Practical Info A–Z
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 in Ontario, SQDC in Québec).
- Possession: Up to 30 grams allowed in public.
- Consumption: Rules vary by province — allowed in BC and Ontario where smoking is permitted. In Québec, only on private property. Generally: not near schools, playgrounds, hospitals.
- Driving: Absolutely forbidden! The limits are strict (2 nanograms THC per ml of blood), and the penalties are harsher than for alcohol.
Achtung
Cannabis must NOT be brought across the border — neither to the USA nor to Germany. At the US border, the mere smell is enough for a search, and admitting to cannabis use can lead to a permanent ban from entering the USA! Also, on the return flight to Germany: cannabis is still punishable there in the amount brought.
Entry & eTA
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 the passport expires
- Processing Time: Usually immediate, maximum 72 hours
- Stay: Up to 6 months as a tourist
Working Holiday (IEC)
Germans between 18 and 35 years can apply for an International Experience Canada (IEC) Working Holiday Visa — work and travel in Canada for up to 12 months. Very popular, places are limited (lottery system). Cost: 256 CAD.
Tipp
The eTA is linked to the passport. With a new passport, you must apply for a new eTA. Save the confirmation number — the eTA is electronically linked to your passport, no printout needed.
Money & Currency
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. Contactless payment (tap) is standard.
- Debit Cards: Interac is Canada's own debit system. European debit cards (Maestro, V Pay) work at many, but not all, terminals. Visa/Mastercard Debit is more reliable.
- Cash: Rarely needed — some food trucks, small markets, and tips. ATM withdrawals: fees of 3–5 CAD per withdrawal plus possible fees from your bank.
- Penny: Canada abolished the 1-cent penny in 2013. Cash prices are rounded to 5 cents (up/down). Card payment: exact amount.
Taxes
Prices in Canada are always displayed without taxes! At the checkout, the following are added:
| Province | Tax | Total on Price Tag |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta | 5% GST | +5% |
| British Columbia | 5% GST + 7% PST | +12% |
| Ontario | 13% HST | +13% |
| Québec | 5% GST + 9.975% QST | +~15% |
| Nova Scotia | 15% HST | +15% |
Tipp
Alberta has the lowest taxes (only 5% GST, no provincial tax). If you plan to make larger purchases (outdoor equipment, electronics), buy them in Alberta — you'll save 7–10% compared to BC or Ontario.
Health & Insurance
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 repatriation to Germany costs 50,000–80,000 €. Good insurance for Canada: HanseMerkur, ADAC, Allianz, DKV — from 10–15 € for a single trip, from 20–40 €/year for an annual policy.
Important Notes
- Pharmacies: Shoppers Drug Mart and Rexall are everywhere. Over-the-counter medications (paracetamol, ibuprofen) are cheaply available.
- Emergency Number: 911 (police, fire, ambulance)
- Drinking Water: Tap water is drinkable everywhere — Canada has some of the best water quality in the world.
- Insects: Mosquitoes and blackflies can be extremely annoying in the wilderness in summer (especially June/July in Ontario and Québec). Bring DEET spray!
Achtung
Traveling to Canada without travel health insurance is reckless. A broken arm can cost 3,000–5,000 CAD, a hospital stay 10,000+ CAD per day. Insurance costs 10–15 € — get it!
Safety & Wildlife
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 grizzly encounter: back away slowly, don't run, don't make eye contact. In case of a black bear attack: make yourself big, be loud, fight back if necessary.
- Moose: Especially dangerous in traffic (dawn!). A collision with a 700 kg moose is often fatal. In Newfoundland, Algonquin, and the Rockies, be particularly cautious.
- Pumas (Cougars): Present in BC and Alberta, attacks on humans are rare but possible. Don't let children run ahead.
- Elk: In autumn (rut, September/October), stags can become aggressive. Keep 30 meters away in Banff and Jasper!
❄️ Winter Hazards
- Extreme Cold: In the prairies and the north, temperatures can drop to -40°C. Frostbite on exposed skin is possible within minutes. Wear multiple layers, thermal underwear, hat, gloves, insulated shoes.
- Winter Driving: Winter tires are legally required in Québec and BC. Also strongly recommended in Alberta and Ontario. Black ice is treacherous. With rental cars: add a winter package!
