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Canada Travel Guide
Canada is an unforgettable destination. With unspoilt views, colourful communities and an interesting history for you to uncover, trips to Canada will provide you with memories to last a lifetime.
Visiting somewhere new is always exciting. However, before you hop on a flight to Canada, you might have a few questions to help you get to grips with the country better. Having a travel guide can be beneficial in these instances and can help prepare you for your trip. Or, if you’re looking for more in-depth information to answer any of your Canada-related questions, click through to our guides further down this page.
FAQs
What is the capital of Canada?
What is the population of Canada?
What is the currency of Canada?
What is the capital of Canada?
Ottawa was selected as the capital of Canada in 1857 by Queen Victoria. Starting as a modest town with few inhabitants, the city was previously known as Bytown. However. it was renamed in 1855, taking inspiration from the word ‘adawe’, meaning ‘to trade’. Although the two main languages spoken in Ottawa are French and English, the inspiration for the city’s new name was from an Algonquin word, who are North America’s indigenous inhabitants.
Although it was originally chosen to act as a permanent base for the government, Ottawa became Canada’s official capital city after the country gained its sovereignty from the United Kingdom in 1867. Today, Ottawa is the 14th safest capital in the world, in addition to the 7th coldest. Home to 994,837 people, it is Canada’s fourth-largest city and sits on the border of the Ottawa River.
From paddleboarding on the Gatineau River and whitewater rafting to wandering through its picturesque streets and being amazed by the architecture of the Parliament houses, there is so much to see and do in Canada’s capital.
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Where is Canada?
Canada is one of the three countries that North America is comprised of. Boasting 9,093,507 square kilometres of land and 891,163 square kilometres of water, the country is the second-largest in the world after Russia.
Known largely for its cold weather, its northernly location means that it only shares one land border, which is with the USA. However, the country has three water borders thanks to its 200,00km coastline— the largest in the world. With the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Arctic Ocean to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Canada can experience a range of different climates.
So, if you’re considering a holiday to this fantastic country, why not take a look at our Canada hub for some inspiration?
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What is the population of Canada?
Although Canada is the second-largest country in the world, much of its size is covered by sheets of ice, as well as mountainous terrain. The most northerly parts share similar weather conditions to the North Pole, making it inhabitable in the winter due to the freezing conditions. This means that Canada is only the 38th most populous country in the world.
As of 2019, 37 million people reside there, which equates to just 0.48% of the global population.
The population of Canada is spread out over 10 provinces and three territories. Most of its residents live in the south, where there are distinct seasons, warmer temperatures and plenty of great lakes to explore.
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What is the currency of Canada?
Although both the USA and Canada call their currency the dollar, they are not the same. So, if you’re travelling over the border, it is important to remember to exchange your travel money.
Abbreviated by ‘$’, the Canadian dollar is the 10th largest economy and experiences low levels of fluctuation. Made up of 100 cents, there are five different coins that you will come across whilst on a Canada holiday, with the 1¢ no longer in circulation due to inflation in production costs. The denominations you may come across are:
- 5¢ - nickel
- 10¢ - dime
- 25¢ - quarter
- $1 – the ‘loonie’
- $2 – the ‘toonie’
In addition to coins, Canada also has five banknotes in circulation. These are brightly coloured so that they can be easily distinguished from each other. These banknotes are as follows:
- $5
- $10
- $20
- $50
- $100
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The best time to visit Canada
With each season offering you something different, there is never a bad time to visit Canada.
Spring
Spring is a great time of year to visit Canada since it isn’t peak holiday season
Nature is in full bloom during springtime, and in April, the pink cherry blossoms can be seen across several parts of the country.
Summer
Summer is peak holiday season in Canada and for some of the most popular attractions and locations, it is recommended that you book six to nine months in advance.
Autumn
In autumn, you’ll witness Canada’s many forests don hues of red and gold with nature in full splendour.
The weather is still warm at the beginning of autumn, although the evenings and nights might get a bit chilly. With fewer crowds, it is a perfect time to visit some of Canada’s most popular attractions like the Niagara Falls.
Winter
Since January is typically the coldest month of the year, less people tend to visit. If you can face the cold, however, there is plenty to do during this time of year. Popular events include the Québec Winter Festival, ice skating on Ottawa’s Rideau Canal, as well as skiing and snowboarding in many resorts across Canada.
Whether you’re planning on relaxing lakeside, enjoying a hike with a loved one or searching for the Northern Lights, find out when is the best time to go for you in this helpful guide.
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Languages in Canada
Travelling to a new country can create some challenges, with the potential language barrier being one of the biggest. Despite Canada having two national languages, you may come across many more whilst on a holiday here.
Find out which of the provinces are bilingual, as well as what other languages are commonly heard throughout Canada.
Read our Canada language guide here
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Weather in Canada
Covering five time zones, bordered by both the Pacific and the Atlantic Ocean and being the second-largest country in the world, it’s no surprise that Canada experiences a range of different weather conditions.
Read our Canada weather guide to see a month by month breakdown of temperatures across the country.
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Canadian food
Throughout history, many different cultures have settled in Canada. Not only has this made the country a diverse and colourful place to live, but it has influenced the cuisine that you can try whilst visiting.
Canada is well known for its Salmon and seafood and its famous national dish - Poutine, not to mention Maple syrup but there are a wide range of fantastic foods that are less well know.
Find out more about some of the incredible Canadian food deserving a place on your must-try list with our Canada food guide and this great article on regional delicacies - Canadian Cuisine hunt
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Wildlife in Canada
When people think about animals are in Canada, the first animal that springs to mind is bears. With polar bears, grizzly bears, black bears and spirit, or ‘Kermode’ bears, you are spoilt for choice.
Canada is home to more than 200,000 km of coastline and over 30 species of whales. Find out some more information about our whale watching holidays here.
Are you interested in finding out what Canada’s national animal is? Or perhaps what animals have made their home in the Rocky Mountains? Canada is rich with wildlife, with so many different species for you to see whilst on holiday.
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Canadian culture
On a holiday to Canada, there are so many different places for you to visit. With three different territories and 10 provinces, each has its own culture for you to discover, giving you a unique look into life in Canada.
Read our guide to the history of Canada to gain an understanding of the origins of the country.
To find out a bit more about today's culture read our useful guide to Canadian Culture
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Travelling in Canada
Canada is a diverse country with so many things to see and do. However, if you’re visiting for the first time, you may be overwhelmed with choice.
In this guide, we’ve compiled the information you need to know, from help with your visas to the length of the flight.
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Canada travel tips
If you’re planning a trip to Canada, it’s likely you’ll have a few questions that need answering. As it’s always best to be prepared, discovering helpful tips such as how to find the right travel insurance policy for you and how to stick to a budget can be really helpful.
Read our top tips for a great trip to Canada!
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