How to Prepare for Canada Travel
Canada is one of the most popular places to visit in the world. Millions of people go there every year to see its beautiful natural scenery, lively cities, and welcoming multicultural community. If you're going to Canada for work, school, or to move there, it's important to know how to prepare for your trip.
This guide will help you prepare for your trip to Canada, including how to get your visa and paperwork, pack, and manage your money. Let's get started.
Understand the Purpose of Your Visit
How to Prepare for Canada Travel
Before you start making plans, think about why you're going:
Tourism: Visiting cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, or experiencing natural wonders like Niagara Falls and Banff.
Studying in schools in Canada for my education.
Work: You can get a temporary work permit or a job for a long time.
Moving: getting a permanent residence or moving to another country.
Family Visit: Visiting relatives who live there.
Each reason needs distinct paperwork and planning. Make sure you're applying for the right type of visa.
Apply for the Appropriate Canadian Visa
How to Prepare for Canada Travel
Most people who are not Canadian citizens, including Nigerians, need a visa to go to Canada. This is how to do it:
Different kinds of Canadian visas:
Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa): For short visits or tourism.
Study Permit: For students from other countries.
Work Permit: For people who work temporarily.
Express Entry or the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) might help you get permanent status.
How to Apply:
Sign up for an account on the IRCC website.
Fill out the application and send in the relevant papers.
Give your biometrics at a nearby visa application center.
Please attend interviews if necessary.
Wait for your visa or study permission to be approved.
Apply for the Appropriate Canadian Visa
Most people who are not Canadian citizens, including Nigerians, need a visa to go to Canada. This is how to do it:
Different kinds of Canadian visas:
Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa): For short visits or tourism.
Study Permit: For students from other countries.
Work Permit: For people who work temporarily.
Express Entry or the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) might help you get permanent status.
How to Apply:
Sign up for an account on the IRCC website.
Fill out the application and send in the relevant papers.
Give your biometrics at a nearby visa application center.
Go to interviews if you need to.
Have your visa or study permit if you have permission.
Always apply early, at least two to three months before your trip, to give the processing time it needs.
Organize Your Travel Documents
The following is a list of things you must have on hand:
Proof of international identity with a validity period of at least six months.
A visa or permit to enter Canada.
For visits to loved ones, a formal invitation letter is required.
Canadian school admission letter (for students).
Documentation proving where you will be staying (hotel reservations or the actual address).
The plane ticket and the schedule for the return journey.
Evidence of financial support (sponsorship or bank statements).
Vaccination documentation, particularly for COVID-19 if necessary.
Insurance paperwork for a trip.
Book Your Flight and Accommodation Early
Flying Tip: Check out Kayak, Google Flights, or Skyscanner to see how much different flights cost.
Consider the layover length, airline reputation, and baggage allowance.
Purchase round-trip tickets if your visit is short-lived; doing so demonstrates your determination to travel.
Hotels and Airbnb are excellent options for short stays.
Consider renting apartments or dorms if you are a student staying for an extended time.
Temporary renting before settling permanently.
To prevent last-minute price spikes or inaccessibility, book your hotel in advance.
Purchase Comprehensive Travel Insurance
For the majority of visas, you must have travel insurance, which will shield you from:
- Emergencies involving medicine.
- Disruptions to a trip's schedule.
- Luggage has gone missing.
- Individual responsibility.
Make sure your policy covers you for your whole stay and includes protection against COVID-19. Travelers often choose Allianz, World Nomads, and SafetyWing as their insurance providers.
Understand Canadian Customs and Entry Requirements
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will look over your papers at your point of entry, which is usually Toronto Pearson, Vancouver International, or Montreal-Trudeau.
What to Expect: Talk about your stay and answer questions.
Show proof of where you live and how much money you have.
List any food or things you want to sell.
Get a health checkup if you need to.
During the conversation, be honest and polite. Misrepresentation could result in being turned away.
Financial Preparation for Canada Travel
It's not cheap to live in Canada, especially in big towns like Vancouver and Toronto. Make sure you have enough money to avoid getting lost.