- Blizzards: Can occur suddenly in the prairies and make roads impassable for hours. Always have blankets, water, and snacks in the car.
🌊 Water Safety
- Hypothermia: Canadian lakes and rivers are often only 10–15°C even in summer. When canoeing: wear a life jacket!
- Currents: Pacific and Atlantic coasts have strong currents. At unguarded beaches: be cautious!
Tipp
The greatest danger in Canada is not the bear, but the moose on the road. Drive especially carefully and attentively at dawn and dusk. In Newfoundland, there is a saying: "It's not a question of IF you'll encounter a moose, but WHEN."
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). Available in any mobile store and many supermarkets.
- eSIM: Airalo, Holafly, or Nomad offer Canada eSIMs from 10–15 € for 1–5 GB. Convenient to install before departure.
- Roaming: EU roaming does NOT apply in Canada! With a German contract, you pay high roaming fees. Clarify with the provider beforehand or book an additional package.
- Wi-Fi: Almost everywhere free in hotels, cafes, and restaurants. Tim Hortons, Starbucks, and McDonald's have reliable Wi-Fi.
Network Coverage
Coverage is good in cities and along highways. But: On the Icefields Parkway, in the Rockies backcountry, in Algonquin Park, and in Atlantic Canada, there are large areas without mobile reception. Download offline maps! GPS in the car works even without a network.
Tipp
Download offline maps (Google Maps, Maps.me) for the regions you visit before your trip. There is no mobile network on the Icefields Parkway, in Algonquin Park, and in large parts of Newfoundland. Weather apps also do not work there — check in the morning at the hotel.
Tipping & Etiquette
Canada has a tipping culture similar to the American one — service staff earn a large part of their income through tips.
Tipping Overview
| Situation | Tip |
|---|---|
| Restaurant (service) | 15–20% on the bill amount (before tax) |
| Bar (drinks) | 1–2 CAD per drink or 15% |
| Taxi / Uber | 10–15% |
| Hotel Housekeeping | 2–5 CAD per night |
| Baggage Handler | 2–3 CAD per suitcase |
| Hairdresser | 15–20% |
| Coffee / Take-away | Optional, 10–15% or small change |
| Tour Guides | 5–10 CAD per person |
Canadian Etiquette
- Politeness: Canadians are proverbially polite — "Sorry," "Thank you," and "Please" are in every sentence. Not apologizing when in someone's way stands out.
- Shoes off: In Canadian private homes, shoes are taken off at the door — always. No exceptions.
- Punctuality: Canadians are punctual. 5 minutes late is acceptable, 15 minutes is rude.
- Small Talk: Weather and hockey are universal conversation topics. Avoid politics and religion.
- Comparisons with the USA: Canadians do NOT like being mistaken for Americans. It's the quickest way to become unpopular. Canada is an independent country with its own culture — and you should respect that.
Tipp
In Canada, tips are calculated on the amount BEFORE tax (pre-tax amount). Many payment terminals add the tip to the amount AFTER tax — which is more than necessary. Calculate yourself: 15% on the net amount is completely sufficient.
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).
Note: Some devices (razors, chargers) automatically work at 100–240 volts — check the label on the power supply. Hairdryers and curling irons often need a voltage converter or use those provided in the hotel.
📏 Measurements
Canada officially uses the metric system — unlike the USA!
- Distances: Kilometers (not miles!) — speed limits in km/h
- Temperature: Celsius (not Fahrenheit)
- Weight: Kilograms and grams officially, but pounds are still colloquially used
- Liquids: Liters (gasoline is sold per liter, not per gallon)
🕐 Time Zones
Canada has 6 time zones:
| Time Zone | UTC | Regions |
|---|---|---|
| Pacific (PST/PDT) | UTC -8/-7 | British Columbia, Yukon |
| Mountain (MST/MDT) | UTC -7/-6 | Alberta, NWT |
| Central (CST/CDT) | UTC -6/-5 | Manitoba, Saskatchewan |
| Eastern (EST/EDT) | UTC -5/-4 | Ontario, Québec |
| Atlantic (AST/ADT) | UTC -4/-3 | New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, PEI |
| Newfoundland (NST/NDT) | UTC -3:30/-2:30 | Newfoundland (half-hour!) |
Daylight Saving Time is observed from March to November — like in Europe, but the change falls on different weekends.
War dieses Kapitel hilfreich?
