Canada

Hello Friend,

Here's the bottom line. Canada is an unbelievably beautiful place. The country is larger than you think and filled with more sites to see than anyone can imagine. From world class outdoor adventures, to cosmopolitan cities, Canada's attractions will welcome you with open arms. Canada is a country located north of America with ten provinces and three territories. Happy traveling!
Erik

FAST FACTS

Continent: North America
Country: Canada
Number of Canadian Provinces: 12
Capital: Ottawa
Primary Language: English-French
Timezone(s): Atlantic, Eastern, Central, Mountain & Pacific
Currency: Canadian Dollar

Passport: Yes, Americans need a valid passport to enter Canada by Air
Visa: American citizens do not need a visa if traveling for vacation

More information on passports & visas can be found here.

I love traveling abroad as much as I love traveling within my home country of the the United States. However, I want you to be safe and be a good representative of your home country. Even in places that are very friendly to visitors, remember that you are in a foreign country and understanding local customs is critical. So, here are a few tips as you prepare for your adventure.

Before you depart from your home country, call The US Embassy (or your home country embassy) and tell them you are leaving your home country. That way they are aware of your whereabouts in case of emergency.
Carry only the credit cards you are using to charge expenses. Call those credit card companies before you leave. Do not travel with your debit cards.
Clean out your wallet or purse and carry only what you need.
Solve your mobile phone situation before you depart. Usually a phone call to your provider will get you started.
Keep all medications with you in your carry on.
Leave a photo copy of all your travel documents (passport, itinerary, copy of your credit cards) with a friend or at your home.
Do not travel with expensive jewelry.
Make sure you travel with a valid passport or visa (if required). Also, bring another valid form of photo I.D., and photocopies of both I.D.s. in case of loss or theft.
Read up on local laws and practices before you get here.
Be a respective guest of the local customs and obey the local laws.
If English is not the primary language, then familiarize yourself with key phrases and make attempts in the country's primary language. Locals usually appreciate the effort.
Keep luggage, handbags or backpacks in view at all times.
Keep possessions close to your body.
Don’t take around large amounts of cash.
Avoid wearing expensive jewelry on road trips or excursions.

For US citizens, visit the US State Department's website (for American citizens) before you travel abroad. Her'e's a direct link to get started.

PLACES

Ottawa
Calgary
Halifax
Montreal
Niagara Falls
Quebec City
Toronto
Vancouver
Whitehorse
Winnipeg

HELPFUL LINKS & COVID 19 INFO.

Canada has an official tourism bureau. Learn what an "official tourism bureau" is by watching this video.

COVID-19 Canada Travel Information

Official Canadian Tourism Bureau Site

MEET ERIK THE TRAVEL GUY

Erik Hastings, a.k.a. Erik the Travel Guy is an EMMY award-winning television personality who speaks directly to consumers who can't afford to "get their vacations wrong". He is the host and managing editor of the internationally syndicated television series "Beyond Your Backyard" for public broadcasting stations (PBS) and other networks/VOD platforms. Erik The Travel Guy is also host of the new podcast, Erik The Travel Guy - The Podcast. He leads an incredibly talented team of industry pros and is the editorial driving force of his platform. While the travel industry directly supports millions of families worldwide, Erik believes travel makes the world a better place. Through exploration and discovery, he has learned that travel brings cultures together and he eagerly shares that spirit with his viewers. Read Erik's Full Bio.