| a can be a great vacation destination, with its | | | | For the most up-to-date information on travel to |
| beautiful vistas, wild animals, gorgeous winding roads, | | | | Canada from the US, go to the US Department of |
| and cosmopolitan cities. Even if you travel to Canada | | | | State Website. |
| on a regular basis, the out this list of five travel tips | | | | Tip #4: Understand the Currency |
| for Canada. | | | | One of the most important travel tips for Canada is |
| Tip #1: Bring a Good Travel Guide to Canada | | | | the importance of understanding the currency before |
| When you travel to any new place, it’s | | | | you go. Canada uses the Canadian dollar, although |
| important to carry a good travel guide. Canada is no | | | | many border locations will accept American dollars as |
| exception. You can print out a travel guide on line, or | | | | well. It’s wise to carry traveler’s |
| you can purchase a well-know travel guide for | | | | checks in the Canadian dollar, since they are |
| Canada, such as Lonely Planet. | | | | accepted almost everywhere. |
| A good travel guide will give you insight into where | | | | The best exchange rate for currency and |
| to stay, shop, eat, and drive. Plus, it will give you lots | | | | traveler’s checks is at the Canadian chartered |
| of tips about things to do, great night life, and | | | | banks. There are also many ATMs in Canada. |
| activities that are fun for the whole family. Invest in | | | | Tip #4: Don’t Forget About the Sales Tax |
| a good travel guide for Canada, and you | | | | Like the US, the Canadian government has a sales |
| won’t be sorry. | | | | tax for goods and services. Don’t forget |
| Tip #2: Think About the Climate | | | | about this tax when planning expenses when you |
| Before you pack for your travel to Canada, | | | | travel to Canada. |
| don’t forget to consider the weather. If | | | | Sales tax rates depend on the province. Current sales |
| you’re going to the Maritime Provinces, | | | | tax rates for the provinces are as follows: |
| remember that they tend to be a bit more humid | | | | * No sales tax in Alberta, Nunavut, Northwest |
| than the provinces in the west. In Halifax, Nova | | | | Territories, or the Yukon |
| Scotia, you can expect weather that hovers around | | | | * 5% sales tax in Saskatchewan |
| freezing in winter and is temperate in the summer. | | | | * 7% sales tax in Manitoba and British Columbia |
| If you are traveling to Canada and staying the | | | | * 7.5% sales tax in Quebec |
| mountain areas, you can expect to see a lot of | | | | * 8% sales tax in Ontario |
| variation in temperature. Layering clothing is helpful in | | | | * 10% sales tax on Prince Edward Island |
| these regions. Conversely, the areas of Vancouver | | | | * 13% harmonized sales tax in New Brunswick, |
| and Victoria are much more temperate and | | | | Newfoundland, and Nova Scotia |
| don’t often see freezing temperatures. | | | | Tip #5: Tips On Tipping |
| Tip # 3: Plan for the Border Crossing | | | | Another important tip about travel to Canada is to |
| Travel to Canada has gotten a lot more complicated | | | | understand the way Canadians handle gratuities. Tips |
| in recent years, as new restrictions on border entry | | | | are not usually included in restaurant bills. Standard |
| have been imposed. The documentation requirements | | | | practice is to tip 12% to 15% for good service. |
| for travel to Canada are in a constant state of | | | | For travel guides in Canada, as well as for tour bus |
| change, so it’s important to check into these | | | | drivers, an acceptable tip is $1 to $2 per day for |
| requirements before you leave. | | | | each person. |