Climate
Canada's winters are cold, as you've probably heard, but not always as cold as you might suspect. And of the densely inhabited regions of the country, most get great summer weather, sun-tan weather, beach weather, the whole bit.
In general, Canada is a temperate place. The west coast is particularly mild, with warm summers and not much to show in the way of white winters, while parts of Ontario and Quebec (Montreal for example) can be extreme on both ends of the spectrum, sometimes hitting 40 degrees Celsius plus and minus in the same calendar year! The Great Lakes regions are often quite humid, while the plains are dry as a bone, but not without the occasional incredible rain or snow storm!
The best advice is to check in, before and during your trip, with a Canadian weather service for the seasons and regions that you're interested in ? and always pack different layers of clothing.
Getting around
Canada currently has a few budget air carriers that can be a great option for economical travelers, and certainly worth considering if you want to spend longer periods in different parts of the country. But if you're going more for the road-trip vibe, have no fear: the breadth of the country is easily traversable by various bus services and the VIA Rail train system, including tickets designed for hopping on and off, and others for sightseeing in transit.
Travel Documents
To visit Canada:
- You must have a valid passport, proof of who you are or other travel documents.
- You may need a Temporary Resident Visa (for certain countries).
- You may need a letter of invitation (likewise).
- You may need a doctor's examination for stays longer than six months
For more information on these requirements, visit www.cic.gc.ca. |