Budget for each day:
Places to stay: CAD 60–150
15 to 40 CAD for meals
CAD 3–10 for transportation
CAD 10–50 for other things
Tips: Bring at least CAD 2,000 to 3,000 for a one-month stay, or more if you plan to stay longer.
Please inform your bank about your trip to ensure your cards remain active.
Use a bank account that can handle more than one currency or cards that work with multiple currencies, like Wise and Revolut.
Don't carry around a lot of cash. Take out cash or use prepaid forex cards.
What to Pack for Your Trip to Canada
Canada has four different seasons, so what you bring with you will depend on when you go.
Things you must have: a passport and travel papers.
clothes that are right for the weather.
Walking shoes that are comfortable.
Type A/B adapter for plugs in Canada.
medicines that need orders.
Simple toiletries.
A smartphone that works with local SIM cards or can move internationally.
Winter Trip? Bring: Warm clothes.
Waterproof and insulated boots.
Heavy-duty coat (parka or down coat).
Hats, gloves, and scarves made of wool.
Don't bring too much with you; shops like Walmart, Dollarama, and Winners have cheap essentials.
Learn About Canadian Culture and Etiquette
Canadians are known for being polite, having strong multicultural beliefs, and keeping things clean. Knowing about their culture improves the encounter.
Remember to say "please," "thank you," and "sorry" all the time.
Take care of your place.
Put yourself in line and wait for your turn.
Be on time for your meetings; being on time is appreciated.
It is customary to leave a tip (15–20% at places).
There are also two national languages in Canada. They are English and French. People in most of the country speak English, but in Quebec, most people speak French. It's advantageous to know how to say hello in both languages.
Download Useful Travel Apps
In Canada, your phone will be your best friend. Here are some must-have apps:
- Google Maps: Finding Your Way.
- Uber and Lyft let you share rides.
- Up-to-date weather predictions from WeatherCAN.
- ArriveCAN is used to cross borders and send information.
- Flipp: Deals on shopping every week.
- Information about public transportation.
- Google Translate: It works with many languages.
Before you go, make sure you unlock your phone or get a foreign SIM card.
Know the Canadian Climate and Geography
In Canada, your phone will become an indispensable companion. Here are some must-have apps:
Google Maps: Finding Your Way.
Uber and Lyft let you share rides.
Up-to-date weather predictions from WeatherCAN.
ArriveCAN is used to cross borders and send information.
Flipp: Deals on shopping every week.
Information about public transportation.
Google Translate: It works with many languages.
Before you go, make sure you unlock your phone or get a foreign SIM card.
Transportation in Canada
Moving around is simple, but it changes by area:
For example, the TTC in Toronto and the STM in Montreal are examples of public transit in cities.
Uber and Lyft let you take a ride. When you rent a car, make sure you have a valid foreign driver's license. Between cities, there are domestic planes (WestJet, Air Canada). Megabus and Greyhound buses run between cities. Trains (Canadian National Rail). Planning is important for interstate travel, which can be pricey.
Emergency Contacts and Support
Before you leave, write down these emergency numbers:
- 911 for police, fire, or ambulance
- You should also note down the embassy or consulate of your country in Canada.
- The emergency number for travel insurance.
- In some cases, there may be international student or visa helplines.
- Always have your emergency contact information on you at all times.
Prepare for Jet Lag and Time Zones
There are six time zones in Canada. Adapting to the new time zone may require several days.
How to deal with jet lag:
Get a lot of rest before the flight.
Stay hydrated while you're traveling.
When you get there, set your watch to the local time.
Get some natural sunlight during the day.
Consider International Roaming or Local SIM Cards
It is important to stay linked. Choices you have:
- Set up foreign roaming before you leave.
- You can get a Canadian SIM card from Bell, Rogers, Telus, or Freedom Mobile.
- To get online, use Wi-Fi sites or pocket Wi-Fi.
Prepare for Canada Travel the Smart Way
Getting ready for a trip to Canada doesn't have to be hard. If you plan, your trip will go smoothly and be one you'll remember, whether you're going to school, for fun, or to start a new life.
To sum up, make sure you:
- Early on, make sure you have the right visa.
- Get your papers and money in order.
- Pack the right things for the season.
- Follow the rules of the area.
- Get insurance and stay informed.