries in the world. Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare. The greatest risks are natural: 🐻 Wildlife Safety Bears: Carry bear spray (30 CAD at outdoor shops), make noise while hiking, store food in bear boxes, keep 100 meters away. In case of a g

Internet, Phone & Mail

Mobile phone service in Canada is relatively expensive — the three major providers (Rogers, Bell, Telus) are oligopolistic, and the rates are significantly higher than in Europe. Options for Travelers Prepaid SIM: Lucky Mobile, Public Mobile, or Chatr (all from 25 CAD/month with 1–4 GB of data). A

Canada has a tipping culture similar to the American one — service staff earn a large part of their income through tips. Tipping Overview SituationTip Restaurant (service)15–20% on the bill amount (before tax) Bar (drinks)1–2 CAD per drink or 15% Taxi / Uber10–15% Hotel Housekeeping2–5 CAD per ni

Electricity, Measurements & Time Zones

Canada uses — like the USA — some systems that differ from European ones: ⚡ Electricity 120 volts, 60 Hz — like in the USA. German plugs (type C/F) do NOT fit. You need a travel adapter for North American sockets (type A/B — flat, parallel pins). Best to buy before departure (from 5 € on Amazon). N

Canadian English — Eh?

Canadian English sounds at first glance like American English — but there are charming differences that can out you as an insider (or expose you as a tourist): Typical Canadian Expressions ExpressionMeaningExample Eh?Universal phrase at the end of a sentence (like "right?", "isn't it?")"Nice day,

French for Québec — the most important phrases

In Québec, French is the everyday language. In Montréal, you can get by well with English, but in Québec City and the countryside, French is primarily spoken. A few phrases open hearts and doors: Basics GermanFrenchPronunciation (approx.) HelloBonjourbohn-SCHUUR Good eveningBonsoirbohn-SWAAR Good

Home Travel GuidesCanada

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Travel Guide Canada

Your complete travel guide for the second largest country on Earth

Capital:Ottawa

Languages:English & French

Currency:Canadian Dollar (CAD)

Entry:eTA (7 CAD, valid for 5 years)

Best Travel Time:Jun–Sep (summer), Dec–Mar (ski)

Flight Time:8–10.5 hours

Last updated: 11 March 2026 · 14 Chapters · 58 Sections

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Rocky Mountains Roadtrip

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From Calgary across the Rockies to Vancouver — Canada's most spectacular route. Glaciers, turquoise lakes, bears, and the world-class city of Vancouver as the finale.

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Eastern Canada Culture & Nature

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The perfect Eastern Canada route: World cities, natural wonders, French culture, and whale watching. Ideal during the Indian Summer (September/October).

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All Chapters

Planning· 2 Chapters

Chapter 1

Welcome to Canada

5 Sections

Chapter 2

Arrival & Transport

4 Sections

Regions· 5 Chapters

Chapter 3

Vancouver & British Columbia

7 Sections · 1 Walking Tour

Chapter 4

Rocky Mountains

6 Sections · 1 Walking Tour

Chapter 5

Toronto & Ontario

6 Sections · 1 Walking Tour

Chapter 6

Québec

5 Sections · 1 Walking Tour

Chapter 7

Atlantic Canada

3 Sections

Understanding· 5 Chapters

Chapter 8

History of Canada

3 Sections

Chapter 9

Society & Identity

3 Sections

Chapter 10

Nature & Wildlife

3 Sections

Chapter 11

Food & Drink

2 Sections

Chapter 12

Art & Culture

1 Sections

Practical· 2 Chapters

Chapter 13

Practical Info A–Z

8 Sections

Chapter 14

Language Guide

2 Sections

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Rocky Mountains

Turquoise glacial lakes, snow-covered three-thousanders, and the most beautiful road in the world — the Canadian Rockies are a natural wonder of world-class.

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