Overview

• Language: The official languages of Canada are English and French, with French being much more common in the Quebec providence.
• Useful phrases: Hello (Bonjour), Thank you (Merci).
• Currency: Canadian Dollar (see current exchange rates here).
• Payment methods: Most establishments accept credit cards. I always like to have a little cash on hand just in case. ATMs are common in cities and the easiest way to get cash upon arrival.
• Electric plugs: Canada uses type A or type B electrical outlet plugs. Additionally, standard voltage is 120V with a standard frequency of 60Hz. If you are coming from outside of the Americas, you will likely need a converter. Check out my favorite converter and adaptor!
• Measurement systems: Like most of the world, Canada uses the Metric System, measuring distances in kilometers and temperature in Celsius.
• Weather: Canada is quite large, so the weather can vary dramatically depending on where you are. In Toronto, a common tourist destination, summers can be warm (averaging around 78°F) and winters can be cold (around 17°F). As you head farther north, especially near the Arctic Circle, it will get chillier – and will have very dark winters and very bright summers.
• Bonus tip: My favorite Canadian slang words might just be “loonie” and “toonie.” A loonie is slang for the $1 Canadian coin (as it has a photo of a loon on one side). A toonie is slang for the $2 Canadian coin (which is a portmanteau of two loonies – get it?). Have fun fitting these into conversation any time you can!

Logistics

• Visa needs: Upon entry to Canada, US citizens will not need a formal visa, and will instead get a transit visa at the airport upon entry to the country. Other citizens from Western countries will not need a visa, but will need an electronic travel authorization before boarding their plane to Canada. This authorization can be obtained on the Canadian government’s website for a small fee. For more information on visa requirements, click here.
• Getting there: Toronto’s Pearson International Airport (YYZ), Vancouver International Airport (YVR), and Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) are the major international airports within Canada.
• Getting around: Given Canada’s size, it will likely take a while to get anywhere within the country. Trains, buses, or local airlines like Air Canada are great options for getting around. Renting a car and driving can also be an easy and scenic option. Within cities, metros, buses, or rideshares are easy ways to get to your destination.
• Driving: Residents of Canada drive on the right side of the road. Visitors from the US will not need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Canada; visitors from all other countries are advised to obtain one.

LGBTQ+ Safety

Overall safety ranking: A

Oh, Canada…this friendly nation has one of the highest LGBTQ+ safety scores, as well as a very positive social opinion of queer people, making it a fantastic place to live and work.

• Are same sex relations illegal? No
• Is same sex marriage legal? Yes
• Are there protections against discrimination? Yes
• Is there the right to change physical gender? Yes

Check out this post for more safety tips for queer travelers!