More than 20 million people flock to Canada each year, immersing themselves in a country that’s vaster and more beautiful than almost anywhere else on the planet. If you’ve never been before, you’ll need to prepare properly to make the most of a Canadian adventure. To that end, here’s the lowdown on everything from the climate to the culture.
Cold Weather is a Seasonal Issue
It’s no secret that Canadian winters can be bone-chilling, and if you’re visiting between November and March, most parts of the country will be deep into the negative temperatures on a daily basis.
However, come the summer, things really heat up, particularly in Southern cities like Montreal and Toronto. Instead of lots of layers and waterproof jackets, you’ll need sunscreen and shorts. So, as with any destination you’re intending to visit, check the forecast and average seasonal temperatures so you can pack appropriately for Canada.
Distances Stretch On and On
Canada is the world’s second biggest country by area, outdoing even the US, so if you’re getting around, you have to account for the distances between places on your itinerary. Even Toronto and Montreal, which are relatively close by Canadian standards, are about 330 miles apart, so traveling between them involves a 6-hour car journey or a similar amount of time on a train. For longer hops, an internal flight is your best bet, if you don’t want to spend several days on the road or the rails.
Canadians are Sports-Obsessed
Sports culture in Canada is fuelled by passion, and ice hockey is the nation’s favorite pastime. When locals aren’t watching NHL teams clash, they’re betting on live games, talking about predictions for the playoffs, or participating in amateur hockey in person.
So, if you’re going to travel around Canada, you need to book tickets to a hockey game to see what it’s all about. It’s the best way to understand the country’s wider culture.
📖 Recommended Reading: If you’re looking for more useful information, check out:
Politeness Underpins Everything, Up to a Point
There’s a common stereotype of Canadians being incredibly polite, and you’ll find that that’s definitely the case when you’re traveling to the country’s major urban hubs. However, that doesn’t mean the locals are pushovers; you need to reciprocate their kindness to have the best experience.
For instance, tipping culture is part and parcel of most service-industry interactions, so you’ll need to add at least 15% to restaurant and bar bills to cover gratuity expectations. Likewise, queueing in an orderly fashion when waiting at a ticket office or filing into a sports ground is also expected, whether you’re born and bred in Canada or just visiting.
Finally, there’s the country’s francophone side to consider. The province of Quebec is the nation’s most French-speaking region, and while English is spoken in most places, it’s polite to at least try to engage with people in their chosen tongue where possible.
With all that in mind, you should be set for a seriously special visit to Canada. It’s suitable for winter getaways and summer vacations alike, so don’t let the weather dictate your decision.
Last Updated on May 21, 2026
